Positive Chronicles : Edition 77

CNY Inspirations: Life lessons

The late Rev. Dr. Louis C. Walker Sr., the pastor of my formative years, exerted a powerful influence on my life. One of his sayings was, “Never tell all that you know, but know all that you tell!”

I didn’t understand the impact of that statement, but I celebrate it now. It’s not about keeping secrets or inside information, but about portions of your journey that need to be retained as inspiration to press forward. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus did some things that need to be kept in your heart’s vault!

‘From Prison to A-student’: Former addict becomes graduate at 62, inspires netizens

Joseph Valadez from Fountain Valley recently graduated from California State University of Long Beach with a degree in Sociology. He now wants to do his post graduation in social work.

Read above ..

An inspirational story of a wrestler from Indore slums

Manya Singh’s Journey—How An Auto Driver’s Daughter Became Miss India Runner-Up

‘Life was hard on me, but I was harder on my life,’ says Manya Singh.

Zen Fable : Balance and Moderation

An aged monk, who had lived a long and active life, was assigned a chaplain’s role at an academy for girls. In discussion groups he often found that the subject of love became a central topic. This comprised his warning to the young women:
“Understand the danger of anything-too-much in your lives. Too much anger in combat can lead to recklessness and death. Too much ardor in religious beliefs can lead to close-mindedness and persecution.
Too much passion in love creates dream images of the beloved – images that ultimately prove false and generate anger. To love too much is to lick honey from the point of a knife.”
“But as a celibate monk,” asked one young woman, “how can you know of love between a man and a woman?”
“Sometime, dear children,” replied the old teacher, “I will tell you why I became a monk.”

Interpretation ::

Without saying much, this tale shows us how we need to lead a life of moderation and balance all the time.

Positive Chronicles – Edition 76

Mother of all inspirations

Kristan Cronin didn’t have to look far to find inspiration in the field of education. She simply looked toward her mother. Cronin’s mother, Nancy Hall, was a longtime educator in Indiana, where she taught high school special needs students.

Read more at …

WHY DIGITAL ENTREPRENEUR SUDHA YADAV IS AN INSPIRATION TO YOUNG GIRLS

Sudha Yadav is a 20-year old digital entrepreneur hailing from a small village of Rewari District in Haryana.

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Provo students draw inspiration from COVID art contest

Don’t let the COVID monsters get you, says sixth-grader Chloe Winget. Her art piece joins other winners on display in the Provo City Hall lobby. Feb. 10, 2021.

Imagine a world without COVID. Eighth-grader Megan Hoffman does. See her poster on display in the Provo City Hall lobby. Feb. 10, 2021.

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Being a source of inspiration

To master how to inspire others, you must lead by example. This means exhibiting conviction and courage to act, to stay relentless yet flexible and agile, being authentic in everything you do.

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Brewing up a dirty-water remedy (and more) with kombucha-inspired biosensors

PhD student and 2017 J-WAFS graduate fellow Tzu-Chieh Tang designs living materials to solve environmental challenges, with an emphasis on safety and scalability.

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Zen Fable : What is egotism

The Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty was a national hero for his success as both a statesman and military leader. But despite his fame, power, and wealth, he considered himself a humble and devout Buddhist. Often he visited his favorite Zen master to study under him, and they seemed to get along very well. The fact that he was prime minister apparently had no effect on their relationship, which seemed to be simply one of a revered master and respectful student.

One day, during his usual visit, the Prime Minister asked the master, “Your Reverence, what is egotism according to Buddhism?” The master’s face turned red, and in a very condescending and insulting tone of voice, he shot back, “What kind of stupid question is that!?”

This unexpected response so shocked the Prime Minister that he became sullen and angry. The Zen master then smiled and said, “THIS, Your Excellency, is egotism.”

Interpretation :

We often don’t understand our own selves which is why it is very hard to progress further. This is why understanding ourselves is always the first step towards growth.

Positive Chronicles : Edition 75

CNY Inspirations: Imagine the possibilities

Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter

Hope, unity, peace, racial equity, and economic sustainability for all are just a few things I imagine for our nation. There are those who don’t believe they are possible. They believe our world is too broken and divided to ever fully embrace the former.

Behind the music – World’s First Cinema

LA-based band World’s First Cinema have released their new single, Cold Sets In. We asked them the BIG questions . . .

SHINING A LIGHT ON POSITIVE DISRUPTION IN TRADITIONALLY MALE INDUSTRIES

Commit to Diversity and Inclusion

The Universal Womens Network™ is a global platform committed to gender equality by raising the bar to advance women in their network, workplace, and communities .

2020 showed us just how powerful and resilient women are. Now is the time to commit to be a visible supportHER and champion for diversity and inclusion.

Bits of good news for the earthReview:

“Rewilding Earth: Best of 2019,” eds. John Davis and Susan Morgan, The Rewilding Institute/Essex Editions

Kids Count book shows good and bad news for New Mexico children

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the child advocacy group New Mexico Voices for Children had some good news about how the state’s children have fared.

Fable : Inch Time Foot Gem

A lord asked Takuan, a Zen teacher, to suggest how he might pass the time. He felt his days very long attending his office and sitting stiffly to receive the homage of others.

Takuan wrote eight Chinese characters and gave them to the man:

Not twice this day
Inch time foot gem.
This day will not come again.
Each minute is worth a priceless gem.

Interpretation : No matter how uncomfortable the bus ride, how horrendous the airline food, or how saggy the bed, we need to remember: this moment will not come again.

Positive News :: Edition 74

Words of inspiration from women (from “A Woman’s Book of Inspiration”) for a new semester

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you until it seems that you cannot hold on for a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time when the tide will turn.” — Harriet Beecher Stowe Words of inspiration from women (from “A Woman’s Book of Inspiration”) for a new semester

Harriet Beecher Stowe published her anti-slavery novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” in 1851.

There are going to be so many overwhelming moments this semester (and generally in life). It’s important to remember that endurance doesn’t mean you’re sprinting, it just means you’re going as fast as you can. It might be a walk, jog or run, but progress is progress, no matter how fast you’re going.

Earth911 Inspiration: Like a Tree

Earth911 Jan 29, 2021

This week’s Earth911 Inspiration comes from poet Ben Ditmars, who wrote, “Like a tree, I have stood my ground, not fallen.”

CNY Inspirations: The past is HISTORY

Updated Jan 24, 2021; Posted Jan 24, 2021

By InterFaith Works of Central New York

This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Fable : Stop wasting your time complaining

“People visit a wise man complaining about the same problems over and over again. One day, he decided to tell them a joke and they all roared with laughter.

After a few minutes, he told them the same joke and only a few of them smiled.

Then he told the same joke for a third time, but no one laughed or smiled anymore.

The wise man smiled and said: ‘You can’t laugh at the same joke over and over. So why are you always crying about the same problem?’

Interpretation : As the wise man said, may of us keep complaining about the same issue instead of looking for solutions

Positive Chronicles :: Edition 73

‘An inspiration to us all’: Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem stirs hope and awe

Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in US history, delivered a poem that recalled the Capitol riots and looked to the future

Read more here…

MEET RAFIQAH AKHDAR, THE 20-YEAR-OLD MAKEUP ARTIST CHALLENGING HERSELF WITH EVERY LOOK

The creator opens up about going viral, TikTok inspiration, and being a Black Muslim woman in beauty.

Welcome to Favorite Follow, a new series highlighting NYLON’s favorite creators and the stories behind some of their most memorable content.

For those deep in the beauty world, there’s a good change your news feed, timelines, and Explore page are filled with skincare regimens, new product releases, and super intricate makeup looks ready to save and give a try. Whether you’ve realized it or not, there’s an equally good chance you’ve seen the talented 20-year old Rafiqah Akhdar and her incredible makeup looks — either through social platforms like Instagram and TikTok or in major beauty campaigns for Glossier.

Read more here …

Artist Andy Moses Takes Inspiration from the Natural World

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Four years ago, artist Andy Moses was celebrated in a 30-year survey of his life’s work not far from where he grew up.

Mid-career, his work showed a consistent palette inspired by his time spent in the water while surfing off the beaches of Southern California.

Read more here …

Zen tale : The Tunnel

Zenkai, the son of a samurai, journeyed to Edo and there became the retainer of a high official. He fell in love with the official’s wife and was discovered. In self-defense, he slew the official. Then he ran away with the wife.

Both of them later became thieves. But the woman was so greedy that Zenkai grew disgusted. Finally, leaving her, he journeyed far away to the province of Buzen, where he became a wandering mendicant.

To atone for his past, Zenkai resolved to accomplish some good deed in his lifetime. Knowing of a dangerous road over a cliff that had caused the death and injury of many persons, he resolved to cut a tunnel through the mountain there.

Begging food in the daytime, Zenkai worked at night digging his tunnel. When thirty years had gone by, the tunnel was 2,280 feet long, 20 feet high, and 30 feet wide.

Two years before the work was completed, the son of the official he had slain, who was a skillful swordsman, found Zenkai out and came to kill him in revenge.

“I will give you my life willingly,” said Zenkai. “Only let me finish this work. On the day it is completed, then you may kill me.”

So the son awaited the day. Several months passed and Zenkai kept on digging. The son grew tired of doing nothing and began to help with the digging. After he had helped for more than a year, he came to admire Zenkai’s strong will and character.

At last the tunnel was completed and the people could use it and travel in safety.

“Now cut off my head,” said Zenkai. “My work is done.”

“How can I cut off my own teacher’s head?” asked the younger man with tears in his eyes.

Interpretation

What we all can learn from this tale is we all can indeed reform through our own good deeds, anytime we wish to. Here, when we try hard enough, even the universe responds.

Positive Chronicles – Edition 72

‘Invisible Inspirations’: Bremen High School Students Help Peers

In an attempt to ease stress during the pandemic, four students from Bremen High School started a project to help students know they care.

Inspiration!

India’s only female Paracyclist Tanya Daga made India proud after she scripted history by pedalling 3800 km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in 43 days

NASA Astronaut Victor Glover Provides Inspiration to Black Cal Poly Students From Space

The greatest challenges in life, the Cal Poly engineering grad says, come from within.

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Taking inspiration where you find it

While searching for column ideas based around the positive effects bestowed upon society by the arts and artists, I discovered a charming story detailing how science has contributed to the arts. Songwriting brothers Robert and Richard Sherman were stalled in their work creating the songs for Walt Disney’s upcoming movie Mary Poppins, having hit a snag when projected star Julie Andrews turned thumbs down on a song she found too sentimental.

Read more at …

Kerala’s Sprint Queen K. M. Beenamol Is An Inspiration To Many

Kerala’s former sprint queen, Kalayathumkuzhi Mathews Beenamol, popularly known as K. M. Beenamol, has several laurels to her name. Conferred the Arjuna Award in 2000, named joint winner of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2002-2003, and awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 for her exemplary achievements in her sporting career, Beenamol’s journey to success is a fascinating one.

Zen Fable : Judging others

Four pupils used to practice meditation in the time before Zen came to Japan.
These close friends vowed to each other to observe silence for seven days.

The first day passed well.
But as the evening progressed and the oil lamps became dim, one student couldn’t help himself.

“Attend to the lamps!” he shouted impatiently to an assistant.

His friend turned to him, surprised.
“You are not supposed to speak! Have you forgotten?”

The third friend piped up, “You fools! Why are you talking?”

“Hah, I’m the only one who’s kept silent!” exclaimed the last.

Interpretation : –

Before judging others, let us pause for a moment and ask – how perfect am I? For, self exploration is the best path towards personal growth..

Positive Chronicles – Edition 71

10 Ice-Type Pokemon And Their Real-Life Inspirations

Game Freak tends to look to reality for inspiration when designing Pokemon. What things inspired these Ice-types?

CNY Inspirations: I resolve to forgive

This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Many people have rituals associated with the coming of a new year. One of the most common rituals is making New Year’s resolutions. We spend the final days of December working up the determination to establish a healthy habit or letting go of an unhealthy one. Will you to join me in making a New Year’s resolution that brings healing and peace?

Project RISE: A Source Of Hope, Inspiration From IPCW

What Is Project RISE?

ARISE Impact started a self driven initiative called Project RISE to empower the visually challenged students at Indraprastha College for Women of Delhi University. The aim of the project is to empower lives through self-learning and self-training methodologies. Bilingual-audio based Course Modules are developed under the project. This is developed keeping in mind the challenges faced by the visually impaired. Furthermore, ARISE Impact trainers aid them in building confidence. This training involves different fun-loving games along with personality development activities. Additionally, the trainers help in imparting employability skills. As a result, it will help them to pursue their cherished career path and dreams.

Zen Fable : What is being useless

A farmer got so old that he couldn’t work the fields anymore. So he would spend the day just sitting on the porch. His son, still working the farm, would look up from time to time and see his father sitting there.

“He’s of no use any more,” the son thought to himself, “he doesn’t do anything!” One day the son got so frustrated by this, that he built a wood coffin, dragged it over to the porch, and told his father to get in.

Without saying anything, the father climbed inside. After closing the lid, the son dragged the coffin to the edge of the farm where there was a high cliff.

As he approached the drop, he heard a light tapping on the lid from inside the coffin. He opened it up. Still lying there peacefully, the father looked up at his son. “I know you are going to throw me over the cliff, but before you do, may I suggest something?” “What is it?” replied the son. “Throw me over the cliff, if you like,” said the father, “but save this good wood coffin. Your children might need to use it.”

Interpretation : It helps to think of what we think we usually get what we sow…So, the more compassionate we are, the more of compassion we shall receive. This is the law of life…

Positive Chronicles – XXXXXXX

Speaker Velasco’s New Year message: Let’s welcome 2021 with renewed hope, inspiration

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque is formally elected as new Speaker of the House after 186 Congressmen voted for him at the Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Thursday called on Filipinos to welcome the new year with renewed hope and inspiration as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lingers on.

Read more here …

How to Write a Love Letter, According to Experts

We asked romance novelists and authors for their best love letter tips.

Read more here…

Nutritional Inspiration For The New Year

In 2021, leave behind the habit of turning to unhealthy meals and instead focus on dishes that call for fresh fruits and veggies like this Quinoa Salad with Orange Cilantro Salad Dressing.

A new year brings new opportunities for personal changes and improvement from taking steps forward in a career to bettering personal relationships and — perhaps most common — starting on a path toward better health. For many, the worthwhile challenge of enhancing physical health begins with the foods and beverages you eat and drink.

Madi’s Treasure Box brings prizes, inspiration to Santa Ynez Valley libraries

122930 Madi's Treasure Box Library prizes

Local third grader and founder of Madi’s Treasure Box Madi Wilson, center, has donated “World Changer” pencil sets to be given as prizes for the libraries’ upcoming winter reading challenge, Books Like Us.”

How We Used 5 Lakh Plastic Waste Bottles To Build A Resort

Outback Havelock is an eco-friendly establishment, built from recycled plastic and rubber waste by Zorawar Purohit, Akhil Verma, Aditya Verma and Rohit Pathak in the Andaman Islands.

Read more here…

Zen Fable : Heaven and Hell

“I want to know about heaven and hell,” said the samurai. “Do they really exist?” he asked Hakuin.

Hakuin looked at the soldier and asked, “Who are you?”

“I am a samurai,” announced the proud warrior.

“Ha!” exclaimed Hakuin. “What makes you think you can understand such insightful things? You are merely a callous, brutish soldier! Go away and do not waste my time with your foolish questions,” Hakuin said, waving his hand to drive away the samurai.

The enraged samurai couldn’t take Hakuin’s insults. He drew his sword, readied for the kill, when Hakuin calmly retorted, “This is hell.”

The soldier was taken aback. His face softened. Humbled by the wisdom of Hakuin, he put away his sword and bowed before the Zen Master.

“And this is heaven,” Hakuin stated, just as calmly.

Interpretation

As the tale shows us, both heaven and hell are within us. Hence, we do have the power to create both. Let us use it well.

Positive Chronicles – Edition XXXXXXIX

What went right in 2020: the top 20 good news stories of the year

It’s been a year like no other. As challenging as 2020 has been, the past 12 months have also seen big wins for the environment, society and culture, human rights – and even health.

Read more here

Five good-news health stories from this past year

The best health news of 2020.

9 good news stories from 2020

2020 environment gender equality science technology

2020 has seen big gender equality gains.

The World Economic Forum COVID Action Platform

Disease breakthroughs in 2020 included new potential cancer treatments and falling hepatitis B cases in children under five.
Technological advances brought us a world-first artificial eye and new NASA intelligence of water on the moon.
The United Nations, World Food Programme, World Economic Forum and other agencies continue to tackle global challenges including hunger, climate change and gender equality.

This year taught us that no good news is too small to share

“Summer is on its way and my partner and I managed to grow this rose which has a wonderful scent.” A picture of a beautiful orange flower accompanied the note—part of a weekly email sharing good news with the members of our research center. One year ago, an announcement like this could have seemed insignificant and irrelevant to the important work of science. But amid the difficulties of 2020, it was anything but. It put a smile on my face, and hopefully it did the same for my colleagues. It helped build human connection. And it reminded us that, even this year, good things happened.

10 good news stories that lifted our spirits in 2020

France, Paris, Happy young woman with flying pidgeons at Arc de Triomphe

2020 has been a challenge, but there has been plenty of good news to see us through to the new year © Westend61 / Getty Images

Let’s be honest, 2020 has been a real struggle. But there’s something about a year of downs that makes the ups even more important somehow, making us truly value good news when it does indeed arrive. That’s why we rounded up 10 positive stories from the past year that have lifted our spirits and kept us inspired. Here’s our top picks.

10 Incredible Indians Who Helped Create a Cleaner, Greener Future in 2020

The Better India’s Heroes of Sustainability have dedicated their lives to protect the planet — planting huge forests, helping hundreds lead sustainable lives, or even saving entire species. And these heroes have no plans to stop until the Earth heals.

Positive Chronicles – Edition XXXXXXIII

Shining Bright: Laura Hammett Teams Up With Lighting Brand Bella Figura

Bazaar Interiors sit down with the famed interior designer to discuss her newest project and her endless design inspirations

https://www.harpersbazaararabia.com/culture/interiors/laura-hammett-teams-up-with-bella-figur

To The Top of Love Mountain: A Conversation with Graphic Artist Gregory Beauchamp, Creator of The Cover Art for Equality Magazine

HRC’s latest edition of Equality magazine touches on both the challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic as well as the hope and inspiration following the win of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Read more here…

ASU School of Molecular Sciences graduate shares inspirations

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2020 graduates.

Graduating School of Molecular Sciences senior Awed Alenezi recalls his first day at Arizona State University: “I still remember how I felt, both excited and nervous at the same time.”

Read more here …

The Gift of Insults

There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master.

Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.

Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior’s challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.

Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. “How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?”

“If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it,” the master replied, “to whom does the gift belong?”

Interpretation : As we can see, we need to just ignore what is irrelevant. As even Eleanor Roosevelt, the previous first lady of united states who is still honoured widely has said, no one can give you a complex without your consent.