[Engaged] LAH suggestions for Ango

[Anka]

Kate,

I had the same reaction to you with this assignment. I am wary to get involved with an organization right now because of my schedule. I could likely keep up with it for a while but would burn out at some point. So while brainstorming what I could do I noticed a good amount of litter around the outside of my apartment building. Perfect! Community service with no attachment.

That being said I did research some organizations to keep in my back pocket if/when I feel I have time to adequately dedicate to it.

James F
Sat

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[Shoki]

I made my regular blood donation to the Red Cross. I have the rare AB negative so they always ask me to give. The cool thing is they will contact me later to tell me exactly where my blood went. Last one went to Baltimore MD. I just retired so my work clothes are no longer useful to me and gave them all away. I helped out a family member who is struggling financially. For about 30 years I have sponsored children with Child Fund International. It doesn't take much and you build a nice bridge to somebody in need in a far away place. You get to correspond with letters, etc. and see the results in writing. It just takes a little effort here and there to LAH.

Gassho
Sat2day
James

[Kokuu]

There's been touching comments about our homeless on this thread and winter is coming, so I'm going to knit up a batch of hats. It would be a privilege to help keep some folks warm this winter.

Wonderful, Kate! There are a number of us knitters on here and there are sites on the internet that give information on a number of knitting related charities including making for homeless folks, premature babies, blanket squares for refugee camps, rescue animal toys and blankets, hats for cancer patients etc.

For UK folks: http://knitforlife.co.uk/charities.php, https://www.better-fundraising-ideas...r-charity.html

US related: https://www.craftsy.com/knitting/art...t-for-charity/, http://www.originallylovely.com/unca...nd-knit-goods/

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Shinshi]

I think that LAH doesn't have to be a grand gesture. There is a charity here that does a lot of good work and their motto is "Hustle Kindness". I try to keep that in the forefront of my mind during Ango. So open a door for someone, smile to people, pay for someone else in the checkout line at the grocery store. Donate a book to the library. Be friendly!

When I run I have this thing that I wave to everyone I pass. I used to use what I thought was the mudra of compassion but then I learned I was doing it wrong and I just wave now. And it is crazy how many people are caught off guard the first time I do it. But after a while most wave back with a smile on their face. There are a fair number of homeless Navajo in the park where I run and it seems like they are almost surprised when I acknowledge their existence. Now some of those same folks cheer me on when I run by.

The other thing I did during Ango last year is I really tried to engage with folks when I interacted in situations that are very transactional. There is almost a ritual in how you interact with a store clerk or check out person. In those situations I really tried to interact with them a bit more personally. And it was amazing how often the other person would kind of light up and smile.

To me those little things add up as well.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Beakon]

Last night I went to Qi Gong and Tai Chi class, now my elderly neighbor wants to go. She is new to Winnipeg, doesn't have much in the sense of an agenda. My mother said that I sound better than last week from doing Tai Chi, as she knows I'm highly stressed from job seeking. I am inspired by Shoka's list, as I've been walking the other neighbors dog. Walking a dog makes it very easy to approach people to talk with them or smile at them. This dog is a Husky, which is a very loving breed of dog. They give so much love. I'm making a resolution to spend more time with friends and family, because I tend to avoid others while I'm caught up in work devotion.

[Hensho]

I did not know about these sites, Kokuu. Thank you! And how wonderful to know that Treeleaf has other knitters. If you ever want to do a project together, just let me know.

Gassho,
Kate

[Rosui]

Was reading a book about this extreme couponing lady and how her husband doesn't have a job. Not sure if she does either except for maybe like tv and speaking tours. But she managed to donate 100k in goods to the homeless shelter. I'm going to try it out. Maybe if I end up with a bunch of razors and shampoo and toothpaste and cleaning stuff it would help someone out. That's awesome about the taiko class. Wish I was a better drummer.

Gassho

Rosui

st

[Kyoshin]

For those of us who live in places where cold weather is approaching, I thought I'd share what a friend of mine who works with homeless people in Seattle had to say about their winter time needs. Seattle winters are apparently extra hard for the homeless because while it doesn't get super duper subzero cold, 40 degrees F and raining for 6 to 9 months means it's basically impossible to get dry. According to my friend, what they need most is underwear and socks. She says everybody donates so many hats and gloves and warm coats that they often have more than they need, but they always have a shortage of decent socks and underwear. Few people think to donate those, but it's super important to have a change of dry socks and underwear if you've been out in the freezing cold rain all day.

Gassho
Nick
Satlah

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[Jundo]

In fact, what is often better than an individual's personal act is cash given to the right specialized organizations from a view of social efficiency and efficacy.

So, what is the point of such individual actions as here? Well, it helps to build a sense of generosity in the giver, and shared community and charity in the group which works on these projects.

Also, as we have discussed, small acts of kindness and charity can have unexpected effects, direct and indirect, that are not always a matter of efficiency.

However, do not forget to pull out the credit card too.

An amusing American show on the topic (from about the 12:30 mark) ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufa4bE35ooo

When we act, be smart, be sincere and be safe.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Kyoshin]

In fact, what is often better than an individual's personal act is cash given to the right specialized organizations from a view of social efficiency and efficacy.

So, what is the point of such individual actions as here? Well, it helps to build a sense of generosity in the giver, and shared community and charity in the group which works on these projects.

Also, as we have discussed, small acts of kindness and charity can have unexpected effects, direct and indirect, that are not always a matter of efficiency.

However, do not forget to pull out the credit card too.

An amusing American show on the topic (from about the 12:30 mark) ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufa4bE35ooo

When we act, be smart, be sincere and be safe.

Gassho, J

STLah

That's also true. Most charitable organizations need your money more than they need your elbow grease or your old stuff. There's also a lot of rigorous study suggesting that the best way to help the poor and homeless is unconditional direct gifting of money. Example: https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/131/4/1973/2468874
Gassho
Nick
Satlah

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[Jundo]

There is an aspect to what we do here of "problems numberless, yet we vow to do what we can" (to paraphrase the Bodhisattva Vow).

It is not all about economic efficiency alone. The small act, the smile, the little gesture can reverberate in others, and in our own hearts, beyond mere questions of economic efficiency.

By handing out a blanket or picking up on drop of trash on a road, one may not change the world. But it will change something. Buddhists don't only think in terms of scales of economy. One human being helping one other human being, or meeting one situation, is that person and situation.

However, no, we are not going to solve the problem of homelessness, pollution, global warming and the like this way. Don't forget to "think big" and support organizations dedicated to all these issues even as we also "think small and local."

Gassho, J
STLah

[Kyoshin]

I probably think a bit too much about economic efficiency when I consider LAH, as it's only been very recent that I've had enough "economy" to even think about using it efficiently. But I don't think it should be discouraged either. I've been thinking about this alot since Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, my home state. A lot of people really wanted to LAH, and a lot of people packed up and headed to flooded areas to try and help. Most of them were turned back and told "the best way to help is to donate money, food and water. Please stay away; we know you want to help but we already don't have enough food and water, and the last thing we need is more hungry and thirsty people showing up." A lot of my friends and family had a really hard time with that, and more than a few, who had enough money to donate, didn't donate because it felt "too easy" to be effective, as though the only way to LAH involves breaking a sweat.

Thank you Jundo for the reminder of the many perspectives of LAH. I will endeavour to measure what can be measured, and smile an immeasurable smile. [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]
Gassho
Nick
Satlah

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[Shoka]

I did not know about these sites, Kokuu. Thank you! And how wonderful to know that Treeleaf has other knitters. If you ever want to do a project together, just let me know.

Gassho,
Kate

Kate,

Another knitter here , there are a good amount of us running around.

A few years ago I knitted for premature babies. Which were great little projects because they are small enough I could finish a set in one sitting. There are also places for baby blankets, but those were a little too big for me to finish quickly.

Gassho,

Shoka
sattoday

[Meitou]

I probably think a bit too much about economic efficiency when I consider LAH, as it's only been very recent that I've had enough "economy" to even think about using it efficiently. But I don't think it should be discouraged either. I've been thinking about this alot since Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, my home state. A lot of people really wanted to LAH, and a lot of people packed up and headed to flooded areas to try and help. Most of them were turned back and told "the best way to help is to donate money, food and water. Please stay away; we know you want to help but we already don't have enough food and water, and the last thing we need is more hungry and thirsty people showing up." A lot of my friends and family had a really hard time with that, and more than a few, who had enough money to donate, didn't donate because it felt "too easy" to be effective, as though the only way to LAH involves breaking a sweat.

Thank you Jundo for the reminder of the many perspectives of LAH. I will endeavour to measure what can be measured, and smile an immeasurable smile. [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]
Gassho
Nick
Satlah

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Great perspective Nick and Jundo, it's important to find the right way of helping those who need help, rather than satisfying our own needs - listening to the services at the scene and exercising wisdom accordingly .
Gassho
Meitou
satwithyoualltoday/ lah

[Anka]

Was reading a book about this extreme couponing lady and how her husband doesn't have a job. Not sure if she does either except for maybe like tv and speaking tours. But she managed to donate 100k in goods to the homeless shelter. I'm going to try it out. Maybe if I end up with a bunch of razors and shampoo and toothpaste and cleaning stuff it would help someone out. That's awesome about the taiko class. Wish I was a better drummer.

Gassho

Rosui

st

Rosui,

I found this idea brilliant. For someone that is tight financially this is a wonderful way to give back. With enough time spent preparing there is a lot you can get basically for free.

James F
SAT lah

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