Remember to just sit.

We are magnificent. Each and every one of us.

Dear friends in Japan from Thich Nhat Hanh

March 15 2011

Dear friends in Japan,

As we contemplate the great number of people who have died in this tragedy, we may feel very strongly that we ourselves, in some part or manner, also have died.

The pain of one part of humankind is the pain of the whole of humankind. And the human species and the planet Earth are one body. What happens to one part of the body happens to the whole body.

An event such as this reminds us of the impermanent nature of our lives. It helps us remember that what's most important is to love each other, to be there for each other, and to treasure each moment we have that we are alive. This is the best that we can do for those who have died: we can live in such a way that they continue, beautifully, in us.

Here in France and at our practice centers all over the world, our brothers and sisters will continue to chant for you, sending you the energy of peace, healing and protection. Our prayers are with you.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Time to revamp the earthquake preparedness kit.

With Japan being hit with one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded on Friday it's hard to not think about our own preparedness living here on the coast. The footage of Japan is just so devastating there aren't even words. Japan is one of the most generous nations too always helping others. They stepped in in a big way when Hurricane Katrina impacted the United States.

First off, to help in the relief efforts for Japan contact the Canadian Red Cross by clicking here or calling 1-800-418-1111. Wireless users can text ASIA to 30333 to donate $5 to relief efforts.

I was looking through my emergency preparedness kit and it is seriously lacking. Found these items/list on www.getprepared.ca so thought I'd share it. I got my kit from The Red Cross years ago ( you can click here). And although it is a great kit, it looks like we would still be better off to adding things to our kits. Lot's of things. The Salvation Army also has a kit (click here) and as well there are a great many workshops listed here.

I happen to know The Roundhouse has one Tuesday evening March 22. You can click here or call 604-713-1800. For more information call: 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) TTY 1-800-926-9105

There's no point in getting scared. Only prepared.

To assemble one here are some items:

Basic emergency kit shopping list:

 Water — two litres of water per person per

day (include small bottles)

 Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food,

energy bars and dried foods (replace once

a year)

 Manual can opener

 Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight

(and extra batteries)

 Wind-up or battery-powered radio

(and extra batteries)

 First aid kit

 Special needs items — pet food,

prescription medications, infant formula

or equipment for people with disabilities

 Extra keys for your car and house

 Cash — include smaller bills, such as $10 bills

and change for payphones

 Emergency plan — include a copy in your

kit as well as contact information

Some other things to consider are:

 Two additional litres of water per person per

day for cooking and cleaning

 Candles and matches or lighter (place in

sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)

 Change of clothing and footwear for each

household member

 Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each

household member

 Toiletries

 Hand sanitizer

 Toilet paper

 Utensils

 Garbage bags

 Household chlorine bleach or water

purifying tablets

 Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench,

screwdrivers, work gloves, pocket knife)

 Small fuel-operated stove and fuel

 Whistle (to attract attention)

 Duct tape

Thich Nhat Hanh

"If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. If we really know how to live, what better way to start the day than with a smile? Our smile affirms our awareness and determination to live in peace and joy. The source of a true smile is an awakened mind."

Thich Nhat Hanh in 'Peace Is Every Step : The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life' (1992)

Thich Nhat Hanh is giving a talk here in Vancouver at the Orpheum Theatre, Sun Aug 14 at 1pm.

Maybe I'll see ya there?

Can't wait for the 2011 Spring Sprint! Yayy!!

Do you know someone who has been affected by a brain tumour? If you know me you do..

I hope you don't, but the truth is.. you probably do, or will at some point. I probably know a dozen people who are brain tumour fighter/survivors.

Did you know that at least 55,000 Canadians are living with a brain tumour right now? Including babies and children? Sometimes babies are born with brain tumours!

But there's hope! There's ALWAYS hope and each year there's the Spring Sprint and it's LOADS of fun!!

Participants of all ages can walk, run or sprint to pay tribute to the courage of survivors and honour loved ones they have lost.

Everyone is walking with the same goal in mind: Imagine a Cure!

*Click HERE for more information! Registration is on! (there are spring sprints in many different cities across Canada and there's even a virtual Spring Sprint this year!)

By participating in the Spring Sprint you can help to imagine a cure!

Our Spring Spring (here in Vancouver) is Sunday May 29 at Burnaby Lake East Rowing Pavilion.

Registration is at 10am and the Sprint starts at 11am! To register click HERE

It's a 5k walk/run. (I prefer to prance! hahaha..)

This event is super fun! Hope to see you there!

The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada's mission is to reach every person in Canada affected by a brain tumour through support, education , information and research Click HERE to learn more.

East Vanity Parlour and I have got a deal for you :)

East Vanity Parlour and I have a really great mind/body/YOGA/HAIR promotion going on this month! Many of you have already registered, so you can start colllecting (on some gorgeous hair) ASAP!

You can read all about it here on their blog. Yay to looking great AND feeling great!

To make an appointment call 604-637-1122 Their website is here

East Vanity Parlour is located directly across the road from Mount Pleasant CC at 46 Kingsway.

To register for my classes at Mount Pleasant click here The Roundhouse click here

Just because...

Papergirl Vancouver. The Art of giving Art.

What is Papergirl Vancouver?

"Papergirl is an art project from Berlin.

In the style of American paper-boys, rolled art pieces will be distributed by bicycle in the streets of Vancouver to random passers-by. Is that not the most amazing thing you have heard in a very long time??

It is to me. I love it!

Art should be accessible to everyone. That is the spirit behind Papergirl, the pedal-powered and volunteer ridden project that combines art, philanthropy, and bikes!

A redefinition of street art, Papergirls volunteer cyclists criss cross the city delivering art directly into the hands of perfect strangers.

From August 22 to 27 the Roundhouse Community Center (click here ) will display an assortment of donated artworks before the art is bundled up and given away on the street. It’s the art of giving away art.

THIS is the coolest thing in the world and YOU can get involved! For more info click here