And last week, for my birthday, I was very happy to give £650 to 10 deserving people.
This weekend I have just returned from hearing the Dalai Lama give a series of lectures and question/answer sessions about important aspects of our lives - mainly about practising compassion, contentment, mental calmness, and being happy. As well as being an incredibly wise man he also had a real sense of pragmatism and a fantastic sense of humour as evidenced in his response to the audience question, "I am scared of dying - what should I do?" His answer, "Take care of your body - and avoid extreme sports!"
His equally pragmatic answer to the question, "How do I live an ethical life?" was, "Help others and, if you can't, restrain from harming them."
For me, maintaining my happiness includes helping others and encouraging people to make a difference - both for themselves and others.
What differences can you make that will help your level of happiness?
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3 comments:
Hi Andy
Just to let you know that the sale of scarves raised a whopping £350.00.
The local special needs school is benefiting greatly from the development of a beautiful sensory garden which is now well underway.
Thanks again - Mae
Hi Andy,
Just when you thought you had heard the last of me I am back again. I saw an amazing piece of theatre on Wednesday night. It was written and produced by a cast and crew of 20 young people about the death of the community. It was emotional, challanging and brilliant. They can use the theatre space free of charge for rehearsals, but they have no money. This was a halfway preview so they could get feedback from their nearests and dearests. Afterwards I spoke to most of them and they were so excited but many mentioned the financial burden on them. One actress is travelling from London every 2 weeks to rehearse, another is catching the bus home at 10.00pm at night and it would be safer for her to take a taxi home. They could all do with a cash injection. So I am requesting 65.00 for each of them so they can continue their good work, complete and perform the piece on time and tour it so they can spread their heartfelt message across theatres in the community.
This is making a huge difference, not just to the cast and crew but for every person who will be lucky enough to experience it. I am upping the anti a bit here, but you've taught me to think big and I am! I have contacted our old friend Denise and she has given me some contacts to try at Channel 4 and the BBC and you know me... I'm on it! What do you think?
Hugs Myrah
Hi Myrah,
Sorry to disapoint you on this one.
Despite being a massive theatre fan, £65 x 20 = £1300 is too much for me to spend on subsidising travel costs for a theatre - however good the show.
The money I give has really got to make a difference rather than easing a financial burden.
Keep thinking.
Andy G
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