BECAUSE we love all God's children
Happy Friday, everyone. Because I received angry, threatening, scolding, hateful emails from my ex brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew, after they read my last blog, (scroll down to see June 4th blog) I am writing this blog on the power of love. I was born Jewish and was accused by them of being a self-hating Jew because I wrote about the Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla massacre. I speak out on injustice of any kind. Because I started on my spiritual journey 40 years ago, I have been on a path of love, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. I have learned when anyone does anything that doesn’t come from a place of love, that person is disconnected from source and is acting out of fear. That doesn’t mean you have to have dinner with these people, but it is important to feel compassion for those that lash out at others. That behavior simply means they are in some sort of pain, be it emotional, physical or both which is caused by believing in fear thoughts. When anyone acts in ways which is not from a place of love, it is toxic for the one it is directed at, and also at the one expressing it. When we carry hate, anger or resentment inside of us, it causes unhappiness, illness, and an unsatisfying lifestyle. We must do our best to stay connected to source so we can stay in a state of love for ourselves and others. Practicing Yoga, meditation, chanting, walking in nature are some ways to become awakened to truth and become more enlightened. When our heart is open, we know we have nothing to fear when we act in loving ways. The truth is that “We are one.” When one is oppressed, all are oppressed. I believe in justice for all. There must be tolerance and respect for others. There is plenty for all when we work together.
I often hear, “Osha, you are so lucky.” Yes, I have my health and the love of my family. I have the most wonderful husband who not only loves me, but loves all people. He doesn’t have a racist bone in his body. I live in a beautiful home with a panoramic view of the Gulf and see dolphins daily. I respond with sharing how everyone can have whatever it is they are wanting. Start with witnessing your own thoughts. Thoughts create. If you don’t like any aspect of your life, change your thoughts about it. My yoga classes and DVD are not just about teaching the asanas (postures) they are about teaching to love, respect, appreciate, and have compassion for yourself on and off the mat. When you have that for yourself, you have that for others. This is how we will create paradise on earth with peace and justice for all! I am happy to say I am like Martin Luther King as I share in “I have a dream.”
EXCLUSIVE: New Video Smuggled Out from Mavi Marmara of Israel’s Deadly Assault on Gaza Aid Flotilla http://www.democracynow.org/ June 10/10
In a Democracy Now! exclusive, we bring you a sneak preview of previously unseen raw footage from the Mavi Marmara that will be formally released at a press conference at the United Nations later in the day. The footage shows the mood and the activities onboard the Mavi Marmara in the time leading up to the attack, and the immediate reaction of the passengers during the attack. We are joined by filmmaker and activist Iara Lee, one of the few Americans on the Mavi Marmara ship. Her equipment was confiscated, but she managed to smuggle out an hour’s worth of footage.
Iara Lee on Democracy Now: "New Video Smuggled Out from Mavi Marmara of Israel’s Deadly Assault on Gaza Aid Flotilla"
Filmmaker and Gaza Freedom Flotilla passenger Iara Lee, of US Campaign ally Cultures of Resistance, spoke today to Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez of Democracy Now! and showed previously unreleased footage of the attack on the flotilla. The graphic footage shows chaotic scenes of passengers scrambling to treat gunshot wounds in an improvised below deck medical center, while above deck people used megaphones to ask for medical aid. The footage will be unveiled today at a press conference at the United Nations, but here is a sneak peak at the footage, as well as the eyewitness report of the attack from Iara Lee._____________________________________________
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Another one for the Twilight Zone: Israel "eases embargo" to allow snack food (but not concrete, wheelchairs, musical instruments, fishing rope...)
"Israel is easing its Gaza embargo to allow snack food and drinks into the Palestinian enclave, Palestinian officials said Wednesday, following an international outcry over Israel's raid on an aid flotilla."
Here's the list of prohibited items from Gisha, the Israeli Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, which includes cement, plaster, tar, wood, glass containers, dried fruit, coriander, fishing rods, nets, rope, size A4 paper, sewing machines, toys, fresh meat, cattle, chicks, newspapers, musical instruments, writing implements....
The absurdity of this list of items would almost be funny, if it wasn't so sickening, so obviously intended to collectively punish an entire population, if the situation in Gaza wasn't so horrendous. Tell Congress and the White House that this monstrous blockade must end by clicking here.
June 2, 2010
The sounds of the pop duo Mira and Noa represent something more than music. Achinoam Nini, known to fans as Noa, is one of Israel's most popular singer-songwriters. Her singing partner is Mira Awad, an Arab-Israeli famous for her work in television and musicals. The two came together nearly a decade ago to make a statement about common purpose through their music. They recently brought their message to the U.S. and spoke to Tell Me More host Michel Martin.
"We feel that we have some kind of message to convey," Mira says. "If it's not us, then who?" Last year, the two made a splash on the world stage when they entered the Eurovision song contest (a sort of Europe-wide American Idol). Although they didn't win, their submission "There Must Be Another Way" exposed millions to a different voice in the Arab-Israeli dispute.
"If we can truly empathize with each other's sorrow, if we can cry together, then we can also reach the next level of building and overcoming all our other differences," Noa says.
"We are not representing an image of Israel, as is," Noa says. "We are representing the option of what Israel can be if there is a dialogue, and if there is reaching out."
If you are enjoying reading my blogs, please "follow" me and write comments or email me, and forward to friends. Thank you. Wishing you much love and many magical moments. Hey check out my Yoga DVD. It is an easy to follow Yoga program with inspirational messages of self-love. http://www.yogawithosharay.com/
I would love to see comments supporting love, joy, peace and justice for all. Many blessings, Osha
ReplyDelete"One love, one heart, let's get together and feel alright." Bob Marley
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work of spreading peace, love and happiness Osha. The fact that you inspire response, positive or negative, means people are listening and thinking.
Change takes time and effort. Never get discouraged, never back down.
Love and hugs for a beautiful weekend! : )
I love your blogs and your point of view.
ReplyDeleteHow anyone could not love you is beyond my wildest imagingation. We are one and when we learn to stop judging others we will all soar. Some of us are on slower paths and many of us have several forks in the road. Eventually we will all stand with God and then we can look back and see how we wasted too much time paying attention to everyones business instead of our own. In the meantime I love to read your blogs and always learn from them. We are not on the same political page but in my heart you are one of the finest creations of God. So there. Cherie
ReplyDeleteThank you for being bold by posting your comments for all to see. I also received a lot of personal emails supporting love, peace and speaking out. I appreciate you all.
ReplyDelete