Simplify

Here's a one-word answer to the question: How can I better (or, more fully) live a life of spirit?

Simplify.

Own less by getting rid of things you don't really need. For instance, one closet management article I read a few years back said that, barring seasonal clothing, if you haven't worn it in three to six months, throw it out or donate it. Others suggest adopting more of a Feng Shui mindset, removing as much as possible from every room in the house.

Here's the thing: consumerism, especially at the current level, is contrary to the teachings we all receive from our various religions. Worshiping at the altar of How Much I Have is not spiritual.

The fact that many of us have far more than we need is testament that we have fallen for the lie that money is the key to happiness. It isn't, and deep down, we know it.

I'm in the process of further simplification. I'll be back in a day or two with more on that. For now, just consider what you can do to simplify your life... in the hopes that it helps you live a better life with Spirit!

In peace,

Lane

Live Like You're Dying

What if you died tomorrow? What if today is the last day of your life? How would that change things for you?

These questions have hung in my mind for several weeks. I read The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. When he discovered he had terminal cancer, Randy's life changed dramatically. Yet in other ways, he simply continued as he always had - a giving, caring individual who actively sought ways to contribute to society and live a good life. He just looked for more opportunities to live the best life he could.

Reading Randy's thoughts on dying, and living, reminded me of a lesson from years ago. In his international best-seller, Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Dan Millman relates an extremely important thought: There are no ordinary moments.

Every minute of every day is a gift. Every minute wasted, or spent on something negative, is a moment you cannot retrieve. Both Pausch and Millman are telling us to make the most out of every minute of every day. They're telling us that, in order to get more out of life, we have to give all way have, all the time.

Whether you are at work, at play or at rest, immersing yourself in the activity will produce greater results. When interacting with others, be it your family, friends, coworkers, or strangers, giving your best enhances the experience. Even if all you are doing is having an ice cream cone, focusing on that sweet, cold refreshment will add to your enjoyment.

As I wrote of the ice cream cone above, an old memory popped to mind. I don't remember the comedian as it was many years ago, but I remember the last part of his skit. He talked about eating cookies, and how we often don't really enjoy them as much as we could. He talked about how much more delicious the last cookie in the package tastes. Then he went into a whole spiel about not realizing he was eating the last cookie, how he missed the entire experience because of his lack of awareness. He then ended by saying that, from then on, he ate every cookie as if it was his last, and urged the audience to do the same.

If it works for cookies, why not everything else? Enjoy the movie as if it were the last one you'll ever see. Enjoy making dinner with your family because it's the last food you'll ever have. Mow the lawn as if it were a testament to your dedication to your family. Enjoy every sunrise and every sunset, and everything between the two.

Everything we do is enhanced by careful attention, and by infusing the activity with love and compassion. Everyone we meet is better served when we bring our full attention to bear, and the best of ourselves into the interaction. Fill your days with productive work, compassionate service and joyful play and companionship, and you will enrich your life beyond measure.

Living every day as if you're dying is an excellent way to life a life with Spirit.

In peace,

Lane

Foodstock News

It's been a busy few weeks since I last posted. I apologize for the lapse, but I do have good news out of all that work. Danville Foodstock, a chapter of Foodstock Charities, has confirmed dates for two new events, and a strong commitment to produce a Foodstock benefit concert in San Jose, CA. Here are the details:

Working with The Danville High School Library Club, we're holding the first Foodstock DHS Inter-class Food Drive. The winning class (Freshmen through Seniors) will win an after-school party with refreshments and entertainment. Each student will also receive a certificate for participating and/or winning, as the case may be. The competition will run Monday, April 27, through Friday, May 1. All food and monetary donations will benefit the Danville Area Food Pantry. DAFP staff will audit all donations to ensure accuracy and fairness. Kurt Willer, Librarian for DHS and the sponsoring teacher for the Library Club, is our liason, and is handling everything with his club members. He was very excited to work with us, as the club was already searching for just such a project.

The second event will take place Saturday, June 6, as part of Spring Fest, an annual five-day carnival and festival produced by the Danville Jaycees. This year, Saturday will be designated Foodstock Day. We'll be collecting food and donations for the Danville Area Food Pantry, and celebrating with live music throughout the afternoon and evening. I'll be there, along with a lot of friends in the local music community as we combine two great causes, creating a stronger bond between the two organizations and helping us do more in the community.

The third piece of news is that my good friend Polo Jones enthusiastically volunteered to produce a Foodstock benefit concert in San Jose, CA. For two decades, Polo has been the bassist and musical director for a true international superstar, Zucchero. Performing to millions of fans world-wide on every tour, and selling millions of records, Zucchero (and Polo with him) has recorded with everyone from Luciano Pavorati to Eric Clapton.

For 2009, Polo is focusing on his new project while Zucchero takes a break from years of back-to-back touring and recording before beginning his next CD. In the meantime, Polo is busy recording and preparing to tour with Lighthouse for the Blind, a positive message heavy band featuring outsanding songwriting, filled with infectious grooves, tight harmonies and world-class musicianship.

About a week ago, Polo saw a report by our local ABC affiliate on the Foodstock Dinner Series. He went straight from that clip to our web site, which is where he learned about our benefit concerts. Like Mr. Willer's Library Club, Polo was consciously searching for something to do, something to help others. He emailed me right away, and by the time we spoke on the phone two days later, he'd already confirmed a venue and was talking to top local bands.

Wow! If this were hockey, we'd call that a Hat Trick! We're all very excited about all the opportunities. And, certainly, the Danville Area Food Pantry deeply appreciates the help!

I will take a few words to mention that there are expenses we are seeking to cover, above and beyond the concerts (which are 100% flow-through events, in which no one makes a dime) and the free dinner series, which is funded by individual donations and County Market Stores. In the near future, we will be posting a Wish List of items necessary to our work. It is our hope that supporters who can spare a few extra dollars will contribute to the general fund. In addition, you never know who might have a used item on our list.

Our sincere thanks to all who support Foodstock Charities, both here in Danville, and around the country. With your help, we're serving food - and hope - to those in need. And that's a very fulfilling element of living a life with Spirit!

In peace,

Lane