Dear Honest Men and Bonnie Lassies 🕊️,
I hope you have a good National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (a topic we will touch on again later in the mini-series). 🇨🇦
In this weeks Value Life (VL) Mini-series Episode 04.3 (~9m)1, we:
continue on with the topic of the British Empire (Part 3) and touch on the subject of reparations; and
(6m 30s) table an idea for embassies becoming Cultural Open Hubs 😅 (☝️only after proof of concept 😉)
Some Sources and Notes From the Mini-episode
As trying to assist in addressing some difficult past wrongs is high-on the list of the VL agenda, building our trusted network, filling in the knowledge gaps and finding a place to optimise impact is in the pipeline. Here are a few resources to explore to ensure we can more comprehensively understand the issues and address racial inequality; and a contrasting opinion:
10 Ways to start a conversation about race (now following @RaceForward on Twitter)
My comment in the mini-episode that, “racial inequalities and discrimination prevalent in some areas of society is generally progressing in a positive direction” is based on my perceptions of society, yet this expert (Bill McKibben) on the Commonweal Podcast somewhat contradicts; hence, the works in the “pipeline”.
At 4m into the mini-episode I raise a question about accepting access to “human resources” for some form of reparations to increase (actual) wealth. I am not dismissing religion, but making a point about spirituality (here is an article on What the ‘spiritual but not religious’ have in common with radical Protestants of 500 years ago) and proposing exploring other avenues.
As mentioned in the mini-episode, I recently discovered Charles Eisenstein’s work and so far, the dude is singing a beautiful song. I subscribed to his writing on Substack and I am making my way through his podcast appearances. The ones I have listened to so far, in order of preference:
His book, Sacred Economics, (thanks again to my legendary Kiwi mate for the recommendation) mentioned in the mini-episode is available in pdf on-line. I may link to it once I have finished reading through.
VL pebbles launched with love and good intentions this week
Increased contribution to support the UK Guardian as they asked and I have been devouring their content.
On Tuesday, 27-Sept-2022, I attended the Friends of the Earth Scotland COP27 & Human Rights: Solidarity with Egyptian Prisoners Of Conscience meeting and took action to support their causes - most actions are in the meeting link. If you are interested, here is a link to the recording of the meeting (the first presenter, Omar Robert Hamilton (novelist and filmmaker), was very knowledgable (from ~4min - ~20min)).
Signed this petition to tell the UK Government that they must reject ANOTHER new gas field proposal in the North Sea. I feel that sustainable economic growth and energy alternatives need to be sought. More production usually equates to more consumption and Scotland can help steer the ship to a cleaner future.
Demanding change will tell politicians that they cannot rely on your votes in the future if they proceed. Their leadership positions depend on us! You can sign the petition to stop Rosebank here.
Sent compassionate thoughts for those affected by the hurricane’s Ian and Fiona recently on the East of North America and raise awareness of storms potentially becoming more intense in the future due to global warming (NASA). ⚖️
If one is struggling with all the happenings of the world (and even if you are not), I leave you with this wee bit of wisdom from one of the greatest realized Buddhist masters, Dilgo Khyentse:
If you know how to leave your thoughts free to dissolve by themselves as they arise, they will cross your mind as a bird crosses the sky – without leaving any trace.
🕊️
Have a great weekend when it comes and as always, thank you very much for your time!
Big hugs and much love,
Ross