They Determined No Probable Cause Existed To Charge Darren Wilson.

Floating Market, Tailand.

Stay positive and embrace the journey! A mal tiempo buena cara :) 1day in Panama. #CascoViejo #BrasilBound (at Casco Viejo) Sometimes it is best to surrender an embrace the moment for what it is. After missing my original flight to Panama, which would take me to Manaus to make a connection Porto Velho -- my final destination where I'd be doing some dope youth work with 15-18 year old girls and boys for one month! I lost another flight... the one from Panama to Manaus, this time. And tis time, the airlines was to blame. They did not validate my rights as dual citizen and did not allow me to travel to Brazil due to fear I might have been sent back. Way too risky for them. After divulging for a long time trying to make my voice count, the airline realized they had made a BIG mistake! They realized they'd made an error. They hooked me up with one of the Mariott hotels in Panama city, which really saved myself a lot of wandering around on my own. There were two great things about this experience, making my statement being heard and surrendering to the experience which allowed me to explore el Vasco Viejo of Panamá City for a couple of hours. I have been SO excited for so long, but things did not go as planned...

Yes, we have power!

I've been reading this book on the establishment, maintenance and refinement of White Supremacy in the known universe. Yes, it is The United Independent Compensatory Code/System/Concept: a textbook/workbook for thought, speech and/or action of racism (white supremacy) by Neely Fuller, Jr. The book has me hooked with a pencil in hand always star-ing important statements but I really do not buy the author's point on absolute powerlessness among non-white people. I hear his argument about the lack of success victims of racism have had in overthrowing and replacing white supremacy with justice and correctness in the known universe, but at the same time I disagree with his point of our incapability to do so. I disagree that we are mentally inferior than whites, esp. white supremacists (racists). I see why he repeats this argument over and over again -- to highlight the ability and responsibility white supremacists (racists) have to bring justice and correctness in the known world.  But every time I join a march in support of peoples' suffering from many injustices I can't stop being amazed by the strength, passion and willingness people have to come together and stand/march/chant & stand in uncomfortable weather conditions in order to create solidarity and try to raise awareness about a given topic. A topic that touches home and the soul. Every time I see and feel that energy for hope and change I just cannot believe that we are incapable to tackle the bigger picture. The mere fact of acknowledging (and not ignoring) what is going on that's creating injustice in our existence is powerful and that's why I can't share Fuller's point. 

Today, when I joined the march in response to the decision on Eric Garner's case at Foley Park in Manhattan I stepped in and found some organizer friends that had brought the youth to the march. I couldn't stop being amazed by their energy and most important by all the questions they had about the circumstances in which we currently live. Most of the youth were recently arrived immigrants from different countries, but the young men I kept nearby (so they wouldn't get separated from the larger group) came from various countries in Asia. One of them asked me in various occasions what the people were chanting because they were singing so speedy that he couldn't understand and he didn't want to support something he didn't understand. I smiled and explained with my heart humbled and with admiration every time.   His smart assessment proves how sophisticated and aware our youth of color are. Tonight was a blessing and I am happy to be around powerful people who are passionated to stand and march for justice. 

People grow when they are loved well. If you want to help others heal, love them without an agenda.

Mike McHargue (via llleighsmith)

Sunset with the Cat by lilbit423 At dusk bridge,cat,clouds,hdr,landscape,nature,ocean,sea,sky,sunrise,sunset,waterscape

“I think that little by little I’ll be able to solve my problems and survive.”

― Frida Kahlo

3 parts of building a habit: a cue, a routine & a reward.

As part of transitions, I am developing new habits both naturally (like sleeping longer ☁) and those at will (like working out more ☜). But how does the human body, brain and soul develop new habits? AND how do we build a positive habit over a negative habit? But first, we should acknowledge that only YOU have a say in what is a positive or a negative thing that you want for yourself at at given time and space. With that being said, here are some good tips I just read about developing new habits, and repetition or self-torture are not the answers. 

What are habits and how are they formed anyway?  Habits are made by synapses, or gaps between cells that send impulses to the brain. This helps facilitate what a person thinks or does. If this is repeated constantly, it becomes more accessible -- or a habit. 

Now to the 6 ways to breaking a bad habit and developing healthy habits:

Link the new behavior to a routine or environmental cue: Repetition is only part of forming a new habit. It is useful to develop a habit loophole, which means performing something at the same time of the day. This becomes a response to specific cue.

Link a difficult task to a reward: Pretty much think “If i do this tough task, then I will reward myself with something that I like” The idea behind the if-then principle is to link the new behavior, which may be uncomfortable at first, with something positive so the new behavior is associated with positive. This enhances confidence in performing new habit and thus increasing positive feedback and desire to do it again. 

Repeat new behaviors and keep track of progress: Okay, I did say repetition but 24/7 repetition is not what makes a habit successful. In addition to repetition, keeping track of new habit and response to performance is a helpful technique in developing new habitual behavior. Be mindful that life happens (let it happen) and it is okay to miss a day or two of your routine. It is much more important staying schedule most of the time rather than ALL the time. This helps build a new habit. 

Keep it simple: Focus on one habit at a time, otherwise it becomes overwhelming and easy to give up

Use peer support for accountability: Tell a friend, partner or join online support group for motivation or a even a little peer pressure. 

Make a detailed plan: As with many other personal or professional goals a plan in mind will provide more direction. This can be very helpful when building a new habit as well. 

Forget the 21-day habit myth, there is no exact time for developing a habit but with a cue that reminds you and makes you comfortable to do something, a routine that fits you, and a reward for your hard work, a habit will be formed. 

Indigenous Zapatista woman & a sign declaring the area to be a Rebel Autonomous Zapatista Municipality.

In Lak'ech

we are the same