[KJW #105] ... and the WEL Better Ways Award of 2008 goes to

Vermont, USA: Garry Davis, 87, an activist elder and first world citizen, receives the WEL Better Ways Award of 2008 from
Kathy Ward, president of WEL, World Elder Land.



The Law of Love

WEL has chosen to honor the work and meaningful life of our Garry Davis because of his vision of a world without borders where all members of the human family can live together as citizens of planet Earth, serving and loving each other, in peace. National citizenship is exclusive. World citizenship is inclusive. In 1948 Garry renounced his U. S. citizenship and declared himself a world citizen and began a movement that now includes over 950.000 registered world citizens.

Also, because of the creation of a the World Passport, the World Identity Card, the World Birth Certificate, the World Marriage Certificate and the World Political Asylum Card.

Garry Davis is an inspiration to all of us. Garry has chosen a path of human service, peace and love for everyone. Garry, with an open mind and heart, has invested his life in the betterment of the life of others. On receiving the WEL Better Ways Award, Garry said he was amazed. "I never thought of myself as an elder. But the more I thought about it, I see the correlations between elders and the young. Elders are not just to be doted on and taken care of. It is our responsibility to protect our young people. We should be respected not only because we are old, but because we earn it with our contributions and life."


Our elders attending the program and with Garry Davis and Robin Lloyd. Special thanks to Robin Loyd, peace activist and Coordinator of the World Women's Commission, for her support facilitating the organization of this meaningful event in Vermont.


About the WEL Better Ways Award; it was created in 2005 to:

1. Acknowledge global meaningful, creative, and wholistic healing ways to facilitate a better quality of life for our elders and their care-givers.

2. Given to joyful elders that are an inspiration for other elders, their caregivers and their communities. An inspiration because they are an example of better and meaningful longevity.

3. Given also to people or institutions all over the world, that have made a difference facilitating healing, meaningful social support networks, community integration, care and all dimensions of wholistic health (whole-person-centered wellness for our elders and their caregivers)

4. Giving to elders or care-givers that foster and honor the rights of our elders. For truly listening and empowering our elders to be actively integrated in their process of betterment.

Previous recipients of the WEL Better Ways Award:

- Pastor and Musician, Dale Jarrett, Maryland, 2005
- Lawyer, 97, Irene Slattery, Texas, 2006
- Former Assistant Secretary General, United Nations,
Dr. Robert Muller, 86, Costa Rica, 2006
- Social Worker, 78, Aura Aguiar, Venezuela, 2007
- Ambassador and Singer Harry Belafonte, Jamaica, 2007
- Journalist, 88, Helen Thomas, Maryland, USA 2007

Chicago, USA: "Human Evolving vs. Aging" workshop presented by KJW at the 2008 International Convention of Women Educators.



Comments from the participants:

- I have learned in this workshop with Kathy that I can influence the quality of my life. I now know more about the power within to co-create wellness. I know I can design my life.

- Health is not outside of me. My mind and soul are instrumental to better my health.

- I love the concept of spiritual breakfast (gratitude and attitude to begin a day) and graduation day vs. death.

- The workshop has giving me the tools to improve areas of my life that have been neglected.

- What I liked the most of the program is the respect and affection that Kathy shows for elders. Also, not to waste time with negative people and negative situations.

- I have learned various things that I can do right away and others that I will do when I get home to start my own betterment. I like it because I feel empowered by learning how to start my own wellness plan.

- Kathy's teaching style is very humorous and yet delivery was in progression. She asked lots of questions to get thinking going.

- I love the way that Kathy explains how to activate the brain to form new neurons.

- When Kathy said, "Life mirrors the feelings within." , a lot of things started to make sense. I am using more healing words in my conversations.

- I never considered that the environment influences aging. Also my interaction with others and myself influences my aging. Excellent presentation!!!

- I can listen to you for six hours if I need to. Thank you for pulling it all together. How can I get copies of your books and CDs?

TO OBTAIN COPIES OF MY BOOKS PLEASE VISIT THE WEL STORE BY CLICKING HERE. YOU CAN PURCHASE THEM BY CREDIT CARD OR YOU CAN SEND AN E-MAIL TO connection@kathyjward.com

Article: Inspiring Global Service Organizations To Become Co-Creators of A Better World.

Connecting The Brain To The Heart...A First-Timer's Viewpoint
By Kathy J. Ward

My first time attending the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Convention has been an unforgettable experience, both professionally and personally. But above all, it has been a meaningful experience from heart-to-heart. Yes, the brain produces excuses, but the heart sees beyond this and eliminates them.

At the the opening ceremony on Tuesday night, my brain acknowledged that the flags on stage were celebrating and representing the diversity and differences of the members of Delta Kappa Gamma in the world. However, over the span of four days, my heart did not stop listening and communicating because of the universal language of love within the hearts of all the delegates, speakers, musicians singers, volunteers and even the children's strolling string ensemble who performed for us at the closing ceremony. Our hearts and brains across generations and cultures were connected.

Everyone's kindness, feeling of friendship, understanding, cooperation, wisdom and passion helped me realize that we have already achieved world union. The human family has so much in common, so much to be grateful for, so much to share and to learn from each other.

The community of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a multicolored fabric of women educators with happy hearts, is co-creating a better world for everyone--people, animals and nature.

Let's continue leading now--because NOW will not happen again.

WEL Global Networks and E-Mails Now Available (below). WEL Continues Facilitating Meaningful Social Support Networks For Elders and Care-Givers.

Please send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com


Peace be with you!

Kathy J. Ward,
Universal Peace Ambassador,
Cercle Universel des Ambassadeurs de la Paix - Geneva Switzerland
President of WEL, World Elder Land
Holistic Health Practitioner and Consultant
Member NGO Committee on Aging, UN
President of ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Author
Love Ambassador - Florida, USA
Member of the World Poet Society - Greece
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders - Connecticut, USA
E-mail:    connection@KathyJWard.com

                  

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[KJW #104] The Power Of The Human Heart To Co-Create Love For Our Elders... everyone is invited!!!

I. Our Human Family Speaks Out Supporting the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights.

II. Universal Declaration of Elder Rights in French
La Déclaration Universelle Des Droits de L'Aîné
(pdf click here)

III. Universal Declaration of Elder Rights in Spanish
La Declaración Universal De Los Derechos De Los Ancianos
(pdf copia aquí)

NOTE: Click here to view a pdf of the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights in English. Also visit the blog announcement
#KJW 103

(Translation by our colleagues and friends at the Universal Peace Circle of Ambassadors For Peace, Orange, France.)


Chaque aîné a le droit d'être traité avec le respect et la dignité indépendamment de leur santé ou statut mental, sexe, couleur de la peau, langue, nationalité, religion ou croyance culturelle.

Chaque aîné a le droit de vivre dans la liberté et la sûreté comme n'importe quelle autre catégorie d'âge de notre famille humaine, partout dans le monde.

Personne n'a le droit de maltraiter ou de torturer nos aînés verbalement, physiquement, avec émotion ou psychologiquement ou d'aucune autre manière.

Chaque aîné a le droit à la protection légale de la même manière que n'importe quelle autre catégorie d'âge de notre famille humaine partout dans le monde.

Chaque aîné a le droit à un jour juste et égal de travail et compensation pour leur travail, à la pension sociale et ou à un salaire qui permet leur indépendance financière.

Chaque aîné a le droit à la stimulation et au développement de leurs capacités de talents, intellectuelles et physiques à leur pleine capacité.

Chaque aîné a le droit à l'intégration totale et à la participation signicative dans nos affaires humaines et sociales d'évolution et de communauté.

Chaque aîné a le droit à la nutrition appropriée et à la plus-value de leur santé et les marqueurs biologiques du vieillissement, selon leurs choix basés sur les leurs besoins, croyance, cultures et valeurs.

Chaque aîné a le droit d'être écouté. Chaque aîné a le droit de savoir, d' être instruit et de choisir librement leur plan entier-personne-centré aux services de soins de santé et un meilleur choix de style de vie.

Chaque aîné a le droit de maintenir et consolider leur indépendance phycho-sociale, émotive et professionnelle.

Chaque aîné a le droit de travailler pour la PAIX et vivre dans la PAIX à côté de la PAIX en déclenchant dans leurs actions, mots, communications, pensées, écritures, arts expressifs, sentiments, travail et énergie émouvante.

Chaque aîné a le droit de vivre dans le BONHEUR, d'enseigner et de modeler le BONHEUR.

Chaque aîné a le droit à la formation permanente, de participer aux affaires politiques du monde, pour Co-créer et appartenir à signicatif social-soutenez les réseaux, ledroit de voter et de communiquer leurs propres idées.

Chaque aîné a le droit d'être honoré, reconnu et encouragé pour leurs contributions, accomplissements signicatifs de la vie.

Chaque aîné a le droit d'être prisé comme micro-cellule de notre famille humaine en évolution… avec leurs enfants ; la vie d'idées, de travail, de peintures, de poésies, de story-telling, d'accomplissements, de famille et de communauté.

Chaque aîné a le droit de mettre des ailes à leurs rêves, soit créateur, participe aux arts expressifs, à l'intégration de la communauté et à la Co-création d'un meilleur monde pour tous les êtres vivants ; les gens, les animaux et la nature.

Chaque aîné a le droit d'émigrer librement à n'importe quelle autre partie de la notre terre et univers de planète.

Chaque aîné a le droit de vivre joyeux parmi la famille humaine jusqu'au jour et au moment ils disent" parce que nous devenons ce que nous aimons.

Chaque membre de la Communauté est invité à Co- créer et faciliter la structure, les ressources et le civique-enclenchement nécessaire pour la planification et l'exécution d'une meilleure qualité de vie pour nos chers aînés.


Click here to obtain a printable pdf copy of the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights in FRENCH.

(Traducido al Castellano por Kathy J. Ward, Madrid, España)

PREÁMBULO

No existe un tratado universal or internacional que promulgue los derechos de nuestros ancianos. Sin embargo, el universo, como parte de su evolución, esta plenamente integrado en un proceso por alcanzar su realización. Todos debemos contribuir facilitando y promocionando los derechos de nuestros ancianos, así ellos podrán disfrutar de su libertad, felicidad, y una mejor calidad de vida.

Nuestra familia humana necesitaba de su fuerza sanguínea, de un cerebro, de un corazón y de un alma. Es por ello que se crearon a nuestros ancianos con ese propósito. Nuestros verdaderos tesoros, nuestros ancianos, son los pilares de nuestras comunidades y familias.

En WEL, World Elder Land estamos totalmente dedicados a continuar promoviendo, diseñando, implementando y co-creando lazos significativos que nutran una cultura y forma de pensar en base a un proceso de mejoramiento y felicidad. Creemos firmemente en la inclusión y paricipación de nuestros ancianos en su proceso de mejoramiento. Creemos en la importancia de mejorar la calidad de vida de nuestros ancianos y de las personas que proveen cuidados a ellos en todas partes del mundo.

La historia nos ha enseñado que los sueños no se alcanzan con el esfuerzo de una sola persona. Todos están invitados a ponerle alas a el mensaje de este documento de amor y respeto para nuestros ancianos.

Declaración Universal De Los Derechos De Los Ancianos
por Kathy J. Ward
Embajadora Universal De La Paz
Presidente de WEL, World Elder Land

Artículo 1
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a ser tratado con respecto y dignidad sin importar su salud o estado mental, sexo, color de piel, idioma, nacionalidad, religión o creencia cultural.

Artículo 2
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a vivir en libertad y seguridad, como cualquier otro grupo de nuestra familia humana en nuestro planeta La Tierra. Nadie tiene el derecho de abusar o de torturar a nuestros ancianos verbalmente, físicamente, emocionalmente, psicologicamente ó de cualquier otra manera.

Artículo 3
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a ser protegido legalmente de la misma forma que se protege a otros grupos de diferentes edades de nuestra familia humana.

Artículo 4
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a una jornada de trabajo y remuneración justa por su trabajo, a la pensión social y ó a un sueldo que le permita su independencia económica.

Artículo 5
Cada anciano tiene derecho al estímulo y al desarrollo máximo de sus capacidades, talentos, facultades intelectuales y físicas.

Artículo 6
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a la integración total y participación significativa en el proceso de evolución de la raza humana, asuntos sociales y al mejoramiento de nuestras comunidades y familias.

Artículo 7
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a una nutrición apropiada y al mejoramiento de su salud, marcadores biológicos y psicológicos de su envejecimiento, según sus decisiones y basadas en sus necesidades, creencia, culturas y valores.

Artículo 8
Cada anciano tiene el derecho de ser escuchado.

Artículo 9
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a expresarse libremente.

Artículo 10
Cada anciano tiene el derecho ha conocer, ser educado y poder elegir libremente su plan de salud enfocado en su persona y vivir holísticamente, saber sobre sus medicamentos, servicios de cuidado médico y mejores opciones de forma de vida y reabilitación.

Artículo 11
Cada anciano tiene el derecho de mantener y de consolidar su independencia social, intelectual, emocional y vocacional.

Artículo 12
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a trabajar por la PAZ y a vivir en PAZ activando la PAZ en sus acciones, palabras, comunicaciones, pensamientos, escrituras, artes expresivas, emociones, trabajos y comunicando energía positiva y alentadora.

Artículo 13
Cada anciano tiene el derecho de vivir en completa FELICIDAD enseñando, co-creando, sembrando y practicando FELICIDAD.

Artículo 14
Cada anciano tiene el derecho a continuar su educación, a participar en asuntos políticos locales y del mundo, a co-crear sociedades pluralistas y participativas, derecho a votar y a comunicar sus propias ideas.

Artículo 15
Cada anciano tiene derecho a ser honrado, reconocido y agradecido por sus contribuciones, trabajos, logros significativos personales y comunitarios.

Artículo 16
Cada anciano tiene el derecho de ser atesorado como una micro-célula evolutiva de nuestra familia humana… con su historia, vida, ideas, sueños cumplidos y por cumplirse.


Artículo 17

Cada anciano tiene el derecho a ponerle alas a sus sueños, a ser creativo, integrarse a la comunidad y a la co-creación de un mejor mundo para todos los seres vivos; personas, animales y naturaleza.

Artículo 18
Cada anciano tiene el derecho de emigrar libremente a cualquier otra parte de nuestro hogar La Tierra y del universo.

Artículo 19
Cada anciano tiene el derecho de vivir alegremente entre la familia humana hasta "el día de su graduación¨, el último día de su vida entre nosotros...

Artículo 20
Se invita a cada anciano y demás miembros de la familia humana a co-crear y facilitar la estructura, los recursos y la participación cívica necesaria para el planeamiento y la puesta en práctica de una mejor calidad de vida para nuestros queridos ancianos.

Yo, Kathy J. Ward, Embajadora Universal De La Paz y Presidente de WEL, World Elder Land resuelvo y propongo que La Declaración Universal De Los Derechos De Los Ancianos sea distribuída, exhibida en carteleras, impresa en medios masivos de comunicación y adoptada como un documento de AMOR por nuestros ancianos.

WEL, World Elder Land le hace un llamado a todos los ancianos del mundo entero a que se unan a los esfuerzos universales por la transformación y mejoramiento de un mundo mejor, un mundo donde predomine la PAZ entre todos los seres vivientes; personas, animales y la naturaleza.

Siempre juntos...

Firmado el 4 de Enero del 2008 por su autor,

Kathy J. Ward
Embajadora Universal De La Paz
Presidente de WEL, World Elder Land

Que la PAZ este entre todos siempre!

WEL congratulates and acknowledges the goodwill efforts of so many individuals and organizations, including the
United Nations, for their contributions, initiatives and hard work for the betterment of the quality of life of our dear elders.

Thank you for sharing our vision and joy!

Todas aquellas personas que deseen endorsar la Declaración Universal De Los Derechos De Los Ancianos pueden enviarnos sus comentarios y photo por correo electrónico a wel@worldelderland.com Todos estan invitados!

Pulse aquí para obtener una copia del documento que puede imprimir con La Declaración Universal De Los Derechos De Los Ancianos en CASTELLANO.

If you wish to volunteer your time and skills to translate the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights in other languages like; Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, Hebrew, Russian, etc... please send us an e-mail to wel@worldelderland.com

Dearest source of love, help us become instruments of PEACE!


Please send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com



Peace be with you!
Kathy J. Ward
Universal Peace Ambassador

[KJW #103] WEL, World Elder Land and Kathy J. Ward call on the human family to sign up and uphold the WEL

Universal Declaration of Elder Rights
(document after the photos)

Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, Barbara Muller and KJW	Dear Kathy, This is the most incredible document... Congratualtions and we endorse it 100%. Love Barbara Muller and Robert Muller www.goodmorningworld.org/blog
Martina Navratilova and KJW	The WEL Universal Declaration of Elder Rights was also shared with Martina Navratilova, AARP Health and Fitness Ambassador.
Robert Butler and KJW	With so much joy we shared our WEL "Universal Declaration Of Elder Rights" with Robert Butler, MD, President of ILC International Longevity Center. He is a founding Fellow of the American Geriatrics Society and has served on the National Advisory Committees of the Physicians for Human Rights. KJW congratulated Dr. Butler for their meaningful work. We need more elders fully awake and integrated with their process of betterment.

"Universal Declaration of Elder Rights."

PREAMBLE

There is no specific international or universal covenant which promulgates the rights of older persons. However, the universe is engaged in one gigantic effort to find its fulfillment. We must each contribute by facilitating and fostering this for every elder of our human family, so they can enjoy the right to liberty, happiness, and a better quality of life.

Our human family needs a bloodstream, a brain, a heart and a soul. It developed our elders for that purpose. Our elders, our real treasures, are the pillars of our communities and families.

WEL, World Elder Land is committed to continue promoting, designing, implementing and co-creating meaningful partnerships for a culture of process-improvement and happiness with the full participation of our elders, and for the betterment of the quality of life of our dear elders and their care-givers all over the world.

Everyone is invited...

"The Universal Declaration Of Elder Rights."

Author: Kathy J. Ward
Universal Peace Ambassador

Every elder has the right to be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their health or mental status, sex, skin color, language, nationality, religion or cultural beliefs.

Every elder has the right to live in freedom and safety like any other age group of our human family, all over the world.

Nobody has the right to abuse or torture our elders verbally, physically, emotionally or psychologically or in any other ways.

Every elder has the right to legal protection in the same way any other age group of our human family has, all over the world.

Every elder has the right to a fair and equal work day and compensation for their work, to social pension and or a salary that allows their financial independence.

Every elder has the right to the stimulation and development of their talents, intellectual and physical abilities to their fullest potential;

Every elder has the right to full integration and meaningful participation in our human and social evolving and community affairs;

Every elder has the right to proper nutrition and the betterment of their health and biological markers of aging, according to their choices based on their needs, beliefs, cultures and values.

Every elder has the right to be listened to.

Every elder has the right to know, be educated and choose freely their whole-person-centered wellness plan of care, wholistic betterment, medications, health care services and better life-style choices.

Every elder has the right to maintain and nurture their phycho-social, emotional and vocational independence.

Every elder has the right to work for PEACE and live in PEACE by activating PEACE in their actions, words, communications, thoughts, writings, expressive arts, feelings, work and soulful energy.

Every elder has the right to live in HAPPINESS by teaching and modeling HAPPINESS.

Every elder has the right to continuing education, to take part in the world’s political affairs, to co-create and belong to meaningful social-support networks, the right to vote and communicate their own ideas.

Every elder has the right to be honored, acknowledged and encouraged for their meaningful contributions and life-long achievements.

Every elder has the right to be treasured as a micro-cell of our evolving human family... with their children; ideas, work, paintings, poems, story-telling, accomplishments, family and community life.

Every elder has the right to put wings to their dreams, be creative, participate in expressive arts, community integration and the co-creation of a better world for all living beings; people, animals and nature.

Every elder has the right to migrate freely to any other part of our planet Earth and Universe.

Every elder has the right to live joyfully among the human family until "graduation day, the day and moment they die", for we become what we love.

Every community member is invited to co-create and facilitate the structure, resources and necessary civic-engagement for the planning and implementation of a better quality of life for our dear elders.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Kathy J. Ward, Universal Peace Ambassador and President of WEL, World Elder Land, propose that the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights be distributed, posted and adopted as a universal document of LOVE for our elders.

WEL, World Elder Land calls upon our dear elders of the world to join our universal efforts of transforming and evolving a better world, a more peaceful world for all living beings; people, animals and nature.

Signed on January 4, 2008, by its author,

Kathy J. Ward,
Universal Peace Ambassador
President of WEL, World Elder Land

WEL congratulates and acknowledges the goodwill efforts of so many individuals and organizations, including the
United Nations, for their contributions, initiatives and hard work for the betterment of the quality of life of our dear elders.
Thank you for sharing our vision and joy!

Elena Rios and KJW Latino elders, representing 14 different nationalities and KJW	With Elena Rios, MD, MSPH, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association. Copies of the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights were distributed at the 2008 NHMA Conference. Latino elders gathered in Washington D. C. with KJW to obtain copies, endorsed and discussed the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights...
	Our colleague, the Honorable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Canada's first Minister of State for Public Health and KJW.

To our elders, care-givers, intitutions, NGOs, goverment offices and everyone who wish to sign-up and uphold the WEL Universal Declaration of Elder Rights, send us an e-mail to wel@worldelderland.com. Your name will be added to more than 180 individuals and institutions, all over the world, who have already endorsed the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights. Everyone is invited!

Click here to obtain a printable pdf copy of the Universal Declaration of Elder Rights in English.


Soon! this document will be available in Spanish.

Dearest source of love, help us become instruments of PEACE!

Please send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com



Peace be with you!
Kathy J. Ward
Universal Peace Ambassador

[KJW #102] The Leonardo Da Vinci Of Our Own Lives...
Co-Creating Better Opportunities With and For Our Elders.

1. Your letters to Kathy J. Ward

Hello Kathy: I so appreciate what you have done for me and my betterment of life. It is a slow process and one I give much thought to. I journal my thoughts and feelings, not every day but most of them. The last year tells of the journey I have taken and the progress I have made. Coming from a 40 year abusive marriage, I have learned to face my fears and invite them in (as you suggest) and find they were not worthy of fearing in the first place.... an amazing discovery. I practice meditation, your CD is wonderful, and I am also taking Yoga lessons now. I have plans to get more into meditation and good energy. I am much more at peace with myself, grateful for small things as well as meaningful things. Sometimes, when I am down, I have those "dark feelings" that you mentioned in the class. I recognize them, acknowledge that they are there but do not allow them to have life (as you suggest). I invite a stillness to give me calm. I am on a journey of discovering who I am; something I did not know and it is a tragic situation at age 67. Just 2 years ago, I wanted to die as I felt so unworthy of life. Oh my, now I want to live and love and give and do all I can do to make this world a better place. Thank you for touching my life. * * * * * Response: My dear elder and student, I am glad you have decided not to let anyone take your happiness away from you. One of the most difficult things in life is to INSPIRE others to actually co-create their own betterment investing the many gifts within. Thank you for sharing your progress! We can transform and evolve into more peaceful, harmonious and healthier spiritual human beings. Continue learning with all your heart and soul from the treasures of your own experiences. Listen to your mind, which is not the brain... We are the masters of our own life, not its slaves. It takes a second and a YES to become a better person, to better your emotions, your health, your thoughts, your relationships, to love yourself. Invest the good energy in you into what the universe and you are seeking to co-create... something spectacular, another miracle. Avoid using negative words to describe yourself or your behaviors and remember that words are energy. To achieve alignment with our source of love we first need to "disarm our minds." Fear is not an obstacle, is a distraction. Keep going, stay in focus... Peace be with you! KJW * * * * * Dear Kathy, I am so grateful for your help with my mother while she was at a nursing home in Hospice. You helped my mother so patiently find creative ways to write her thoughts. I found her poems relate to her relationship with me and her purpose in life. The message says so much about her inner pain and how she finally found a way of healing. My mother has never been able to make combinations of words or ideas like the poems she wrote with you in her last two weeks. I need to tell you that Hospice was a positive experience for me because of your vision, "HOSPICE IS NOT ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE TO DIE. IT IS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE LIFE BEFORE GRADUATION DAY." Before my mother took her last breath she asked me not to ask for a "death certificate"... because she will always live in every person who reads her poems. In loving memory of Doris, 91. * * * * * From J. Willard Marriott, Jr. (Chairman & CEO Marriott International) Dear Kathy, Feb 2008 I am honored and flattered that your Marriott HC experience has made a difference in your career. Congratulations on your good work with the elderly and as Peace Ambassador. With warm regards, Bill. HAPPINESS IS HEALTH !

2. KJW, Universal Peace Ambassador and a strong advocate for the rights of our elders all over the world, was invited to attend this meaningful Cartooning For Peace Exhibit at the United Nations.

The illustrations by 17 artists from Algeria, Belgium, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, France, Iran, Israel, Japan, Palestine, Russia and the United States were exhibited in Rome on 10 December 2007. Brussels led this Human Rights Day special edition and spin-off of the Cartooning for Peace Project.







A simple meditation... a connection with your-self.

• Find a place where you will not be disturbed, i.e. a room where no one will come in, where the phone does not ring, where little or no noise can get in, etc. Or find a place near nature.
• It is very important that you are physically comfortable when practicing meditation.
• Turn your attention inward, away from the outside world. Close your eyes and mouth, breathing deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
• Release to relax!
• Keep your attention on your breathing. Feel the inhale and exhale. Withdraw your attention from thoughts about the past or thoughts about the future. Using your Will, hold your attention and just be with your breath.
• Focus and visualize healthy and peaceful thoughts and emotions. Enjoy the minutes of this beautiful connection with your self and with love. Listen to "the silence of your mind and around you."
• Don't worry if you find yourself thinking a lot. This is normal. Over time, you will gain the ability to quiet yourself more and more. Like anything else, it just takes practice.

Practice gratefulness.
Practice love. Activate peace.


Reference:

Early scientific studies on the neurophysiology of meditation focused on changes in brain wave (EEG) patterns, and differences in brain wave patterns between meditators and non-meditators. In summary, mediation was shown to

• increase Alpha (8-13 Hz or cycles per second) production
• increase Theta (4-7 Hz) production
• increase high Beta (20-40 Hz) activity (with experienced meditators)

The figure was obtained during an ongoing study of the neurophysiological correlates of meditation. Briefly, we have been studying highly experienced Tibetan Buddhist meditators using a brain imaging technology called single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). SPECT imaging allows us to image the brain and determine which areas are active by measuring blood flow. The more blood flow an area has, the more active it is. The image below shows the results from a baseline scan on the left (i.e. at rest) and during a "peak" of meditation shown on the right. (work by Andrew Newberg, MD)

Neurochemical Effects Of Meditation


Some benefits of meditation:

• Decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate, and reduced work load of the heart.
• Better concentration.
  
• Reduction of free radicals - unstable oxygen molecules that can cause tissue damage.
  
• Drop in cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease.
• Better digestion.
• Better sleep patterns.
• Improve flow of air to the lungs.

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