It's finally here and right outside your door Vancouver...

Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night. ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

I'll never get enough of Michael Stone.

Michael Stone on the Question, How Do I Enter My Life from Toronto Body Mind on Vimeo.

The Easter Bunny is comin' to town!

A Roundhouse Special Event
Sat Apr 23, 9:30am-10:45am (1-3yrs),
11:15am-12:30pm (4-6yrs), 1:00pm-2:15pm (7-9yrs)
Exhibition Hall
Admission: $4/child.
Call 604-713-1800 for more info

Hippity Hoppity down to the Roundhouse for an Easter Egg Hunt. The event will include an egg hunt with arts & crafts activities, a candy bag to take home and a visit from the Easter Bunny! (nudge nudge wink wink)! No need to bring a basket, this will be part of our arts & crafts activities.

Parent’s supervision is required for 1-3yrs session. Pre-registration required, No drop-ins accepted.

I know I'll be there! Hoping to see you as well ;)

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