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Demetrio wanted to find his own joyful higher purpose. He became a surgeon, and was inspired by his experiences with humanitarian services in the military to help the less fortunate. After much soul searching and some stumbling, he created a program where people have the option to pay for their surgery by volunteering at a local non-profit. Studies demonstrate that “people who are invested in their outcome get better outcomes.” Demetrio said if he did their surgery “without that investment on the part of the patient, I'm taking away one of the most important tools for a successful result.” He invests in success, and it creates a ripple effect: the patient gets the surgery without crushing debt and possible bankruptcy; because they had to invest, they take better care of themselves; they regain or enhance their dignity and self-esteem; and both the non-profit and community benefit from the service. Demetrio hopes to inspire others to develop creative ways to invest in their neighborhoods and help those the current system leaves behind. [Read more ...] |
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Enjoy a couple of recent stories from our KindSpring community ...
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How Germany's 'Orchestra Of Change' Inspires Action The Orchestra of Change, founded in 2020, is a collective of classical musicians using the power of music in creative ways to support sustainable living and the environment. “Scientists reach brains but artists touch the heart” said Detlef Grooss, a co-founder of the group. Read the full story here.
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Past research suggests that paying attention through savoring and mindfulness can help curb addictive behaviors. These studies may advance understanding of binge eating, excessive social media use, and similar problematic behaviors. While there is much to learn, researchers caution that “given that we live in an ‘attention economy,’ where we’re constantly bombarded with ads and potentially addictive technology, it may be wise to take note.” [Read more ...] |
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Honored to have Jyoti nominate Harshida and Dinesh Mehta for India Current's "50 over 50". Below is her write-up.
For more than twenty-five years, every Wednesday evening, about 40-60, PhDs, professors, authors, doctors, teachers, yoga teachers, entrepreneurs, technologists, engineers, students, activists, gardeners, homemakers, tourists, and people from all walks of life come to sit in silence and meditate together at Awakin Circles, that started at the Kindness Temple. Harshida and Dinesh spend the week planning, preparing and cooking a homemade vegetarian meal that they serve to all meditators, to be eaten in silence after the circle. The ripples from this kindness have spread to Awakin Circles being hosted in faraway countries with the ethos of spreading random acts of kindness. Silicon Valley innovations change the world in more ways than makes the news headlines. This movement for spreading kindness towards strangers and meditating together in community is the most consistent peace-building work that I am aware of. The world needs this more urgently now than ever before. Awakin Circles is the inspiration for many other projects, such as Karunavirus, Dailygood, Kindspring, etc. Harshida and Dinesh are both immigrants from Gujarat. They have held full-time jobs in the Valley and raised two sons. Their sons have been instrumental in using technology to create this global ecosystem of ServiceSpace, which used to be called CharityFocus earlier. Yet, the values these technologies enable everywhere are deeply rooted in the home & what Harshida and Dinesh taught their sons. I am glad that IC celebrates 50 over 50 so I get the honor and pleasure to nominate this exceptional couple. Cannot separate them for individual nominations as their love and teamwork is the open secret to what they have accomplished. [For more, visit Awakin Circle website.] |
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In grappling with degenerative autoimmune disease, I often wished for a speedy redemption, for something meaningful to come out of my pain and suffering. But every time I tried, I’d be humbled by exhaustion and confusion. One day, I received the following dream: I dream that a tree of great significance is struck down by lightning. A bolt from above splays the giant tree in a star-like pattern. It is a numinous event which stops me in my tracks. Before I can take in what’s happening, men come efficiently and quickly to buck up the tree into firewood. It all feels too fast and unfeeling, as if the grandeur of this loss isn’t being properly recognised. One never imagines one can be struck down by lightning, but such as it is, disease is indiscriminate. An intervening force from nature shatters our deeply established way of life. It is swift and unforgiving, and ... [Read more] Seed questions for reflection: What has helped you bear witness while facing a fog of confusion? In times when you haven't been "hasty to make events of heartbreak meaningful", what new lessons did life reveal? Share a time when you fully grieved the grandeur of a loss, and felt bewilderment in returning home after a long exile. |
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And The Winner Is ... The Slowest! An annual, unusual race takes place every year off the coast of California. Fleets from hundreds of shipping companies race to go slowly through the waters in order to protect whales and reduce their environmental impacts like ocean noise and greenhouse gasses. The top prize, a whale tail trophy, is awarded to companies whose ships slow for 85% or more of the distance in slow zones. In 2023, one-third of participating companies won the trophy. Read the full story here.
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Below is the chapter on 'Activating the Compassion Element' that we're honored to be featured in ... The Compassion Element of Leadership introduces leaders who see those around them as human beings in need of support, understanding, and love. This approach is best encapsulated by the leadership theory of: Servant Leadership! SERVANT LEADERSHIP This theory is all about leaders focusing all of their leadership work on the ability to serve the needs of others. Servant leaders are not worried at all about their own self-interests or profit, but rather they live to serve others, particularly their followers. Robert Greenleaf, the founder of this concept in the field of leadership, spoke about ten major attributes for a person to be a servant leader: listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of others, and building community. This is one of the most difficult theories for people to understand because we often don’t see leaders as serving others… but when you really think about it, isn’t this what leaders are all about in terms of supporting, motivating, and helping their followers towards the shared cause? But the key struggle for people with this theory is that the power dynamic that usually exists in leadership is completely lost when the leader is a servant to others. But think of someone like Mother Teresa, and suddenly this theory makes a whole lot of sense. REAL WORLD EXAMPLES Laddership Unveiled: Elevating Compassionate Leadership In the realm of compassionate leadership, Nipun Mehta's talks on laddership, the gift economy, and Heart Intelligence illuminate the path to transformative leadership. His insights and inspiring analogies provide a framework for "Laddership," where leadership transcends transactional relationships and fosters deep, meaningful connections. Nipun's recent talks, including those at Harvard, highlight the shift from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Heart Intelligence (HI), emphasizing the power of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership. As the Founder of ServiceSpace.org, an ecosystem of global volunteers dedicated to fostering a culture of generosity and kindness, Nipun Mehta, along with thousands of volunteers, has made significant and positive contributions, showcasing servant leadership in action. I was honored to host Nipun Mehta for a presentation on “Laddership: Transforming Leadership from a Transactional to Relational Framework'' at the California School of Management & Leadership in December 2021. His work with ServiceSpace, which operates on the principles of servant leadership, embodies the essence of relational leadership and serves as a beacon of hope for leaders striving to create positive change. Mehta's narrative highlights the significance of service, framing genuine leadership as an act of selfless devotion to others, nurturing community, and transforming from “I” to “we”. It issues a compelling call for leaders to act as architects of positive change through kindness and compassion, fostering a culture where empathy and understanding take precedence. Mehta's ideas guide leaders away from rigid hierarchies towards dynamic laddership. In this vision, leaders are not perched at the summit of a pyramid but actively involved in constructing ladders of support, serving others towards their pinnacle of potential. In the concept of laddership, Mehta paints a vivid picture of the ripple effect stemming from small acts of kindness and service. Like pebbles dropped into a pond, these acts create waves that resonate far beyond the initial gesture, influencing the entire community. Mehta delves into the notion of a "gift ecology," and advocates for a shift towards a more inclusive and interconnected approach. Central to his message is the belief in humanity's inherent capacity for generosity, where contributions are offered without the immediate expectation of reciprocation. This paradigm encourages leaders to cultivate a culture of giving, where the focus is on nurturing meaningful connections rather than seeking immediate returns. Mehta's work offers a blueprint for leadership across diverse contexts, aligning seamlessly with the compassionate element of leadership discussed in our chapter. Embracing laddership, leaders become catalysts for positive change, cultivating a sense of community and contributing to a more compassionate and sustainable world. For more on Nipun Mehta's transformative leadership, talks, and projects, visit nipun.servicespace.org. Karma Kitchen: A Model of Compassionate Leadership Karma Kitchen is a remarkable business model and a living testament to kindness and generosity. This unique approach perfectly aligns with both servant and compassionate leadership principles. At Karma Kitchen restaurants, there are no prices on the menu, and the check reads $0.00 with this footnote: "Your meal was a gift from someone who came before you. To keep the chain of gifts alive, we invite you to pay it forward for those who dine after you." Core Principles of Karma KitchenSelfless Service: Patrons pay it forward by covering the cost of meals for others, embodying the essence of servant leadership. Generosity and Empathy: At its heart, Karma Kitchen is built on the belief in humanity's innate capacity for generosity and empathy. This business model encourages participants to recognize the profound impact their actions have on others, fostering a culture where empathy and kindness flourish. As detailed on Karma Kitchen's website: “Karma Kitchen first opened in Berkeley on March 31st, 2007, by several volunteers inspired to seed the value of a 'gift economy'. It has since spread around the globe. Run by volunteers, our meals are cooked and served with love and offered to guests as genuine gifts. To complete the full circle of giving and sustaining this experiment, guests make contributions in the spirit of paying it forward to those who will come after them. By keeping this chain going, the generosity of both guests and volunteers helps to create a future that moves from transaction to trust, from self-oriented isolation to shared commitment, and from fear of scarcity to the celebration of abundance.” Karma Kitchen's model is a powerful example of servant and compassionate leadership. By emphasizing selfless service, generosity, empathy, and the creation of a culture of contribution, it shows how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on organizational dynamics. This integration of ideas and practical implementation weaves a narrative of compassionate leadership, transforming theoretical concepts into everyday actions and interactions. To learn more visit: KarmaKitchen.org Dr. Leila Naderi has over 15 years of diverse leadership experience specializing in leadership development, strategic partnerships, international education, and leveraging business for social impact. Currently leading the Employer Relations team at the University of San Diego's Career Development Center, she is also the found of yoga for Leadership and co-author of "The Yogi Leader: Discovering the seven Elements of Leading with Mind, Body, & Heart". She serves on the International Affairs Board of the City of Sand Diego, dedicated to fostering global collaboration and promoting peace. She is an advanced yoga instructor and holds a PhD in Leadership, an MBA, and a Bachelor's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. |
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"I bless this day in the infinite opportunities it gives me to love: to love and bless every human I meet, every beast or bird I pass by, every plant I behold, for all are but the manifold expressions of the infinite Life that undergirds all" - Pierre Pradervand. Pierre Pradervand's love for human beings shined brightly throughout his life and work, which took him to 40 countries around the world. He devoted his life to social justice efforts visiting people in prison, providing personal and spiritual development coaching, and authoring 23 books to support the advancement of people's spiritual paths. As an independent celebrant, he also officiated ceremonies for weddings, births, funerals, and other significant events. He also shared a message for the world that, "Love can heal absolutely everything". Pierre joined us for an Awakin Call a few years ago. View the recording here.
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Ahmedabad: Me-To-We Retreat A glorious in-person Me-To-We retreat in Ahmedabad recently came to a close. Many participants shared that in the 2.5 days they teared up as they might not have over several years in their life. And the volunteers, after working so hard for several days to several weeks, also left in tears feeling deeply grateful for the deep vibration of love that was co-created. As one participant shared "The service offered by the volunteers was very touching and inspiring and to realise that one can do so much for a stranger just to make him/her enjoy and allow them to make the most of their time in a retreat .... This retreat impacted everyone positively and inspired me to do whatever little i can to bring some happiness in others".
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Thousands of young adult meditators call Harshida and Dinesh Mehta – ServiceSpace Mama and Papa. Many more people from around the world call their home in Santa Clara California, the Kindness Temple. 
