Taking Action

Animals in our Communities

August 23, 2020 / Community Engagement Action,Taking Action / No Comments 0

What do animals mean to our own communities? In this trying time of a pandemic and California wildfires, people are feeling isolated and both animals and people are unfortunately being displaced. Many folks are seeking support from animal shelters near and far either for adoption or for assistance with their animals who need new homes. This week, we ask that you simply spend time at a local animal shelter, park, farm, or wildlife sanctuary if you are able. Share what you notice about how your community interacts with animals!

Petting Zoo in Amsterdam https://www.iamsterdam.com

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Pets Unite People!

August 14, 2020 / Interpersonal Action,Lifestyle Action,Taking Action / No Comments 0

Animals seem to help humans bond with each other! “Pet parents” often say that through the process of caring for their pet they got to know their own neighbors or other fellow pet parents on a more personal level. This week, we encourage you to reach out to someone you know who has a pet and ask about how their animal friend is doing. A small gesture may go a long way!

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Living with Animals

August 7, 2020 / Individual Action,Lifestyle Action,Taking Action / No Comments 0

Research has shown that there are profound mutual benefits from the human-animal interaction that include mental and physical well-being (McCune et al, 2014). Let’s explore the various aspects of these bonds together! Ready, Steady, Go!

This week, we invite you to simply reflect on how we choose to live with animals. How do you feel about animals living with humans? Think dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, hamsters, turtles, pigs, rats, snakes, lizards, gerbils, and more! Would you agree with the research presented that the benefit is mutual? Who among you decided to start living with an animal during the COVID-19 shutdown and why?

Library Learning

July 31, 2020 / Community Engagement Action,Global Action,Taking Action / 1 Comment 0

In the last week of our summer reading adventures, we encourage you to explore an endangered and precious global institution of reading, knowledge, cultural preservation, and community connection – your local library!

Check out what is happening at your local public library. There may be interesting events, virtual tours, classes, new books to read, and who knows what else! Let us know what you discover.

Let’s Talk About Books!

July 23, 2020 / Art in Action,Community Engagement Action,Interpersonal Action,Taking Action / No Comments 0

How has your summer reading been? We invite you to share your reading experience from the last 2 weeks with our community. Tell us about the book(s) you are currently enjoying in the comments below. We look forward to hearing from you!

Now, Ready, Steady, Go!

Who is Your Book Buddy?

July 17, 2020 / Art in Action,Interpersonal Action,Taking Action / No Comments 1

Image Credit: Cliparts #2599492

So, what did you read?! Following up from last week, this week we invite you to share your experience with someone, anyone. Discuss what you chose to read and in turn, ask about the last book they read for fun. Who knows – you might find your future favorite book!

Share your pleasure! Ready, Steady, Go!

Read for pleasure!

July 10, 2020 / Art in Action,Individual Action,Lifestyle Action,Taking Action / No Comments 1

This week, we encourage you to pick up a book or listen to someone read a book to you, just for enjoyment in true escapism fashion! Think fiction, prose, poetry, comics, anything you’d choose simply because you want to. Forget about whether it’s good for you. Do tell us what you are enjoying reading these days in the comments. All recommendations are welcome.

Reading is an opportunity to step away from duties and responsibilities to enter a world of your choosing! When we read, we actively engage in another’s story, whatever that may be. Reading is restorative, relaxing, and fun. This month, we will encourage you to engage in the the joys of summer reading. Ready, Steady, Go!

May your Summer of Bicycling Begin!

May 30, 2019 / Individual Action,Lifestyle Action,Taking Action / No Comments 1

May is National Bike Month in the USA and June 3rd is World Bicycle Day. Summer has just begun. Beyond Holistic encourages you to get on your bicycle as much as possible this summer, whether it is to commute to work, pick up something from a store, go visit a friend, take a short or long leisurely ride in a natural setting, or just tool about town.

Try it, you´ll like it.

Bicycling benefits you, as well as the environment. Instead of polluting the air and water with the waste products of fossil fuel combustion, you will be powering your transportation with your own muscles fueled by real food. Pedal Power! Power to the Pedal!

If you have not ridden a bicycle in years, it isn´t hard to get back on. There´s truth in the old adage, “It´s just like riding a bike!”; once you learn to ride, you never forget.

If you have the luxury of being in a climate which allows for year around bicycling, go for it! Besides the extra exercise, you may enjoy your surroundings in a fresh way. You may interact with the people, animals and places along the way. You may find yourself feeling more relaxed, with a more positive outlook on life.

Safety is important, so wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road. Also, consider joining your local bicycle coalition. If you don´t have one in your locality, consider forming an organization that can advocate with city planning and transportation departments for the safety and convenience for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Let us know how it goes. If you need a little extra encouragement, take a listen to this short Nei Jing Now! podcast with the director of a national institute who got back on a bicycle after a hiatus of 35 years.

Get Your Very Own Library Card

April 8, 2019 / Community Engagement Action,Taking Action / No Comments 1

This week´s action item is to visit your local library and get yourself a library card. Because books are amazing and reading is fun. And fun is great for your sense of well being.

A library card will allow you to borrow books, music, films, magazines. Your mind will grow and your spirit will soar.

Learning is a lifelong adventure we start as soon as we are born. When we continue learning we stay young and feel a sense of vitality and wonder that is typical of children.

Reading a book is more relaxing than reading off a screen. Listening to music helps you access your emotions. Hearing words and notes within the cavern of your own mind fosters your imagination and creativity.

Libraries are a place where we can share physical objects like books, films, music and tools, as well as ideas and time. Libraries create the connection with our communities that we are all craving.

Get your library card this week.

P.S – If you feel like it, take a photo of yourself with your card in front of your library and share it with us.

SuperFriend Friday

March 12, 2019 / Individual Action,Interpersonal Action,Lifestyle Action,Taking Action / No Comments 0

Cartoon courtesy of Gustavo Rodriguez www.garrinchatoonz.com

An “African proverb” says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

This week’s action item is to reach out to a friend or family member on Friday. Contact someone you haven’t talked to in the last month, or the last year, because you were just too busy. Pick up the phone and dial their number. Leave a voice message instead of sending a text message. Texting is the lowest form of communication. Even ESP is more accurate!

Take note of how you feel after you have had a conversation with that person, preferably face to face, but at least voice to voice. Find the satisfaction about any aspect of that moment and savor the feeling. Let it simmer and inspire you to repeat frequently

Let me know in the comments below how taking this action feels to you. I look forward to hearing how each of us goes far together with our friends.