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A Need for Sacred Space
by Sandee Traeger
Whenever I walk into a church, any church, I feel a sense of sacred space. However, many of us feel a need to step into that sense of sacredness outside of a weekly service. Because of our busy schedules and full lives, we don’t take the time to drive the five to fifteen miles to visit the church. Instead, we look for simple alternatives that will fit our complex lives.
My husband and I have been in a relationship for 35 years. We have four grown children and four grandchildren. My need for solitude or private time has always out weighed anyone else in the family. In each of the three homes we’ve owned in that time, I have never had a sacred space of my own. Having a sacred room, corner or desk might have made it easier, but none of our homes were ever large enough for that luxury. And, of course, living in Minnesota would only allow a fair-weather outdoor space.
I needed a place for retreating, rebalancing. A place to think, meditate, or reconnect with my Higher Self and inner guidance. For years, that space for me was sitting on my side of the bed I shared with my husband. The only problem was that he saw the whole bedroom as shared space. Since he did not need the alone time, and in fact made every effort to never be or do anything alone, finding sacred time or space for me was a long-term challenge. I had to get creative.
Meditations were done while washing dishes or folding laundry. In the car, the radio was turned off and there were many conversations with spiritual guides. Retreats took place late at night after everyone was in bed and the phone wouldn’t ring. At times, there would be great intensity with either work or family. That’s the time I made a cup of cappuccino or tea….my signal to stop for a moment and just breathe.
As I look back at the years, I am totally amazed how these people who I loved dearly and who also loved me were such experts at choreographing their lives to almost totally eliminate any opportunity for me to be alone with myself on any given day. One person would leave the scene and another would enter.
All you moms out there know what I mean when I tell you that I was “the one” to turn to for everything. From problems at school or work, to getting directions on how to do something they’d done at least ten times before but needed reminding, to finding things they “looked everywhere” to find. I can tell you from first-hand experience, moms are truly amazing people!!!
Three years ago, I was gifted some money. My husband and I were in the process of purchasing some land. Since the money was an unexpected gift to me, my husband suggested that I use it to help fund our purchase. Then he added, but it was gifted to you and you should choose how you’d like to invest or spend it. My heart knew that the one thing I’d desired for most of my life was my own sacred space. After working through the emotions of feeling unworthy of such a gift, I decided to have a studio created. It is large enough to have my own private, sacred space, as well as an area to express my untapped creative self. I hope you won’t laugh when I tell you that the studio is still not finished. I do continue my hope that it will be ready soon to move into and explore a new sense of sacred space for me….and in time, perhaps for others.
Not everyone has the same need for the quiet solitude and sacred space that I do. I do believe there have been some really amazing gifts with these experiences. They continue to be revealed as my life marches on.
If you are feeling challenged with creating or finding your own sacred space, I would encourage you not to give up. Sacred space can be anywhere, anytime….even in crowds of people. One of the spaces I have used the most often is to simply close my eyes, pull all my energy into myself, and just breathe. At this point, I would go anywhere I choose in that moment….mountains, beaches, forests, hot springs, someone’s arms, etc.
Other times I would let goof any thoughts I might have, as I’d see myself rising upward to sit in the Golden Chair that Kryon spoke about. This was a way of getting in touch with my Higher Self. After many trips to the Golden Chair, I asked to simply integrate my Higher Self with my physical body. That experience occurred for me five years ago.
Sacred space is as near as simply closing your eyes and going within. It’s safe, easy to get to, and there is always a flame of Divine Light burning there. I hope you won’t be afraid to get creative with finding or creating your sacred space. It is always rewarding when you can feel your own gratitude and sense of peace in your special spot.
Sandee Traeger is the owner of Wisdom and Wings near Avon, Minnesota. She is a Spiritual Teacher, Intuitive, Energy Worker, and Mentor. She offers workshops to Awaken Your Spirit and private Intuitive Readings and Energetic Healings. Sandee can be reached at spiritgirl343@yahoo.com.
Peacebuilding Practices and Methods the Department of Peace would Employ
sent in by Paddy McLaughlin, Center for Peace
We all recognize that this is a very serious moment in history. From school shootings to police firing on unarmed citizens, from gang violence to domestic violence, from terrorist attacks to the more than 20 major armed conflicts raging around the globe, I have realized the time has come to shift my focus from making a case against violence and demanding change, to focusing my energy on seeking and supporting the solutions.
While many people are at a loss for ideas, I realize now more than ever that we have a vast array of problem solving options that have not yet been deployed. At a time when many are paralyzed by the overwhelming enormity of the problems we now face, I believe it is time to harness all available resources. There are over 300 colleges and universities in the United States that offer degrees in peace studies, peacebuilding, and peace creation. This country has an extraordinary base of highly professional experts who offer practical, concrete, effective solutions. There are peacebuilders who possess the appropriate, constructive skills and tools that have been proven to resolve conflict before it escalates into violence. It is absolutely critical to the future of our country that we begin to utilize these powerful methods and incorporate them into the structures of our society at all levels. The legislation to create a cabinet level Department of Peace will provide the institutional platform necessary to employ the best of American genius to cure this epidemic of violence.
Let us not discount the valuable organizations that already exist throughout our communities, yet too often operate on shoestring budgets, those developing and operating small successful programs that are effectively preventing and reducing violence, and assisting those in healing from violence perpetrated against them. Programs offering practical ways of improving community police relations, rehabilitating prisoners and reducing recidivism rates, preventing domestic violence, providing cultural competency education, teaching non-violent conflict resolution, as well as programs preventing school violence, all provide a valuable pool of tried and true methodologies. Effective citizen and community based programs will be identified, funded, expanded, and made available to communities around the country, through the springboard of the Department of Peace.
For example, throughout the country programs exist that have been proven effective at reducing violence in schools by teaching children peer mediation, positive socialization, nonviolent communication and other peacebuilding skills, as well as programs like those developed by the TKF, proven effective at dismantling gang psychology. The Tariq Khamisa Foundation was formed in 1995 after Tariq Khamisa, a 20-year-old SDSU student, was senselessly shot and killed while delivering pizzas. His assailant was a 14-year-old gang member named Tony Hicks. Believing that there were "victims at both ends of the gun", Azim Khamisa, Tariq's father, reached out in forgiveness to Tony's grandfather and guardian, Ples Felix, to begin the process of healing. TKF is a non profit organization dedicated to breaking the epidemic of youth violence. Through TKF\'s school-based nonviolence programs, Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix speak to elementary and middle school children about gangs, violence, revenge, and the importance of becoming "peacemakers". One 7th grade student said, "TKF is changing the way that kids think about violence. I wish more and more kids would hear TKF's message." A United States Department of Peace will ensure that proven programs such as these will be adequately funded and universally available.
By establishing resolutions in support of the Department of Peace legislation, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and 13 other major cities in the U.S. have already demonstrated their confidence in peacebuilding practices that will work to reduce violent crime in their communities, as well as the violence that rages around the globe. I believe it is important that Boise, Nampa, Meridian and other Treasure Valley cities join in this partnership. In doing so, we send a message to our Representatives in Congress, to bring about the passage of this very important legislation, and in effect, bring direct resources to our communities to augment the efforts of our already overburdened law enforcement agencies, criminal justice systems, correctional facilities, health and human services departments, and our school administrators and staff.
Not only will the Department of Peace address conflict within our borders, but international conflict as well. Terrorism is a very real and serious threat, without question. Many are working to prevent the next terrorist attack but I find myself asking, "Who is working to prevent terrorism?" We must tap into the extraordinary wealth and breath of knowledge and expertise in the peacebuilding community, for instance, those who have a deep understanding of the psychology of terrorism and its root causes.
It will be the responsibility of the Secretary of Peace, to advise and inform the President on matters of international conflict. If we are to adequately address and prevent conflict around the globe, peacebuilding experts need a seat at the table of power. The President must have a peacebuilder on his or her team.
A cornerstone of the Department of Peace will be the establishment of a U.S. Peace Academy, a complimentary academy to the 5 U.S. Services Academies .
I realize no one piece of legislation is the answer, but this I believe is an important piece of the solution. Not all of us aspire to obtain degrees in peacebuilding, although if you are drawn to that valuable work know that you will be extremely appreciated for your dedication at that level. One important thing we all can do is send a message to our representatives in Congress. If you do not know who your representatives are you can go to thepeacealliance.org and enter your zip code. Send postcards or faxes, and make phone calls to your Representatives' offices, remember they work for you! Write letters to the editor, contact city council members and other community members you believe would appreciate hearing about this legislation. Encourage family and friends to get involved as well. Contact your local DoP organizers and help the grassroots effort to educate others. Begin building a brighter future for all the children of the world by insisting we better utilize the practical, common-sense solutions so desperately needed at this critical time in history!
New Millennium Calls for a New Commitment to Life
A Look at the UN’s Millennium Development Goals
By Jenny Fredette
What do Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jeffrey Sachs, George Soros, Kofi Annan, and Jimmy Carter have in common? Maybe if I add U2 rock star “Bono” to this list, you’ll have a big clue. These individuals – each famous in their respective careers – are now uniting toward a single purpose: end extreme poverty in our lifetime.
Is it possible? Can we really put an end to starving children surrounded by swarming flies? Can we slow or reverse pandemics like HIV/AIDS and malaria? Can cultures learn to stop robbing women of the opportunities and respect afforded to men? Can communities be transformed? For these leaders, the answer matches the strength of our will to make it happen. All the recent momentum toward ending poverty began in the late 1990s as the United Nations started talking about the Millennium Development Goals. The idea was simple: to create a better world, we must envision specific goals, take concrete steps to get there, and measure the results along the way.
In the year 2000, the United Nations established eight goals, covering everything from the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty to combating HIV/AIDS and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty
Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality
Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development
Each of the eight goals has several sub points, called targets. These specific targets give the world community clear goals to reach. For example, under the goal to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty, the UN lists two targets:
Target 1. Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is
less than $1 a day
Target 2. Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from
hunger
By getting specific and practical about ending poverty, the partners in this effort can coordinate their time and resources toward the same end point. This is important because the strength of a campaign with such ambitious goals depends entirely on integrating an eclectic group of partners – national governments, private foundations, famous individuals, small grassroots organizations, and even ordinary families and children.
The first step for anyone’s involvement is awareness. By learning about the communities that exist in the poorest communities of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, we can pinpoint specific needs.
The key is not to come in from the outside with a top-down approach and require a community to adopt our ideas of what is best. Instead, we can empower communities to create a better life for themselves by providing the technology, expertise, and investment needed. The Millennium Villages concept, in particular, is based on addressing the many causes of poverty all at the same time. The initial results are encouraging, as it seems these poor communities simply need a jumpstart in their economic development. Once the ball is rolling, they are eager to do the work of development in their own indigenous way.
Please take the time to explore these websites and learn more about the Millennium Development Goals. Share this information with a friend and get involved in a way that fits your interests and passions. The only thing standing between a world with poverty and a world free from it is our commitment to end poverty, and then make it happen.
Some Resources:
Connecting Abundance with Needs
One Girl’s Tour of Non-Profits
By Jenny Fredette
An innocent job fair managed to set the whole course of my life. It was my first week of classes at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and I needed to find a work-study job to help pay for college. There were many campus and off-campus opportunities, but one organization in particular stood out for me: World Relief. This Christian agency provides humanitarian relief and economic development all around the world. In the United States, World Relief focuses on helping refugees. By offering English classes, medical and legal assistance, host families, apartment location services, and much more, the volunteers at World Relief make very vulnerable people feel safe by caring for them in practical ways.
Right away, I began working with the Volunteer Coordinator. We put together volunteer training packets and produced a newsletter. Supporting all of World Relief’s volunteers gave me a perspective on the variety of ways to help refugees, and the diversity of caring people who rose to that challenge.
I ended up working at World Relief throughout my entire college career, though my job duties changed. I did everything from marketing and communications, to transporting refugees to medical and legal appointments, to assisting in English-as-a-Second-Language classrooms. Interacting with adults and children from so many countries excited me and reminded me of the larger world beyond my comfortable Chicago suburb. They were colorful, beautiful people from places like Vietnam, Sudan, Iraq, Columbia, Kosovo, and Somalia, and their smiles and broken English were a true joy for me. Regardless of what country they were from or what difficult circumstances had forced them to evacuate (refugees are targeted for political, religious, or ethnic reasons), we were able to find a common connection. Hope permeated.
By the time I needed to do an internship to complete my degree in political science, I knew there was something very particular I wanted to learn about: where and how the needs of the poorest communities intersect with the powerful government entities that can effect change. How could the massive amounts of resources available at the national and international level be directed to the most severe local needs? How could top leaders learn about the policy changes needed to create opportunity for people struggling to make a living?
When my internship program in Washington, DC suggested Bread for the World, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. With a name like Bread for the World, you might imagine this organization runs a soup kitchen, ships food to third-world countries, or trains poor communities in agriculture. Actually they do something very different but vitally important: their 56,000 members lobby the U.S. Congress on issues related to hunger and poverty. These forward-thinkers realize that though our direct and personal assistance to poor people is valuable, a single decision by Congress can outweigh or multiply our efforts. Some charitable efforts might be rooted in compassion or generosity, but this work was clearly one of justice.
I worked in the Organizing Department and equipped activists to write, call, and visit their elected leaders. By studying specific legislative issues and helping ordinary Americans identify effective ways to end hunger, we campaigned for fair policies and adequate funding. Bread for the World has contributed to the success of countless domestic and international policies and programs related to poverty: food stamps, WIC, TANF, international poverty-focused development assistance, and debt relief to the poorest countries. They have an amazing track record that should make their members very proud.
Bread for the World is a Christian organization, and very inclusive in nature - Catholics and Protestants form the majority, but a good number of other faithful people contribute to its work as well. Their many legislative victories show the synergy we create when people come together for positive change - we can do much more together than we ever could alone.
After graduating, I headed back to Washington, DC to continue my work with non-profits. I took an entry-level job with an organization called WorldServe International, and became the Director of Communications six months later. (This was the beginning of my joke that I only work for organizations that have "world" in the name!)
WorldServe is focused on economic development in the poorest countries. Its Board of Directors consists of top business people who find innovative ways to invest in entrepreneurial communities. WorldServe believes in sustainable transformational development - meaning that change is deep, organic, and lasting.
Here’s a great example of how WorldServe does its work creatively: Throughout its medical projects and microfinance lending programs, WorldServe kept finding that clean water was a desperate need in poor communities. Women and children spend up to 8 hours every day simply finding and carrying water, preventing them from being in school or generating income for the family. Not only that, but the water they use is polluted and causes them to get very sick or even die. Animals and people share the same dirty water sources, creating problems for the communities.
WorldServe decided to create an Africa-based water company capable of drilling water wells. Maji-Tech Engineering, based in Tanzania, was formed and began acquiring deep-capacity drilling equipment. Now it is a few years later, and Maji-Tech has not only drilled many community water wells, but it has created over 100 jobs for Africans. The most exciting part is that this work is in the very early stages - Maji-Tech will be expanded and replicated into many other African countries.
I eventually left Washington, DC to pursue freelance writing, but I continue to support the work of WorldServe by getting out the word about what they are doing. I produce their e-newsletter, create and distribute press releases, and coordinate their campaigns.
There are hundreds of organizations striving to help poor communities by empowering people. I enjoy being part of some outstanding ones that highlight not only the needs that exist, but the creative and hopeful solutions that are changing lives.
jennyfredette@gmail.com
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