World TB Day and the Moxafica Answer

The world needs more solutions, more individual and communal healing, more healing modalities that are both cost-effective and easy to use.

 In light of Dr. Margaret Chan's recent speech about the waning efficacy of antibiotics, anitbiotic resistance and evolutionary developments that threaten the world's population, simple, traditional solutions have, perhaps never been more necessary. For those with lesser access to the medication they need due to shortages, lack of access and/or other factors, traditional medicine has offered significant advantages.

Documented throughout several milennia, moxabustion is one of the most important modalities within Classical Chinese Medicine, Japanese medicine and others. For TB it has proven effective, delimited the development of anitbiotic resistant strains and proven itself cost-effective. In the hands of community healers and other professionals, moxabustion can be utilized within the community, exactly when and where it is needed. Drawing upon community values and the community healers prevalaent in Africa and most nations throughout the world, moxabustion could prove to be an invaluable treasure in TB treatment, even in the cases of HIV/AIDS comorbidity.

Answering the call for more flexible, low-tech solutions, Moxafrica.org is engaged in moxabustion research in Uganda. Funding the research of the charitable insitution, Moxafrica and those sickened with TB in Uganda and throughout the world stand to benefit. If you wonder how many might be affected by your effots consider these facts.

According to Merlin Young of Moxafrica (2012 based upon WHO figures):

• 32% of mankind is latently infected with TB; this percentage is higher in Africa (80%...).
• Normally 1 in 10 go on to develop infectious disease;
•  this is higher in Africa because of HIV/AIDS (no-one has a figure);
•  An estimated 35% of those who develop infectious disease die never having been diagnosed or treated (again this is higher in Africa, but who knows....?).
•  98% of deaths from TB occur in the developing world.

Innovative treatments are needed now as the scourge of drug resistant disease grows, and treatment becomes unaffordable for more and more vulnerable people.

If you'd like to be a part of the solution, part of the research to help Moxafrica demonstrate how this simple low-tech treatment (moxa) might well be part of the larger solution , please consider offering your contribution to Moxafrica.org's first properly controlled trial is starting in Uganda. They really need your help!

Please share this Moxafrica.org World TB Day video today and whenever possible. So many resource poor populations and people throughout the world may well depend on it. Together we can make a difference in so many lives! Thanks in advance for being part of something much larger than yourself.  Namaste~

Curious connections, not seeking and finding

During my break from writing, translation, work, and preparation I wandered off in search of Xiang cai (Hunan cuisine). Just outside the main gate, there are a few places and I've come to know them quite well in such a short time. Still, there's something lacking. It's a taste of 'home' but not really home. Inevitably, I miss the voices, the dialects, the laughter and camaraderie of my Chinese ban / working family. From the first, it was destined (yuanfen). Yet, there is something special about missing someone or something, something more than mere familiarity that speaks to the heart/mind and/or soul. It lies so much deeper.

Of course, today, I didn’t meet Hunan ren initially. Looking back, of course, I’m reminded that when one is searching, one is not finding. Cannot tell you how many times I have shared that with friends, students and colleagues. That’s one of the many treasures from Professor Hoffert’s class. At any rate, I just pushed on, taking it all in including the Cantonese (Guangdonghua), which I do not understand. At least, I recognize the speech markers. David Feng probably excels here, like he does in so many places.

Yet, when I reached the bookstore, a little farther beyond the main gate, several students from various colleges seemed to find me as I sorted through various reading materials and magazines:-) Most of the young students were really shy, at first. When they sought something, I just answered them in Chinese., It seemed to put them at ease. The conversations progressed in the mixture of languages, but we all understood each other. (When we listen with our hearts, we understand anyway.)

On female student traveled from Peizhou. She studies now, but wants to go to Guang Wai. Actually, as we conversed, I could not help but think of Lonnie Hodge. She loves literature! She has even studied Indian literature. Of course, I met her again inside the bookstore and we exchanged thoughts on various writers and pieces of literature. She even offered me her precious bilingual literature book, but I really could not accept. I did, however, illuminate how the same books written in English and published abroad often lack the poetic sayings in between the entries in the table of contents and how special they truly are! Still, I could not help but think she should have met Lonnie instead of me. Sometimes, the world is a curious place.

As I perused the shelves with my newfound friend, we also looked at translation and English books, commenting on their strengths and weaknesses. One made me think of David Feng. Of course, it was entitled, ‘A Translator’s guide to Chinglish.’

I met two other English major students from Guang Wai, who admittedly attempted to study Japanese but found it difficult to pronounce. They, of course, made me think of my son, who excels at Japanese. This, in turn merely led to deeper consideration of Shinnyo-en Buddhism and the idea that the world is our place of service, our teacher and the place for cultivation, as well. As Dan Jordan would remind me, “The world is a mirror.”
Upstairs in the bookstore, used books are sold. I cannot tell you how many books are piled into the shop! I did find a Russian phrasebook, hoping to learn a little more to converse with one of the Russian foreign teachers here. I met her in the bank last week, when she was accompanied by one her students. She admittedly has not seen much of China and wants to learn more about it, its cultural, history and people. Hopefully, we’ll get the chance to explore something together. Besides, meeting her reminds me of Larissa, the first Chinese medicine doctor I encountered in the states and the first I learned from. In many ways, sharing with this young woman would be an honour.

I did not find any other book I sought, but I did meet a young woman with quite a wish list of books. I helped her reach some of them and find others. Looking through titles in Hanzi sometimes leads to interesting discoveries. I thought she was a Professor. She is really diligent in her studies! She did tell me where to find some of the titles and works I sought--another connection:-)

Leaving the book store, I encountered numerous works in English by G.K. Chesterton and immediately thought of my good friend Liz Garcia-Gray. While reading through another book, I realized how hegemony rewrites history, even falsely. As I read through a complementary/alternative medicine book published abroad, it revealed how Hippocrates was the first to match medicine to the person. This, is of course, untrue. There were other disputed facts about many other medicines and histories and their associative theories, but I learned something about hegemony, neocolonialism and thought.

By the time I reached another opening I had not previously explored, I decided to ascend the stairs. There I met a fellow Hunan ren from Changde. I cannot explain the connection, the breadth of my smile or the feeling. Words somehow just fall short. We talked about places and experiences and food, places visited, minorities in the province, etc. Notably, as well, the dialect also became Hunan hua. From the anthropologist in me, I recognize inside/outside markers quickly. Admittedly, I, too struggle not to speak like a Nan fang ren/ Southern person. Yet, shared speech, collective memory, shared history and food, etc. somehow co-create and reinforce membership and culture. From an intellectual standpoint I know this, but from an experiential standpoint, the descriptions lack complete meaning. They somehow lack the vivacity of the moment and the connection.

In the small mall, I learned where to buy embroidery supplies from a woman shop owner who was also managing her eight-month-old son. In the last stop, a French video store and CD store I encountered a French Professor here. He told me about his travels and his studies. He taught at Zhong Shan Da Xue) (Sun Yat-Sen U) for 10 years and then Guang Wai for 30 years. He still teaches but helps raise his school-aged granddaughter in the city. He authored more than 20 dictionaries and penned several other books. Of course, he also loves language and reads and writes several more but doesn’t speak them. He gave me some advice and told me to continue on, to write more, study hard, to teach well and continue the journey.

Making my way back, I ran into a colleague from the same department. We conversed for a few moments. In a way, the trip was full circle.

All in all, it was not the day I sought but so much more than I hoped for. Small treasures lie in wait in unexpected places. My friends, family, colleagues and so many people I’ve encountered always travel with me in some shape or form, deeply embedded within my heart. Connections are everywhere once we stop looking and begin finding.

The Waning Days of the Ox

As the days of the Ox slowly fade into the horizon and give rise to the Tiger, I find myself reflecting, stepping into the flames, dancing within them, letting them burn away the excess while inspiring their strength and vitality, striving toward renewal. This last year has brought trials and tests and many realizations. Mostly it reminded me that I am fortunate to have a global family that loves me unconditionally.

Sifting through the layers of inquiry and recombination, so many aspects become clear. Knowledge deepening occurs without warning. So does the subsequent journey.

Home is where the heart is always and forever.

Love knows no borders. Neither does suffering. When we listen with our hearts we understand each other.

Collectives are powerful and insular and offer invaluable lessons.

Health is your default setting. "Illness is the messenger," as Deena Metzger teaches.

The chasm between illness and healing offers innumerable possibilities.
Midst the current paradigm shift, the world is in the chasm! Mirroring the experience of those afflicted with illness globally, many institutions face this chasm of uncertainty, challenged by their own conventions and/or limitations. While Dr. Margaret Chan revisited this conversation and expanded the use of traditional medicine as primary care in every nation, many governments are simply lost, devoid of the tools and/or the personnel and resources to accomplish this. Luckily, a few people I've encountered, friends and colleagues, have both the skills and knowledge to usher them across and initiate them into more sustainable, effective and integrated practices. (Hasten the day!)

Patience is a virtue.
While many of the illnesses of modernity could easily be prevented and/or eradicated simply through traditional means, patience is perhaps difficult. It is what tests me daily in the wake of global suffering. It propels me even when I lack the strength or resources to do so. Alleviation of suffering, health and healing always beckon. So does global understanding:)

Cooperation coauthors survival!

The Things We Do for Love-What a Stalker Taught my Family

"Lord knows why we do it
the choices we must make,
the roads we all must travel
for someone else's sake " ~Z

For months our family has been plagued by a stalker and, yet, despite the turmoil, the heartbreak, frustration, anguish and sometimes intense anxiety, my daughter's ex-boyfriend and the entire situation has alternately shown me what it means to love.

It's strange how that happens. Life ushers in fateful twists and turns, challenges us on several levels, but always somehow opens the door to awakenings. Not surprisingly, every moment embodies and engenders such opportunities.


For us, it all started when my teenage daughter chose to leave this young man, a year her junior. Before the end of the school year she told him. She knew it would be difficult, but did it anyway. She knew this young man had anger management problems and residual sorrow from the years he grew up in the city where he lost family members to gangs. She urged him to talk to the social worker for more than year and even tried to be the social worker in many ways. Finally, she realized that enough was enough. He needed more!


Before she left, they fought. He often arrived unannounced demanding attention. During her time at a family member's home several hundred miles away, the whole breakup escalated! He constantly rang her cell phone and then showed up at my door, out of nowhere.......

I'd be out in the yard and look up to find him standing behind me or appearing from the corner.

Pleas to talk, I, at first, appeased. I treated him as I would anyone. After all, he was also hurting. Compassion in all things!

We chatted about his hopes and dreams for college and a career after he finished high school. I listened mostly. When he spoke of his mistakes and how he would do anything to get my daughter back, the timbre in his voice changed. The way he uttered those words, the passion, the anger, and the turmoil echoed from within. I felt it!

All at once, I understood my daughter's position. Feeling her fear across hundreds of miles that separated us then, I told her ex-boyfriend that love means wanting someone else's happiness even when it is not with us, even when someone wants something or someone beyond our choosing. Love is unselfish and endless!


At the conclusion of the lengthy conversation, he thanked me. Little did I know that over the next several weeks he would methodically attempt to destroy any serenity, any peace, and security my family had known. It had always been the three of us, my son, my daughter and me, through thick and thin. This merely tested our strength, our love and our dedication to each other once again. (I didn't say it was easy!)

As soon as my daughter returned home, he showed up demanding to see her. He stood toe to toe with me or my son, pushing himself against the screen door trying to look in and, on several occasions, opening the front door. He refused to leave several times and always found another excuse to return. He'd drop letters and items in unexpected places and even throw them through the door as a reason to enter once more. Finally, her ex-boyfriend used each and every one of his family members to get to her one way or another in the name of love.

He inspired fear and uncertainty on every level!

The police did little to help. The officer returned anything exchanged between them and told her ex-boyfriend he could not contact her in any way, shape or form and that he could not grace our door, but little more. My daughter, a virtual prisoner, changed her phone number several times, stayed away from cyberspace and all other mediums of communication. She remained on "house arrest" until we could find her safer ground. We couldn't keep her safe! We loved her enough to let her be free and happy and find a way to finish high school. Understandably, I cannot disclose how or where.

Just when we thought we could breathe again, this young man requested information from several of her friends regarding her whereabouts. They didn't answer. They didn't know where she was. We decided it was easier if they lacked the information. Even if her ex-boyfriend became violent with them, they had nothing to disclose.

Finally, he hacked her MySpace and arranged her status to engaged, her mood to read that they were back together again, etc............ His own page stands testimony to his obsession and reiterates how he will do anything to get her back regardless of what happens to him. With my daughter's assistance, we quickly notified security on MySpace, deleted people who had any connection to this young man and blocked him. He reacted almost immediately. Sadly, the situation escalated and we moved her once again, faster and farther than before. The three of us rode together again mostly under the cover of the night. I tried to savor the moments.

After completing formalities, registering her in school and helping her arrange her room in the few morning hours we had, it was time to say "Good-bye." I knew she'd be safe and loved. I knew she'd have infinitely more opportunities than I could give her now, but still it was so very hard. Choking back the tears, I hugged her, whispering love and wisdom in her ear, desperately trying to smile. Even my son struggled with a well-spring of emotions, despite his facade.

I love my daughter, without question. I love her as surely as I breathe, a surely as I share this. I miss her more than mere words could ever express, but her health and well-being, safety and happiness are all that really matter!

Upon reflection, within the quiet moments, I realize, the stalker who entered into my family's life, taught us about the value of living in the moment. He taught us about strength and resolve and about sacrifice. (For those reminders and lessons, we are grateful.) Mostly he taught us about love--selfless and endless love!

Oh the things we do for love..........

(I appreciate the friends and family members who have been there for us throughout these difficult times. I wish I could list you all here, but circumstance delimits it. Words cannot express our gratitude for your love and support. Love to you!)
Namaste.
Debra 湘君

Bridges in the Middle of the World 2

(Part One here)

While researching and studying Huaihua, China, I had the unique opportunity to live with people from more than 60 countries, from virtually every religion, ethnicity and region of the world. This is why I say this little town and the International Chinese Medicine Hospital more fully inaugurated me as a global citizen. Truncated within distinctly Chinese culture and expectations thereof, serving as an intermediary on so many levels, I began to see the world more clearly. Regardless, I am compelled to share some of those conversations with patients who became friends hoping that it might ignite more sparks within hearts and minds and inaugurate more global citizenship.

Due to the conflict between Israel and the people of the Gaza strip, I could not remain silent. Rather it is my intention to open your mind to the conversation among the people as well as between them.

In Huaihua, I lived with many Muslims, studied with many Israelis and experienced the interaction between them. It was NOT hostile. Rather, the Israelis I encountered insisted that the Muslims were their brothers. Some openly hugged them. Most exchanged warm, friendly conversation! This was not a one-way exchange, but one of reciprocity, mirroring the occurrences and lifestyle within Jerusalem before World War I. In centuries prior to this, each locale had residents of differing faiths that lived together and celebrated each others' holidays. I was fortunate, too, to be a part of this, to fully participate, engage in these celebrations with my international family in Huaihua. It was a blessing!

Yet, there is a bit of hostility that often brews under the surface, serves as an undertone within the context of international relations. When I asked the Muslims, mostly Arabs, why there was so much conflict, many of them spoke of the 1967 war. They highlighted the lack of discussion! In order to illustrate this more effectively, I will use their words and stories.
As it was explained to me........

This Arab man, who lived within the US for a time told me. "You take my ring and you don't want to give it back. Then we sit down. We discuss. You still don't want to give it back. Then you give me something. But still, we discuss!"

In fact, many of the Muslims shared the same view. From them, I more fully grasped the understanding that the end of the 1967 war had not ended with a discussion. Rather, it concluded with a mandate and a sort of subjugation, dismissal and even voicelessness. So many lost their lives. Yet, there was no reparation ordered. The Palestinians were still a landless but recognized people. But the most troubling part of this equation was the complete lack of discussion.

This is NOT how business or affairs are conducted within the Middle East. I doubt that any other region would have accepted a "mandate" with unequal discussion or lack thereof. Indeed, there needs to be one sooner than later.

As I sit here, wondering how many of these people with whom I shared meals, conversations, quiet moments, shopping, etc., are still alive and/or affected by the violence, it pulls at my heart strings immeasurably and reminds me that we are ALL connected. It begs me to ask whether we have fully protected each sacred life and truly valued each one of them.

That said, I sincerely believe that the role of the UN is not only to protect the Israelis but also to provide equal protection for the Palestinians. Each has a right to life without fear, to health, to the necessities and stuff of life and to self-determination. After all, human rights and self-determination are not hierarchical in nature. They are about life and our commitments to the well being of each other. Failure to do so, reflects upon each one of us, asking us to look into life's mirror, into our hearts and minds and give a little more.
Praying forward the day when we truly value each person, each life.

Be a life bridge--Give LIFE!

Many times throughout the course of my work, I've met people who shared their stories and experiences, their gratitude, and love for life. Colette Jordan is one I am honoured to say I have met vis-a-vis through her son and am thankful to have known ever since.

With gratitude to her and her continuing stream of acts that raise awareness and inspire others, I am extending her life bridge here via sharing her blog post--reaching out to all of you, asking you to consider being a life bridge in another way. After all, there are SO MANY ways to give, to be the bridge, the boat, the passage, to extend life and love and value for another human being. Namaste
From Colette:

Hello family and friends,

At this time of year, when fall is upon us and the earth is going into hibernation whilst preparing for rebirth next spring, I begin to feel even more gratitude for life. November 1st marks the anniversary of my lifesaving liver transplant. This November 1st, the National Day of Re-birth; it will be 2 years that I received the precious gift of life from a family that I have never met. Because of this selfless act of charity, I have been able to enjoy almost 700 sunrises and sunsets and am truly grateful for each and every day.

I want to ask if you would find it in your heart to help me spread the word about organ donation in your faith community this November 14-16th. National Donor Sabbath is an annual observance to raise awareness, through religious communities, of the urgent need for organ and tissue donation. Currently there are almost 5,000 people in Illinois and 100,000 nationwide waiting for lifesaving transplants, . Won't you share this attachment and website information with your clergy asking them to put a notice in their bulletin, or to talk to the congregation about this ultimate act of charity? After speaking to the congregation or posting in the weekly bulletin- local transplant recipients (like myself) and donor family members could come to your place of worship and hold a registration drive to register congregation into the Illinois Donor Registry after worship services on the weekend of November 14-16th.

Please take the time to peruse the Gift of Hope website and then send me a note or give me a call. I would be happy to answer any questions regarding donation, and have faith based literature to share with you and your religious community. Thank you again for being there for me when I needed love and support through my transplant experience. I now ask that you help me to help the other 5,000 currently waiting for their second chance at life. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Together we can help save lives. What a beautiful way to honor God's greatest gift- Life! Gift of Hope
Colette's Blog and Contact Info

If you cannot personally do this, then please pass this it on and celebrate life with others, appreciating the moments at hand, the here and now, the past, the present and the inevitable, selfless and seemingly hidden life bridges that have sustained and nurtured your life and those around you. Thanks in advance for all you do and for being you and special thanks to Colette for sharing this.

We are ALL Lifebridges joined in Oneness

In an earlier post, I elaborated upon what I thought were lifebridges........
http://lifebridges.blogspot.com/2008/01/what-is-life-bridge.html

We encounter them every moment both within our view and beyond sight.
Throughout the years, I have often looked around me and realized that they were everywhere--within the strangers I met, among my college classmates, Professors, colleagues, family, global family, friends, within the people in geographically distant places, across time and culture, I learned about, read about and reached out to through whatever means I could. This is all that we can do.

Sometimes, the wellspring and awakening of compassion and offerings of love and prayer are the gifts of such encounters. Sometimes, it is the wisdom imparted or the profound humility. At other times, it is the gift of friendship, companionship, steps shared along the journey. At other times, it is mutual respect through differences and the call for more love and self-cultivation. Sometimes, it is a call to act, to share, to give more, love more and encourage more.
No matter what the encounter yields, it is a gift, a connection, a reminder of the Oneness that joins us all--the wellspring of the human experience.
Namaste, 湘君

Encounter

Spirits intermingled,
Souls intertwined, they meet.
They dance, from time to time.
Along the paths, the many varied paths,
This life reveals from time to time,
Each must choose.
Each must travel.
Spirits intermingle;
Souls intertwine.
Enlightenment enters; fullness thrives.
Experiences shared, they travel on,
richer, so much richer,
for the encounter of the journey.

杜湘君 2005

What IS a Life Bridge?

What is a life bridge? What entities do they encompass?

Are they the people we encounter?

The strangers, the passersby, the friends, family, colleagues, associates, classmates, neighbors, etc.
Have you ever pondered their roles?

After all, we all stand witness for each other, interdependently exist and co-exist, support, transform and reflect each other.

Without any of these people, even the ones behind the scenes, unknown to us, would our lives not be altered in unforeseeable ways?

Are they time and circumstance?

Chance meetings, delays, happenstance, yuanfen (缘分）？

Are they correspondence, message board interactions?

Are they the hardships, the times we seemingly walk alone?

Are they natural interventions, storms and sunshine?

What are life bridges anyway?

We encounter them within nearly every moment of our lives and yet we most often remember the ones that register most significantly within our minds.

How many life bridges can you recall? How many seemingly insignificant ones now enter your mind's eye? How many are you grateful for?

Life bridges connect us to each other, revitalize, transform, protect, and cultivate us without warning. They propel us through life! They emanate the divine, the humane, the Oneness of all.

Namaste my life bridges known and unknown! 杜湘君

One Big Rice Bowl

A not so novel thought entered my mind today midst meditation....

One Big Rice Bowl

Imagine...

The whole world gathered around one big rice bowl
Partaking in a meal as one big family
sharing in the riches of the earth,
celebrating and appreciating each other
and every step, every part of the effort that made it possible.

When I reflect upon this, an unimaginable, infinite peace overcomes my being.

We are, after all, ONE- One Family living in ONE world joined together

Heart to heart
Soul to soul

rising before the same sun and resting under the same moon,
live within the same world,
all shades of each other, completing each other, and complementing each other.
Together we are ONE!

As I let the rice bowl and the communal meal more fully enter my thoughts
there is no burden; separateness disappears and balance is restored.

The world is our rice bowl!

It invites us everyday, every moment.
All world citizens are honoured family members. How can we turn anyone away?
How can we not share, empower, encourage, or show compassion, love, and understanding
for our sisters or our brothers?

The world is our rice bowl...

the earth we till, the plants and animals, the water,
the resources we have....
No one really owns them.
Rather we are caretakers of the earth, of each other,
bound by sacred contract and reciprocity.

Imagine the rice bowl today.......

Let it fill your heart and mind
with love and peace.
Let its power move through you
flow back into the universe.

The rice bowl is here, my friends.
Will you come to the table of the world
share for the sake of others, appreciate the moment,
the rice that nourishes, the land, sun water and people that made it possible,
love, laugh, and listen and join the family?

One big rice bowl...........

As you ponder these thoughts and step toward the world table,
live and love a little more and
find comfort in the reality that love and peace always abide.

In the spirit of giving,
play the rice game at
http://www.freerice.com
to feed the hungry
while exercising your mind
and increasing your capacity to give
across the miles, building life bridges
extending warmth and light and even better yet
more places at the rice bowl.
Namaste


May I be a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.

Where is home?

Where is home?

This seems like such a simple question. Yet, for many within the world today, the answer is much different than each one of them probably ever expected it would be.
With a growing number of refugees internationally, globalization and changes in borders and boundaries drawn by men, the answers to this question are both metaphysical and tied to people and place.

If you're wondering how could this be, I'll ask you to contemplate a situation. Imagine that you could not return to the place you loved most, the place where you knew the traditions, how to act, the language, the foods, a place where you were loved and somehow just fit right in. Indeed, you would carry it in your heart like a precious jewel.

So, too, in the age of globalization, a growing number of citizens seek the place that beckons them, the place where they can live to the fullest, offer the most to the world for whatever reason. Some admittedly have lived within their native lands as foreigners, strangers and/or slaves with no ties to the land or its customs, merely experiences to build upon.

For humanitarians, the answer is so very often both metaphysical and tied to people and place. After all, we are all ONE. In that oneness, everywhere is one place and each place is a reflection of every other place. Lands are all at once distant and right here right now within one's minds eye. Yet, the place humanitarians and world citizens often call home is either within the land where they become a more engaged citizen or within the land or place that empowered them to do so.

Interesting, isn't it?

During my time in Huai hua, Hunan Province China, I met persons from more than 60 countries. Some had travelled to many lands seeking health and restoration. Others had travelled and lived abroad for business, educational reasons or for personal reasons, including fleeing persecution due to governmental changes. Yet, the place that each of them called home was as individual as each of them.

One man I met was Saudi Arabian by birth but raised in Italy. He fought the Italian government as a young man for many years, when the government seized his family's lands and cheated them. For years, he lived in Ethiopia and rather paradoxically found himself applying for a visa to live with his family in Saudi Arabia. Because his parents were born there and his brother, as well, they could claim the Saudi nationality. My friend could NOT! Yet, Saudi Arabia was the place he called home.

He was an incredibly gracious and appreciative man who shared his adventures in Italy and his love of the culture, and his love of Ethiopian music. He could talk about the vast and varied changes in many lands and articulate the facts with personal stories. Yet, no matter, where his business led him, he always returned to Saudi Arabia before his visa expired. Despite or inspite of every circumstance, it was home.

Bridges in the Middle of the World

May I be a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.

Within the middle of the world, within midsouth China, I was so priviledged to encounter and live with persons from more than 60 different countries. Despite the obvious linguistic, cultural and belief differences, we celebrated each others' holidays, life events, comforted each other and encouraged each other. We became each others' family, teachers, students, etc.

Even now, as I sit on the other side of the world missing them all, I still feel the connection to each one of them and smile.


From that time and space, I more fully realize how deeply affected we are by world events and by our heartstrings. It more fully inaugurated each one of us as global citizens and reminded us that we are ONE FAMILY.

I only hope that anyone who encounters these words and memories ponders the implications of such and opens his/her heart to the world family in which we all play a part.

Namaste, 湘君

May I be a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.


It is with a saddened and disheartened heart that I look upon the state of affairs within America and the world that the official government and the private somewhat hidden economic sectors touch throughout the world....

Yet, I have hope!
Hearts and minds come together without seeing or realizing borders and people collaborate for the greater good. Albeit, these are often the grassroots groups and some of the nonprofit organizations, but as long as they exist there is hope that someone will listen and understand, shed light into the darkness and effect change!

I never set out to bridge humanity or awaken the West to the realities of its inadequacies globally. However, dialogue and targeted actions through the WHO and various other channels must bridge the US and the health care sector it engages to invoke the tools of neocolonialism and not only dispel them but also integrate indigenous and cultural knowledge and together heal the world as the 1978 Alma Ata dictates. This has never been more crucial!

According to Dr. Benson in 1987, modern medicine only effectively addresses less than 25% of all illness and currently that percentage has fallen dramatically with the rise of drug resistant Malaria and TB and the pandemic of chronic diseases. additionally, we must view the fact that the US health care occupies the lowest level of all developed countries and approximately the fortieth best position in the world.

People suffer needlessly as the need for transplants rise daily. Not only could these be avoided through "Alternative" methods and preventative methods of health care but the sheer number of them indicates much larger problems within modern society. By looking at the integrated whole of the human body and of course the world, the answers become clear.

Resources need to be focused on forgotten diseases and those methods of healing often misunderstood and often overlooked or debased because of lack of cultural knowledge.
By doing so, we realize that racial disparities are created by the system of medical care within the west, which reinforces them through its cultural lens. By engaging and integrating other ways in which to view health and healing, we merely bridge humanity and free ourselves.

Like the ancestors before me who signed the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, I am striving to create a more equal, more harmonious society where not only bodies and minds heal but also the divides constructed by men that separate them. Like them, I must leave the land of my youth and set out for distant shores and strive to bring about new or renewed understanding and effect change.

We have no time to waste. I am merely a bridge, a boat, a passage for those desiring the distant shores. Like my ancestors and so many healers before me, I realize that through compassion, dedication and harnessing the 80% of the world that realizes healing on multiple levels, we can build upon humanity, heal the spirits and bodies and restore a balance we now lack.
Namaste,
湘君

May I be a boat, a bridge, a passage for those desiring the further shore.