Politics, Consent, Spirituality

Everything is personal, opinion, point of view, and honestly who really knows how it all works. I did not like any of the candidates 100%, all of them had issues that did not align with mine. This article clearly states why Bernie did not rise, unfortunately blame, fighting, and anger played a role with Bernie and with Trump.

Elad Nehorai
This is a really crazy article. Totally worth reading. A reminder of how a promising movement can so easily get off track when anger and ego get in the way.

I am in shock how our society got more upset over Gorilla vs. Toddler, than an Ivy League man raping an unconscious woman and getting a reduced sentence.

Mia Adler Ozair feeling angry.
So what it comes down to is that just because there is opportunity does not mean there is a right. This is what a portion of our male population doesn’t seem to grasp. No means no. Unconscious means no. Naked means no. Anything other than a consensual, conscious yes means no. Women are not here to be used as men please. And even though as a mother I will do my best to teach my daughters that it is wisest not to enter into the alligator pit that is the current environment of our social system, I will even more so teach my sons that a woman is sacred, her body her own, and nothing–absolutely nothing–excuses violating the sacred space that is a woman’s being. Protecting our girls includes educating our boys. The father of the rapist referred to it as “20 minutes of action.” May his son be blessed with the same 20 minutes of action in prison by men much larger and stronger than he is. Then perhaps he will gain some perspective.
Afshine Emrani
Here is the trouble I have with America. A gorilla was shot to save a child and mobs attacked his mom. Meanwhile an unconscious woman raped on campus isn’t getting nearly the attention. What’s wrong with us?

Let’s finish with spirituality.  For some reason in our modern society it is acceptable to be on a spiritual journey, but religion is looked down upon.  My thoughts are as usual that everyone should have the right to do what works for them, and there is not one fit for all. Since marriage and children, I have enjoyed living a more observant Jewish life, and I find that for me it is beyond religion, it fits my identity, my core, and even my day to day has more balance, meaning, and purpose.

This weekend is the Jewish holiday Shavuot, it is a celebration of receiving the 10 commandments and the Torah directly from God, and becoming a nation.  Since Passover there are 49 days until Shavuot, and we count each day with a prayer and a spiritual focus, http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/how-to-count-the-omer/.  Below is a beautiful Muslim woman that writes about Ramadan, and it made me think how similar it is to the Jewish counting of the Omer.

Farhana Rahman feeling revitalized.
Just declared my intention to fast for day 3 of Ramadan. I am surprised to say that I am absolutely loving it, and might even continue doing this long after Ramadan ends. Yes, I really am strongly considering it.

You see, I was in a bit of a down point in the weeks leading up to Ramadan. But I wasn’t quite able to take a break to tend to myself, because of work and life demands. I knew in my heart of hearts that I needed something like Shabbat to fix me.

I needed to be forced to be spiritual, and reflect on things for hours on end. I needed to be forced to change my perspective on things. I needed to be forced to be more gentle and caring in the inside, to match my actions on the outside. I needed to be forced to not act out of repressed anger and sadness to unsuspecting people. I needed to be forced to appreciate all my blessings.

Then Ramadan started.

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure if I even wanted to keep the first fast. Because I wasn’t in the right state of mind. In the last couple of hours before sunrise, I decided to just go on ahead. Because maybe the fact that I wasn’t in the right state of mind was exactly the reason why I needed to do it.

As day 1 progressed, I honestly didn’t feel hungry at all. No cravings either. But I did feel more holy. I know, it’s all in the mind, but it was a feeling I wasn’t able to switch on before. I started to assess things differently. Handled situations more peacefully. Interacted with people more wholeheartedly. Learned to appreciate my loved ones more than ever. The happiness that came from it all in turn made my work even better.

I swear, I kind of felt guilty to break the fast at sunset. I was afraid that the feeling and connection will go away. It didn’t. 🙂

Day 2 was the same. Beautiful renewed outlook on life. So much gratitude towards those who are good to me. My prayers to God were straight from the heart- not words simply being uttered out of habit. I found myself being more conscientious. Found myself coming up with dozens of ways to show appreciation towards others. And again- so many great ideas came to mind that helped with work as well.

I can’t wait to see how much more I improve in day 3 and beyond. I thank God for not letting me feel hunger or thirst. I am only feeling spiritually cleansed. This is exactly what I needed. I am so happy, thanks to the month of Ramadan.

 

The correct wishes are Ramadan Mubarak.

Let’s learn about each other,

Listen to each other,

Appreciate each other,

Let people be,

Find  your spirituality,

Coach Yulia

 

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