Good Karma Music Stories

Last week, I organized some fair trade awareness events which included: handing out free samples of fair trade coffee, providing information on fair trade, and going to an informational presentation on fair trade at a local business. I stressed out about getting all the supplies and getting the word out all last week, that I lost focus and what was important. But when I had faculty members and fellow students come up to me and tell me that they learned a lot and were going to start trying to be more aware of the things they buy, it all made sense again. It is amazing what pouring yourself out to other people can do for oneself.

I spent the last week being the steward or personal attendant for two Thai forest monks who were spending their rains retreat near Mosier OR. I prepared meals and tea, cleaned up and managed meal offerings.It was awesome.

Our neighborhood is very walkable and attracts many from apartments outside who like to come and walk their dogs through the shady streets. Unfortunately some people don’t clean up behind their dogs when they do their thing. We are also in a drought and have not had much rain in a long time which in a normal year would wash some of this a way. Consequently, much doggy doo has been deposited and left in the streets and in people’s yards and more or less public sections of the streets. I took a platic grocery bag with me on a walk with my dog and picked up all the dog poops that I came upon snaking through the neighborhood. I filled a whole bag. I think many will appreciate it. What’s more, I felt better after doing this than I normally do when I come upon a pile left behind and just end up grousing about people’s thoughtlessness. So I got a double bonus!

I am a 5th grade elementary school teacher,with 33 students. Life is hectic for my students. Though they live in a nice area,and have all of their physical needs met,alot of their free time is spent with day care providers or after school lessons.Life is so rushed. This year, I have really slowed the pace down in our classroom. I talk about focus,and staying in the moment. I talk about our connectedness to each other,thus the need for mutual respect. My classroom has become a much calmer,kinder place to be today.The children feel safe,and calm,and are usually ready to learn.

While having afternoon tea I was approached by some tourists who asked to take a picture of them. I gladly obliged but was surprised at how happy they were. It seemed this was the trip of a lifetime for them and I was glad I do my little part to make them happy.

When I recite the Shurangama Mantra, I also hope it can strengthen people’s good thought by its vast power. Sublime the pure land of people’smind to be identical with Buddha’s.

A simple thing to do when driving, I find that slowing down to let someone get on leaves two people happy, the person trying to merge into the flow, and myself. By contrast, trying to get ahead or simply doing nothing creates a lingering regret at the least and an accident at worst. Just like turning over the hand 🙂