This semester I am interning with the National Immigrant Justice Center of Heartland Alliance. To further general awareness/knowledge of our country/world/immigration system, I'm going to offer updates.
Detained Immigrants. When persons flee their home countries to find safety in the US, they come to seek ASYLUM. Being a REFUGEE is asking for protection while being outside the US. Asylum is sought once in the US. Asylum happens one of two ways:
1. Once in the US on a visa or with a document (legal or illegally), one goes to a lawyer or organization to seek asylum. These are the persons with whom I work.
2. Upon arriving at Customs, the person declares they are afraid to return to their countries and are seeking asylum. At this moment, Customs officers detain them and put them in detainment centers (often local jails).
These detainment centers are overflowing. At any one time, there are approx. 30,000 detained individuals in our country. Therefore, the overflow are 'housed' in jails, and treated the same as the inmates. Their asylum cases *generally* go through the courts within a few months, but in some cases take years. Apart from the legal process, it astounds me that these people seeking asylum are imprisoned. Literally. They are coming to the US to seek shelter, to be safe, after having been tortured, received death threats, been raped, being heavily persecuted... and we put them in shackles (literally) and van them to a detainment center or jail.
Something's gotta give. I'm intrigued to learn more...
PS. If anyone is interested, there are volunteer opportunities to go to the detainment centers and talk with the immigrants to hear their stories and document them so we can then decide if they are eligible for legal help. Talk with me.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Living Creatively - Money
Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way is changing my life. It’s a book about re-discovering one’s creativity, giving it room to breathe. Cameron demands activities and self-reflection that daily challenge me. For example, this week’s chapter asks me to investigate my views of money - whether they inhibit creative living. I’ve found that I’ve not yet lived independently enough to have developed really negative views of money, but when reflecting over money and my future, I do allow money to inhibit my dreams.
I have never been a procrastinator. I’ve disciplined myself to live by delayed gratification – if I labor now, I will be able to enjoy more peacefully later. This outlook heavily clouds my view of money: if I work hard and earn enough now, then later I’ll be able to do what I want. And while at times, that must be done (for me, the next year will be asi), I acknowledge that it is possible to live one’s life in such a manner. I don’t want that. I want to live creatively and fully, being totally alive and letting God work beauty through me. If I love climbing mountains, I want to do it yearly and make sure that is a priority with money. If I love a certain kind of more expensive tea, I should treat myself to it.
This chapter really is about treating myself to things/activities that let God work through me, that make my life more colorful and exciting. It’s about taking the time and necessary resources to be good to myself. My treats for the week are:
**Clean bedsheets – whether or not they needed to be switched, I love the feeling of clean bedsheets.
**Ask myself the question: If money weren't an issue, what would I do with my life? Then seriously consider the answers.
**Make a list of materials needed to create this structure I have been dreaming about – regardless the cost of the materials, I’m going to do it!
**Homemade hummus. It went so well!
**I need to find a new artist, and buy an album that gives me energy.
**Re-arranging my room. I need change in life, so this is a small road to differences.
**Going out dancing this weekend.
**Finding images of things I would buy/do/create if money were not an issue – then add them to my image-file!
Yay for life. Yay for Cameron. Yay for being a creative being.
I have never been a procrastinator. I’ve disciplined myself to live by delayed gratification – if I labor now, I will be able to enjoy more peacefully later. This outlook heavily clouds my view of money: if I work hard and earn enough now, then later I’ll be able to do what I want. And while at times, that must be done (for me, the next year will be asi), I acknowledge that it is possible to live one’s life in such a manner. I don’t want that. I want to live creatively and fully, being totally alive and letting God work beauty through me. If I love climbing mountains, I want to do it yearly and make sure that is a priority with money. If I love a certain kind of more expensive tea, I should treat myself to it.
This chapter really is about treating myself to things/activities that let God work through me, that make my life more colorful and exciting. It’s about taking the time and necessary resources to be good to myself. My treats for the week are:
**Clean bedsheets – whether or not they needed to be switched, I love the feeling of clean bedsheets.
**Ask myself the question: If money weren't an issue, what would I do with my life? Then seriously consider the answers.
**Make a list of materials needed to create this structure I have been dreaming about – regardless the cost of the materials, I’m going to do it!
**Homemade hummus. It went so well!
**I need to find a new artist, and buy an album that gives me energy.
**Re-arranging my room. I need change in life, so this is a small road to differences.
**Going out dancing this weekend.
**Finding images of things I would buy/do/create if money were not an issue – then add them to my image-file!
Yay for life. Yay for Cameron. Yay for being a creative being.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Forecast of '08: dancing, mountains, and simplicity.
Yesterday my friend and I did our ritual of the year-in-review and goal-setting for the coming year. This year we were guided by Michael Melcher's design. His method of tackling such a daunting reflection-time was efficient, thorough and uncovered things that surprised and delighted me! I recommend it. Check it out:
http://shiftingcareers.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/
year-end-review-with-yourself/
We enjoyed verbally processing what we wrote -- it was fun to see how distinct hers was from mine! I'm going to share my "top ten" with you and the resulting goals... These will most likely affect my blog entries for the year. Consider it a summary of the goodness to come (*laugh).
Top Ten blurbs of 2007(in order):
1. "I want"
2. Big world, bigger God
3. Simplification
4. Mountain climbing
5. Adjustments
6. Comfortable becomes uncomfortable
7. Independence
8. Self-expression
9. No "Church" (referencing time in S. Amer.)
10. Girl Mullet
Some surprises (mtn. climbing at #4??), others predictable, but complete and beautiful.
2008 goals:
1. Heightened awareness of my desires and energy - what makes me come alive?
2. Find ways to connect with God through questions and learning.
3. Live slowly and simply -- with materials and time. (Buy consciously. Fix things. Say no. Drink afternoon teas.)
4. Have at least 4 weekends with ample amounts of nature-time: woods/mtns./fresh air.
5. Further explore and live in outlets of my creativity: write poetry. dance. construct something. cook.
6. Commit to self-growth, being accountable, and challenging myself.
7. Do fun crazy things that surprise even myself. Just because.
I am excited to face this year - changes, uncertainty, and all...
http://shiftingcareers.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/
year-end-review-with-yourself/
We enjoyed verbally processing what we wrote -- it was fun to see how distinct hers was from mine! I'm going to share my "top ten" with you and the resulting goals... These will most likely affect my blog entries for the year. Consider it a summary of the goodness to come (*laugh).
Top Ten blurbs of 2007(in order):
1. "I want"
2. Big world, bigger God
3. Simplification
4. Mountain climbing
5. Adjustments
6. Comfortable becomes uncomfortable
7. Independence
8. Self-expression
9. No "Church" (referencing time in S. Amer.)
10. Girl Mullet
Some surprises (mtn. climbing at #4??), others predictable, but complete and beautiful.
2008 goals:
1. Heightened awareness of my desires and energy - what makes me come alive?
2. Find ways to connect with God through questions and learning.
3. Live slowly and simply -- with materials and time. (Buy consciously. Fix things. Say no. Drink afternoon teas.)
4. Have at least 4 weekends with ample amounts of nature-time: woods/mtns./fresh air.
5. Further explore and live in outlets of my creativity: write poetry. dance. construct something. cook.
6. Commit to self-growth, being accountable, and challenging myself.
7. Do fun crazy things that surprise even myself. Just because.
I am excited to face this year - changes, uncertainty, and all...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Music Update: Tango Electronica
I got de-nied! Yep, asking for what I really wanted didn't yield great results... but I asked. And felt empowered. So now I'm starting from Base 1 and trying again, and dreaming again, and... trusting.
Here's my music plug: while in Buenos Aires, I met tango electronica. It's amazing - it has the passion of tango, rythms of hip hop and house, and the creativity of Sigur Ros or Album Leaf. My favorites:
Bajofondo : profile.myspace.com/bajofondomardulce/
Gotan Project: profile.myspace.com/gotanproject/
Tangheto: profile.myspace.com/tanghettospace/
Each is a bit different - Bajofondo and Gotan Project are the most well-known and most listened-to... They're amazing.
Enjoy! Also check them out in Youtube...
Here's my music plug: while in Buenos Aires, I met tango electronica. It's amazing - it has the passion of tango, rythms of hip hop and house, and the creativity of Sigur Ros or Album Leaf. My favorites:
Bajofondo : profile.myspace.com/bajofondomardulce/
Gotan Project: profile.myspace.com/gotanproject/
Tangheto: profile.myspace.com/tanghettospace/
Each is a bit different - Bajofondo and Gotan Project are the most well-known and most listened-to... They're amazing.
Enjoy! Also check them out in Youtube...
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Asking for the stars
If you could do ANYTHING in your life, what would you do?
I know, cliched question. One for which I never have an answer. You've probably already blown it off. (Am I right or am I right?)
Within the past few months, I've had to stand and bravely face THE question. I've faced it, but bravery hasn't shown through as much as fear. I'm in this point in life that I literally can take steps in any direction I want. More than ever before, I feel the walls of expectation backing off. Not surprising, I am the builder of the walls; I've constructed them of others' voices --- instead of my own desires, and my own voice.
To find my voice, I've been dreaming a lot and confronting stifling fear. Key to confronting this fear has been asking for the stars and the moon. I have been pushed and challenged to ASK for my dreams. I don't know if I've ever done that... it's this selfish-feeling complex I have. But I've done it - at least twice. It is so FREEING.
There's an organization I've dreamed about for months; I would give anything to work there. I know they don't have much money, and would never dream of them paying me to work there. I decided I would at least ask if it were possible to WORK there. Perhaps I could get grant money. For months I've been terrified to ask in case they say no. So this week I had a roommate hold me accountable to writing them. Yesterday I had a professor proofread my letter. She said, "Megan, where's your second question?"
"What second question?"
"If you don't get grant money, if they'd give you a small amount so you could survive. Write it."
I stopped and stared at her. "I can ask for that?"
I walked out of her office feeling so hopeful. I'll probably get turned down, but I'm ALLOWED to ask for my dreams. I'm supposed to. Incredible. My deepest yearnings are placed in me by God, so they're His/Her deepest desires as well... so I'm responsible for pursuing them... that's beautiful.
What have you been thinking about lately? What are some of your deepest desires? Do you give them the time and respect and voice they deserve? Try going out on a limb and asking if you can do something (even a small something) that you've always dreamed of... even if you're turned down, the action of asking is liberating. just liberating.
I know, cliched question. One for which I never have an answer. You've probably already blown it off. (Am I right or am I right?)
Within the past few months, I've had to stand and bravely face THE question. I've faced it, but bravery hasn't shown through as much as fear. I'm in this point in life that I literally can take steps in any direction I want. More than ever before, I feel the walls of expectation backing off. Not surprising, I am the builder of the walls; I've constructed them of others' voices --- instead of my own desires, and my own voice.
To find my voice, I've been dreaming a lot and confronting stifling fear. Key to confronting this fear has been asking for the stars and the moon. I have been pushed and challenged to ASK for my dreams. I don't know if I've ever done that... it's this selfish-feeling complex I have. But I've done it - at least twice. It is so FREEING.
There's an organization I've dreamed about for months; I would give anything to work there. I know they don't have much money, and would never dream of them paying me to work there. I decided I would at least ask if it were possible to WORK there. Perhaps I could get grant money. For months I've been terrified to ask in case they say no. So this week I had a roommate hold me accountable to writing them. Yesterday I had a professor proofread my letter. She said, "Megan, where's your second question?"
"What second question?"
"If you don't get grant money, if they'd give you a small amount so you could survive. Write it."
I stopped and stared at her. "I can ask for that?"
I walked out of her office feeling so hopeful. I'll probably get turned down, but I'm ALLOWED to ask for my dreams. I'm supposed to. Incredible. My deepest yearnings are placed in me by God, so they're His/Her deepest desires as well... so I'm responsible for pursuing them... that's beautiful.
What have you been thinking about lately? What are some of your deepest desires? Do you give them the time and respect and voice they deserve? Try going out on a limb and asking if you can do something (even a small something) that you've always dreamed of... even if you're turned down, the action of asking is liberating. just liberating.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
collecting pieces of the world
Audience participation: Prepare yourself. Ready. and begin.
Recall one of the most beautiful landscapes you've been in. Or recall a lively and fun moment with a loved one. Can you remember the scents of the moment? the sights of the moment? what sounds your ears recorded? how you felt during it? what thoughts it conjured in you?
In moments that I want to capture and remember forever, or experiences during which I want to be fully present, I do Moment Grabbing.
My camera was stolen/lost three weeks into my Sudamerica trip. So I started memorizing scenes, landscapes, and experiences. People always say, "That's awful about your camera," and while yes, photos would be great, I'm somewhat grateful. Instead of a computer folder with hundreds of photos, I am filled and bursting with this beauty I memorized: of private lagoons and wild blackberry stained fingers, of volcanoes and mountain rivers, of the surprisingly un-awkward chatting between tangos, of musty wooden floors and dancing snapping fingers.
So next time you want to memorize a moment, or just be fully present in it, try this: silence yourself. let yourself fully understand that you are THERE. present. nowhere else. let your gaze rest on one aspect of the scene. memorize it. close your eyes to test yourself. stay there until it's perfectly real behind closed eyes. do this until all sights are captured. next close your eyes and memorize the smell. make a metaphor to help you describe it. let the noise hit you, let your body absorb it, and tuck it away. notice the emotions and thoughts that arise in you as you fully live in that one moment. then make sure you can mentally recreate it.
viola. you now have another piece of the world inside you.
Recall one of the most beautiful landscapes you've been in. Or recall a lively and fun moment with a loved one. Can you remember the scents of the moment? the sights of the moment? what sounds your ears recorded? how you felt during it? what thoughts it conjured in you?
In moments that I want to capture and remember forever, or experiences during which I want to be fully present, I do Moment Grabbing.
My camera was stolen/lost three weeks into my Sudamerica trip. So I started memorizing scenes, landscapes, and experiences. People always say, "That's awful about your camera," and while yes, photos would be great, I'm somewhat grateful. Instead of a computer folder with hundreds of photos, I am filled and bursting with this beauty I memorized: of private lagoons and wild blackberry stained fingers, of volcanoes and mountain rivers, of the surprisingly un-awkward chatting between tangos, of musty wooden floors and dancing snapping fingers.
So next time you want to memorize a moment, or just be fully present in it, try this: silence yourself. let yourself fully understand that you are THERE. present. nowhere else. let your gaze rest on one aspect of the scene. memorize it. close your eyes to test yourself. stay there until it's perfectly real behind closed eyes. do this until all sights are captured. next close your eyes and memorize the smell. make a metaphor to help you describe it. let the noise hit you, let your body absorb it, and tuck it away. notice the emotions and thoughts that arise in you as you fully live in that one moment. then make sure you can mentally recreate it.
viola. you now have another piece of the world inside you.
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