Let me be authentic, and engage from my heart.  Despite human beings’ competitive nature over scarce resources, they do care for one another.   In 1991, Somalia had descended into a disastrous civil war, and people were running anywhere they could to seek safety.  We made an attempt to escape the conflict once before, and ended up going back to it because the condition of the refugee camp that we were in, was unbearable.  As a final escape from the endless war, my family and I boarded a ship that headed toward Kenya.  It was an old cargo ship carrying scrap metal, operated by crews from the Philippines.   This ship would break down in the middle of the ocean every few hours, and the crew members would start to work on the ship’s engine again and again.  We were running away from Somalia’s tribal militias, which were encouraged, and armed by corrupt leaders.  And we were unknowingly running toward strangers who have showed a remarkable care toward us.  It is important to know that strangers do care.

It was such a long journey that even a few pregnant women delivered their babies inside this cargo ship.  Upon arrival at the port of Mombasa, the Kenyan authority refused to allow the ship to dock because they did not want to accept any more refugees from Somalia.   The ship, with everyone inside, stayed at sea for close to two more weeks.   Miraculously, this episode had caught the attention of the media including Cable News Network (CNN) of the United States.  This media attention was a blessing.  I still recall the media crews and the fresh bananas that they delivered to us.  Those strangers gave me the first glimpse of how strangers care.

Upon the media publicity of our plight, Kenyan authority allowed the ship to dock at the port and unload all the refugees along with the scrap metal.  They took us to a nearby refugee camp called Utanga.  Utanga refugee camp was on uninhabitable land in Mombasa, Kenya.

In hindsight, the life in the Utanga refugee camp could be described as deplorable beyond belief.  But, at the time, it was the best thing that ever happened to us.  We were given tents and hot meals.  The United Nation started to distribute weekly rations such as flour and corn oil to the refugee people at Utanga camp. Moreover, there was no sound of gun fire to be heard anywhere.  Anyone who has experienced war can tell you, the sound of gun fire never leaves your memories.  Even after many years of living in the United States, the sound of guns sometimes replays in my head when I hear any random bang. Although people were dying of Malaria, I felt quite safe there.   For the first time, we did not have to think about where the next meal would come from.    This was yet another reminder how people do care for one another.

Once Somali refugees were settled there, they were dying of all kinds of diseases including Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease.   I shared my tent with five other guys.  Two of these guys got a severe form of Malaria.  I remembered one of the sick guys, Shafici, telling me that if he recovered from his illness; he would dedicate his life to serving God.  Of course, he, along with another sick guy, died a few days later.  While I was there, I got Malaria and I was very sick.  I recalled asking God not to kill me because I did not want my family to leave me behind.  Besides, I had an incredible desire to come to the United States.

For one year, I stayed at the Utanga refugee camp and survived its appalling conditions.  I became so weak with Malaria that I could not even walk a few blocks away from my tent.  Despite these harsh experiences, I made it to the United States with my family in July of 1993, and Utanga refugee camp finally closed in April of 1995.

Once settled in the state of Massachusetts, I enrolled at Bedford High School where I met many people who had showed an amazing care toward me.  At the time, I was the only immigrant student in the high school.  They dedicated enormous time and efforts showing me around and welcoming me to their school.  As a welcoming gesture, the school officials bought a Somali flag, and displayed it among other flags in front of the school.  As if those efforts were not enough, the school even hired an ESL teacher just for me.

Around the same time, I met Mrs. and Mr. Melvin.   Mr. Melvin dedicated a huge amount of time, and effort in order to help me assimilate into this new culture.  He used to take me to the hospital, and encouraged me to stay in school.  And every time I did well in school, he would reward me with his kind words or he would buy me some gift to display his satisfaction in my academic performance.

Mrs. Melvin treated me and the rest of my younger brothers and sisters well.  She helped me with school work, bought me many things, and even enrolled me into a very expensive SAT class during my junior year in high school.  In the summer of 1995, I was able to attend Phillips Academy summer program, thanks to Mrs. Melvin.  Phillips Academy is located in Andover, MA.  It is an independent, coeducational boarding high school.  Through the Melvin family, I met a wonderful lady name Maxine who helped me open up my first bank account and ensured that I had a fabulous experience at Phillips Academy.  She spent many hours counseling me and making me feel welcome among the rich students at Phillips Academy.

In 1996, I was going into my senior year in high school when my family moved from Bedford, MA to Malden.  I started attending Malden High School.  I could not get used to the new high school system, so my grades suffered.   Nonetheless, I had accumulated enough courses to graduate from Malden High School.  I still had an incredible desire to attend a four year university.   However, my accounting teacher tried to sabotage my dream of going to college.  Despite being a great student, he told me that it was not important for me to pursue a higher education because I will not make it.  Instead, this Caucasian man advised me to get a job.

Another Caucasian man, who was a counselor, called me into his office, and gave me a roadmap of how to go to college.   This roadmap was so critical to my life’s achievements.  As I was sitting in his office, this man looked in to my eyes and told me that he saw in me an incredible desire to succeed.  Of course, I believed him and his words had empowered me.  He proceeded to tell me to go to the Boston Public Library and apply for financial aid through a program called ACCESS, The Action Center for Educational Services and Scholarships. ACCESS has an office within Boson Public Library, in Boston, MA.  It helps students apply for financial aid.  Then, he advised me to apply to Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), and that there is no SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test and Scholastic Assessment Test) required there.  He counseled me to obtain an associate degree from BHCC, Charlestown MA, and then go on to a four year university.  I followed his advice until I obtained a bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts Lowell.  While I was at BHCC, I met many extraordinary people; some of them became my mentors.

These two Caucasian men held different assumptions and demonstrated different approaches toward advising me.   I assumed that one looked at me through the prism of race, and thus tried to hinder my desire of an intellectual inquiry.  The other man saw me as a capable young man who was in search of the right guidance.   People are different as showed by these two men.  I chose to highlight those who have contributed to my life in positive ways while recognizing that there are those who intentionally or unintentionally harm others.

I am from Somalia, Africa.   The people, who were part of my life’s achievement, are from the United States.  Despite this, they treated me as if I was part of their family.  They epitomized an extraordinary people, and are a great reminder to all of us that human beings care for one another.  With the selfless generosity they have showed me, they will forever remain in my heart, and memory, particularly the Melvin family.

In closing, I am unrelated to these terrific people including wonderful Maxine and the Melvin family.  And yet, they were willing to help me succeed.  As I mentioned before, they are important human beings.  Of course, they are my inspiration to helping others as they have helped me. I understand that human beings share similarities and require the same basic needs.  I am part of the human family, and as a young person I needed to be guided as others currently need the same guidance.   This story explains how I developed my attitude of treating everyone as if they are a part of my family.  I was helped by many people, and I just want to pass this legacy on to others.  I was reminded again, and again throughout my life that strangers do care, and thus I care for them as well.  So, remember it is indispensable for me and you to pick up the torch where others, like the people above, have left off.  These kinds of efforts will help to alleviate the pain of those in need, and help them realize their full potential.

There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

For the sake of humanity, let us teach people how to live a productive life through education.

grass-fed-cows. Source: Frank Lipman

1. What does grassfed mean?

The American Grassfed Association defines grassfed products from ruminants, including cattle, bison, goats and sheep, as those food products from animals that have eaten nothing but their mother’s milk and fresh grass or grass-type hay from birth to harvest – all their lives. For grassfed non-ruminants, including pigs and poultry, grass is a significant part of their diets, but not the entirety of their diets, since these animals need to consume grains. Many products have been, and continue to be, marketed as “grassfed”, when grass is only a part of their diet. This lack of standardization on grassfed products is just one of the reasons the American Grassfed Assocation is pushing hard for strict U.S. Department of Agriculture guides on grassfed marketing claims.

2. What kinds of meats are grassfed?

Virtually any air-breathing food animal can be raised partially or entirely on grass. The most common products are beef, bison, lamb, goat, pork, poultry, eggs and dairy (milk, butter and cheese).

3. What are the advantages of grassfed products?

A: Grassfed animal products have been shown to be higher in beta carotene (Vitamin A), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in reducing cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and other life threatening diseases. These products are lower in fat, cholesterol and calories. In addition, the risk of infection by E. coli in these products in virtually eliminated.

4. What are the disadvantages of grassfed products?

A: A disadvantage for grassfed meat producers is that animals raised entirely on grass mature more slowly, lengthening the production time of grassfed products. A disadvantage for the consumer is that true grassfed products are not available in all the retail outlets, making it necessary for the consumer to find and purchase directly from a producer. Among the goals of the American Grassfed Assocation is to help consumers find grassfed products.

5. Where can I buy grassfed products?

A: Many consumers find it best to buy grassfed meats directly from the producer. Specialty grocery stores also carry them, and even mainstream supermarkets are beginning to carry these products. However, consumers need to be aware that there is not yet a standard for classifying a product as grassfed. [click here to go directly to our Producers Page]

http://www.americangrassfed.org/aga-producer-members/

6. How can I be certain the product is truly grassfed?

A: For now, the best way to ensure that the product is truly grassfed is to talk with with the rancher or farmer who raised the animal. The American Grassfed Association is working to establish a legal definition of exactly what constitutes grassfed and to allow only the products meeting the criteria to be so labeled. In the very near future, consumers will be able to purchase products from certified American Grassfed Association producers, which will be identified with the American Grassfed Association’s trademarked marketing logo.

Posted by Frank Lipman on Mar 09, 2010

Every seven years, designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his New York studio for a yearlong sabbatical to rejuvenate and refresh their creative outlook. He explains the often overlooked value of time off and shows the innovative projects inspired by his time in Bali.

A long time ago there was a sheep who was lost by her owner. While she was walking alone, she met a hyena walking on the road. As soon as the hyena saw the sheep, he looked around to see if anyone was looking. He called to the sheep, “Hey, sheep. Who is with you today?”

The sheep said, “No one is with me. I am lost, and I don’t know where I am.”

The hyena got excited, and he couldn’t believe his good luck at finding a sheep alone. He asked her again, “Is it true that you are all alone?”

The sheep said, “Yes, it’s true. I’m all alone. I am lost from the other animals and the people that own me.”

The hyena closed his eyes, and laughed and laughed as hyenas do. The sheep knew that the hyena’s laugh meant danger. The sheep ran away. When the hyena finally opened his eyes, he couldn’t find the sheep. He got mad, and he yelled, “Sheep, come back! I won’t eat you.”

The sheep continued running. She said to herself, “The hyena can find someone else to trick, but he won’t trick me.” The hyena missed his chance.

Lesson: Don’t be too quick to let people know that you are alone. Don’t be too quick to trust strangers who offer help when they know you are alone.

Somali Foktale

The hand-held device tested in the trial can be used at home

A new hand-held device that delivers a magnetic pulse to the back of the head could become an alternative to drug treatment for people with migraines.

A trial found that 40% of patients were pain free two hours after using the device.

Research showed there were no serious side-effects and patients found the device easy to use at home.

However, doctors say more research is needed to work out the timing of the doses.

Experts from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York carried out the trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of the device.

Previous trials have only involved large, expensive devices which have to be used in a clinic.

Electrical events

The hand-held device emits a single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS), thought to disrupt the electrical events in the brain which cause the preliminary symptoms of migraines with aura.

Migraine and headache are the least publicly funded of all neurological conditions in the UK Wendy Thomas, The Migraine Trust

Auras are sensory or visual disturbances that occur before a migraine headache sets in.

These include visual symptoms such as spots of light and zigzag lines. Other symptoms include tingling, numbness and difficulties with speaking.

Two hundred patients were asked to use the device to treat migraines with aura over three months. Half of those patients were given placebo treatment.

The findings, to be published in The Lancet Neurology, showed that the real magnetic pulse from the device was significantly more effective than placebo treatment. More patients were pain free two, 24 and 48 hours afterwards.

MIGRAINES They affect about 18% of women and 6% of men in the USA and Western Europe There are two major forms of migraine – with aura and without aura. Migraine with aura affects about 20-30% of patients Migraine with aura is characterised by symptoms which usually precede the onset of a headache

Dr Hans-Christoph Diener, from University Hospital Essen in Germany, said: “The use of sTMS could be a major step forward in the treatment of migraine with aura, particularly in patients in whom presently available drug treatment is ineffective.”

Wendy Thomas, chief executive of the Migraine Trust, welcomed the new trials but stressed that more research into migraines would be needed before patients could access the treatment.

“We look forward to hearing the results of further sTMS trials in the future.

“Migraine and headache are the least publicly funded of all neurological conditions in the UK, particularly relative to their economic impact,” she said.

Source: BBC

The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the water close to Japan has not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther than ever. The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring the fish. If the return trip took more time, the fish were not fresh.

To solve this problem, fish companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer.

However, the Japanese could taste the difference between the fresh and the frozen fish. And they did not like the taste of the frozen fish. The frozen fish brought a lower price. So, the fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, they were tired, dull, and lost their fresh-fish taste. The fishing industry faced an impending crisis! But today, they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan

How did they manage? To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks but with a small shark. The fish are challenged and hence are constantly on the move. The challenge they face keeps them alive and fresh!

Have you realized that some of us are also living in a pond but most of the time tired and dull? Basically in our lives, sharks are new challenges to keep us active. If you are steadily conquering challenges, you are happy. “Your challenges keep you energized. Don’t create success and revel in it in a state of inertia. You have the resources, skills and abilities to make a difference.

Put a shark in your tank and see how far you can really go..!

Lesson: Challenges and difficulties are the essence of success. They keep us alive and we need them to stay active and fit for life!

Source: Japanese Folktale

MacArthur winner Sendhil Mullainathan uses the lens of behavioral economics to study a tricky set of social problems — those we know how to solve, but don’t. We know how to reduce child deaths due to diarrhea, how to prevent diabetes-related blindness and how to implement solar-cell technology … yet somehow, we don’t or can’t. Why?

Being judgmental is basically an effort to get rid of something we don’t understand and probably don’t want to understand. We see something we don’t like and we try to dismiss it, to stamp it out without taking the time to understand it. we’re impatient. Whatever we’re being judgmental about, we just want to get rid of it quickly.

Being judicious, however, requires patience together with undestanding. A judicious choice is one you’ve made after understanding all the options, all the sides of a question. That way your choice is based on knowledge, not on greed, aversion, or delusion. [...]

The problem with being judgmental is that it’s not effective. We try to stamp out things here and they go springing up someplace else. [...] Being judicious, though, is more effective. It’s more precise. We see what’s really skillful, what’s really unskillful in the mind, and we learn how to disentangle the two. Often our skillful and unskillful habits get entangled. The things we don’t like within ourselves actually do have some good in them, but we don’t notice it. We focus instead on what we don’t like, or what we’re afraid of, and we end up trying to stamp it all out, the good along with the bad.

So this is why we meditate: to step back a bit, to watch things patiently so that we can see them for what they are and deal with them effectively. Our concentration practice gives us a comfortable center in our awareness where we can rest, where we feel less threatened by things. When we feel less threatened and less oppressed, we have the resilience to be more patient, to look into what’s going on in the mind, and to develop the proper attitude toward what is skillful and what isn’t. [...]

One of the main problems in modern life is that people have so little time. When they meditate, they want to cram as much of their meditation as possible into their little bits and pieces of spare time. Of course that aggravates the whole problem of bing judgmental. So keep reminding yourself that meditation is a long-term project. When you have a sense of that long arc of time, it’s a lot easier to sit back and work very carefully at the basic steps. It’s like learning any skill.

- By Thanissaro Bhikku, from “Meditations” (iJourney)

Painter and cartoonist Raghava KK has known a number of successes and failures. He cherishes the failures most.

“The minute I feel comfortable, I begin to itch, and I try to throw myself in the midst of anarchy,” he said in a recent interview. “The only times you learn is when you feel small and vulnerable, because you’re forced to do something different. You develop new skills when you’re down, and you learn.”

Raghava was one of the lesser-known and less-academic speakers at the TED Conference last month in Long Beach, California. The brainy event, sponsored by a nonprofit group dedicated to “ideas worth spreading,” is known for drawing Harvard professors, mathematicians and well-known scientists.

Despite his lack of name recognition and Ivy League credentials — or maybe because of — Raghava’s energy and spunk captured the TED audience’s attention as perhaps no other speaker did. He did nothing more than tell his story, which he said is one of extreme highs and lows. It is a tale of several lives wrapped into one.

Born in India, Raghava started drawing when he was young. That abruptly stopped when a school nun caught him drawing nudes. But that didn’t stop him for long.

He drew a favorable portrait of the school principal and gave it to him as a gift. From then on, he was able to draw cariactures of the staff without punishment, he said.

“It got me a lot of popularity, and I didn’t know I was capable of such popularity,” he said. “And it was addictive.”

In love with the rush and sense of purpose cartooning gave him, Raghava soon became a media star in India. But that all came crashing down when he drew a cartoon about 9/11 terrorist attacks that showed Osama bin Laden taking a bite out of an apple, as the New York City skyline burned in the background.

He was banished from cartooning organizations, he said in his TED talk, and had his financial lifeline cut. So he decided to reboot, traveling the world and eventually coming back to art with a greater sense of responsibility for his craft and its profound ability to affect peoples’ lives.

Now living in Brooklyn, New York, Raghava says he has found some of his most rewarding work in teaching young children to draw.

He makes them repeat drawings over and over, until their inhibitions fade away, he said.

“I teach them to enjoy the process and not try and create anything perfect,” he said. “I don’t even believe in perfect.”

Source: CNN

Source: iJourney

If your deeper intention is an inseparable part of how you are, it is not capable of attachment.

You can seek to accomplish your intention. You live out your intention. It is like the wind, the life force from which your energy and determination arises, whereas your vision is a particular destination you want to reach.

So, as best I can understand, the heart of the dynamic of being truly committed and nonattached is to anchor in your deeper intention and focus your energies on realizing your vision, while at the same time knowing that the vision is, at best, a reflection of your deeper intention.

It is possible to be truly committed and not attached. Indeed, it is essential to developing our mastery in the creative process. For years we have expressed this basic idea as the principle. “It’s not what the vision is, it’s what the vision does.” In other words, rather than obsess about realizing my vision, consider it as a force for change, a way of aligning my actions with nature’s unfolding. When you operate this way, what happens may not be exactly as you imagined it in your vision, but what happens would otherwise not have happened. You could hold a vision of a genuine perfection in some domain and, although you might never realize that vision, you might also achieve things that would have never been achieved otherwise. It’s not what the vision is, it’s what the vision does.

In this spirit, pursuing a vision is a way to live in harmony with your deeper ineffable intention. In this sense, vision is a tool for orienting our energies and effort around who we really are. But when we obsess about whether or not our vision is being achieved, we confused the animating force behind our being with an idea created by our mind.

–Peter Senge, from a dialogue with Charles Holmes