Amy Taylor: a lesson on mindful gratitude

"Why am I thankful to be alive?... ... ...Let me ask that again, because its not an easy question to answer... ...Why am I THANKFUL to be A-L-I-V-E?"

This is the question that was posed my Amy Taylor to a group at the Taylor Family Benefit J, K, and I attended on Saturday. This question has been resonating in my mind ever since that night.

A question that Amy, a beautiful woman about my age, asks herself everyday. You see, Amy lives her life with passion and mindfulness. She taught us all a lesson on living "love", having endless patience for those you love, and just "being" in the moment. And being reverant to the miracle that we are here.

Living a life of gratitude and living a life of mindfulness are things that I believe every human aspires to do. Amy truly lives this way - and it is magical to watch. And she calls others to come awake, and live this way also. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we reminded ourselves to think everyday about what we are greatful for?

Amy, you have given me a gift by watching how you live. Thank you.

Today, on Thanksgiving, I honor you, Amy. I honor your beautiful heart and spirit. I honor your husband Warren, who loves you to no end and in ever present as your knight. I honor your children, Arbor and Bella, and the beautiful and free hearts you have taught them to love with.

Happy THANKSGIVING to you all! I'm thankful for each and everyone of you. Much love!

donate life...donate love

I watched a staggering documentary on organ donation, organ trade and the ethics and issues surrounding the statistics on transplant lists in the US. Here are some facts:

• About 95,000 American's are on the list, waiting for an organ.
• Fewer than 1/2 of the 95,000 will receive the organ they so desperately need to live.
• Everyday, 18 people die waiting from lack of available organs for transplant.

This off-balance supply and demand relationship has created a dark and seriously unethical "body part" trade on the black market in less developed nations. There are stories all over the world...

A woman in rural India, sold one of her kidneys in a move to hinder the crippling poverty she and her son live in. She was then betrayed by the body parts broker, and only collected less than 20% of the money promised to her. Her young son, now is suffering from jaundice and kidney failure. She doesn't have a kidney to spare.

China, the worlds leader in executions, recently admitted to harvesting organs for sale or trade or recently executed prisoners. Without consent of the prisoner or their family. Who is profiting off of this? Hmmmmmm...

American's are flying abroad to receive transplants in 2nd or 3rd world nations, because there aren't enough organs donated stateside. This impacts the unethical trade and harvesting demand abroad; while certainly affecting the availability of transplant to natives in need in those countries.

Click here for more information on organ donation or find out what it takes to become a donor. I have always had "donor" listed on my license, but found out that I should also have my name on the donor registry for the state of MN. I urge you to look into it, put some thought into it...

Stories of hope for people who have received donations here.

Give life. Give love.

P.S. For the record, when I die, please take all that you can use, and cremate the rest. Peace out!

manifesto

I feel like doors are opening themselves to me. 2008 is going to be a good year, a year of surprises, and manifestation of "me". For years, I've struggled with considering of all the possibilities of life, and how to allow life to unfold and reveal itself to me. I'm starting to feel like I've hit my stride on this new path. A path where all of the possibilities are exciting, and I truly believe that anything can happen. The beginning of a mind shift - to see things in a new light that impact my spirituality, career path, relationships, and the way I live, think, and create daily.

I create what I see.

The world around me is a reflection of self.

It might sound crazy, but its true. Words of wisdom for all the ages that I have been reading and hearing about, albeit now - living these words.

A short writing on Manifestation:
The art of manifestation involves visualization, adaptation and persistence. It also requires the participation of others. To take something from a mere thought to an existing entity requires many steps. Along the way there may be roadblocks or challenges to overcome. Others may place barriers in your way, or you may sabotage yourself. As thoughts become words become actions, opportunities to give up or change direction will surface. To truly manifest you must continually add to your creation until it is done. Otherwise it will not get done.

There are many reasons that my vision may fail. There are just as many reasons that my vision can succeed. As we follow the path of manifestation, we must recognize new input and adjust accordingly. With good intention and persistent activity, a mere thought can become reality.

Copyright 2008 Glenn Stewart Coles

A dear friend, let's just call her "Lovikins", challenged me on a hike early this winter to put myself in the place I want to be. A friendly kick in the pants, if you will. Thank you, Lovikins. 11-08-08, baby!