May 10, 2024

We Need To Rewild The Internet

In a recent essay, technologists Maria Farrell and Robin Berjon describe the “extractive and fragile monoculture” of the modern-day internet. Drawing a line from 18^th century forestry practices to equivalencies in technology today, the authors noted, "When we simplify complex systems, we destroy them, and the devastating consequences sometimes aren’t obvious until it’s too late”.

Like ecologists, they suggest taking a whole-systems approach – one that incorporates intellect and emotion; checks and balances; competition and diversity.

"Ecologists also know how to keep going when others first ignore you and then say it’s too late, how to mobilize and work collectively, and how to build pockets of diversity and resilience that will outlast them, creating possibilities for an abundant future they can imagine but never control. We don’t need to repair the internet’s infrastructure. We need to rewild it."

Read the full article here.

May 9, 2024

With French Under Fire, Mali Uses AI To Bring Local Language To Students

As tensions grow between Mali and its former colonial ruler, France, efforts to elevate native languages like Bambara, are growing. One start-up, RobotsMali, has used AI to create nearly 150 children's books in Bambara in the last year. Rather than simply translate existing books, the team takes care to ensure the books reflect the lives of Malians.

There is also the potential for a wider benefit through these tech advancements. Asmelash Teka Hadgu, co-founder of technology start-up Lesan, said, “If it is done right, the potential in terms of democratizing access to education is enormous”.

Read the full story here.

May 6, 2024

Karma Kitchen Madrid Debuts

Karma Kitchen, a global volunteer-driven experiment in generosity, recently made its debut in Madrid and featured a multicultural feast of flavors from Equatorial Guinea, the Middle East, Colombia, Spain, India, Chile and Morocco. The generosity of heart-centered volunteers and diners alike created feelings of happiness and gratitude.

Read the full article here.

May 3, 2024

Insights from YodaBot

On a recent call exploring the latest experiments in ServiceSpace AI, Reverend Bonnie Rose shared her insights using YodaBot to engage more deeply in the proces of crafting her interfaith sermons. Rev. Bonnie asked, "Is it cheating to ask my Bot to write a sermon?"

Listen to her full reflection in the video clip here.

May 2, 2024

From Me To We: True Love Is A Process Of Humility by Thich Nhat Hanh

A community of people walking together on a spiritual path has a great deal of strength; its members are able to protect each other, to help each other in every aspect of the practice, and to build the strength of the community.  There are many things that are very difficult for us to do on our own, but when we live together as community, they become easy and natural. We do them without growing tired or making a strenuous effort. The community has a collective energy. Without this energy, the practice of individual transformation is not easy. When we live together in community it becomes a body, and each one of us is a cell in that body. If we are not part of the community body, we will be isolated, hungry, and needy, and we will not have a suitable environment for practice. We can visualize the community body as ... [Read more]

Seed questions for reflection: How do you relate to the notion that community building is the most precious work a monk, nun or layperson can do? Can you share a personal story of a time you were able to appreciate the insight and vision of the collective body of the community? What helps you build awareness that you are a cell in the community body?

Apr 29, 2024

Dancing with the Enemy

"I wonder if you all will find the courage to step out onto the dance floor and to dance with those who are our enemies," says Rev. Chaz Howard, as he invites us to look beyond our differences and tap into a space of being human. A soulful presence, the youngest ever chaplain of an Ivy League university narrates the heart-warming experience of his students from different religious settings coming together in service, and how, 20 years later, one of them is still willing to give that magic of dancing a try in today's times. [Read more ...]

Apr 27, 2024

A Celebration + Smile Cards

A couple friends of ServiceSpace recently shared news of their joyful wedding celebration. During the reception, the service-hearted couple offered their loved ones Smile Cards with the inspiring intention to "spread the gift that keeps on giving".

Apr 26, 2024

Luminous Darkness: A Journey Through Suffering

Mystic-poet Lucy Grace shares her profound insights around human suffering and its transformative potential. Recalling a pivotal insight at school, the day after a frightening encounter with a gang at the age of eight, she describes, "I looked at my thumb and I said to myself, 'Lucy, don't worry, it's really hard now, but this thumb is part of your future. This thumb exists on the adult that you are gonna be when you make your life better for yourself.' And so I held that thumb and I felt like, here's a piece of my life when it's good. It's not good now, but it will be. I used to hold my thumb often." From that childhood insight, she delivers a strong, broad message: suffering is a part of our existence that has the power to 'break us open', revealing the 'light of existence'. This isn't something we own, but something we channel while grappling with our own sorrows. Discomfort, it turns out, can be a catalyst for a deeper opening of our hearts. [Read more ...]

RSVP here for the Awakin Call with Lucy on April 27.

Apr 23, 2024

Wilder Humber: Restoring Coastal Ecosystems

Pollution and human influences have caused significant coastal degradation along the Humber, a tidal estuary in northeastern England. "Without experiencing it, it means nothing. If you have experienced it, you'll understand - why it needs saving and protecting", said Caroline Carr, a local.

Watch this touching video, which illustrates the biodiversity at the Humber Estuary - and shares how wild seagrass is "the unsung hero" of ecosystem restoration efforts. 

Apr 20, 2024

How to Avoid Reaching a Boiling Point

Robert Glazer describes a failure to communicate clear and precise ground rules and boundaries up front around a shared backyard. Fear of confrontation as time went on prevented him from seizing opportunities to clarify intentions and social norms. Consequently, a seemingly simple situation turned into an awkward eruption and ended the possibility of friendship. He cautions that “addressing problems promptly and with candor not only can prevent a boiling point moment, but it also strengthens our relationships and builds trust.” [Read more ...]