Paul Rodney Turner's Blog, page 3
December 21, 2015
When a woman births a child, she also births a father and the power of prayer.
In a nutshell...my wife is a champion, just like every single mother in the world today and before -- all of them are just amazing. To give birth to a child is a miracle and my wife personifies everything that is amazing about mothers.
Giving birth to a child is the most powerful experience a woman can have and certainly the most impactful experience for a man to observe. My wife, Juliana underwent 20 hours of labour to deliver our little boy, Bhimal Fox Turner. It was nothing short of a monumental feat to deliver him at home in a small pool without any painkillers.
The day started early at 2.30 am when the first contractions started. After one hour of timing them, she woke me up to tell me today seemed to be the day. We continued monitoring them for another hour and then called our midwife, Carolina.
Carolina immediately informed her assistant doulas, Esther and Eloisa.
By 5 am they had arrived and began preparing everything.
Throughout the morning, Juliana gently swayed to music, walked and breathed to welcome every contraction, while I massaged her feet, neck and lower back. It was hard, but nothing like what she would experience later in the birthing.
Juliana's close friend Juliana Atehortua arrived to champion Juliana's efforts. Soon after, another close friend, Hemakanti came and remained with her the entire day and late evening and officially became the 4th doula. Juliana's sister, Dana was the 5th doula.
In the early afternoon, the doulas prepared the pool. Juliana immediately noticed that the contractions were much easier to handle in warm water. "It is like 80% easier," she told me. At one point I joined her in the pool. As our skin shriveled up, we worked together to manage each contraction and prepare for the later stages, that we both knew were going to be way more intense. However, even though Juliana had only just started dilating, she told me often, "The pain is too much. I don't think I can do this." I assured her she could and would be successful, just as billions of other woman had in the past. "You can do this. I know you can. Just breathe deeply through your nose and on the outward breath, say the word, "Allow" in your mind. Try to see yourself as the "witness" and surrender to these contractions, knowing that every one of them is getting you closer to seeing your baby," I told her.
Juliana listened and tried to employ what I said, but it was so hard for her. Theory can only take you so far, and this was a real world, down-to-earth, painfully hard slog. I empathized with her but knew I had to keep encouraging her and helping her to believe in herself.
As each hour passed the contractions got stronger, but Juliana was very slow to dilate and although they never voiced it, I could tell that the doula's were concerned. Contractions in the water are less intense, so the doula's decided that Juliana had to get out and walk and move, circling her hips so as to encourage the baby downward. For the next few hours, we all moved with her as Juliana would hold onto my shoulders for support. I had to lean down to make it easier for her to put her arms around my neck, but my small inconvenience paled in comparison to the powerful waves of pain she was experiencing.
During the labour, Juliana drank liters of fresh coconut water and ate chia seeds soaked in water to give her some strength. She refused all solid foods and did not feel hungry. This seemed to be a good sign that her energy levels were high, and boy would she need it in the final stages.
At 1:51 I wrote an update on Facebook:
To help Juliana with the pain, I began clary-sage and lavender essential oils in the massage.
By 5 pm, Carolina measured Juliana's dilation and it seemed she had still not reached the magic 10cm mark.
With a new sense of determination and urgency, Juliana welcomed every contraction with gratitude, knowing that her baby boy was as eager to see his mother, as she was to see him. Juliana returned to the pool for what we thought would be the final stage of the birthing.
I sat behind her on my knees outside of the pool, allowing her to hold me as she rode every contraction, minute by minute. She grabbed my hair and dug her nails into my skin and groaned in agony as each contraction ascended into the threshold of what is humanly possible to bear. In between each contraction, I would massage her lower back, neck and hands and often gently stroke her head and offer words of encouragement. "You can do this. I know you can. Allow Mother Nature to do her magic. Surrender to her will," I told her optimistically, but internally, I was wondering if she could get through this. Suddenly it was 6 pm and Juliana was still not fully dilated. The doula's were concerned too. In my mind, I wondered if we might have to go to the hospital. "Surely Juliana cannot keep up with this intensity with no results?"
Juliana got out of the pool again and we pushed on.
I amped the mood with a more up-tempo kirtan of Vaiyasaki das and continued offering words of encouragement to Juliana. "Darling, I am so proud of you. You are doing fantastic," I told her. "I am not," she countered, sadly. "He is not moving. I don't think I can do this much longer. The pain is too much," she told me. "Darling, just remember all the billions of mothers that had done this before. You can do it too." I called for the blessings and the prayers of my mother friends on Facebook, pleading with them for love and prayers to be sent to Juliana, and they responded enthusiastically.
Boy, did we need mercy now.
Another hour passed and still there was not much progress, despite heavy pushing by Juliana. But there was nothing else to do but remain hopeful and keep trying.
Again I updated our friends and relatives on Facebook at 7:26 pm
It was now time to really ramp up the pushing. She could not afford to take her time now, as the baby had to come out. Juliana pushed and pushed and yet still the head would not show. She was screaming in pain. I continue massaging her neck and whispering loving words in her ears. She was exhausted and bewildered, but so anxious to see her baby. Carolina said, "We are so close. He is right now at the opening. The baby is in the birth canal and literally centimetres from the opening. You can do this, breathe and push," she said, holding her fingers up to show how close he was. Juliana was encouraged and although feeling so sore, she briefly smiled and raised her eyebrows, "He is?"
For the next 2.5 hours, Juliana either screamed in agony with every push or held her breath until she was red in the face. I wished I could have taken some of the pain, but I was helpless. All I could do was encourage and be there for her.
Suddenly, at around 10 pm we saw the boys head start to appear. Juliana readied herself for the final pushes. She changed her position to a squat pose and pushed as hard as she could. I moved to her side so that I could see the progress and report to her. "He is coming, darling." I reached down into the water to touch his soft crown and told her, "I just felt his nose! He is there. Keep going. You can do this." Juliana grimaced in pain but was encouraged.
"Arrrrrrrrrrrrgghhhhhhh" she screamed as millimeter by millimeter the boy's head emerged from her fully stretched vagina. I felt for sure she was going to tear. How much pain can a woman's body bear?" I wondered. At this time, Carolina reached into the water to help. At around 10.15pm the boy's head was fully out. Carolina noticed that the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and forced her fingers into Juliana's vagina to push it out of the way. She then got her fingers around the boy's left shoulder and helped it out. Once the shoulder came free, he slipped out easily. Juliana could feel him come out now and called out anxiously, "Where is my baby?" However, something was not right.
I noticed immediately, but wouldn't dare say anything and remained optimistic, but it looked like the boy was not alive. He was off colour and not moving when Carolina untangled the umbilical cord from around his neck and body and placed him on Juliana's breasts. We later heard that they too had feared the worst, but did not say anything, hoping for a miracle. But I could see the joy and relief in Juliana's eyes and told her, "You did it." She was overjoyed with pleasure and cried. I hoped and prayed and chanted the holy name of God, but our little boy laid motionless on Juliana's breast while Carolina sucked liquid out of his nose and mouth. Esther then told me, "Paul, talk to your baby. He needs to hear you." I moved closer and said, "Hi Bhimal. We are so happy to see you. We love you." Then suddenly, he coughed. He was alive and a huge sigh of relief flooded the room. Juliana laid in the warm water holding her baby tight to her breast and kissed him gently. I jumped back in the water to enjoy the moment and felt so relieved and overwhelmed with joy.
Below is our first official family photo.
I am so proud of my wife for what she accomplished in bringing out little boy into this world successfully, despite the physical challenges and all the naysayers, including doctors and nurses who discouraged her from doing a home birth.
How on Earth a woman can handle so much pain is beyond the comprehension of a man. I know that I could not do what she did and the only explanation is that a female is programmed very differently to a male. The innate motherly instincts are so powerful that it enables a woman to overcome anything to protect her child, to the point that she would kill or walk on fire to save her child.
"I can't wait to tell them that I had my baby at home and that he is perfectly healthy," she told me today.
Bhimal Fox Turner was born at 10:25 pm on December 19, 2015, at our home in Chia, Colombia, weighing 3kg and measuring 51.5 cm.
I love you, Juliana Castaneda Turner.
Thank you to our wonderful midwives, Carolina, Esther, Eloisa, Hemakanti and Dana for their loving support and the 180 friends and relatives on the Internet for sending your prayers. They worked!
#waterbirth #naturalbirth #homebirth #vegan #pregnancy #women
Giving birth to a child is the most powerful experience a woman can have and certainly the most impactful experience for a man to observe. My wife, Juliana underwent 20 hours of labour to deliver our little boy, Bhimal Fox Turner. It was nothing short of a monumental feat to deliver him at home in a small pool without any painkillers.
The day started early at 2.30 am when the first contractions started. After one hour of timing them, she woke me up to tell me today seemed to be the day. We continued monitoring them for another hour and then called our midwife, Carolina.
Carolina immediately informed her assistant doulas, Esther and Eloisa.
By 5 am they had arrived and began preparing everything.
Throughout the morning, Juliana gently swayed to music, walked and breathed to welcome every contraction, while I massaged her feet, neck and lower back. It was hard, but nothing like what she would experience later in the birthing.
Juliana's close friend Juliana Atehortua arrived to champion Juliana's efforts. Soon after, another close friend, Hemakanti came and remained with her the entire day and late evening and officially became the 4th doula. Juliana's sister, Dana was the 5th doula.
In the early afternoon, the doulas prepared the pool. Juliana immediately noticed that the contractions were much easier to handle in warm water. "It is like 80% easier," she told me. At one point I joined her in the pool. As our skin shriveled up, we worked together to manage each contraction and prepare for the later stages, that we both knew were going to be way more intense. However, even though Juliana had only just started dilating, she told me often, "The pain is too much. I don't think I can do this." I assured her she could and would be successful, just as billions of other woman had in the past. "You can do this. I know you can. Just breathe deeply through your nose and on the outward breath, say the word, "Allow" in your mind. Try to see yourself as the "witness" and surrender to these contractions, knowing that every one of them is getting you closer to seeing your baby," I told her.
Juliana listened and tried to employ what I said, but it was so hard for her. Theory can only take you so far, and this was a real world, down-to-earth, painfully hard slog. I empathized with her but knew I had to keep encouraging her and helping her to believe in herself.
As each hour passed the contractions got stronger, but Juliana was very slow to dilate and although they never voiced it, I could tell that the doula's were concerned. Contractions in the water are less intense, so the doula's decided that Juliana had to get out and walk and move, circling her hips so as to encourage the baby downward. For the next few hours, we all moved with her as Juliana would hold onto my shoulders for support. I had to lean down to make it easier for her to put her arms around my neck, but my small inconvenience paled in comparison to the powerful waves of pain she was experiencing.
During the labour, Juliana drank liters of fresh coconut water and ate chia seeds soaked in water to give her some strength. She refused all solid foods and did not feel hungry. This seemed to be a good sign that her energy levels were high, and boy would she need it in the final stages.
At 1:51 I wrote an update on Facebook:
10.5 hours. She is doing well. Very strong. contractions are like every 2 -3 mins. Powerful. She is in water getting massages with essential oils.Soon after I wrote:
We are listening to Gaurangi Auman Magical Eclipse CD as her sister pours water on her belly.During the early stages of the birthing, I chose to play the music of our friend Gaurangi Auman, aka Pia and her wonderful music from the album Magical Eclipse. The soothing sounds of this album helped set the mood for the day. Juliana's contractions continued to come, on average, every 2 minutes.
To help Juliana with the pain, I began clary-sage and lavender essential oils in the massage.
By 5 pm, Carolina measured Juliana's dilation and it seemed she had still not reached the magic 10cm mark.
With a new sense of determination and urgency, Juliana welcomed every contraction with gratitude, knowing that her baby boy was as eager to see his mother, as she was to see him. Juliana returned to the pool for what we thought would be the final stage of the birthing.
I sat behind her on my knees outside of the pool, allowing her to hold me as she rode every contraction, minute by minute. She grabbed my hair and dug her nails into my skin and groaned in agony as each contraction ascended into the threshold of what is humanly possible to bear. In between each contraction, I would massage her lower back, neck and hands and often gently stroke her head and offer words of encouragement. "You can do this. I know you can. Allow Mother Nature to do her magic. Surrender to her will," I told her optimistically, but internally, I was wondering if she could get through this. Suddenly it was 6 pm and Juliana was still not fully dilated. The doula's were concerned too. In my mind, I wondered if we might have to go to the hospital. "Surely Juliana cannot keep up with this intensity with no results?"
Juliana got out of the pool again and we pushed on.
I amped the mood with a more up-tempo kirtan of Vaiyasaki das and continued offering words of encouragement to Juliana. "Darling, I am so proud of you. You are doing fantastic," I told her. "I am not," she countered, sadly. "He is not moving. I don't think I can do this much longer. The pain is too much," she told me. "Darling, just remember all the billions of mothers that had done this before. You can do it too." I called for the blessings and the prayers of my mother friends on Facebook, pleading with them for love and prayers to be sent to Juliana, and they responded enthusiastically.
Boy, did we need mercy now.
Another hour passed and still there was not much progress, despite heavy pushing by Juliana. But there was nothing else to do but remain hopeful and keep trying.
Again I updated our friends and relatives on Facebook at 7:26 pm
17 hours. All is good. We are close, ladies and gentlemen. Please keep the love and prayers coming.
Fully dilated, now for the decentSoon it was 8 pm, Juliana had been in labour for just over 17 hours. She returned to the water for the last stage.
It was now time to really ramp up the pushing. She could not afford to take her time now, as the baby had to come out. Juliana pushed and pushed and yet still the head would not show. She was screaming in pain. I continue massaging her neck and whispering loving words in her ears. She was exhausted and bewildered, but so anxious to see her baby. Carolina said, "We are so close. He is right now at the opening. The baby is in the birth canal and literally centimetres from the opening. You can do this, breathe and push," she said, holding her fingers up to show how close he was. Juliana was encouraged and although feeling so sore, she briefly smiled and raised her eyebrows, "He is?"
For the next 2.5 hours, Juliana either screamed in agony with every push or held her breath until she was red in the face. I wished I could have taken some of the pain, but I was helpless. All I could do was encourage and be there for her.
Suddenly, at around 10 pm we saw the boys head start to appear. Juliana readied herself for the final pushes. She changed her position to a squat pose and pushed as hard as she could. I moved to her side so that I could see the progress and report to her. "He is coming, darling." I reached down into the water to touch his soft crown and told her, "I just felt his nose! He is there. Keep going. You can do this." Juliana grimaced in pain but was encouraged.
"Arrrrrrrrrrrrgghhhhhhh" she screamed as millimeter by millimeter the boy's head emerged from her fully stretched vagina. I felt for sure she was going to tear. How much pain can a woman's body bear?" I wondered. At this time, Carolina reached into the water to help. At around 10.15pm the boy's head was fully out. Carolina noticed that the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and forced her fingers into Juliana's vagina to push it out of the way. She then got her fingers around the boy's left shoulder and helped it out. Once the shoulder came free, he slipped out easily. Juliana could feel him come out now and called out anxiously, "Where is my baby?" However, something was not right.
I noticed immediately, but wouldn't dare say anything and remained optimistic, but it looked like the boy was not alive. He was off colour and not moving when Carolina untangled the umbilical cord from around his neck and body and placed him on Juliana's breasts. We later heard that they too had feared the worst, but did not say anything, hoping for a miracle. But I could see the joy and relief in Juliana's eyes and told her, "You did it." She was overjoyed with pleasure and cried. I hoped and prayed and chanted the holy name of God, but our little boy laid motionless on Juliana's breast while Carolina sucked liquid out of his nose and mouth. Esther then told me, "Paul, talk to your baby. He needs to hear you." I moved closer and said, "Hi Bhimal. We are so happy to see you. We love you." Then suddenly, he coughed. He was alive and a huge sigh of relief flooded the room. Juliana laid in the warm water holding her baby tight to her breast and kissed him gently. I jumped back in the water to enjoy the moment and felt so relieved and overwhelmed with joy.
Below is our first official family photo.
I am so proud of my wife for what she accomplished in bringing out little boy into this world successfully, despite the physical challenges and all the naysayers, including doctors and nurses who discouraged her from doing a home birth.
How on Earth a woman can handle so much pain is beyond the comprehension of a man. I know that I could not do what she did and the only explanation is that a female is programmed very differently to a male. The innate motherly instincts are so powerful that it enables a woman to overcome anything to protect her child, to the point that she would kill or walk on fire to save her child.
"I can't wait to tell them that I had my baby at home and that he is perfectly healthy," she told me today.
Bhimal Fox Turner was born at 10:25 pm on December 19, 2015, at our home in Chia, Colombia, weighing 3kg and measuring 51.5 cm.
I love you, Juliana Castaneda Turner.
Thank you to our wonderful midwives, Carolina, Esther, Eloisa, Hemakanti and Dana for their loving support and the 180 friends and relatives on the Internet for sending your prayers. They worked!
#waterbirth #naturalbirth #homebirth #vegan #pregnancy #women
December 12, 2015
How to Serve 2 million meals a day and change the world
My interview on the
Yoga Talk Show
on July 17, 2014, with Lucas Rockwood.
Lucas Rockwood:
"In this Show, You'll learn:
Why Paul is called the “food yogi” and what it means to him.How Food for Life is serving millions of meals to people in need.The easy and hard things of having been a monk for 14 years.How food can be meditative and spiritual."Many people are unaware of the profound impact Food for Life Global is having on the world. I have tried my best to share this vision with the world and feel strong that what FFLG represents is a solution, not only to world hunger, but every social issue.
Lucas Rockwood:
"In this Show, You'll learn:
Why Paul is called the “food yogi” and what it means to him.How Food for Life is serving millions of meals to people in need.The easy and hard things of having been a monk for 14 years.How food can be meditative and spiritual."Many people are unaware of the profound impact Food for Life Global is having on the world. I have tried my best to share this vision with the world and feel strong that what FFLG represents is a solution, not only to world hunger, but every social issue.
December 6, 2015
If only more of us took the time to praise others
Praise goes a long way.
We need to work harder to see the good qualities in others and let them know how much we admire and appreciate them. We've become accustomed to finding faults in others because it takes the focus away from our own faults. This is the same reason why bad news sells. By focusing on the suffering, pain and misfortune of others, we take the focus away from our own shortcomings, which makes us feel better for the moment. But if we take the time to praise others and look for and highlight the beautiful qualities they possess, we enrich them with self-confidence and encourage them to be the best they can. Simultaneously, we will also feel enriched seeing the happiness on their faces.
To serve and please another living being is the innate quality of the soul. It is what gives us life. Service is like breathing. We need it, and yet, foolishly we hold our "breath" and pretend we are independent like a stubborn child seeking attention. We are interdependent spiritual beings and unconditional loving service is what defines us. Praising another person is another form of service. Embrace this natural quality we all share and make a better world. It all starts with one person and this is a lovely example of just that.
Watch this video...
We need to work harder to see the good qualities in others and let them know how much we admire and appreciate them. We've become accustomed to finding faults in others because it takes the focus away from our own faults. This is the same reason why bad news sells. By focusing on the suffering, pain and misfortune of others, we take the focus away from our own shortcomings, which makes us feel better for the moment. But if we take the time to praise others and look for and highlight the beautiful qualities they possess, we enrich them with self-confidence and encourage them to be the best they can. Simultaneously, we will also feel enriched seeing the happiness on their faces.
To serve and please another living being is the innate quality of the soul. It is what gives us life. Service is like breathing. We need it, and yet, foolishly we hold our "breath" and pretend we are independent like a stubborn child seeking attention. We are interdependent spiritual beings and unconditional loving service is what defines us. Praising another person is another form of service. Embrace this natural quality we all share and make a better world. It all starts with one person and this is a lovely example of just that.
Watch this video...
A Radical New Teaching Method
Compliments and high fives go a long way in classrooms.
Posted by AJ+ on Thursday, November 19, 2015
November 21, 2015
Happy Anniversary Juliana - POEM
On the occasion of our first wedding anniversary (November 22)
My dearest Juliana,
I can hardly believe -- a whole year has past,like a lightening rod -- it went so fast, You captured my heart -- in the blink of an eye, As the clouds parted -- revealing a starry sky.
And when a heavenly constellation filled my sorry soul, I knew, with you, I'd never grow old,You see, I had a plan -- from the very start, To never allow us to ever grow apart.
The idea was simple, and yet profoundly wise,I just knew it would work -- I did surmise, On the night I proposed -- twas an orange colored moon,A day for lovers -- I made you swoon.
I prayed to Goddess Luna -- to bless our union,I asked her sincerely for a holy communion --Of two good souls -- with richly inspired eyes,And plans to change the world -- before "sunrise"...
Or that time when a new life -- would officially begin, And souls would depart -- to face their sins,Or rejoice anew -- as liberation did call,Inviting us higher -- beyond the ice wall...
Of a world so inflamed -- in passion and utter strife,Veiled in illusion -- are many a life,But most cannot see -- just how lucky they are,To have a human birth -- they've come so far!
But we both knew well -- what fortune we had,To build a life together was going to be rad.You with your animals, and me with my yogi food,Was a winning combination -- I had to conclude.
Seeking spiritual equality -- for all living forms, Just different ways of achieving the exact same reform,The ultimate goal -- would be to create unity,A world full of love, peace and prosperity.
Behind every great man, stands a woman of note,A pillar of love -- and I do quote..."Women are made to be loved, not understood"Said Oscar Wilde, and so he should.
I do find you mysterious -- but fun to be around,But I hope you don't get tired of this silly old clown,I really do mean well, even though I mess up, Please forgive my mistakes and occasional blowup.
You see, these things come with age -- as time whittles away,The last thing I want -- is to waste a valuable day,So my plan was to stay youthful -- as long as I can, To avoid those age insecurities -- and forever be your man.
I'm actually young at heart -- and will never grow old,All that grey hair you see -- is just my wisdom mold.Yes, I am an eternal youth -- masked by human form,Nothing has changed since the day I was born,
As a couple, we shall live -- a modest but noble life,To love and respect each other as husband and wife,Until that final sunset -- when the stars finally revealTo that end, my dear, we'll enjoy our last "meal."
I love you very dearly -- as any sane man would, I feel pretty lucky -- and I pray to make good,Of the fortune you've bestowed me -- to be by your side,And that is why I walk -- with such a confident stride.
Yes, you give me hope -- you fuel my optimism, There is nothing we can't do inside this material prison, The walls of limitation -- are simply a creation of the mind, And this is the life -- where the stars are aligned...
To bless us with good fortune -- and all things fair and fun, Our life will be like -- a never setting sun. Hold my hand, Juliana -- for as many years as you can,And I promise you everything -- as your dutiful loving man.
November 18, 2015
You are my sunshine, you are my moonlight - POEM
(Sung to the tune of "You are my sunshine")
You are my sunshine, you are my moonlight,You are my rainbow, when lightning fires,You should know dear, how much I love you, Please allow me to fulfill your desires.
As the rain falls, upon my dry head, as the cool breeze -- thrills me deep,as natural melodies, serenade me, I feel your warm hands upon my feet.
You make me happy, with your sweet kisses,You make my day bloom, like roses red,You make me stronger, you make me wiser, Please use my shoulder to rest your head.
I promise, this life, will be amazing, I'll give you everything, your heart deserves, I stand by my words -- like ironman wouldFor you're my Pepper, and I'm your Preserve!
My darling Juliana, my sweet desire, May I caress your hair so fine, Will you allow me, to kiss your shoulders, While the orange lovers moon does shine!
I remember fondly, that special moment, When I asked you, to take my hand, You said, "Yes, Sir, I will be honoured,"And now my heart is at your command.
Let's write a story, so fine and dandy, Let's ask the Lord to bless our wedding,We'll build our 'house' on -- a strong foundation, of love and trust and understanding.
November 9, 2015
A poem for Dana - the Rebel with a heart.
There's a young maiden called Dana -- with Latin origins like Santana, Who turns 18, on this very day!She is shy to the bone -- and happy to be alone, But if you called her, she'd say, "hey"
Walking by your side -- with a confident stride,She dances with music in her ears, A Donny Darko fan -- she can easily be "the man"And yet, butterflies will bring her to tears.
Yes, Zombies and Dracula -- and anything spectacular, Will excite this 1997 child, And yet, puppies and bunnies -- and all things sunny, Would easily bring her back from the wild.
Like a pearl inside a clam -- or a berry inside jam, Dana, is a sweet as one could be,Hiding her goodness within -- like silver within tin, One need only hug her to sense her qualities.
With eyes dark and deep -- a wolf camouflages a sheep, Her soul radiates with love, Wearing a beanie and tights -- she'd show she's ready to fight, While bearing an olive branch in the mouth of a dove.
Born on the 9th of November -- "a day to remember"The monkey god, Hanuman, did declare, Bearing a "mace" of virtue -- and a crown of reddish hue, A radiant smile would match her blonde hair.
Idealistic and strong -- that nothing would go wrong, Rebellious independence was her calling card, But if you tickled her belly, she'd become like soft jelly, And sing like a royal court bard.
Expressing a serious mood -- she would sit and brood, Painstakingly, like a jury on trial, And yet, you knew she was fair -- and not just in her hair, For her heart would walk a veritable mile.
To show you her grace -- and not her mighty mace, Like a mouse gently nibbles on grains,Dana would hold your worried hand -- and help you understand, That love was how to ease your pain.
This girl known as Dana -- a gift of heavenly mana, A scorpion, X-files fan, born in the year of Ox, Is my sister-in-law -- whom I very much adore, And whose nephew will be Bhimal Fox.
Dana was born: 9 November, 1997
(c) 2015 Paul Rodney Turner
November 7, 2015
Complete Welfare - POEM
NOTE: I wrote this poem when I was a monk to capture and explain the essence of what Food for Life was. Yes, I have been with the charity a long time, beginning in 1983.
A Vaisnava’s compassion knows no limit, it is said,
“Oceanic and sweet—distinguished as gold, not lead.
Such compassion you’ll not find in the mundane welfare realm,
it emanates from the heart—and has the ability to overwhelm.
Dispelling dryness and insecurity from the hearts of “homeless souls,”
Instilling faith in the faithless—establishing spiritual goals.
Although externally appearing, like many other missions,
the essence we’re preserving—through transcendental vision.
Simply saving shirts (or bodies), neglecting swimmer (the soul),
“is a waste of valuable time,” we are emphatically told!
Our aim is to go deeper—our service personalized,
become expert in both realms, “complete welfare” combined!
No need to be fanatical, our mission is foretold—
“In every town and village,” inundating the young, the poor and the old!
Priyavrata das, 6 December 1991
November 3, 2015
So today it's my birthday - POEM
(Sung to the tune of John Lennon's, "So, this is Christmas")
So, today it's my birthday,So what can I do?I'm now one year older...and I want to boohoo,
But it's time to be happy,A time to rejoice,A day to remember...that I have a voice,
To express my opinions,To say what I feel, To love and to cherish...all things that appeal,
So, my heart feels gladdened,
I want to cry aloud,"I've made it one more year"...and for that I'm so proud,
But what is life's purpose? Do we to just live and die?Or should we investigate...the what and the why?
I believe in evolution,of consciousness -- not form,Yes, my soul is eternal...and I was not born,
For this, I am thankful, To my teacher and brothers, Who taught me the Satya...that I'm like no others,
We're all sole expressions,of a Superior Godhead,While remaining still persons...we're also united,
Simultaneous and different,And yet united as one, The doctrine of Chaitanya...shines like the sun,
Illuminating our consciousness,With the sound of Harinam, My heart soars so high now...on the wings of Sri Ram,
I'm no longer fearful,Of a thing called, "being dead,"That ugly grey monster...that hides under my bed.
I now know it's fiction,to keep us oppressed,in a world of illusion...and sensually obsessed,
The "keys" are now with me,I've got the way out,"Just master the tongue"... I emphatically shout!
And so, that's my mission,To share this simple fact, Through practice and precept...my final soul act.
(c) 2015 Paul Rodney Turner
Born on 4 November, 1963
Posting now, because in Sydney, where I was born, it is now the 4th
September 19, 2015
Why are people afraid to donate even one dollar?
I have been running charities since 1989 when I registered by my first non-profit in Australia, called Hare Krishna Food for Life Hunter Valley. Back then I was a monk and while full of enthusiasm, I had much to learn when it came to donor relations. You can't just expect people to give without asking them and most people will if you ask them the right way at the right time.
However, something odd has been happening over the last 10 years that has tremendously impacted the non-profit sector -- donor fatigue. Interest in supporting poverty, hunger and animal welfare have significantly declined over the last decade according to Google Trends.
Maybe it's because there are so many good causes in need these days, and many people find it hard to choose what one is better than the other. Added to this avalanche of good causes you also have an unstable US dollar, an estimated 48 million US citizens on food stamps, an increase in military activity with talk of marshal law, it is no wonder that people are shy to hand over their hard-earned dollars. They have other things on their minds, closer to home.
The gap in income between rich and poor is greater in the United States than in any other developed country. Starting in the 1980s rates have consistently exceeded those of other wealthy nations. Half of the U.S. population lives in poverty or is low-income, according to U.S. census data. According to a survey by the Associated Press, four out of five U.S. adults struggle with joblessness, near-poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives.
I can fully empathize with this. With pessimism soaring off the charts, and money so scarce, many people are probably wondering what good will their small donation do in the long run?
Well, when it comes to countries like Colombia, where the peso is currently around 1/3000 the value of the US dollar, and some 30% of the population earn the equivalent of just $1.50 a day, even small donations can do an amazing amounts of good.
However, pride is a funny and thing and when it comes to crowdfunding campaigns where donors and their donation amount are prominantly advertized on the site, some people just feel uncomfortable with making a small donation, and so rather than giving $1, they don't give at all, but politely decline by saying they can't afford to give. But honestly, what American can't afford to donate $1?
The truth is $1 is close to one days salary for some 15 million people in Colombia with a total of 48 million residents.
In terms of my main charity, Food for Life Global, a $1 donation could potentially serve 5 to 7 hot vegan meals in India! Yes, on average, most meals served by Food for Life Global's affiliate, Food for Life Annamrita cost around 13 cents each. That apparently insignificant $1 can do a hell of a lot of good.
My wife's sanctuary, Juliana's Animal Sanctuary, located in Colombia, currently has a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of $25,000. The campaign page has been shared over 700 times and articles by Care2.com (over 10,000 shares), EcoRazzi (60 shares), The Dodo (9,883 shares), and two articles (article 1 and article 2) by One Green Planet (totally 4,300 shares), plus numerous Facebook posts reaching thousands of impressions, would indicate that over 100,000 eyeballs have seen the campaign appeal and video. And yet, only 148 people (as of September 19) have decided to donate.
If everyone that has seen the campaign page, or read one of the articles, or liked one of the posts on her Facebook page, had donated just 50 cents each, the campaign could have potentially raised $50,000 dollars, doubling the goal.
So my conclusion is that the reason for people not donating is not that they don't care, or donor fatigue, but simply embarrassment or shame that $1 is not a decent donation to give. I hope by now, however, you understand that this is just not true. $1 does a lot of good. So the next time someone approaches you on the street or a charity asks you to contribute something, just do it. Give one dollar and I can assure you it will help tremendously.
To support Food for Life Global's vegan food relief visit: www.ffl.org
To support animal rescue and animal welfare in Colombia, visit www.Julianasfarm.org
August 26, 2015
Let's cut to the chase on why there is Animal Abuse
Today I was asked by an 11th-grade student the following:I am currently taking part in doing the Research Project for my school and would like to know if you would be interested in answering the following questions for my research. It is based on animal rights and my question is "should it be illegal to use animals in sports and entertainment". There are only 5 questions you will need to answer;what animals are used in sports/ entertainment?why do people use animals in sports/ entertainment?how does it affect the animal?are there any laws in place to stop it?why is it acceptable to use animals in sports/ entertainment in one country but not the other? ie. Bali and their cockfights----------------Rather than answering her questions one by one, I thought I'd just cut to the chase...Here is my answer:The bottom line for why this is wrong is that all animals are sentient beings, with feelings, emotions, family bonds, and social rules and to ignore that and to use them against their will is plain wrong. Animals, like you are I, have consciousness and consciousness is a symptom of the presence of a soul. Science has never been able to identify the origin of consciousness because it is not measurable, but only experiential.
The problem today is that modern society has become so enslaved to the scientific paradigm, ignoring common sense and the teachings of great spiritual teachers. It is a flawed approach to understanding the world around us because our material senses are limited and there is much that our senses cannot perceive. For example, did you know that we can only perceive with our eyes, 1% of the entire electromagnetic spectrum? That 1% percent is visible light. A bee, on the other hand, can see more of this spectrum and so its perception of colour is more dynamic. Similarly, a wolf has over 2 million receptors in its nose and can smell things at a great distance, and an eagle can spot a rabbit from many miles away. So in numerous ways, the animal kingdom is superior to humans in understanding the world around us, and yet humans obnoxiously declare they are superior!
There needs to be a shift in the approach to understanding why humans behave so rudely with other species, and I believe it is because they have lost touch with their spirituality -- the core of their being. We are not these bodies but are souls with a temporary body. Rather than seeing someone as a horse or elephant, we need to start seeing them as a soul that happens to have a horse or elephant's body for the time being. We are all spiritually equal; all energetically equal and until we get that, there will never be peace and happiness in this world for all beings.
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