Stories by gigisky (8 matches)

Store Your Karmabucks Up In Heaven!

Yesterday I posted a story and afterwards gave away some Karmabucks as I read others' stories. Later, as I got into bed and completed my examination of conscience/reflection on the day, I came to the realization that I was hoarding Karmabucks. Wow! It was a shock to see this in myself. It is bad enough that in the real world I have money in the bank and don't give away more. I don't have a lot of money, but enough to pay my bills, help my daughters now and then and some little bit saved for a rainy day. I know I could give more but hold back and feel some comfort in a little pile of money. It is quite humbling to see in myself that it is hard to practice the beautiful belief that the needs of my brothers and sisters on earth are more important than having a ... Read Full Story >>

Nonviolent Communication

This morning I went to a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) workshop at a local retreat center because I have been feeling so angry about the political situation in my country. Even though I know that hate leads to more hate, my angry feelings overwhelm me on some days and I can find myself thinking negative thoughts over and over, judging people, and being irritable to others because of what I read in the news. I really don't want to become like the people who are making selfish and hurtful choices, yet it's very hard to remain peaceful and kind when I see the loss of compassion, destruction of the environment, and disregard for racism that is going on. There is a part of me that just wants to go around shouting at people angrily to make them stop and think about what is being done, but that only leads to more conflict. Attending ... Read Full Story >>

Water For All

The temperatures were in the upper 80's this week while I was volunteering at the sandwich and coffee ministry (The Backdoor Ministry) at my church. One of the men came to the door asking if we had a water bottle he could use. We didn't have any and it struck me that it would be helpful for homeless individuals to have re-usable water bottle rather than handing out disposables.

The need for cold water is extreme when a person is living on the streets in hot weather. Later that day, I went to the local thrift store and bought a dozen re-usable water bottles, cleaned them in the dishwasher, filled them with water and put them in the fridge until they were ice cold. I took them with me to pass out the next time I was at The Backdoor. The men that came by to take them were so appreciative. Their gratitude truly humbled me.

She Welcomed A Woman To Lean On Her Shoulder During Mass at Church

Today I went to church and was grateful for the quiet. A woman with mental health issues came in and anxiously asked to sit next to me, so I of course said yes. She leaned into my shoulder and whispered to me for much of the service but I was grateful for the opportunity to truly live my faith by helping her feel welcome.

She cried at the end of the Mass and said it was because of people like me and others who haven't rejected her that she has not lost her faith in life, humanity or God. I was humbled by her gratitude and happy she left with a smile on her face.

Rescuing Children's Books From Dumpster

When some friends and I discovered that a local school had thrown out hundreds of perfectly good children's books, we got into the dumpster and rescued as many as we could. They have been donated to another school that was grateful for the donation.
 

Learning About A Religion Not My Own

Tonight I went to a program at the local library to learn more about a religion that isn't mine. A gentleman was there from the local mosque to explain the Muslim "Call to Prayer." It was so helpful of him to share the beautiful recordings of Adhan, answer questions and share his faith with us in a friendly and non judgmental way. The audience was very curious and supportive of him. It is beautiful when we all share in the love that makes the world go round!

Last Years Harvest Feeding Those in Need

My grapes will be ripe in a month so it was time to use up the last jar of jam from this past season. I made 10 PBJ sandwiches to pass out to the homeless along with more re-usable bottles of water. How wonderful it is to give. The people I shared with today were so humble and kind. I received their smiles with gratitude.

Celebrating Love and Unity With My Neighbors

Last week I sent out two letters to other residents in my town who are flying "alternative" flags to celebrate love and world unity. I thanked them for helping other city residents remember that we live on one planet together and can make choices to live in peace. Today I received a post card back from one of them that is flying a UN World flag and they thanked me for the kindness shared.

The Man with his Dog at the Street Corner

A Student's Letter of Gratitude To Her Teacher

The 'Sacks of Hope' From These Sweet Students, Even Piqued Interest of Local Media and Press