A New Year

It has been a while since I have written. I think I needed some time to process and feel all the change that life is currently bringing. And what fascinating change it is.

Over New Years I took some time to head out to the mountains with some close friends, reflect on 2009, and enjoy the moment. Although our cabin contained nine people in a one bedroom, I managed to take some alone time while on the slopes and also a solo jacuzzi session.  Living in a home with four other girls, sharing a room with two of them, taking group trips to cut costs (the more the merrier anyways), couch surfing when needed, and working everyday from coffee shops with free wifi with several other people straining to get a seat with an electrical outlet, you can imagine how valuable alone time is. One thing that I noticed about my alone time in comparison to the past is that because I am constantly surrounded by people, alone time feels REALLY lonely. But also, allows for some really powerful thought processes to surface.

In attempt to describe one of my many self realizations during my trip: I sat there in the jacuzzi, feeling the heat of the water and the cold from the frost falling from the sky on my face, taking the time to appreciate my alone time and embrace that feeling of loneliness. Recognizing that a similar feeling of loneliness once resinated in several aspects of my life and was one of the major catalysts that drove me to break the complacency of the desk job, focus of becoming a home owner, convenience of anticlimactic relationships, and comfort in the monotony of the suburban lifestyle. Noticing the similarity in the emotions and comparing the two states of "loneliness" was a very interesting process, concluding that the feeling of loneliness now is a much different feeling.  The difference: loneliness is no longer emptiness and the sediments of feeling lost have dispersed. As I sat there, looking out at the white frosted mountains allowing whatever emotions that needed to surface, to surface, I was empowered by the breathtaking picture that good old mother nature had painted before me. Loosing myself in the beauty of the mountain, my thought process brought me back to the remember a book that I read several months back called Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken (see video below). Blessed Unrest outlines the miraculous movement of social change occurring throughout the world, and how it has come to be.

Long story short, it was the remembrance of this book that brought about the realization that no matter the intensity of the feeling of being alone, I am not. There are thousands of people involved in the social change movement that must have experienced at least a fragment of these indescribable feelings. Utilizing my alone time to make new self discoveries and the new year as a an excuse to make new commitments, I'm committing to embrace any feelings of discomfort that may emerge during this journey, to not let fear paralyze potential, and to allow the ambiguity of  how this venture will unfold be held in hands much bigger than my own.

Es-Bee

Fifteen Minutes

Today was a very special day. Today I traveled about fifteen minutes away (okay, maybe it took a little longer than that considering I got lost) from Venice to Watts to join my friend Jeremiah and some members from his church in distributing holiday gifts to children. The experience was absolutely amazing. It was so great to feel the sense of community that both Powerhouse Church  (in Watts) and some of the members of RockHarbor Church (in Costa Mesa) have created. Although Watts and Costa Mesa are only about thirty minutes away from each other, the communities are very different. I think the main learning lesson of the day was that one does not have to travel very far to engage in a different cultural experience.

Throughout the day, I could not put my smile away as I observed everything going on around me. I sat and watched a mother and son singing to each other and every time the lyrics said "I love you," the son would shout the words at his mother and point to her. At another point, five young ladies gave a sign language/dance performance. The performance was powerful and exerted so much strength and attitude... beautiful to watch and yet difficult to share in words the emotions it pulled from within. And again, as I watched a four year old creating a beautiful holiday picture with crayons and tissue paper as he counted in english and in spanish. Overall, the main emotions that struck me came from the strong sense of community that these organizations have created through their collaboration together. It was beautiful to see the interaction and the love that has been built  among communities with completely different lifestyles that are within minutes of each other.

If your interested in learning more about the Powerhouse/RockHarbor Watts activities, the involvement of what they do, and their mission, you can visit the website at: http://rockharborwatts.org/

Today was a great gift. Much better than anything material could offer. I give thanks to my friend Jeremiah for letting me join in the experience of the joy that he engages in monthly. Thank you.

Love and Light,

Es-Bee

Not Yet Familiar Home

It's been 12 days since I formally left the corporate world and what an incredible feeling it is. There have been feelings of peace, excitement, exhilaration, freedom, comfort, togetherness, loneliness... and that pesky little emotion that pops up during most situations of the unknown, fear.

Over the past week, I have been learning to live by the moment rather than by calendar date, the appointment on the schedule, or the time in which I am "supposed" to be somewhere and the most amazing experiences have been happening. The day after I walked out the doors of the corporate world, I took off to the desert for a few days of rest, relaxation, and self reflection. What an amazing feeling it is to watch a sunset, and I mean really watch a sunset...a sunset without mind distractions and a distant mind-trapped to-do list.

With a clear mind after the desert, I proceeded to move all of my belongings (or at least what is left of them) to my new home in Venice, CA. Amongst the feelings of ambiguity in a not yet familiar city, there are also feelings of clarity. Sharing a room with two other individuals on the same path to better humanity (and a home with five girls), one would think of the need for more space, alone time, or breathing room. Turns out, this is only partially true... I expected more discomfort and have surprisingly found more love. It seems each day I venture out to the local coffee shops I meet beneficial contacts interested in supporting my new adventures. One of the many beautiful things about the home that has been opened up to me is that it is not only filled with good vibes, but also seems to be in a location surrounded by many creative people working to shape a better tomorrow.



Below are a couple of the amazing organizations that I have met contacts from in the short time I have been in this area. I encourage you to check out these links and support each of these organizations and their causes:

http://newsdok.wordpress.com/
www.fallingwhistles.com
www.tomsshoes.com and www.friendsoftoms.org
www.causecast.org
www.invisiblechildren.com

Till Next,
Es- Bee

Be The Change You Wish To See In The World

To say the least these past few weeks have been interesting. About three weeks ago I made the decision to take up a communal living opportunity with a lovely lady named Darilynn and her beautiful daughter Helen. Darilynn is a single mom who owns a retail store in Santa Monica and offered to remodel a room in her home for myself and two other girls who are dedicating their lives to create positive change in the world. How could I decline? What a great opportunity for me to live with like minded people and focus 80% or more of my time towards making a difference in the world.


Slowly but surely after Darilynn opened up her home, I began taking baby steps toward my spontaneous, yet heart felt decision. Night one, I posted all of my furniture to sell on Craig's List. Who needs furniture when you do not have a home to put it in? The following day, I informed my roommate that I would be moving out in 30 days. A few days later, I found myself taking four trash bags of clothing and twenty-three pairs of shoes to Good Will. And then finally, I conquered one of my biggest fears: I put in my notice at my job and gave up my title as National Sales Manager for a creditable skin care manufacturer, my consistent paycheck, and medical benefits all for the crazy idea that I am going to live rent free and start a non profit that will help save thousands of lives a year. But hey, no one ever created change without taking risks, right? ..and as a good friend once said to me: "The idea is to live more simply so that others can simply live."


Attached to this blog are some pictures of my current living situation, pictures of all the items I have donated as I make this transition, and my resignation letter to my employer (modified of course in respect to the company.) Hopefully others will find these items more useful than myself, and hopefully someone else will be happy to take on my corporate position. Never before in my life have I seen such clarity in knowing that I need very little to be happy. Never before have I felt so empowered to create positive change, and I would not be willing to ask others for support in helping my cause if I was not willing to make sacrifices myself.


I am not sure that this blog post or any of the decisions I have made will empower anyone else but myself, however, if I can encourage one other person to live without fear, follow the truth within, and to know that one person can make a difference then I have succeeded.


Letter of resignation:



XXXXXXXXX
Marketing Director, Co-CEO
Company Name
XXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
Dear Employer:
As you know, I have been volunteering and working with organizations that help support positive change in the world. This work is where my heart lies and I can no longer deny its pull on me. As such, I am writing to formally notify you that I am resigning from my position as National Sales Manager with (company name). My departure from (company name) will be November 20, 2009..
I truly appreciate all of the opportunities I have been given at (company name) and know that I will use the skills I have learned to do much good in world. I am very excited about what my future holds.
I wish (company name) all the best and continued success.
Sincerely,

Sara Beth

Shikinee Party

On the 27th of November, I threw a Shakinee Party at my home to support the Hamar tribe in Ethiopia. The Hamar are one of the oldest cultures in the world and are now endangered due to global climate change. I know, weird huh? Who knew a group of people could be considered endangered. Basically this tribe (currently consisting of about 23,000 people) are using the same tools and methods that have been passed down to them from generation to generation and due to global climate change, these tools and methodologies are no longer working.

What is Shakinee and what does it have to do with anything? Well, Shakinee are handmade beaded bracelets that are made from the women in the Hamar tribe. They come in beautiful vibrant colors of red, blue, yellow, green, pink, orange and black. Each bracelet costs $15 dollars each, and when purchased feeds 6 people for 10 days.

The bracelets are sold by a wonderful organization called Global Team For Local Initiatives (GTLI). I was introduced to this cause by Chris Lawrence of Facing Africa who met one of the founders while working in Ethiopia. After learning more about the Hamar tribe through the GTLI website (www.gtli.us), I wanted to raise as much as I could to support their cause in helping the tribe survive. So, I decided to throw a Shakinee Party. About 14 friends of mine came over to drink wine, eat great food, chat about what is going on with the Hamar, and buy some pretty awesome handmade beaded bracelets. Together we sold 36 bracelets which feeds 216 people for 10 days.

If you are interested in holding a party yourself, please visit the GTLI website. A box will be sent to you with all of the bracelets and information you will need to host a party.

-EsBee

Article on Famine in Ethiopia

This article got me. I am not sure if it was the imagery of the little boy losing his sister, or the intense feeling of hope that at received after reading this. Although depressing to read and shocking to imagine that people live this way every day of their lives, this article illuminates where the real problem to famine lies: Political corruption. Each entitled to their own opinions, but regardless if putting a democratic party in place is the answer or not, these people need help. Resources, education, and support are needed to get these people to a place that provides hope for the future.

Please read:

http://www.abugidainfo.com/?p=11533

Why not the U.S.?

Often times when I post information people will ask me why I do not focus on the United States. I would like to clear something up; it is not my intention to not focus on the Unites States. However, I feel it is important to prioritize areas that need the most help. Not to say that Ethiopia needs more help than India, or Mongolia needs more help than Haiti. We all know this is not true. The best answer that I can give is that we are all triggered by different things.

The world needs a lot of help, or should I say mankind needs a lot of help. When one comes across an issue that they can not stop thinking about, I feel it is an important for us to recognize that as a sign that your help is needed even if it is just a small gesture. For me, I was triggered by seeing the children living with the disfigurements caused by Noma. And, even more triggered when learning that this disease is 100% preventable by providing adequate nutrition to the child and making sure that hygiene routines are followed. In one of my conversations with Chris Lawrence from Facing Africa, he shared with me a the following quote: "Poverty is like paying for a crime that one did not commit."  More often than not, I have found this quote to be true.  When looking at the kids who are rejected in their society for something that they could not control, and live so uncomfortably, struggling to accomplish such simple tasks as eating and speaking, I felt that I needed to do more to increase awareness about conditions of extreme poverty.

So why not the United States? Because I have not yet found the appropriate trigger in the U.S. that does not have a U.S. based organization that I feel is incapable of increasing awareness and helping that particular cause.

Also, while reading an article on heritage.org this morning, I found the U.S. description of poverty quite interesting in comparison to how the majority of people in other countries live.

Here is what I read this morning:

The following are facts about persons defined as "poor" by the Census Bureau, taken from various government reports:

• Forty-six percent of all poor households actually own their own homes. The average home owned by persons classified as poor by the Census Bureau is a three-bedroom house with one-and-a-half baths, a garage, and a porch or patio.
• Seventy-six percent of poor households have air conditioning. By contrast, 30 years ago, only 36 percent of the entire U.S. population enjoyed air conditioning.
• Only 6 percent of poor households are overcrowded. More than two-thirds have more than two rooms per person.
• The average poor American has more living space than the average individual living in Paris, London, Vienna, Athens, and other cities throughout Europe. (These comparisons are to the average citizens in foreign countries, not to those classified as poor.)
• Nearly three-quarters of poor households own a car; 30 percent own two or more cars.
• Ninety-seven percent of poor households have a color television; over half own two or more color televisions.
• Seventy-eight percent have a VCR or DVD player; 62 percent have cable or satellite TV reception.
• Seventy-three percent own microwave ovens, more than half have a stereo, and a third have an automatic dishwasher.

In closing, it is not that I think people living in poverty in the U.S. do not need help. That is completely untrue. However, I have not yet found an appropriate cause or issue in the U.S. that I do not feel is in good hands with a already capable organization. Not to say that I will not find one in the future. Rather than creating many organizations for one particular issue, it is important to work TOGETHER to support those already formed organizations (performing with ethical business practices) that are capable of helping.

-EsBee