If you meditate, you probably recognize that it is a must. If you don’t or have never meditated, you may wonder why meditate? There are many reasons for meditation.
More studies are showing the benefits of meditation, including:
• A Harvard study on Mindfulness Meditations: http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/01/eight-weeks-to-a-better-brain/ . The study found that people who incorporated Mindfulness meditations into their daily routine for 8 weeks, changes to their gray matter and increased plasticity in their brain, in addition to beneficial impacts on stress and anxiety.
• Another report found Transcendental Meditation to be a benefit to corporations, their employees and their annual health insurance costs: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-brokaw/meditation-the-new-corpor_b_793510.html.
I practice a combination of several different types of meditation, including:
• Kundalini Yoga with its powerful meditations that use breath, mantra and poses based on sacred geometry;
• Gong meditations, tied to Kundalini, that use sound currents to move blockages and energy;
• Shaktipat meditation from the tradition of Vethathiri Maharishi and Shivabalayogi Maharaj; and
• Mindfulness meditations from the Buddhist traditions of Shambala and Thich Nhat Hanh.
If you are still wondering why meditate, I had a teacher once gave me the analogy of our minds and computers. When we get a new computer, it functions well, runs quickly and efficiently. However, with time, the computer starts to slow down, get bugs and then begins to crash. If we don’t take out the recycling bin and defragment our computers regularly, they crash more and more often, eventually completely breaking down.
Our mind is no different. When we are born, we have a fresh, open mind. Then with time, we begin to have thoughts and ideas that begin to fill our subconscious. In time, if we do not regularly empty the “recycling bin,” those thoughts become paralyzing programs that weigh us down and slow us down. Our minds become full and then our bodies start to show signs of weakness, illness and disease. If we regularly meditate, we take this trash out and our body, mind and spirit stay in harmony and alignment. We don’t get bogged down with so many heavy and paralyzing thoughts. If we meditate regularly, our brain functions better, our endocrine and regulatory systems work better and the rest of our body, organs and systems function better.
Personally, meditation has been a saving grace in my life. I went through a really dark period in my life – in which I suffered both physically and mentally. My body had pretty much shut down, my mental and emotional state was significantly impaired and my spirit was broken. I had gone to doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists. I was on many different medications and was told I had all sorts of different mental and physical problems. I wasn’t sleeping, I was depressed and I was totally in despair. When the doctors told me I had mood swings, I kept telling them, it was energy not mood. They didn’t listen.
When I finally discovered meditation and Kundalini yoga, my life changed. Literally, within 6 months of doing both for anywhere from 5-30 minutes a day, I was off of every medication I had ever been on and both my physical and mental health challenges dissipated. The Kundalini yoga and meditation enabled me to manage my own energy system. In fact, I had been right all along about my situation. I knew that it wasn’t mood swings, but energy swings and once I had some tools to manage my situation, my health and life turned around.
Many people I know say they would love to meditate but they are too Type A and they can’t shut their mind off. I too was a Type A person. The point of meditation isn’t to still the mind or shut the mind off, but rather train the mind. I think one of the biggest failings of people who teach meditation is if they tell their students to still or quiet their minds. My belief is this is the number one way to have a student quit or give up on meditation. Rather, particularly at the beginning, if you encourage a student to just allow any and all the thoughts to come in, even sometimes have a little notebook nearby to clear the mind immediately after (and sometimes during), then you give them permission to allow their thoughts to clear out.
As I said, when you start meditating, you will have more to clear out, so more thoughts may come flooding in. This doesn’t mean you can’t do it or you aren’t good at it, it is NORMAL! So keep going. Sit comfortably and allow yourself and your mind to relax as though you are sitting peacefully in a bath or hot tub. Just allow the thoughts to flow. If you want to focus on a mantra you can or you can just pay attention to your breath or you can focus on your third eye or brow point or just relax and observe all of the flow of thoughts and emotions that move through you. In time, these will slow. But some days will be better than others and just know that if you are sitting there, that is a good beginning.
One of the best things to do is to start by just getting up 5 minutes early and going to bed 5 minutes early and sitting up and meditating for 5 minutes twice a day. Then work your way up to longer periods. If you want, a good break during the day can totally reset you – whether for a minute or longer.
Whatever you do start small so that you can keep up. Then grow your practice as you see and feel the benefits unfold in your life. It really is magic, if you allow yourself to give in to the gifts that meditation unveils.
Here are some resources on meditation:
www.selfawareness.com, www.tm.org, www.goodhappens.org, www.deerparkmonastery.org, www.shambhala.org, www.dharma.org
Happy Meditating!
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Supplements For Thought!
I recently rediscovered supplements and how fantastic they make me feel. They have given me more energy and just helped stabilize my energy levels and health. So I thought I would share with you some of the supplements that I have incorporated into my life….I do not recommend them for everybody, however, I always wondered what to start with and these are a few that I discovered through friends, doctors, healers and others that had some amazing wisdom to share with me.
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so these are just some that work for me. If you are considering using supplements and/or are on any other medications, you might want to check in with a doctor or your naturopathic doctor to learn more and see how they might affect you or interact with your current regimen.
Cayenne – Cayenne is great for helping with stomach and overall digestive health. One thing that is counterintuitive is that it helps with ulcers. My recommendation is to start with a lower heat index (like 40,000 units and work your way up). Some more information can be found at: http://www.cayennepepper.info/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is used for colds, gas, nausea, diarrhea, diabetes, indigestion and painful menstrual cycles. It helps balance blood sugar levels if taken in capsule form (if it hits the saliva that undoes these benefits) and is believed to improve circulation, vitality and energy levels. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/cinnamon/a/cinnamon.htm and http://www.homeremediesweb.com/cinnamon_health_benefits.php
Turmeric – Turmeric is an ayurvedic herb that has been used over the centuries for its healing properties. It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It helps circulation and promote liver, heart and digestive health, among many other things. http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits.html
Rhodiola – Rhodiola is an herbal remedy that helps regulate your glandular and endocrine system, minimizing the effects of stress and almost acting to disable your from reacting to stress. It also helps with migraines, heart problems and supports natural weight loss. http://www.herbalremedies.com/readmorabamh.html and http://www.yourbodycanheal.com/herb-rhodiola-rosea.html
Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) – has a tonifying effect that helps your body equilibrate and come into balance. So if you have some hormones that are overstimulated and others that are under stimulated, it helps to bring them back into balance. It also helps with immunity, energy, helps your nervous system, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Because it can be relaxing, it is best to take at night. It is also an antioxidant and anti stress and supports fertility. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ashwagandha.html
Probiotics – Probiotics are a healthy type of bacteria that are known for promoting digestive and overall health. Probiotic help multiply friendly or good bacteria in your system. One important thing to note, when you are taking probiotics, it is best to eat healthy when you are dosing up on probiotics so the bacteria in your digestive system that multiply are good. Also, if you take antibiotics, it is critical to take lots of probiotics as the “anti biotic” kills good and bad bacteria in your system which can allow for the bad bacteria to grow back in force. When too many bad bacteria are in your system it may cause digestive problems, sluggishness, candida, headaches and more. http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml and http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-probiotics/
Xylitol – Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from fibrous vegetable and fruit cell walls. In addition to being an amazing sugar substitute, it is also an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-aging remedy. It is good for your teeth and periodontal health, stabilizes insulin and hormone levels, contributes to weight loss and bone density, and promotes good health. http://www.laleva.cc/food/xylitol.html and http://ezinearticles.com/?Healthy-Benefits-of-Xylitol&id=358103 and http://www.zhion.com/digestion/XYLITOL.html
Evening Primrose Oil – EPO has benefits for your metabolism, cholesterol, premenstrual syndrome, migraines and more. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-evening-primrose.html and http://www.homeremediesweb.com/evening-primrose-oil-health-benefits.php
One other thing I will say is when you start a supplement regimen, start small. Get used to taking a few and then over time add in others. The last thing you want to do is start strong and then peter off. So keep it simple, pick one supplement to start with, get into the habit of taking supplements with or between meals and then add to those as you become more habituated. The last thing you want to do is have a bad reaction to one and then throw the whole bunch out.
This is just supplements for thought from a resident non-health expert but someone who’s always been fascinated and obsessed with being healthy!
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so these are just some that work for me. If you are considering using supplements and/or are on any other medications, you might want to check in with a doctor or your naturopathic doctor to learn more and see how they might affect you or interact with your current regimen.
Cayenne – Cayenne is great for helping with stomach and overall digestive health. One thing that is counterintuitive is that it helps with ulcers. My recommendation is to start with a lower heat index (like 40,000 units and work your way up). Some more information can be found at: http://www.cayennepepper.info/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is used for colds, gas, nausea, diarrhea, diabetes, indigestion and painful menstrual cycles. It helps balance blood sugar levels if taken in capsule form (if it hits the saliva that undoes these benefits) and is believed to improve circulation, vitality and energy levels. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/cinnamon/a/cinnamon.htm and http://www.homeremediesweb.com/cinnamon_health_benefits.php
Turmeric – Turmeric is an ayurvedic herb that has been used over the centuries for its healing properties. It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It helps circulation and promote liver, heart and digestive health, among many other things. http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits.html
Rhodiola – Rhodiola is an herbal remedy that helps regulate your glandular and endocrine system, minimizing the effects of stress and almost acting to disable your from reacting to stress. It also helps with migraines, heart problems and supports natural weight loss. http://www.herbalremedies.com/readmorabamh.html and http://www.yourbodycanheal.com/herb-rhodiola-rosea.html
Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) – has a tonifying effect that helps your body equilibrate and come into balance. So if you have some hormones that are overstimulated and others that are under stimulated, it helps to bring them back into balance. It also helps with immunity, energy, helps your nervous system, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Because it can be relaxing, it is best to take at night. It is also an antioxidant and anti stress and supports fertility. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ashwagandha.html
Probiotics – Probiotics are a healthy type of bacteria that are known for promoting digestive and overall health. Probiotic help multiply friendly or good bacteria in your system. One important thing to note, when you are taking probiotics, it is best to eat healthy when you are dosing up on probiotics so the bacteria in your digestive system that multiply are good. Also, if you take antibiotics, it is critical to take lots of probiotics as the “anti biotic” kills good and bad bacteria in your system which can allow for the bad bacteria to grow back in force. When too many bad bacteria are in your system it may cause digestive problems, sluggishness, candida, headaches and more. http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml and http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-probiotics/
Xylitol – Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from fibrous vegetable and fruit cell walls. In addition to being an amazing sugar substitute, it is also an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-aging remedy. It is good for your teeth and periodontal health, stabilizes insulin and hormone levels, contributes to weight loss and bone density, and promotes good health. http://www.laleva.cc/food/xylitol.html and http://ezinearticles.com/?Healthy-Benefits-of-Xylitol&id=358103 and http://www.zhion.com/digestion/XYLITOL.html
Evening Primrose Oil – EPO has benefits for your metabolism, cholesterol, premenstrual syndrome, migraines and more. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-evening-primrose.html and http://www.homeremediesweb.com/evening-primrose-oil-health-benefits.php
One other thing I will say is when you start a supplement regimen, start small. Get used to taking a few and then over time add in others. The last thing you want to do is start strong and then peter off. So keep it simple, pick one supplement to start with, get into the habit of taking supplements with or between meals and then add to those as you become more habituated. The last thing you want to do is have a bad reaction to one and then throw the whole bunch out.
This is just supplements for thought from a resident non-health expert but someone who’s always been fascinated and obsessed with being healthy!
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1
Monday, March 28, 2011
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
I recently got to thinking about the Wizard of Oz and the wonderful analogy that the Yellow Brick Road is...
It reminds me of life. Just like in the movie, it is not about getting to some overhyped destination to see some Wizard to give us things that we think we want or don't have. But rather, we got it all going on right here and now, if we pay attention and accept our own greatness and the gifts and abundance along our way.
It is funny. I wrote a book about living in the moment (www.beingthepresent.com) and I still have so much to learn and need constant reminders to stay present.
I used to be such a planner and lately I feel as though, I haven't been able to plan ahead even if I try. Literally, it is like the Universe is playing a trick on me to get me to really BE present. Every time I try to plan more than a few days out, something changes and I have to shift everything.
I am finally starting to give in and just plan almost moment to moment. It seems that in doing so I am able to appreciate all that the Yellow Brick Road has to offer. I can take in the sights, the poppies, the clean air, my friends and appreciate it all - even visits from the wicked witch or the fairy godmother.
And Oz, now isn't that an interesting analogy. So often we make our destination out to be something so big or someone so important. We put them on a pedestal and think wow they've gotten there they must be all that - we aggrandize them in our minds. Yet, when we get there we realize, wow, they are human too, and gee, I'm better at things than I ever give myself credit for.
So, maybe for just a moment every day or more often, if you can just look around, smell the flowers and appreciate YOUR Yellow Brick Road. If it isn't what you want, look for what you like and want in it and make it what you want, see it for what you want and see yourself for all that you are.
Rather, than waiting to get to the land of Oz and be disappointed, enjoy your Yellow Brick Road. This is your life! Be here now. Choose in and make it all that you can!
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1
It reminds me of life. Just like in the movie, it is not about getting to some overhyped destination to see some Wizard to give us things that we think we want or don't have. But rather, we got it all going on right here and now, if we pay attention and accept our own greatness and the gifts and abundance along our way.
It is funny. I wrote a book about living in the moment (www.beingthepresent.com) and I still have so much to learn and need constant reminders to stay present.
I used to be such a planner and lately I feel as though, I haven't been able to plan ahead even if I try. Literally, it is like the Universe is playing a trick on me to get me to really BE present. Every time I try to plan more than a few days out, something changes and I have to shift everything.
I am finally starting to give in and just plan almost moment to moment. It seems that in doing so I am able to appreciate all that the Yellow Brick Road has to offer. I can take in the sights, the poppies, the clean air, my friends and appreciate it all - even visits from the wicked witch or the fairy godmother.
And Oz, now isn't that an interesting analogy. So often we make our destination out to be something so big or someone so important. We put them on a pedestal and think wow they've gotten there they must be all that - we aggrandize them in our minds. Yet, when we get there we realize, wow, they are human too, and gee, I'm better at things than I ever give myself credit for.
So, maybe for just a moment every day or more often, if you can just look around, smell the flowers and appreciate YOUR Yellow Brick Road. If it isn't what you want, look for what you like and want in it and make it what you want, see it for what you want and see yourself for all that you are.
Rather, than waiting to get to the land of Oz and be disappointed, enjoy your Yellow Brick Road. This is your life! Be here now. Choose in and make it all that you can!
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Giving for Thought: JAPAN
I recently posted a comment to Mashable’s article (http://pilarstella.blogspot.com/2011/03/commentary-on-mashable-31611.html) on 7 Simple Ways to Help the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (http://mashable.com/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-tsunami-help-donate/).
I also have been asked by many, where is the best place to give? So I thought I would write a quick blog with my recommendations. First, some thoughts to consider when choosing where to give:
- Before texting to give, do your homework and make sure it is a quality texting company and be aware that many texting solutions have high overhead and take time to get to the nonprofit.
- Before using social media, like with texting, make sure you check out the organization and source as it might be easier and more “simple,” but it might not be the quickest, most effective or efficient way to get your funds to the need.
- Choose a nonprofit that is established and has been on the ground in the country/location you are giving to.
- If it is important to you to designate where to give do so. Otherwise, general operating or unrestricted grants allow the nonprofits and people on the ground determine their most urgent needs.
- In general, just be careful to do your homework on the organization you give to. Don’t respond quickly/emotionally to a plea for money before double checking the source and validity.
Now, here’s a couple of organizations worth checking out:
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ MSF is an international humanitarian organization that provides aid to in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. Here’s a note on their efforts in Japan: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=5098&cat=field-news
AmeriCares
Mercy Corps http://www.mercycorps.org/ Mercy Corps is dedicated to alleviating suffering poverty and oppression by improving health and promoting economic and educational growth. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.7 billion in assistance to people in 107 nations. Mercy Corps incorporates entrepreneurial strategies with a deep knowledge and commitment to local context and culture to create self sufficiency and sustainability. MercyCorps’ worldwide team is in 36 countries is improving the lives of 19 million people. Article on their Japan efforts: http://www.mercycorps.org/japanearthquake
International Rescue Committee http://www.rescue.org/ The International Rescue Committee is a global leader in emergency relief that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. IRC is on the ground in over 40 countries to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives. Article about Japan efforts: http://www.rescue.org/news/irc-helps-3-japanese-aid-groups-respond-quake-disaster-10393
Relief International http://www.ri.org/ Relief International is a humanitarian non-profit agency that provides emergency relief, rehabilitation, development assistance, and program services to vulnerable communities worldwide. Relief International is solely dedicated to reducing human suffering and is non-political and non-sectarian in its mission. Relief International was founded in 1990 with programsin health, education, community development, agriculture, food, income generation, shelter construction and conflict resolution. Efforts for Japan relief include: http://www.ri.org/newsroom/news-article.php?ID=10
Thank you for your donations, healing and support! Thank you for BEing the change!
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1
I also have been asked by many, where is the best place to give? So I thought I would write a quick blog with my recommendations. First, some thoughts to consider when choosing where to give:
- Before texting to give, do your homework and make sure it is a quality texting company and be aware that many texting solutions have high overhead and take time to get to the nonprofit.
- Before using social media, like with texting, make sure you check out the organization and source as it might be easier and more “simple,” but it might not be the quickest, most effective or efficient way to get your funds to the need.
- Choose a nonprofit that is established and has been on the ground in the country/location you are giving to.
- If it is important to you to designate where to give do so. Otherwise, general operating or unrestricted grants allow the nonprofits and people on the ground determine their most urgent needs.
- In general, just be careful to do your homework on the organization you give to. Don’t respond quickly/emotionally to a plea for money before double checking the source and validity.
Now, here’s a couple of organizations worth checking out:
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ MSF is an international humanitarian organization that provides aid to in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. Here’s a note on their efforts in Japan: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=5098&cat=field-news
AmeriCares
Mercy Corps http://www.mercycorps.org/ Mercy Corps is dedicated to alleviating suffering poverty and oppression by improving health and promoting economic and educational growth. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.7 billion in assistance to people in 107 nations. Mercy Corps incorporates entrepreneurial strategies with a deep knowledge and commitment to local context and culture to create self sufficiency and sustainability. MercyCorps’ worldwide team is in 36 countries is improving the lives of 19 million people. Article on their Japan efforts: http://www.mercycorps.org/japanearthquake
International Rescue Committee http://www.rescue.org/ The International Rescue Committee is a global leader in emergency relief that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. IRC is on the ground in over 40 countries to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives. Article about Japan efforts: http://www.rescue.org/news/irc-helps-3-japanese-aid-groups-respond-quake-disaster-10393
Relief International http://www.ri.org/ Relief International is a humanitarian non-profit agency that provides emergency relief, rehabilitation, development assistance, and program services to vulnerable communities worldwide. Relief International is solely dedicated to reducing human suffering and is non-political and non-sectarian in its mission. Relief International was founded in 1990 with programsin health, education, community development, agriculture, food, income generation, shelter construction and conflict resolution. Efforts for Japan relief include: http://www.ri.org/newsroom/news-article.php?ID=10
Thank you for your donations, healing and support! Thank you for BEing the change!
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Commentary on Mashable 3.16.11
Mashable recently posted an article about ways to give to Japan.
http://mashable.com/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-tsunami-help-donate/
I posted the following commentary.
Thank you for this article. I think it is a helpful beginning for the challenges facing Japan. Yet, I think it only begins to scratch the surface of the best ways to donate. While during times of crisis are not the times to analyze the limitations of the current disconnect between effective philanthropy and online giving, it is a good opportunity to do everything we can, yet it is important also to make a mental note that better more effective measured ways for online giving need to be developed. There is a growing rift between the "mass" online giving movement, effective philanthropy and corporate/celebrity social responsibility.
We are in an exciting time in history. Everybody is giving and feeling called to give. That is the good news. So more tools are being developed to enable giving and make giving easy. The challenge will be to make giving easy AND transparent, effective and not just "feel good." Texting to give is in its infancy stages. While it is great that people can text to give or give on Facebook causes, they often can't track what happened to their giving, can't assess the best organizations to give to, or get charged huge overheads that go to the phone company or other for this "easy" new way of giving.
While I appreciate the sentiment behind this article as it is critical to find as many ways to give during a crisis as possible, I hope that we can find more ways to coordinate between all of these efforts mentioned and efforts like Charity Navigator http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?cpid=1221&bay=content.view
We need to build a bridge between these different worlds of philanthropy. There is a lot of expertise in making philanthropy effective. If we made a lot of money, would we just decide we are experts in investing and invest our money ourselves (maybe some might) or would we find an expert money manager to help. It is no different with philanthropy. If we have money to give, what if rather than thinking we are expert philanthropists or just giving because it feels right, but we don't know what we are doing...what if we could be guided in this process.
The online giving revolution has been around for 10+ years and philanthropy for many more. Isn't it time that we really found a way to merge the two in meaningful, impactful, sustainable, fun, easy, transparent ways?
I aspire to help in this. Thank you for your efforts to move the dial forward and for others to give in this time. Let's hope that for future natural disasters, we have more coordination between online and offline giving systems so we can more effectively manage and guide donors to DO GOOD strategically for maximum impact and sustainability.
MORE to come on this.
Thank you...
in peace and gratitude
;) pilar
http://mashable.com/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-tsunami-help-donate/
I posted the following commentary.
Thank you for this article. I think it is a helpful beginning for the challenges facing Japan. Yet, I think it only begins to scratch the surface of the best ways to donate. While during times of crisis are not the times to analyze the limitations of the current disconnect between effective philanthropy and online giving, it is a good opportunity to do everything we can, yet it is important also to make a mental note that better more effective measured ways for online giving need to be developed. There is a growing rift between the "mass" online giving movement, effective philanthropy and corporate/celebrity social responsibility.
We are in an exciting time in history. Everybody is giving and feeling called to give. That is the good news. So more tools are being developed to enable giving and make giving easy. The challenge will be to make giving easy AND transparent, effective and not just "feel good." Texting to give is in its infancy stages. While it is great that people can text to give or give on Facebook causes, they often can't track what happened to their giving, can't assess the best organizations to give to, or get charged huge overheads that go to the phone company or other for this "easy" new way of giving.
While I appreciate the sentiment behind this article as it is critical to find as many ways to give during a crisis as possible, I hope that we can find more ways to coordinate between all of these efforts mentioned and efforts like Charity Navigator http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?cpid=1221&bay=content.view
We need to build a bridge between these different worlds of philanthropy. There is a lot of expertise in making philanthropy effective. If we made a lot of money, would we just decide we are experts in investing and invest our money ourselves (maybe some might) or would we find an expert money manager to help. It is no different with philanthropy. If we have money to give, what if rather than thinking we are expert philanthropists or just giving because it feels right, but we don't know what we are doing...what if we could be guided in this process.
The online giving revolution has been around for 10+ years and philanthropy for many more. Isn't it time that we really found a way to merge the two in meaningful, impactful, sustainable, fun, easy, transparent ways?
I aspire to help in this. Thank you for your efforts to move the dial forward and for others to give in this time. Let's hope that for future natural disasters, we have more coordination between online and offline giving systems so we can more effectively manage and guide donors to DO GOOD strategically for maximum impact and sustainability.
MORE to come on this.
Thank you...
in peace and gratitude
;) pilar
Monday, February 28, 2011
A Look at Giving in 2011: Everybody's Giving! Part 1 of 3 in a Series
Despite the reports about drops in donations, 2010 was a good year for giving! The buzz around giving kept growing, signaling good things to come.
With increasing numbers of companies ramping up corporate social responsibility and online giving efforts (Chase, Pepsi, Virgin, Target...), more and more celebrities and athletes jumping into the fray (Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Ovie Mughelli, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ed Norton, Angelina and Brad...), and media covering more social responsibility (including Newsweek, US News and World Report, Huffington Post, Mashable...), the hip new words on the street are GIVING and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
To meet the increasing demand by consumers for more giving, online and mobile giving sites and solutions started popping up out of the woodworks. Two of the bigger splashes were the release of:
· http://www.crowdrise.com/ started by actor Ed Norton in partnership with others to create a more media friendly-spin to online giving and
· http://www.jumo.com/ started by former Facebook executive Chris Hughes, an Obama social media campaign expert and others to create a more socially interactive giving site.
In addition to these sites, there are other new generation giving sites such as http://www.sumazi.com/ and http://www.giveo.com/ that are joining the first generation of sites including: http://www.firstgiving.com/, http://www.justgiving.com/, http://www.networkforgood.org/, http://www.globalgiving.org/ and a whole host of others.
We've started to see an increase in brand and cause marketing campaigns tying goods to causes; in mobile giving sites such as http://www.mgive.com/, http://www.mobilecause.com/, and more; store giving and round up campaigns at Whole Foods, Safeway and others; in advocacy campaigns with http://www.avaaz.org/, http://www.call2action.com/; http://www.causecast.com/, http://www.change.org/ and many more; celebrity galas and giving campaigns tying their events to their causes of choice; and continued efforts at accountability with http://www.guidestar.org/, http://www.charitynavigator.org/ and others. This is just the tip of the iceberg!
This is exciting news and an exciting time for philanthropy! There is no shortage of new and different giving sites coming out regularly...and we still have a long way to go! Efforts to give and support giving are still fragmented and confusing for donors. While there are many people addressing different pieces of the giving puzzle, we have yet to fully solve the problem systematically or address transparency.
In January, reports about the (RED) campaign backed by Bono came under fire for corruption and lack of transparency http://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/celebrity/NATLCharity-Backed-By-U2s-Bono-Under-Fire-for-Corruption-114453359.html. This is just one of many reports over the years plaguing efforts to support charities, including http://www.kiva.org/, http://www.globalgiving.org/, http://www.charitynavigator.org/ and others.
While it is necessary to be sure that our dollars are going to where they say they are going, it is also critical to acknowledge and recognize that significant dollars were raised that never would have been there before. Which is great news!
Now we have to start solving the piece of the puzzle that addresses being more strategic, connected, transparent and sustainable about our giving and we may really be on to something...
MORE in the Series in Future Blogs...CHECK BACK... ;) p
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1.
With increasing numbers of companies ramping up corporate social responsibility and online giving efforts (Chase, Pepsi, Virgin, Target...), more and more celebrities and athletes jumping into the fray (Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Ovie Mughelli, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ed Norton, Angelina and Brad...), and media covering more social responsibility (including Newsweek, US News and World Report, Huffington Post, Mashable...), the hip new words on the street are GIVING and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
To meet the increasing demand by consumers for more giving, online and mobile giving sites and solutions started popping up out of the woodworks. Two of the bigger splashes were the release of:
· http://www.crowdrise.com/ started by actor Ed Norton in partnership with others to create a more media friendly-spin to online giving and
· http://www.jumo.com/ started by former Facebook executive Chris Hughes, an Obama social media campaign expert and others to create a more socially interactive giving site.
In addition to these sites, there are other new generation giving sites such as http://www.sumazi.com/ and http://www.giveo.com/ that are joining the first generation of sites including: http://www.firstgiving.com/, http://www.justgiving.com/, http://www.networkforgood.org/, http://www.globalgiving.org/ and a whole host of others.
We've started to see an increase in brand and cause marketing campaigns tying goods to causes; in mobile giving sites such as http://www.mgive.com/, http://www.mobilecause.com/, and more; store giving and round up campaigns at Whole Foods, Safeway and others; in advocacy campaigns with http://www.avaaz.org/, http://www.call2action.com/; http://www.causecast.com/, http://www.change.org/ and many more; celebrity galas and giving campaigns tying their events to their causes of choice; and continued efforts at accountability with http://www.guidestar.org/, http://www.charitynavigator.org/ and others. This is just the tip of the iceberg!
This is exciting news and an exciting time for philanthropy! There is no shortage of new and different giving sites coming out regularly...and we still have a long way to go! Efforts to give and support giving are still fragmented and confusing for donors. While there are many people addressing different pieces of the giving puzzle, we have yet to fully solve the problem systematically or address transparency.
In January, reports about the (RED) campaign backed by Bono came under fire for corruption and lack of transparency http://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/celebrity/NATLCharity-Backed-By-U2s-Bono-Under-Fire-for-Corruption-114453359.html. This is just one of many reports over the years plaguing efforts to support charities, including http://www.kiva.org/, http://www.globalgiving.org/, http://www.charitynavigator.org/ and others.
While it is necessary to be sure that our dollars are going to where they say they are going, it is also critical to acknowledge and recognize that significant dollars were raised that never would have been there before. Which is great news!
Now we have to start solving the piece of the puzzle that addresses being more strategic, connected, transparent and sustainable about our giving and we may really be on to something...
MORE in the Series in Future Blogs...CHECK BACK... ;) p
You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Frustrated? Look Within!
Frustration with others only mirrors our own frustration with ourselves. ~ Pilar Stella
I recently had a series of experiences with frustration that really struck me. I had a conversation with a friend who was frustrated and complaining about the way this other organization was doing things. I also witnessed another friend pushing hard for others to change and getting frustrated when they didn't.
It took me back to many of my own experiences with frustration and I had to take a real moment of pause. I remembered a time when I regularly felt and acted that way. I remember in my relationships with others that I would nitpick at others in frustration because they weren't doing it this way or that. When really I was just frustrated with myself for not doing what I was here to do. I recall when I worked with clients, I used to get frustrated because they would hire me to give advice and then they often wouldn't take that advice. When what I should have done, and finally did, was to look within for the reasons for my own frustration.
At the time, I couldn't see it. Most likely like my friends couldn't see their current frustrations. But now it was clear as day. The minute I stopped getting frustrated with others and looking for others to go do what I wanted them to do and I started doing what I wanted to do and what I'm here to do, my frustrations nearly disappeared overnight.
I realized that when I finally was ready to commit to myself and figure out what my passions and purpose are and then had the courage to go for it, my frustrations dissipated. I felt like I had been let out of prison...and it was a prison that I had created for myself.
I believe we all have some sort of prison like this and this is where our frustrations are born. Until we are able to go inward to find the key to unlock the door, we will continue to be frustrated with others, when really, we are just frustrated with ourselves. We may be frustrated with ourselves because we don't know what we want, don't have or make the time to figure it out or have the courage to go for it if we do know what we want.
By dealing with and addressing my own frustrations, I have found a whole new acceptance, empathy, compassion and appreciation for others in times when I would have otherwise been frustrated with them and with myself. I find myself less likely to impose my opinions, desires and expectations upon others. I don't feel a need to judge or be frustrated with them. I can just appreciate and accept others for where they are at and also where I am at. And when I do get frustrated, I am able to recognize it much more quickly and take a moment to look within and figure out where it is stemming from.
Whatever the case may be for you, any time you are feeling frustrated with others, take a moment to look within and explore what you are frustrated with yourself. You might just be amazed at the freedom you will find when you allow yourself to find the answers to your frustration within and you begin to take the steps to alleviate that frustration.
I recently had a series of experiences with frustration that really struck me. I had a conversation with a friend who was frustrated and complaining about the way this other organization was doing things. I also witnessed another friend pushing hard for others to change and getting frustrated when they didn't.
It took me back to many of my own experiences with frustration and I had to take a real moment of pause. I remembered a time when I regularly felt and acted that way. I remember in my relationships with others that I would nitpick at others in frustration because they weren't doing it this way or that. When really I was just frustrated with myself for not doing what I was here to do. I recall when I worked with clients, I used to get frustrated because they would hire me to give advice and then they often wouldn't take that advice. When what I should have done, and finally did, was to look within for the reasons for my own frustration.
At the time, I couldn't see it. Most likely like my friends couldn't see their current frustrations. But now it was clear as day. The minute I stopped getting frustrated with others and looking for others to go do what I wanted them to do and I started doing what I wanted to do and what I'm here to do, my frustrations nearly disappeared overnight.
I realized that when I finally was ready to commit to myself and figure out what my passions and purpose are and then had the courage to go for it, my frustrations dissipated. I felt like I had been let out of prison...and it was a prison that I had created for myself.
I believe we all have some sort of prison like this and this is where our frustrations are born. Until we are able to go inward to find the key to unlock the door, we will continue to be frustrated with others, when really, we are just frustrated with ourselves. We may be frustrated with ourselves because we don't know what we want, don't have or make the time to figure it out or have the courage to go for it if we do know what we want.
By dealing with and addressing my own frustrations, I have found a whole new acceptance, empathy, compassion and appreciation for others in times when I would have otherwise been frustrated with them and with myself. I find myself less likely to impose my opinions, desires and expectations upon others. I don't feel a need to judge or be frustrated with them. I can just appreciate and accept others for where they are at and also where I am at. And when I do get frustrated, I am able to recognize it much more quickly and take a moment to look within and figure out where it is stemming from.
Whatever the case may be for you, any time you are feeling frustrated with others, take a moment to look within and explore what you are frustrated with yourself. You might just be amazed at the freedom you will find when you allow yourself to find the answers to your frustration within and you begin to take the steps to alleviate that frustration.
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