Since both girls are home from college, both working and socializing, and neither has their own transportation, I find myself in the role of chauffeur once again.
It is interesting though. Years ago, I simply couldn’t wait to get my driving done and get back to the duties that I had to perform at home. I saw it as an intrusion in my life flow, and sometimes even felt frustrated by it.
Now, I see this time in the car as a blessing. As I travel along roadways, I listen to my girls conversing and laughing, and I feel so grateful that they have a close relationship. We listen to music and sing along in harmony. The other day, one of my girls even shared a clandestine recording of us singing together with her friends on SnapChat and they all loved it.
I also spend time alone in the car, and during this period, I bless every single person I pass. I send love to all the beautiful trees and plants along the way, and I shine my light along my route as a gift to all the beings in my area. I see this time as a living meditation, and actively spread the love and light where ever I go.
I see that I have transformed over the years since my car-pooling days were over, and my attitude towards the activity has transformed as well. What a blessing to shift our perceptions about mundane activities and see how we can better use the time to bless everything.
Leonardo DiCaprio gives back in a big way to the environment.
Most people know Leonardo DiCaprio as a blockbuster actor, who has done very well for himself. What many may not know is that the United Nations honored him last year as a UN Messenger for Peace, with special focus on his efforts related to climate change.
He founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998, after his success in the film Titanic, and has been consistently donating to causes that support conservation. His foundation supports programs in over 40 countries, that are working towards protecting the environment and all life on earth.
This week, he donated another $15Million US to support various animal protection and conservation programs, including Amazon Watch, Save the Elephants, Tree People and the World Wildlife Fund. May he be seen as a trail blazer for other celebrities, to begin giving back of their time and wealth to support the planet that has blessed them.
Leonardo DiCaprio to donate £15m for environmental causes on The Guardian
Waiting for a subway? How about a date?
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and have ridden the subways for many years. I actually adore New York city mass transit, and most local folks see it as a blessing.
The only part of subway riding that can be difficult is the fact that there is really no schedule. You stand on a platform and hope that a train is going to come soon, and sometimes you can stand for a very long time. This can make many people grumpy when they have to get somewhere fast.
In an effort to pass the time in a more constructive fashion, a local New Yorker decided to do something fun. Thomas C. Knox works in customer service during the day, but he is also creating street theater with his Date While You Wait concept. Knox sets up a table with board games and interacts with strangers on the subway platforms.
He is not really looking for romance, but seeks to engage New Yorkers in a bit of fun and conversation. He also uses social media to broadcast where the dating booth will be set up for the night. His efforts have gone viral, and many news crews, from all over the world, show up to see him and his entourage in action.
Any effort to draw people together and engage them in a positive way is a step towards unity. It brings people out of their own little world, and even if it only gives them a laugh, watching the situation unfold, it certainly brightens up their day.
What happens when a town gives local trees email addresses?
As a dedicated member of the tree tribe, who adores the sacred splendor of all the guardian trees on our blessed planet, this really made my heart open wide. In an effort to more easily track problems with the Melbourne, Australia area trees, the municipality gave each tree an ID number and an email address.
What the city got back was surprising. Individuals began to write love letters to the trees, thanking them for their service in taking care of carbon dioxide and providing shade and oxygen. Some folks even asked the trees questions.
What is entirely amazing is that some of the letters received replies. No one is admitting to being the tree whisperer, but I adore the idea of receiving an email from a tree! The fact that something which was put into place to share problems with area trees, has expanded into the city understanding the immense connection that citizens have with the trees is priceless.
When beings understand that the Plant Kingdom contains consciousness and is a gift to support our world, they are more likely to treat trees and other plants with respect. This is a major stepping stone towards honoring and respecting all beings on planet.
When You Give a Tree an Email Address by Adrienne LaFrance for The Atlantic
Humans save a stranded Orca and his family shows their appreciation in return.
A young Orca, also known as a Killer Whale, was stranded on a beach in New Zealand, after chasing prey through the surf. A marine biologist named Ingrid, who had been tracking the family pod in her research, was called to the rescue.
After an 18-hour vigil, during which “Ben” was kept stable by the biology team, and a local Maori man offered a prayer for his protection, the 15,000 pound juvenile Orca was returned to the sea.
Afterwards, Ingrid jumped into the water with her camera when Ben was reunited happily with his family group. The Orcas responded positively to Ingrid and kept coming close, as if to say thank you.
What a lovely ending to a teenager’s mishap that may have meant his death. I adore it when humans show acts of kindness to the Animal Kingdom. In the many instances where humans have assisted, it appears that the animals always show their gratitude to their helpers, which illuminates their consciousness in a profound way.
And finally…
Playgrounds aren’t just for kids anymore.
This short video shows a concept that I have been thinking about for many years. I am so happy to see this coming to fruition, and I do hope that it spreads around the world.
Why are playgrounds only for children? Adults, and especially seniors, can get such benefits from using ergonomically age-appropriate playground equipment. Here, seniors share their joy about being able to move and also make new friends at a senior playground in Spain.
The World: Senior Citizens get a playground on YouTube
That’s the good news for today. Have a relaxing day. See you all next Sunday as we explore more good news together.
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex