Small Gestures

Last winter I worked with my son's kindergarten class. We made friendship bracelets for children in Nepal, who were soon to have a new school, sponsored and built by friends in my yoga community.

 

This was a small gesture, but not insignificant. None are.

 

 

As we made the bracelets, I asked the children what they liked about their school. We then made wishes on our beads for our new friends' school. Some of our wishes include a safe place to play and work, books, plenty of light, a chance to make friends and share meals, a digging box, chocolate and peace.

 

In the silly way five and six year olds can be, one boy also wished for toilets. This led to a very poignant conversation as the recipients of our wishes don't have running water in their village. I chose not too include this intention in a letter that accompanied our gifts. I'm not even sure if I wish for them to have toilets and sewers and all goes with it. If their system works, and they are well, let it be. I do wish however, that they have a chance to learn about all the possibilities. And make their own decision.

 

This seemingly small exercise has led to a much bigger project for me. Beyond Asana the group that led the school building in Nepal, has invited me to participate in their next venture, building two schools in Nicaragua. This opportunity is both thrilling and scary. For more information on my new project, visit my campaign page:

http://webuildon.buildon.org/help-michele-laverty-build-a-school-in-nicaragua/.

 

As you celebrate Earth Day, remember every small gesture matters. That inculdes flushing the toilet, especially for a six year old. 

Here Comes the Sun

Sometimes there is so much pain, every step consumes you. Your dreams become burdens. The term ‘passion’ pisses you off.  And even the angels tell you to Sleep.

Reticence, resignation, surgery. Then Rest. That being, six very uncharacteristic weeks of limited mobility, crocheting, a couple of pints of haagen-dazs and a marathon of Downton Abbey.

Then comes the call, “Would you paint a sun for me?” Free to move, you are glad for reason to learn to walk again.



42" d mural for Sol Yoga Studios, Conshohocken, PA



Then comes another call. “Would you help us build a school in Central America?”  Now there’s no need for walking lessons. You realize that you are dancing, a full circle mandala dance.

Happy Spring. Indeed.

a Mother's Story

 

As a pre-teen, Barbara Burke frequently rode a trolley into the city. She then hopped the train tracks to reach her final destination: classroooms in the basement of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She enjoyed hours reviewing and sketching the museum's collections. All of the wings of the museum were home to Barbara. "I don't care where you landed me, it was where I belonged."

A few years later, Barb's affinity for the arts was confirmed. She was offered a scholarship to attend the Moore College of Art. Her grandparents were also convinced and promised to handle the balance of her college expenses. Despite such a promising opportunity, Barbara chose a different path. Not unlike most young women during the 1950's, Barbara elected to take an office job out of high school. Marriage and a family soon followed.

About her decision she stated, "I've regretted it and not regretted it all my life."

Kathy ~ my bubble of energy, excitement and stamina

Michele ~ my calm, giving and creativity

Debbie ~ my rock, strength and compassion