True2Soul Network

KWANZAA Day 7: IMANI (Faith)

“To believe with all our hearts in our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.”

Blessings on this last day of Kwanzaa! May we all move forward into this New Year with Faith in ourselves and the world (IMANI), Creativity (KUUMBA), Purpose (NIA), Support of one another (UJAMAA), Collaboration (UJIMA), Self-Determination (KUJICHAGULIA) and Unity (UMOJA). Peace and Blessings ❤

Happy New Year!!! ❤🥳❤

KWANZAA Day 6: KUUMBA (Creativity)

“To do always as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.”

KWANZAA Day 5: NIA (Purpose)

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to our traditional greatness.

KWANZAA Day 4: UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)

“To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.”

KWANZAA Day 3: UJIMA (Collective Work and Responsibility)

"To build and maintain our community together and make our community problems our problems and to solve them together."

Happy Kwanzaa! (December 26 - January 1) Each year I share this on FB. Celebration, Gathering, Reverence, Commemoration and Recommitment are significant values that are central to this holiday ritual. Yesterday’s principle was: UMOJA (Unity), and today’s: KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination)

***FAMILY IS WHAT WE CHOOSE TO MAKE IT.***

Kwanzaa is comprised of seven universal principles (nguzo saba) which are described using the Kiswahili words you see below and serve as a reminder for me as I share the celebration with you.

Day 1-UNITY (Umoja)
Day 2-SELF-DETERMINATION (Kujichagulia)
Day 3-WORKING TOGETHER (Ujima)
Day 4-SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER (Ujamma)
Day 5-PURPOSE (Nia)
Day 6-CREATIVITY (Kuumba)
Day 7-FAITH IN OURSELVES AND THE WORLD (Imani)

Kwanzaa is a celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January, that is steeped in rich tradition. Dr. Maulana Karenga, an American educator and activist, founded Kwanzaa in 1966 as a ritual to reaffirm and restore African heritage and culture. The creation of Kwanzaa was also a response to the commercialism of Christmas. Dr. Karenga derived the word "kwanzaa" from the KiSwahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits". KiSwahili is the common language of the Great Lakes region of East Africa, and one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa.

Elements of Kwanzaa include:

- CANDLE HOLDER (kinara), which reminds believers in the ancestral origins in one of 55 African countries.
- SEVEN CANDLES (mishumaa saba) which remind participants of the Kwanzaa principles and the colours in flags of African liberation movements (Candle colours: 3 red, 1 black & 3 green).
- SYMBOLS:
- Crops (mzao) which represents the historical roots of African-Americans in agriculture and also the reward for collective labor.
- Mat (mkeka) which lays the foundation for self- actualization.
- Corn/maize (muhindi) which signifies children and the hope associated in the younger generation.
- Gifts (Zawadi) which represent commitments of the parents for the children.
- Unity cup (Kkimbe cha Umoja) which is used to pour libations to the ancestors.

You can learn more from Dr. Karenga's book - Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture (https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/books-and-products.html).

Are you a caregiver? ❤ WE'D LOVE YOUR OPINION ❤ You're specially invited to come ☕️ chill and chat ☕️ with us on WEDNESDAY MAY 18 at 11:00 AM Eastern.

We'd appreciate your advice and opinion on our NEW WORKSHOP SERIES that launches later on this year, so we're holding this FOCUS GROUP to ensure that we're providing what's needed!

We'll be offering complimentary gifts, as a "thank you" to those who participate in this focus group and participate in our workshop once it launches. Bring your favourite beverage and munchies and let's chat! Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87890316679?pwd=KzBtSDFzL2pFTlNXV20xeGJrenJJZz09

ABOUT THE LAUNCHING WORKSHOP SERIES:

WHY:

• Our caregivers and elder population are too often overlooked, fall through the cracks and are left out to dry! True2Soul Network, Secret Teatime, Momo Tea and Flore Canadian Incense collaborated to develop this workshop series that focuses on SELF-CARE and PEER-SUPPORT - providing a SAFE, CALMING and peer-driven space that APPRECIATES, CELEBRATES and focuses special attention on our elders (60+ years of age aka The Golden Circle) and caregivers - especially those who are unpaid and taking care of family and/or loved ones.

WHAT:

• Our upcoming Secret Teatime Workshop series includes classes on the meditative Japanese Way of Tea, a safe space for Peer-to-Peer support and advice, and mental wellness support from a Mental Health Practitioner.

WHO:

• Professionals who care for or help others [PSWs, Medical Staff, Emergency Responders (retired or active)]

• Unpaid caregivers (Caring for family, friends, neighbours, etc.)

• Elders (60+ years)

WHERE:

• Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87890316679?pwd=KzBtSDFzL2pFTlNXV20xeGJrenJJZz09

WHEN:

• Wednesday, May 18 @ 11:00 AM Eastern

HOW:

• Click the link and join the conversation (camera on or off - either is okay)

• Accessing Zoom:
If you’re new to Zoom, we recommend signing up for an account and downloading the app in advance. Zoom can be accessed on your desktop, laptop, and mobile devices, and it’s completely free to join. If you don’t wish to create an account, you will be prompted to download the web client browser when you click the link to join the meeting.

• Sign up: https://zoom.us/signup
Desktop app and browser extensions: https://zoom.us/download
Apple iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zoom-cloud-meetings/id546505307
Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.videomeetings&hl=en_CA

• Need help?
Please direct any questions to [email protected]

❤ WE'D LOVE YOUR OPINION ❤ You're specially invited to come ☕️ chill and chat ☕️ with us on WEDNESDAY MAY 18 at 11:00 AM Eastern.

We'd appreciate your advice and opinion on our NEW WORKSHOP SERIES that launches later on this year, so we're holding this FOCUS GROUP to ensure that we're providing what's needed! We'll be offering complimentary gifts, as a "thank you" to those who participate in this focus group and participate in our workshop once it launches. Bring your favourite beverage and munchies and let's chat! Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87890316679?pwd=KzBtSDFzL2pFTlNXV20xeGJrenJJZz09

ABOUT THE LAUNCHING WORKSHOP SERIES:

WHY:
- Our caregivers and elder population are too often overlooked, fall through the cracks and are left out to dry! True2Soul, Secret Teatime, Momo Tea and Flore Canadian Incense collaborated to develop this workshop series that focuses on SELF-CARE and PEER-SUPPORT - providing a SAFE, CALMING and peer-driven space that APPRECIATES, CELEBRATES and focuses special attention on our elders (60+ years of age aka The Golden Circle) and caregivers - especially those who are unpaid and taking care of family and/or loved ones.

WHAT:
- Our upcoming Secret Teatime Workshop series includes classes on the meditative Japanese Way of Tea, a safe space for Peer-to-Peer support and advice, and mental wellness support from a Mental Health Practitioner.

WHO:
- Professionals who care for or help others [PSWs, Medical Staff, Emergency Responders (retired or active)]
- Unpaid caregivers (Caring for family, friends, neighbours, etc.)
- Elders (60+ years)

WHERE:
- Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87890316679?pwd=KzBtSDFzL2pFTlNXV20xeGJrenJJZz09

WHEN:
- Wednesday, May 18 @ 11:00 AM Eastern

HOW:
- Click the link and join the conversation (camera on or off - either is okay)
- Accessing Zoom:
If you’re new to Zoom, we recommend signing up for an account and downloading the app in advance. Zoom can be accessed on your desktop, laptop, and mobile devices, and it’s completely free to join. If you don’t wish to create an account, you will be prompted to download the web client browser when you click the link to join the meeting.
- Sign up: https://zoom.us/signup
- Desktop app and browser extensions: https://zoom.us/download
- Apple iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zoom-cloud-meetings/id546505307
- Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.videomeetings&hl=en_CA
- Need help?
Please direct any questions to [email protected]

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👉https://www.youtube.com/truththeory

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To me, real power is about presence. It's the energy of knowing that you are who you are, and therefore speaking and acting from your authentic self. It doesn't matter what your work is - if you're a teacher or a nurse or whatever; it is your presence that's the power. It's not power over anybody else. It's just the expression of who you are.

Love is the real power. It's the energy that cherishes. The more you work with that energy, the more you will see how people respond naturally to it, and the more you will want to use it. It brings out your creativity, and helps everyone around you flower. Your children, the people you work with - everyone blooms.

~ Marion Woodman ~

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www.peacecompassionlove.com 💛

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Note to self:

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WHY DOGS LIVE LESS THAN HUMAN!!!
Here's the surprising answer of a 6 year old child.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that dogs' lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said, ”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued,
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay for as long as we do.”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
• When your loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be faithful.
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
That's the secret of happiness that we can learn from a good dog.

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"It's very hard to hate someone if you look them in the eye and recognize them as a human being."