Utopia42

  Interdependence - Interbeing - Ubuntu This moment is a confluence of previous moments, interactions and conversations. What happens "over there" doesn't stay "over there". What happens here ripples out. This is isn't some spiritual thing, but observed in many things like science, economics and climate awareness. May all beings be safe. May all beings be healthy. May all beings be happy. May all beings live with ease.

 The Capitol As I struggle with the anger, anxiety and sadness of the events at the capitol on Jan 6th 2021, I take refuge in the Dharma (the teachings) and my Sangha (the community). It was a dark day for our country and it's citizens, and I work on my equanimity with what happened.  Neither adding energy to, or subtracting feelings from what happened.  An acceptance of what happened as a fact.  An allowing of the reality that this is where we are. I rail against thoughts like "this should have never happened", "what does this mean for our future", "how far have we fallen", "this isn't who we are".  I work to neither feed these thoughts, or deny their existence.  I work to simply accept them as thoughts I'm having without pushing away the bad, or craving for a world view that no longer exists. I work with intention and effort today to notice when I'm spinning in my thoughts, caught up in the stories, running away from the unpleas...

 Here's my 2020 reflections -  Accomplishments -  Formal meditation practice every day except the one day after "the burn that didn't happen". Support for Unified Mindfulness 5 day Immersion program, and was on the LBGTQ+, Technology & Parenting panels.  Did a Meditation 101 session for the Arizona Faith Network. Coaching my first meditation client (going on 6 months now). Had many introductory coaching sessions where I provided tips and tricks for gaining and refining peoples meditation practice.  Secular Invocation (opening prayer) at the AZ Senate.  Yup, legislators meditating. Lots of work in Humanity Forward Arizona helping to bring human focused policies and candidates (Suzanne Hug) forward.  Formed the 501c.4 pre-covid.  Was recognized by the national group, and got to meet Andrew Yang. Ran Sunday programs all year (and what a year) for the Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix.  Won an award for my contributions to my community...

As I am faced with the uncertainty of the election I question "have I done enough?"   I often advocate for "being the change you wish to see in the world", and so this evening I find myself looking back over my last few years journey. This is a chronicle of some of the things that I'm proud of. Burning Man Global Leadership Conference - San Jose CA - March 2017 Eve Online Fanfest - Iceland - April 2017 Bernie Sanders at Mesa Community Center - April 2017 Roses in Rita's garden (hospice) - April 2017 My son Connor wins a spirit award - April 2017 My meditation recommendations - June 2017 Burners without borders - Homeless bags - August 2017 Back to Burning Man - September 2017 Corona Men's Choir - Robin hood, men in tights - September 2017 Meditation and Gaming talk - Eve Vegas - October 2017 A gift of "spoons" - October 2017 Burners Without Borders - One-n-ten donations...  Look a stage/runway - November 2017 Burners without Borders - Hospice o...