As I have traveled around the world, I have had the fortune to not only visit cultures at a distance, through the bus window, but to be touched by the actual people. This has allowed me to really feel the state of the world outside my own neighborhood. I have seen what unites us humans, and what makes us different. I have come to appreciate the different expressions of the many beautiful cultures on this planet. All hold a piece in this big picture, all have a gift to share with the rest of humanity. All cultures are rich and important in their own way.
Many of the tools that I use in my work, originate in India, where I have also lived for many years. As I've gotten to know the people, I have been touched by so many beautiful qualities that we seem to have forgotten in the West; devotion, family values, joy of the simple things in life, just to mention a few.
But I have also witnessed a prevalent psychological and physical abuse. The women, children, animals and people of lower status are all victims of this. As my own journey has been touched by the very issues that have tormented the people of India, it is but natural for me to wish to make a difference in these areas of life.
Mother Nature is another big love of my heart, and I wish to see her be treated the way any mother deserves to be. My choice to live a more simple life as well as eating organic, natural foods - leaving light footprints behind - are but a part of this love offering.
I see our planet in a big health crisis, and I feel that the time to make the necessary shifts in our lives is Now. There is no more time to make excuses or postpone. Start today. Simply one thing that you have wanted to, but have not had the time or commitment for before. It starts with that one thing. More follows as you grow in confidence about your capacity to do them, and the difference they make in how you feel about yourself, and your life. Those changes are absolutely crucial at this time.
Choose simplicity, and feel how your life lightens up. Simplicity does not have to mean giving up your car or living in a cave. Simplicity comes in many forms. It is an attitude of contentment, of inner quiet and peace with what is. As these inner qualities become stronger in your life, you will also notice that your outer life will become lighter, less complicated. This is a natural unfolding of the inner transformation.
10% of all the money that comes in through my work will go towards a scholarship fund, to bring my work to the less fortunate ones throughout the world. This scholarship fund will enable me to offer this work to the ones in need of it, having no funds to afford it. This is something that I have learned being in India. Simply giving the poor money doesn't create a lasting change.
Even as Gandhi himself taught and lived, it is in educating the people, and giving them the tools to make a change in their own lives, that you really help to empower, and make a lasting difference.
