Category: Be the Cause General

I had a wonderful time at Change of Heart Weekend, even though I didn’t get to experience all of it. I thought i’d share something interesting that happened to me the day after the event. I was working out at the gym and one of the personal trainers was trying to convince me to sign up for personal training. I was telling him about how i’d love the extra help to meet my goals, but that I would just be unable to sign up for it at this time because I cannot afford it at the moment. He kept telling me that if I really want something I will do anything for it, and that I will find a way to pay for a trainer if I really want to get fit.

Anyway, I didn’t think anything of this conversation until I got home. If the Espinozas (the couple that my partner and I role played as) really wanted to eat a proper meal,wouldn’t Tony just deal with his back pain and get to work? I realized its connection to Saturday’s food bank activity. What I found was that when we are unable to afford anything beyond the basics, or even the basics, others tend to assume that there is something inherently wrong with you, that you may be lazy for example. I jokingly accused Tony, my husband in the activity of being lazy, but it actually became real on Sunday. It is so easy for others to blame you rather than your circumstances. My experience cannot be compared to someone who cannot even afford to buy a meal, but it was a great lesson which I would not have even comprehended if it weren’t for Saturday’s activity.

When looking at poverty, we often fail to look at the system. For example, Maria Espinoza made $1,540 a month with $4 a day for both Tony and her to spend on food. In addition, Tony was suffering from a back injury, so he was unable to work. In spite of all of this, they were rejected for food stamps! Perhaps real solutions can be reached once it is realized that we are trying our best, and that it is not necessarily we as individuals who have failed, but rather, there are external forces sometimes beyond our control that have failed us.

Just something to think about…

I’d like to end this by thanking all of the wonderful speakers and participants who created such life-impacting dialogue.

:) Sana Saeed

Pictures from the Change of Heart

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I have always loved Change of Heart weekend, but this year, it felt so much more personal for me. Maybe because it seems that everyone of us came to the event with the desire to become better people ourselves instead of just looking for new volunteer opportunities or creating an awareness experience for other people, so that desire manifested itself into the honesty and humility that was undeniable, even at moments when we were joking around or making small talk. You all inspire me in different ways to be a more compassionate person and I’m very grateful to have you all in my life. Thank you all. Much love, Michele J

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Dear Friends,

How can I ever thank you for this weekend. As always I come away from this feeling inspired, and deeply moved by the experience. I hold deep in my heart the kind words, the big hugs, the challenging presentations, the hunger banquet, the making of the hygiene kits, the journals, the sharing and mostly the silence that allowed me to look inside myself.

I loved watching each of you full of mindfulness go about this weekend. I treasured the quotes which made me more aware of the everyday reality of hunger, poverty, and homelessness. I loved the yoga, the meditation, the wrap up, Michele’s meal, and the honesty that existed.

When we went to First Congregational I was so aware of the way I view my brothers and sisters on the street. I know that I need to listen more, and to accept where some choose to be.

I am tired now but aware and present to this moment. Thank you for the opportunity you gave myself and Monica. You guys rock.

Namaste, Ann

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