Archive for September, 2010

George Park “did what he was meant to do.”  So claimed the newspaper coverage of the untimely fatal heart attack at 57 of professor Park, for 33 years the iconic marching band leader at the University of Massachusetts.  He will be grieved by the thousands of students whose lives he touched over the years and of course by family and friends.  Hopefully the day will come when solace can be found in the fact that for as long as he was here on this planet, he did what he was meant to do–make music, help young people set standards of performance excellence and inspire thousands of others.

Some people are bestowed the gift to spend 33 years giving their unique combination of  talents,   expressing their passions, in a way that allows them to leave a large legacy. He was one of those who latched onto his life work early. In fact his family remembers him as a ‘band leader’ in kindergarten directing the “banging block” rhythm lesson for his peers.

His passing gives us pause to remember that at whatever age, and for however long, doing what we are meant to do in our particular corner of the world is still available to each of us.  Perhaps daring to step into our right work is a way to both honor our own possibilities and the memory of wonderful models, no longer here.

Ashoka is an organization which promotes social entrepreneurship.  It stands by it’s vision that in these difficult and discouraging times, everyone can be a changemaker.  Everyone can help change the “systems” which tend to erode our bounty in the numerous areas in which we are challenged:  clean water, good soil, poverty, food for all, and meaningful work for the least of us.   From my point of view they hold the vision of how our world could be if we used our gifts to contribute to world’s most desperate needs in a way which would eradicate those needs.  I receive the Ashoka newsletter and I thought it would interest you.  Ashoka interns, those with the youthful energy to tackle difficult issues, are engaged in spreading the word about this organization. They’ve turned their creativity to a short video.  And so, I pass it on. It is an organization worthy of your support.

People doing what they love abound in the world.  I delight when I come across unique specialities. Sir Laugh-A-Lot conducted a  session at the local library.  I attended his Laughter Yoga along with 22 others. We got a little crazy, laughed off any embarrassment and had a lot of fun.  This certified Laughter Leader actually gets paid to improve the health of his participants through giggles and guffaws.  Most probably he’s not financially supporting himself generously through this endeavor.  But what a way to bring joy to his own life and all those he touches with his gifts.  Again, my motto….just start somewhere, doing more of what you love!