[Engaged] LAH suggestions for Ango

[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

[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.

[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

[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-

[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

[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

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Hensho]

I was struggling with what to do for my Ango LAH because I really don't have stretches of free time right now that could be used volunteering for an agency or group. Then I remembered that I knit! It's portable and can be done in quick bursts. 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.

Thank you, Treeleaf, for helping me think through different ways of serving others.

-Kate
Sitting soon, I promise!
LAH

[Jundo]

It gives Jundo an opportunity to pop in and say "maybe that's not quite right" [emoji16]

Well, that's not quite right.

Actually, it is. Thanks for helping me too.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Jakuden]

Posting in this forum could be LAH. Especially for those of us for whom social interaction, even on a online forum, is difficult sometimes. I know I've stopped myself from posting by saying "no, that's stupid" when it probably really wasn't, or by being nervous about saying vulnerable things, or worried about people's reaction. But I've read so many posts here that have been helpful to my practice and life, and people here have unknowingly lent me a hand with their comments. So post! You never know who might be helped by your words. Even if you think it's stupid! It probably isn't. But even if you're completely off the rails, we can learn from that too! It gives Jundo an opportunity to pop in and say "maybe that's not quite right" [emoji16]
All jokes aside, this is an amazing community, and it grows and thrives as people make posts.
Gassho
Nick
Satlah

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Thank you Nick!!

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday/LAH

[Kyoshin]

Posting in this forum could be LAH. Especially for those of us for whom social interaction, even on a online forum, is difficult sometimes. I know I've stopped myself from posting by saying "no, that's stupid" when it probably really wasn't, or by being nervous about saying vulnerable things, or worried about people's reaction. But I've read so many posts here that have been helpful to my practice and life, and people here have unknowingly lent me a hand with their comments. So post! You never know who might be helped by your words. Even if you think it's stupid! It probably isn't. But even if you're completely off the rails, we can learn from that too! It gives Jundo an opportunity to pop in and say "maybe that's not quite right" [emoji16]
All jokes aside, this is an amazing community, and it grows and thrives as people make posts.
Gassho
Nick
Satlah

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Beakon]

A party without a cake is just a meeting - Julia Child

If you live in a colder climate, schools are always in need of mittens, warm coats, ski pants, because sadly there are children sent to school without these essential items to keep them warm.

Various schools also take perishable food donations for lunches as there are children who are not sent to school with a proper lunch, or with any lunch at all.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today/lah

[Shoka]

Hey everyone,

So some ideas I came up with.

Around the neighborhood

* pick up trash when it's laying around
* pick up after other people's pets (it's builds up when we don't all pick it up)
* Smile and say Hello to everyone I pass (I tend to avoid people)

At work (I work in construction, so these might not be applicable to everyone)

* watch for safety concerns and have them fixed right away
* Smile and talk to the guys (often they get ignored as "just workers")
* Bring baked goods for the workers or for meetings (we all hate meetings, cupcakes make it better.)
* Think before sending emails if my reply is helpful or not.

Around the house or inside activities

* Send thank you or thinking of you cards
* Donate books to local charities

Larger Volunteer Ideas

* Volunteer for trail maintenance or clean up
* Volunteer for beach clean up days
* Research winter homeless shelters for opportunities for service


Gassho,

Shoka
sat+lah

[Shoka]

A couple of weeks ago I came across a person here in town who presumably lives on the street although I don’t know. He was carrying a cardboard sign with a single word written on it. “Forgotten”. That really struck home to me. This wasn’t a person who felt they were seen but could be ignored. This was a person who felt completely left behind and abandoned.

I’d like to be able to say that I took that opportunity to LAH or money or some assistance but it wasn’t s good moment for me to stop and help. So unfortunately even though he was temporarily seen he ended up being ignored Not forgotten though. That moment and my lack of action has stuck with me and hopefully I will act better in another opportunity.


Tairin
Sat today

Tairin,

I think it's important to recognize that we can't always stop and help but as you said at the moment you acknowledged him and he wasn't forgotten. And perhaps in the future there will be an opportunity to help more directly.


Gassho,

Shoka
sattoday

[Eva]

Thank you, Tairin, for sharing .
That person is in my thoughts as well .

Gassho, eva

sattoday and also LAH