The Power of One

by Karrin

I may not make all of the decisions in this world, but the decisions I do make matter.  I influence people and transform the world in my own way.  I love who I am and the ways in which I express myself.  I have a great personality.  I appreciate my family, friends and the people of the world.  I seek to understand others and hold back on judging them before I see the world through their eyes.

In every moment, I matter.  I know I am worth it, so I practice and do the things I love.  I communicate as best as I can and learn as I go.  I love my life and others feel it.  I express my gratitude often, because I feel grateful for so many things.  I work on meaningful projects.  I make plans and do interesting activities.  I know how to inspire myself and others, and I do.

I know when to ask for help when I need it, and who to turn to.  I willingly do my part in bringing order to the chaos in my life.  I learn and grow.  I graduate from each experience and relationship when I love it as it is.  I tune into my higher self and catch a glimpse of the big picture.  I see the patterns in my habits and behavior.  I look to the future with bright eyes.  I think inspired thoughts and take inspired actions.  I am present.  I am poised.  I am whole and complete.  

I am the One who loves the many.  I am One who is loved by many.

Stress - Don't Fall for It

by Karrin 

Stress is inevitable - it can be motivating, urgent, and useful - as long as we are aware of its risks. When we recognize our struggles, face our temptations head on, and pay attention to our regressions, we can slow down before we crash.  When we fill ourselves up with proper nutrients and meaningful activity, we don’t have time to feel the feelings of separation that often lead to illness.

The six signs of stress that can lead to depression: how to recognize and respond to them in order to keep yourself feeling light and lively.

·           Struggle: Struggle is a sign of an imbalanced mind. When we struggle our emotions release chemicals that can actually make us sick. When struggling, stop exaggerating and figure out the best plan of action.  The story can be told, complaints can be made, but what’s next?  Stop the struggle by focusing on what’s next.  

·           Temptation:  There are two ways to deal with temptation.  One is to indulge with moderation and be present during the experience. Stop judging yourself and learn something. The second is to create a superior environment in which the temptation is no longer tempting.

·           Regression: When we regress, we show varied signs of immature or even infantile behavior. Regression is a sign of unresolved emotional issues.  When emotional issues are resolved, the desire for healthy movement, sleep, and nutrients becomes a priority. Learning to feel and process emotions is a necessity, not a luxury.

·           Emptiness: The feeling of being separate or alone is the biggest illusion there is.  When feeling alone, find ways to serve others in meaningful ways.  Feeling that life has no purpose or meaning is a sign of poor nutrition mixed with lack of movement.  When we move in purposeful ways, we crave the nutrients that put us in motion and give us the energy we need.  

·           Sorrow: When sorrow zaps energy it is a sign that we are trying to get pleasure in unnatural ways. Go back to nature and cleanse the body and environment.  New birth requires a new attitude.  When feeling sad, empower yourself with beautiful music, human touch and Mother Nature.  Your true nature is balanced, not overly sad or happy.

·           Sickness: If your dance with stress has resulted in sickness, pay attention.  Keep record of how you feel, what you eat, how you are relating to others, and the ways in which you move.  If you are sedentary, with no plans to grow, you will atrophy.  If your body is sick, care for it like you would a small child: be patient yet guide with wisdom.

Stress only gets worse when it’s ignored or overreacted to as though it is a monster that won’t go away.  Stress is not bad, it’s necessary.  How we respond to stress can make us depressed or more fit to survive.  The antidote for stress is a life of purposeful activity and natural desires. Recognizing the danger signs of stress and taking responsibility to turn it around, is empowering. 

Junk Food Disaster

by Karrin

Just because something looks like food, is sold as food, and people call it food doesn’t make it compatible or nutritious for the human body. The incredible human body is part of the earth. The way we care for our bodies reflects the way we care for this great big beautiful planet we call home.

When it comes to issues such as animal torture, toxic chemicals, corruption in any industry, or misleading advertising our only hope is to educate ourselves. Animals are tortured in factory farms and the rippling effects that range from disease to environmental issues are not worth the price of a cheap hamburger. It is not necessary to poison our food. It is common knowledge that many artificial additives in foods do permanent irreversible damage to people’s brains and bodies.

Advertisements for food could include warning labels and genetically engineered food labels. Warning labels on sugar products, white flour and high salt products could be valuable for many people who don’t understand the risk they take in regularly eating and feeding their children these food substitutes.
The health of future generations is in our hands.

If we want a world in which people feel well, it begins with eating well. When people don’t care about the quality of their food they soon lose interest in the quality of their body and its functions. This inevitably leads to weak children, poor quality relationships and lack of initiative in the workplace.

Food can either be our biggest downfall or our most inspired creation. Cultures that grow and thrive eat well, play for fun and sing out loud. People who eat well have more energy to be creative and productive. The more people make it a hobby to learn about food and nutrition the better chances we all have of making the little shifts in awareness that eventually shift our daily habits. Little daily habits can have a global impact when enough people participate. Making deliciously wise food choices is a way to show we love ourselves, others and the whole world.

Circular Mentorship

This is an older post I wrote in 2010 for another blog.  I still love mentorship and this circular, and often informal, concept of mentoring.  And, in many ways, it's exactly why I started Notes from the Ombligo, so I thought it was worth re-posting. Enjoy!


by Rosemari

I'm a huge fan of mentors. Find someone you want to be like, talk to them, study them, take the best parts and try to emulate their brilliance. Sometimes you even get a free lunch out of the deal.

I've done this for years and the jems of wisdom and humanity that my mentors have shown me has improved my professional life, and more importantly, they often changed the way I think about my work and about my world in a way that trainings and workshops just can't.

They've always been older, wiser, and way cooler than I am. I have been so lucky that they have humored me enough to spend their time with me.

But as I left San Diego a few weeks ago, I realized the neat hierarchy I have placed on my mentor-mentee roles was turned upside down. I found myself at farewell lunches looking across the table from people who were hip, young and extremely dedicated. People who a few years ago were students, interns, or trying to get jobs. And in the past few years I have seen them transform themselves and, in doing so, our field.

The people I used to prep for job interviews are now the people who are leading the way - and doing so in largely their own way.

So, who is mentoring who? Instead of a hierarchy, I've left San Diego with a more circular concept of mentorship. Intergenerational sharing is something that the U.S., and specifically professional Californians, are not exactly known for. But, I'm hoping that my experience may reflect a new beginning happening all over: a system where younger and seasoned people are able to come to the same table and share, learn, and apply.

Serving Clients With Love - Part Two: The Follow Up and Back to the Basics

The transaction has been made.  And afterwards, ideally, both you and your client walked away feeling inspired, valued, and maybe even empowered.


After the exchange, contact the clients to insure they feel grateful.  Thank them for their decision to invest in your product or service. When people are inspired ask them for referrals.  A sign that you are meeting the values of your customers is that they refer you to others.


Then, go back to the basics:

• Start with your purpose.
• Sell to others by helping them get what they want.
• First see others feeling the way THEY want to feel. 
• Second, see yourself getting the results YOU desire.
• Study the features of what you sell.
• See the value to others in investing in your products and services.

Write out your goals as if they have already happened.  Read and re-read your goals.  Know them as clearly as if they have already happened.  The more you KNOW what you are inspired to do the more you figure out how to do it.  Look at your goals.  Look at your behavior.  Find the inconsistencies and examine your behavior.

Whenever you discover yourself having done something that is in alignment with your purpose give yourself a few moments of silence to acknowledge the results.  Be inspired about what you do and others will thank you for your service of love.

Overcoming the Local Pothole Effect: How to Engage the Publics

by guest blogger, Maryna Taran

Photo source: grewlike

The more time I spend reading and writing about the field of international development and communication within that sphere, the more I understand that development, human rights and environmentalism are not the best dinner conversation topics. Even people who seem altruistic and empathetic get disengaged and quite frankly bored when they hear another horror story from a developing country.

During a recent presentation in my Health Communication class at American University in Washington, D.C., Ceci Connolly, a renowned journalist with a strong background in public health, summed-up my thoughts by saying something along the lines of: people are not likely to go home and talk about a crisis in Libya at dinner with their family, but highly likely to go home and talk about the health care reform, because it has a direct impact on them or because they may have had a neighbor who experienced first-hand some type of hospital malpractice. So, when it comes to communicating about global issues and/or advocating for causes that seem distant from people’s lives, it is difficult to establish a level of interest that will drive the public toward further actions or an attitude change.

A cute cat

Pictures of fly-ridden children or polar bears on melting icebergs typically don't entice people to protest in front of the White House, or "like" something on Facebook. So, why is it that local and personally-relevant issues are far more engaging (besides the obvious)?  Well, just like the Cute Cat Theory, which has people simply “stumbling upon” Internet advocacy issues while searching for pictures of cute cats and pornography, the Pothole Theory explains how people in general feel about international development issues.

The pothole theory boils down to one statement from Hersman – people care about themselves, their families, friends and people who are like them, so they want to engage in advocacy that relates to a “nasty pothole on [their] street that [they’ve] been scraping the undercarriage of [their] car against for a year.” 

Thus, to make disengaged advocacy “stick,” communication experts need to prime it in such a way that the information already has a “reference point” in the public’s mind. The information should already be readily accessible and somewhat relevant.

So, what does this mean? It means we should be using familiar imagery to frame the debate, as was done by Times magazine using a famous American historic photograph as a symbol for a fight against global warming. And there are ways similar to how large news channels make international news appealing – by making horrific personal stories seem to be happening to people just like their public, i.e. giving the character in the story a family, and an educational/employment background. The internet has many examples of websites that provide a collage of videos documenting people’s personal stories in advocating for specific causes, like ViewChange.org.

In the realm of online advocacy, individuals can also be engaged with a cause by having people use applications they know and love in a manner that exposes them to events that are in Steven Berlin Johnson’s words “just five blocks from your street [and which usually would be] the least interesting thing you could possibly imagine.”

Want to see the Pothole Effect in Action? Check out a viral video by the Enough Project that references to a familiar “I’m a Mac/ I’m a PC” concept in their message against the use of Congo’s natural resources in the production of electronics. Another example is a Filipino-produced Facebook game app, Alter Space, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions by setting game-play examples.

What's yours?

Need more information on the Pothole Effect? Check out a blog post Erik Hersman, one of Ushahidi's technological founders, where he further explains the theory and its differences by various experts, like Steven Berlin Johnson (co-founder of Outside.In, and his “Pothole Paradox”), John Mackie (his version of the Pothole Theory is called “self-referential altruism”), and even Adam Smith (Theory of Moral Sentiments).  

I'm Not a Feminist, But...

 by Alisha

I’m not a feminist, but… okay. That’s a lie. I’m a hardcore feminist. I often hear the saying “I’m not a feminist, but…” when someone agrees with the concepts of gender equality, or other feminist perspectives, but also believes the stigma that feminists are hairy, man-hating, bitches. Well, let me tell you something: we’re not all like that; in fact, most aren’t. Let’s clear some things up here: 

1. So what is this whole feminist thing…? According to Jessica Valenti, (awesome feminism author, blogger, and person, check out feministing, some of her other thoughts here) feminism is simply social, political and economic equality of sexes. If someone wants to argue with that, tell them to check the dictionary.
   
2. Feminism really is for everyone No matter your age, gender, race, sexuality, ability, favorite color, height, shoe size, or any other difference you find, I’m sure you can find something in feminism that you relate to. If you really need help, Ryan Gosling might be able to help you out. ;)
   
3. I am a feminist, but…Being a feminist doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy things that are stereotypically defined by gender roles, it simply means that you don’t have to. And if you do, it’s for you, not to please anyone else! I still love cooking, being crafty, wearing dresses, and putting on makeup. Ask my sisters: I’m really feminine, but I also love intellectual conversations, curse like a sailor, and enjoy doing construction projects here and there.
   
4. We don’t need feminism anymore, everyone’s equal! I hear this far too often, but patriarchal culture is engrained so deep into our brains, that we don’t even recognize it. Don’t believe me? Try naming 10 famous males who gained praise apart from the media (think politicians, scientists, authors, people of medicine, Nobel Prize winners, etc.). Now try naming 10 females. A lot harder, right?  (If you think they don’t exist, check out GeekFeminist.) What about everyday language? When addressing a group of people do you often say “Hey you guys”? The last time I checked, I’m not a guy. If you go up to that same group and say “Hey ladies!” you’ll get a very different response, and it probably won’t be a pleasant one. Check out these handy cards that a college class came up with to help make language gender neutral! 

So for those who say that feminism is out dated, or doesn't matter, you might be surprised. 

Ew: Madonna Makes M.I.A. Her Back Up Cheerleader

by Rosemari

Seeing M.I.A. (again) in 2010

I have been a long-standing M.I.A. fan and when I heard that she was going to sing on Madonna's new album, I was intrigued.  After all, Swagga Like Us with one of the best hip hop songs of the decade and and her performance at the Emmy's on her due date was one of the most kick-ass things I've ever seen a pregnant woman do (if you missed it, here's the best video I could find).


M.I.A. pushed the envelope.  She never apologized for her style, her unique (at least for the music industry) femininity that didn't try to hide that she was a woman of color or be a sex kitten for someone else, and speaking up about the things that were important to her (particularly issues regarding Sri Lanka).  Sure, I once got sprayed by a supersoaker filled with vodka at one of her concerts.  But she was a nonconformist, international, young female rock star and sexy in her own terms.  And I needed that. And so did hip hop (can video vixens get any more trite at this point?). 





So, today I watched the new Madonna's video, Give Me All Your Luvin. It features both Nicki Manaj and M.I.A. as backup dancers to Madonna and appear to be more of an afterthought than anything else.  If M.I.A. had been featured in such a supporting role by a male performer, shaking her pom-poms in the background without much of an opportunity to really show off her musical creativity, I would have been disappointed. But this? Really, it's just insulting.  


Everything I loved about M.I.A. was twisted around in this video. M.I.A.'s cheer-leading uniform, her blonde wig, the product placement.  And, worst of all, those ridiculous spiked heels.  

The Crazy Ones Lead the Way

by Karrin

I came across this YouTube video, posted by cherumaz and originally from Apple, and it got me to thinking about what it means to be different. We like to believe we are a curious species ready to learn and explore new territory.  The truth is, it’s not popular to question the current ways in which we live.  New ideas are not always welcome.  Those who go into unfamiliar territory are not always joined by others.  The unknown is dark and different; there is no way of knowing what will be there.  

If the few “crazy ones” go out on a limb, and either fall off or get some fruit, many others learn what’s possible.  Our human potential depends on those who are willing, to ask different questions, and go where the masses refuse to.  It is lonely to be one of the few, but the payoff in being “ahead of the times” is worth any feelings of isolation. To be ahead of the times is to be misunderstood by the many.  The many discharge emotions while the few make plans and execute them. 

The more people complain about new ideas the more it helps new ideas to spread.  In exploring new ways of doing things, experimentation is necessary.  The bold ones in this life are willing to experiment, mess up, and start over. They are willing to be laughed at and called Crazy for legitimate reasons.  The Crazy Ones teach the most.  They are the ones people are curious about, even if people don’t fully understand what they are up to. There isn’t much that can be said to the Crazy Ones that can stop them from pursuing what they know to be true.  Pay attention to the Crazy Ones; give it time, they may not be as crazy as you think they are.

Job Hunting Without Congress (and Other Appendages)

by Rosemari

In August, I graduated with my Masters from American University.  Like most of my fellow graduates, I hit the pavement, trying to find a paying position between pulling espresso shots and my dream job.  Along the way, I got bundles of advice from all kinds of great, helpful people.  Some of it I knew (networking is important; don’t have typos on your cover letter or resume).   Some of it was new (you will be judged based on your social media presence; your personal references can be held against you). And some of it was, for lil’ ol’ me, somewhat shocking to hear in 2011. Here are a few “gems:”

Photo source

1.     “Do you have any advice on people I might want to reach out to?” – me to a director of a large government agency in an informational interview

“If your parents know members of Congress, you should call them now.” – Director of aforementioned government agency

This advice exemplifies nepotism at its best.  When I walked into his office, I had already proved myself with two months of quality work.  But after this comment, I knew that no matter how hard I worked or how much I deserved a position, it wasn’t going to be enough to land me a full-time jig (at least not in his mind).  While it was an extremely condescending moment for me, I also knew it was, in part, the truth.

2.     “Should I apply to this department?”  – me  to a very helpful manager in a large government agency

“Yes, but you won’t get in. And if you do, they will never promote you or let you try anything new.  You are a woman and it’s still an old boys club.” – Very helpful manager in a large government agency

Old boys club? Huh? In 2011?

While I hate this advice, it came from one of my biggest cheerleaders, who tried every trick in the book to make sure I was gainfully employed.  I knew that it was well intentioned – the last thing she wanted was for me not to reach my potential because of a silly thing like gender.  It made me wonder how many of my applications were overlooked because of my gender.  And whether or not I wanted to spend my professional life breaking through glass ceilings.

3.     “This position about international family planning looks awesome.  What do you think of the organization?” – Me to an international family planning consultant

“[The organization] is only good if you have a penis.” – International family planning consultant

Errr... Well, I guess won’t waste my time spell checking that cover letter.  Once again, even if I landed a position in an organization like that, I knew it would be an uphill battle.  And I also knew that thanks to decades of work done before me, I was privileged to encounter this response a handful of times.  But, in my opinion, a handful is still too many.

Luckily, I am extremely fortunate to find gainful employment that I love, with a little help from Facebook, a former classmate, and a great organization willing to take a chance on me.  But I wonder how discrimination plays either for or against job hunters every day – and whether or not people are typically so forthcoming in saying it out loud.

You Are What You Tweet...? An Infographic Review of 2011

by Rosemari


Resolution for 2012: Less tiger blood and more integrity? Here's an infographic from Frugaldad. 



Source: http://frugaldad.com

Trim Down and Keep it Down in 2012

by Karrin

This year, if you are going to lose weight, and keep it off, it’s important to acquire awesome, new habits.  The only way to trim down, and keep it down, is to replace old habits with new ones that work better.  You will become exhausted trying to resist what you can’t have, so focus on what you can have, not on what you can’t.

The secret to losing weight is to come to grips with something called a “healing crisis.”  A healing crisis is a time where you feel worse before you feel better because your body is detoxing.  Losing weight is all about cleansing the body.  Eating junk food will wear out your immune system and make you feel fuzzy.  The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to indulge the body with nutrient rich foods.

If you don’t like green vegetables make sure to take supplements.  You can take supplements full of fruits and vegetables and change your taste buds.  Take a full spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. Make sure your body has all the perfect ingredients to function properly.  Drink tons of pure water.   Top quality oil assures you will be thinking clearly and not delusional about your body size or image.  Your brain needs fat so eat it and enjoy it.  Nuts and seeds are great sources of fat and protein. Eat meat and starches sparingly.  Include mineral salts in your diet which will help eliminate sugar cravings.  When your body is fed well, your thoughts, posture, and attitude all benefit. 

Make eating and feeling well a lifelong hobby.  Learn to enjoy fresh, raw food.  Nothing is more convenient than a piece of fresh fruit and a handful of raw nuts.  Stock the refrigerator with celery sticks, raw humus, homemade vegetable broth and other simple snacks. 

Learn, explore and experiment with new ways of eating and thinking about food.  Have a plan, be flexible, keep record of what you are doing, and make adjustments as you go.  Some people work best alone and others do better with a partner or group. Figure out what works best for you.  Eat delicious foods, collect the best recipes, and treat yourself to the best rewards each time you set a goal and accomplish it.  Taking care of your body is a lifelong task, go at your own pace.  Trim down, keep it down, and have a great year.