by A. Simplicity on January 18, 2010
I apologise for my absence here over the last month. Due to other commitments I feel I am unable to dedicate enough time to writing; I hope to be back on track come February if not sooner.
In the meantime please consider those in need; and if you haven’t already done so, please give what you can to help those in Haiti.
There are wonderful aid organisations on the ground now working to save lives and help and protect all of those devastated by this tragedy. Please consider that collectively we can make a big difference by supporting these organisations in the invaluable work.
Please visit one of the following to find out more and to learn how you can help.
Unicef
World Vision
Oxfam
“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Related posts:
- 5 Ways we all can Speak Out against Poverty and Stand Up against Greed!
Tagged as:
positive impact,
take action
by A. Simplicity on January 8, 2010
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” ~Victor Frankl
There are many times in our lives when we feel helpless; when we feel as though we are powerless to challenge the way things are. Situations big and small can be hard to confront and overcome, but we are, in the face of this, always able to change ourselves.
As we enter 2010, a decade into the “new millennium”, we are faced with so many challenges as a human race, as a world; as a planet. Current situations seem insurmountable and despite the want for change it seems there is still so much that can be done.
We are now, more than ever, aware of the impact we have on the world around us. The world has become smaller and our actions and in-actions have far-reaching effects on all people of the earth.
The politicians and nations in power are struggling to agree, to meet on common ground, to ’solve’ the issues that we as a human race face. Poverty, pollution, environmental destruction, greed and unsustainable development are the reality of our current world situation.
Many of us do not consider the true state of the world around us, because many of us still live a privileged, wonderful life filled with hope and abundance. And there is the sense we are powerless to make a difference.
When we see our politicians and world leaders fail to make sustainable and effective change, when, despite public support, measures to end poverty and environmental destruction fall short of the hope and good intention; it can be disheartening.
Yet, as Victor Frankl states, if we cannot change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. We would love things to be better but it can be so difficult to give up the things in life we covert, to change our ways so that others may benefit and may share in our wealth.
In reality we cannot expect things to change if we ourselves will not change.
Life is filled with opportunity to make small changes that make a big difference, in our own lives and the lives of others. We will keep travelling down this path, where the greedy and wealthy take advantage of the vulnerable and poor, unless we ourselves change.
The situation as it stands is a result of human enterprise, human nature; and the world is a wonderful place; it is up to each of us to ensure all people have the same freedom and opportunity and hope as you and I.
If we take the challenge to change ourselves, to look at the impact of our choices and take responsibility for the consequences of our actions; we can make a difference. If there are things in the world that you are concerned about, that you would like to see change; look first to yourself and see what effect your actions have on the world and those around you.
Through our power to change our own future we can hope to change the future of all people.
“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” ~Pauline R. Kezer
Related posts:
- Carbon is a real problem but is it the only one? : addressing positive change for the future
- 5 Ways we all can Speak Out against Poverty and Stand Up against Greed!
- Discovering the Heart of our Environmental Conscience : Blog Action Day
Tagged as:
better future,
change,
choice,
inspiration,
modern life,
positive impact
by A. Simplicity on January 5, 2010
“Man’s feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and of farewell.” ~Jean Paul Richter
As we farewell the old year and bring in the new there is always a sense of reflection, of resolution, of opportunity missed but also the promise of new opportunities to be found. The sense of crossing over, passing by the year gone and entering into a new faze, a new era, where hope and change and chance prevail.
Each new day offers the same opportunity to embrace a sense of resolution and reflection. With pure and glowing feelings we can embrace each new day as a new opportunity to be present and hold onto resolution and reflection throughout the year; not just on the threshold of the new.
Each day is filled with hope, with chance and change and opportunity.. with a little reflection upon each days close the power and presence of everyday becomes real and tangible.
“A little reflection will show us that every belief, even the simplest and most fundamental, goes beyond experience when regarded as a guide to our actions.”
~ William Kingdon Clifford
Tagged as:
everyday life,
happiness,
inspiration,
positive life
by A. Simplicity on December 18, 2009
by A. Simplicity on December 18, 2009
“Vegetarianism isn’t about fanatical personal purity, it’s about having some perspective. Move at your own pace; no one’s keeping score. Vegetarianism isn’t about scarcity, it’s about abundance. It’s not about restriction, it’s about liberation. Not about what we’re against but what we’re for; not for some far-off time but for right now. For me going vegetarian is less about becoming something and more about being true to ourselves.” ~Michael Gregor MD
I have truly been heartened by the press coverage and discussion in social media lately about vegetarianism and veganism. Vegetarianism is slowly filtering out into the popular consciousness and this has given me great hope, that perhaps we will as a society, start to pull down the walls that see people discounting the facts behind industrial farming and the slaughterhouse industry.
Much of society does not see the consumption of meat as an act of animal cruelty. Many countries have strict laws forbidding cruelty to animals and most people condemn acts of animal cruelty yet, the mass slaughter of animals is abdicated and supported by a majority of the public.
There is no way to absolve the actions of slaughterhouses, they are cruel and inhumane. The fear, suffering and ultimate death experienced by these sentient creatures, who feel pain, who feel fear and who suffer is not something you or I or anyone should accept.
We need to work towards true education, understanding and compassion bring about discussion and provide opportunity and support for change. As Michael Gregor says Vegetarianism is not fanatical, it is for you and me and for everyone. It is not unrealistic, unhealthy, or unattainable.
We have been lead to believe that we need to eat meat, that it is ok and that the suffering and death inflicted on animals is acceptable if conducted behind closed slaughterhouse doors. Yet so much can be gained from learning more about the way these animals are kept and slaughtered and that a healthy and delicious diet can be achieved without the consumption of meat.
Perspective and understanding of the true consequences is so important in making any decision. I believe that many of us simply do not truly consider the facts, do not consider the alternatives simply because as a society eating meat is the norm and there is not enough education and support to inspire change.
Yet, there are great websites and books and information available for anyone who would like to learn a little more about becoming a vegetarian and why. I don’t believe sensationalism and graphic images are a real way to inspire people to change and hope that the following sites may be helpful to anyone looking for a little more solid information and support on the issue.
You can check out the small article here or any of the following sites and I hope to provide further information on Small Simple Life soon.
Vegetarian Society
Australian Vegetarian Society
Animals Australia
It seems I have been breaking out the soap box a little this week : ) but with an aim to inspire positive action and discussion and thought. There are so many things we as individuals can do to have a positive effect on our own lives and the lives of all others.
It can be hard to step back and look at things in a different light sometimes and we each have our own opinions and beliefs that need to be respected. Each of us has the power to make choices that reflect true understanding and compassion and these small actions are what make the difference in our own lives and the lives of others.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” ~William James
Related posts:
- Animals Australia launch TV ad campaign!
- 5 Ways we all can Speak Out against Poverty and Stand Up against Greed!
- Discovering the Heart of our Environmental Conscience : Blog Action Day
Tagged as:
better future,
change,
choice,
health,
positive impact,
take action
