Spirited Woman Blogger Team

Join Women Around the World in Making "A Powerful Noise" Tonight!

If you’re looking for something to do tonight, I suggest a trip to the movies. And no, I’m not talking about taking in any of the Oscar winners or simply escaping with the more traditional fare on screens right now.

In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8), National CineMedia’s Fathom and CARE have teamed up with ONE and the UN Commission on the Status of Women to show the documentary A Powerful Noise for one night only in theaters across the country. 

The film takes viewers into the lives of three women - Jacqueline “Madame Urbain” Dembele, a matriarch in Mali, Nada Markovic, a mother in Bosnia, and Bui My Hanh, a young widow in Vietnam - and chronicles their commitment to empowering, educating, and seeking justice for women and girls despite the  gender barriers in their respective communities. In societies where women have been traditionally marginalized, with many still lacking basic rights as well as access to education and health services, these three have realized women’s inherent power to change the world and are courageously championing that potential. Their stories are as much about hope as they are a catalyst for change, building on a growing movement that has already demonstrated the possibilities for ending poverty and injustice in Third World countries when women are educated and supported in stepping out beyond their confining roles.

Sulha Benefit Concert for Peace Reminds Us that Music is the Language of Change

For years, artists have spoken about music being the universal language that bridges all differences, which is also why for years it has been used as a vehicle to generate attention, energy and funds for a host of causes from poverty and AIDS to anti-war efforts and sustainable living.

That is why events such as the Sulha Benefit Concert for Peace, happening in New York City on November 8, can be so inspiring.

On a personal note, last week, I attended a concert, where I experienced the power of these type of gatherings. Sitting with such a diverse group of people (just in my immediate vicinity alone was a blind man, a lesbian couple and several elderly concertgoers), all of us open, receptive and joyfully present to what was happening on stage, I literally felt the thread of oneness binding us all together. Here, for one moment in time, agendas, divisions, judgments -- all that seemingly separated us slipped away to leave a tender pliancy and palpable harmony that elevated me to a greater, more heartfelt awareness.

I can only imagine the transformation possible from the Sulha Benefit Concert for Peace, if everyone present, after basking in that space of shared humanity, commits to be part of the healing and reconciliation advocated by the grassroots organization. While the nonprofit is working to develop a peaceful co-existence among Jews, Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians, its message is one that we all can embrace. And with an event lineup that includes actress Debra Winger as emcee, Rumi poetry expert Coleman Barks, and a host of renowned musicians and spiritual leaders such as visionary multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale and world peacemaker Rebbe Gabriel Cousens, this is one night that is sure to remind us, as Rumi so eloquently said, that when we make peace with the Universe, "It will turn to gold.  Resurrection will be now.  Every moment, a new beauty."

- Naila Francis
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You, Too, Can be Part of THE SHIFT Toward a Healthier, Happier World

Sometimes, when I think of making a change in the world, it's easy to become overwhelmed or disheartened if I focus on "my smallness." Yet, no matter how chaotic or despairing the times, it is always inspiring to see the reminder that intention, commitment and heart can be just as powerful as celebrity or money or massive organizational support when it comes to contributing to a higher vision for humanity and this planet that we share.

THE SHIFT movie is exactly the right dose of inspiration for those moments when optimism or determination flags. And for those who are ceaseless in their efforts to be the change they wish to see in the world, as Gandhi so famously exhorted us all to do, it can serve as an enthusiastic championing for the path they have chosen to blaze.

Among the many remarkable things about this film is that it is being made at a grassroots level with the support of people like you and me who believe that each one of us can make a difference in creating a better world for ourselves, our children and the planet's diverse nonhuman inhabitants. Even in the face of war, poverty, global warming, terrorism, escalating divisions and corruption, this film posits that a brighter future is not only possible, it's already being created. Yes, there are the celebrities and the world leaders, the visionaries and spiritual luminaries, several of whom appear in the film, doing their part, but there are also millions of "ordinary" individuals coming together to put their ideals of peace and compassion into practice. And so a "shift" really is occurring, with many of the world's young people at its forefront.

Films like this remind me that it is indeed an exciting time to be alive. Particularly inspiring is musician and activist Derrick Ashong and his message that making the world a better place can be a joy and a blessing, not just an obligation. It's about realizing that we each have a unique voice and gift to contribute, and that the moment to do so is now.

"We are the ones we've been waiting for," say the Hopi elders of Arizona about this period of awakening . And surely, there's nothing small in the least about answering such a call!

- Naila Francis
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You Are The Blessings - Tune Into This Inspired Webcast Tomorrow

Do you ever dream of the day when you feel truly blessed?

Today I am taking a break between my 2-part “Green Guilt” blog post to bring your attention to a timely event featuring an exceptionally Spirited Actress, the lovely, Emmy® Award-winning Leigh Taylor-Young.

In the first of a 3-part webcast, Leigh will be interviewing author John Morton tomorrow, Sat. July 26, 1:00 Pacific Daylight Time at http://www.msia.org/live. She will ask him about his inspirational new book, “You Are The Blessings: Meditations and Reflections on Life, God and Us,” while facilitating questions and comments from the studio and the online audience.

This is simply a beautiful, sweet book that can be read straight through or opened at random to find messages that call to your heart. The author takes a gentle and inclusive approach to spirituality that is non-religious, but speaks to the essence of who we all are as divine beings. I found that many of his reflections serve as a balm to my Spirited Woman’s soul, like this one on Happiness:

“Go on a happiness safari. There is no limit on how much you can hunt when what you are looking for is to be happy. And if that pursuit takes you into the wild, then be wildly happy.” - John Morton

Tomorrow’s webcast focuses on Knowing God and Knowing Who We Are. Part 2 of the series (Sat. Aug. 16, 1pm PDT) explores how we can let go and let God to open ourselves to the blessings in our lives. Part 3 (Tues. Sept. 9, 6pm PDT) invites us to experience and share the blessings of loving and being loved. All of the webcasts are free.

Want a Glimpse Behind the Veil?

This art exhibit challenges just how much we know about the Muslim woman.

The stereotypes abound, as do the misperceptions. What is life really like for women in the Muslim and Arab cultures? “Breaking the Veils: Women Artists From the Islamic World” is an exhibit of works by 52 women from 21 Islamic countries, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco and Yemen. Having already toured Europe and Australia, the groundbreaking exhibit is now at the Clinton Presidential Library, where it has launched its three-year United States tour.

Created by Princess Wijdan Al Hashemi, founder and director of the Royal Society of Fine Arts of Jordan, and Aliki Moschis-Gauguet, president of the Pan-Mediterranean Women Artists Network, “Breaking the Veils” is surprising in the breadth and scope of its works, which span a multitude of mediums and subjects, and come from accomplished artists, many of whom have exhibited in museums and fine art galleries in their homelands. But while these pieces aim to shatter the often-simplistic representation of women from these worlds, with some touching on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other political and social issues, what strikes me is the freedom inherent in their creative expression. The veil, or the hijab, long worn as an expression of both faith and modesty, has often been misinterpreted as a symbol of the oppression of women by Islamic fundamentalists, an erroneous view often extended to all Muslim women. But here, in these compelling works, we see freedom of form, of thought, of expression, as well as a celebration of spirit that has little to do with religion (some of the artists are Hindu, Christian and Buddhist) and everything to do with the universal longings for peace, compassion and understanding.

Check out http://www.artreachfoundation.org/breaking-the-veils/ to find out more.

- Naila Francis

Sustaining Our Planet Starts with Peace

God bless you
   I love you
    Peace, be still
I give you my peace

These simple, yet powerful words are the basis of a Worldwide Peace Prayer currently in progress from July 3-August 4, in which I am participating, along with over 1,200 people in dozens of countries around the globe.

This non-religious 33-day prayer is sponsored several times a year by the Institute for Individual and World Peace headquartered in Santa Monica, CA. There’s still time to join the current round. Once you sign up, they’ll notify you by email whenever a new round begins.

(I have been volunteering with this wonderful organization since 1991…in fact, much of their Home Page content was taken from text I wrote as a volunteer several years ago.)

As this particular Peace Prayer started on July 3, the 9,000+-acre “Gap Fire” was threatening IIWP’s property -- Windermere Ranch -- in the mountains above Santa Barbara where I live. Coincidentally that same evening, several hundred members were gathered at an annual conference in Los Angeles, where we directed the Prayer as a group to the land and firefighters for the Highest Good. While the edges of the property got a bit scorched, no people, animals or structures were damaged, and the flames eventually shifted in another direction.

So, how does Peace relate to sustainability? One of IIWP’s guiding principles,“Peace is the cessation of againstness,” has taught me that it is more effective to approach saving the planet from a place of inner peace than to wield angry fists and rail at those evil, greedy polluters. The latter option may provide a satisfying sense of righteous indignation, but that mentality keeps us on the same level as the so-called enemy.

Being at peace allows us to make thoughtful, considered choices from a higher plane of consciousness. Another of IIWP’s principles is: “Peace is a choice, available regardless of any conditions.” Over time, as more and more people make that choice for peace, which naturally leads to a reverence for all life, we can transform the planet. I see it happening already, with the increasing groundswell of awareness and caring for the environment in the media, among consumers and even in corporate America.

Changing the world for the better begins in our own hearts. I give you my peace.

~ Teri Breier  www.quintessencecreative.com