Even war cannot take away their music

This documentary on the children of Uganda’s war zone is a testament to the human spirit, expressed in music and dance.  It is unbelievable what these children have gone through and yet are able to feel and express their inner joy and powerful emotions.  It’s  heartwarming, and inspiring . 

Gail Brokaw
http://www.embracethepossibility.org
http://www.facebook.com/gail.brokaw

The Giant Buddhas

Bamiyan Buddha, Afghanistan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just finished watching this wonderful documentary, The Giant Buddhas from Netflix on my computer. I highly recommend this program. 
The documentary mentioned that originally the Buddha had a wooden face covered in gold and jewels.  The face could be tilted so that the Buddhist monks could light candles behind the eyes.  I now have a mental picture of the Buddha at night with lights coming from behind giant ruby eyes, shining over the Bamiyan Valley. What a fantastic vision it must have been. Makes me wonder though what is happening in that region of the Silk Road now and how sad it is to have lost these world treasures to the Taliban’s twisted perspective.

I am  so appreciative for the life I lead as I watch how difficult it has been and continues to be for generations in that area.  Those families that had lived in the cliff dwellings for generations have now been “relocated” by the government to a seemingly undesirable and inhospitable  location, farther from water and in an extremely cold and windy area.  It made me think of  how the US “relocated” the  American Indians to the Reservations.  It looks like a life of  survival, not really living or being able to appreciate.  I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to live in that region.  This helps me to remember that I have nothing to complain about. 

The Giant Buddhas
(2005) NR
Christian Frei’s documentary traces the tragic tale of the giant Buddhas of Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley, which stood as monumental landmarks for 1,500 years until 2001, when the Taliban declared that all non-Islamic statues in the country be destroyed. Despite international protest, the statues were blown up. Through interwoven narratives from past and present, Frei’s film sheds light on the disturbing consequences of religious fanaticism.

Here are some links with more information about the Buddhas.

http://buddhistlinks.org/BuddhasBamiyan.htm

Here is something about the uncovered third and reclining buddha.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iMwnIv89hH3Q7rvdzmDQH9zCL6KA

And here is a video discussing the possible rebuilding of the Buddhas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Cu5iOjHQo

Gail Brokaw
http://www.embracethepossibility.org

Staying Focused on the Positive in Tough Times

Winding Road Ahead

 

 

 

Think about it. . .

 

When in your life have you felt the most:

Confident        Energized         Creative          Challenged               Focused               

Positive           In Control        Motivated        Productive               Interested

Forward Thinking   ?????

 

 

When in your life have you felt the most:

Overwhelmed            Hopeless             Depleted                Negative             Scattered

Disinterested              Stuck                  Helpless                 Bored                 Unmotivated

Non-productive    ?????

 

How can you create more of the first set of feelings even when things are not as you had planned?  If we focus on and practice the kinds of things that bring the positive feelings, do we not create more of those good feelings?

 

When we focus on our strengths, and take action to use them, do we not expand those strengths and the positive feelings that go along with them?

 

 A Precious Human Life by the Dalai Lama is something I will read over and paste up at work to remind myself to focus on the life I have and all the wonderful opportunites I have each day to enjoy it.

 

Today I am fortunate to have woken up.
I am alive; I have a precious human life.
I am not going to waste it.
 
I am going to use all my energies to develop myself,
To expand my heart out to others,
To achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
 
I am going to have kind thoughts towards others.
I am not going to get angry,
Or think badly about others.
I am going to benefit others as much as I can.

                                  —Dalai Lama

 Gail Brokaw

http://www.embracethepossibility.org/Newsletters.html

 

 

 

 

 

Dreams

Emerging From the Fire

Several years ago I took a pottery class and from a basic assignment, this piece emerged from my clay; a waking dream of sorts.  At first I was bothered by what I had created but later realized that it was my subconsious giving form to my rebirth as a woman in my 30’s.  Being born the first time is hard labor for both mother and baby, but as we rebirth ourselves throughout our life it tends to be more of a spiritual and emotional experience.  It can be exciting, difficult, easy, educational, empowering and humbling.  But, it’s all good as we dream, change, and grow. 

One of the feelings I’m experiencing lately is to get back to my creative outlets whether it be pottery, painting, drawing or quilting.  I think I’ll meditate on that one and create more time for myself to let the unconscious speak to me again.

                                            How about you? 

Gail Brokaw, MA, CC

Certified Life Coach

http://www.embracethepossibility.org