Consuming your deceased relatives

Would consuming your relative's cremated ashes be your worst drunken nightmare or would you anticipate it as a pleasurable experience? Some people may be grossed out by this possibility. Other people consider it to be the ultimate form of praise or environmentally-friendly recycling. After all, some people would say, the important thing is to "get back to nature" one way or another.

Earlier this week, Rolling Stones musician Keith Richards admitted snorting some of his father's ashes with his cocaine. As a known drug addict, he supposedly did it as a sort of dare he gave himself while high as a kite. He felt fine afterwards and doesn't think his father would've cared. Richards explains "I have no pretentions about immortality." The question is, even if you don't regularly ingest drugs, would you snort a cremated parent? Would your parent mind if you did? Maybe you hadn't considered this idea before. You may wish to put the idea on the backburner.

I asked friends if they had any related experiences. One woman told a story about a Hungarian family she knows. Part of this family escaped during Communist times and settled in America.  They prepared parcels of food which they regularly shipped via post to help the remaining family cope back in Hungary. When father died while in America, the rest of the Hungarian-American family had him cremated and sent his ashes back with a note in the food parcel so that he could be buried in the "old country," as was his dying wish. The note was apparently lost. A reply letter to America described the "bitter-powdered soup" as creamy in milk and they questioned holes in its plastic bag.

If you feel inseparable from a loved one or relative, this may be the ultimate way to merge into one. Yet, other people may regard you as tasteless or even sacriligous. Would digesting a relatives' ashes be a stunt to get attention or better reserved for the ultimate private moment to say farewell? Different actions or no action will alleviate your anxiety. Don't take my word for it. Decide which camp your in. Sometimes beliefs lead one to take drastic steps. Which is best for you? Leave ashes as ashes or make wet dust your way.

If only life could be that simple

As you dream of the job you have or the job you would like to have, you may dream of greater simplicity.   Many jobs and careers evolve to incorporate complexity and technology. Offices that use faxes, scanners, photocopiers, alarm systems, computers and other machines represent some examples of modern progress. Of course, the latest gadgets will not enable you to feel more satisfied with the results your work, at least, not for long.

You may feel smug if you increase your productivity and reduce your expenses and time spent on projects. However, you may evolve to be driven by 'the next big thing' that will lighten your load.  You may dream of forever increasing your efficiency. Reflect on this. You may buy into an illusion that the newer the technology, and the more of it you possess, the less work you will actually have to do and the better lifestyle you'll have. This would be an unhealthy illusion. Where would your source ofmotivation or accomplishment come from then? If only life could be that simple.

What would it be like if you could reduce, change or simplify the majority of your tasks in your life differently than you already do? You could do away with your palm pilot and revert back to an old-fashioned address book. Why not give up the mobile phone, Internet, PC and blackberry? Take a more hands-on, purely local business where technology isn't needed.

You can ride a bike to work and leave the car at home. You always have choices. It's fine to choose technology so long as you realize what you're doing, where it comes from, and the implications of your choices. Don't let work run your life. Recognize that you are in charge of your fate. Time isn't the only valuable commodity. Your life will be as simple as you choose for it to be.

Business solutions at your fingertips

As your business life evolves, you'll encounter obstacles and naturally seek effective solutions. One thing it's useful to learn is that no single, correct view exists for any situation.  Just as you think you arrive at the best solution, you discover other possible answers. This may drive you crazy!

Recognize that any notion of a permanent answer is unfounded because life is always evolving.  Your understanding of a matter is always changing.  How you perceive yourself and the issue will change with time.  If you decide to believe there is only 'one right way,' you may have to learn to live with anxiety and uncertainty.  Yet, if you decide to remain flexible, you'll value changing answers to multi-faceted issues. Business strategies are always accessible at your fingertips.

Consider how you react to an unsatisfied customer can teach you much about yourself.  Although situaions and perceptions may be constantly changing, if you treat people well, this reflects back.

1) Are you calm and understanding? If a client expresses negative energy and disconternt, it will not help matters if you get upset too.  This is an exercise for your tolerance and self-control.

2) Do you express gratitude? When you agree with a client, it empowers that person.  You're business wouldn't exist without clients.  Show you value their time, comments and satisfaction.  If you aim to provide a product or service, the more you learn about them, the better off you'll be.

3) Can you emphasize more positives? As you listen to complaints, you're in a position to determine whether the item was helpful in some ways. Redirect that energy.  Then, highlight how you can assist the client, rather than focus on what is irrelevant or beyond your capacities.

4) Could you refer peers? None of us know it all.  If the client is unreasonable, obscene or overly emotional, or you simply can't assist in a matter, referring the client to someone else could help solve the issue.  This portrays strong teamwork.

5) Have you indicated you'll follow up? Commitment is part of what defines a good reputation.  If you clarify what a client can expect and on what timeline, and you meet that, you will gain the client's respect.  It's desireable to under-promise and over-deliver. Don't over guarantee things.

Radical change requires radical thinking

For anyone who dreams of radical change, waiting for other people to act can seem very slow. A comprehensive 2001-2005 United Nations Millennium Report explained the state of the Earth's ecosystems and confirmed that our sustainability is highly-threatened.  Governments and industry admitted our planet may not support future generations unless radical measures are implemented.

This U.N. report explains why humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively in the past 50 years than in any comparable period of history. Humans justify their behavior as a way to meet rapidly growing demands for food, fresh water, timber, fiber and fuel. This has resulted in a substantial and irreversible loss in the diversity of life on Earth. Over 1,300 authors from 95 nations participated in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, and results are public.  Yet, this kind of report isn't as effective as people who make changes in their attitude and choices.

Although it's agreed the need exists to revive and protect the world's oceans, dry lands, forests and interdependent species, influencial government and industry actors aren't proactive in policy and behavioral change. Consider existing tariffs and controls for import- exports, agricultural subsidies, laws about where industry can outsource workers, how they manage sanitation, and define acceptable pollution.

If they are truly serious about change, why not change their trade laws, implement and publicize more financial or other incentives for environmenally-friendly practices, for alternative energy use and inventions? Some such incentives do exist. Are you informed enough about how you can help? Radical change may require your own radical thinking or action. Think about your own life. What more could you do?

Wearing Sustainably: Consider an innovative team in Philadelphia, USA.  They came up with the 100-mile suit. If you look at the labels on your clothes, you'll realize that a lot of oil was burnt to ship those items to you.  If you're wearing artificial fabrics, oil products may also be on your back.  Add costs of growing, processing and shipping any or all materials and the environmental costs skyrocket.  The Philly team created a man's outfit (almost completely) of materials grown, processed and tailored in a 100-mile radius around Philladelphia. They prove change in mindset is possible. The question is, what would it take for you to give up your favorite brands or styles in favor of what can be made in the vicinity where you live? What kind of sacrifices are you ready to make?

Eating Sustainably: Consider local activists in different countries who choose to eat only what is grown locally in particular seasons. If you live in a country with warm climates all year, this increases the variety of fruits and vegetables available to you. We should all be informed consumers. If you can shop at a farmer's market, where all the food is local, you can ask upfront about farming practices and pesticides, and ensure that the food meets your freshness and quality standards. Food travels an average ~1,500 miles to get to consumers. Imagine the fossil fuel required to fly the huge planes or power the 18-wheelers, oil that influences political and religious conflict with the Middle East, oil that pollutes the environment, oil we could conserve for other uses. Do you realize the origin of your food and drinks? Rather than continue what you may have always done, why not spend money on free range eggs, grass-fed meat, or produce that may be healthier?

Building Sustainably: Consider that the building industry is booming around the world. How often do people simply build the standard structure which looks like everything around it? It may seem cheaper nd easier, but is it really? Many governments offer tax breaks and other incentives for incorporating eco-energy, water conservation-oriented plumbing and environmentally-conscious practices for more than heating and cooling.  Have you truly investigated your options? You'll discover advantages in using more local and renewable materials, like wood, stone products, real wool carpets, cork or natural paints. More responsible building includes low-toxic, energy-efficient, solar and recycled content products, avoids synthetics and endangered natural items. Consider Australia's most healthiest, eco-friendly building, "Council House 2": For more information visit this site: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=171&pg=1933

8 lessons learned though travel

You may dream of a more peaceful world. How can you learn to enrich your views of surroundings?  Here are 8 lessons I've learned through travel and also through the stories of other travellers:

1) Travelers learn that all people in the world are basically alike.

We all desire to eat, drink, find shelter, companionship and ultimately survive. In any country or part of town you are, you can strike up a conversation with a stranger in a bus, train, plane or in another vehicle, and you'll likely find something in common. This kind of interaction can enable you to feel more connected to people worldwide. It compels understanding and self-directed learning.

2) Travelers discover people perceive themselves as wiser or better than others.

I’ve learned just because I’ve lived in one place, this doesn’t mean my acquired know-how will be useful anywhere. I choose not to assume I know more than everyone.  Consider Sir John Franklin was a British Naval Officer and historic arctic explorer. He thought using technology of his era and taking enough supplies would guarantee success in his attempt to be first through the Northwest Passage. Lack of foresight led to the death of his crew. He felt he knew everything, based on his past experiences elsewhere. This arrogant attitude became his downfall.

3) Travel makes us care about strangers.

My own experiences of dangers and difficulties have sensitized me to other peoples’ plights. Travel enables us to learn to care more about strangers. When you notice someone needs food, shelter, you may be more likely to share. Jim Rogers and his fiancée Paige Parker describe themselves as true adventurers. From 2001-2002, they visited 116 countries. They experienced luxury all the way to "five-roach hotels.' They lived the reality of having no water, no electricity. I understand why they evolved to carry their own toilet seat. Their travels taught them that famine or crisis are no longer as distant when you visit such areas and experience hardship yourself.

4) Travel teaches not everyone shares your beliefs or ways of thinking.

My own travel has shown me many different kinds of people, belief systems and perceptions exist. Recognizing this reality at home and 'on the road' is an opportunity to develop tolerance and understanding. You learn you won't agree with everyone. Consider Marco Polo’s journey through Asia apparently lasted 24 years. He was a European who travelled further than anyone of his time, beyond Mongolia and deep into China. His books explain why listening was his best skill.

5) Travelers learn more than one solution exists to a problem.

During travel, I've learned benefits in becoming attached to people I meet as well as appropriately detached during hardship unconnected to me. I like to think solutions can always be found and at the sme time I learn other people wish to resolve their own situations.  Roald Amundsen was a Norwegian explorer of polar regions. He became the first man safely through the Northwest Passage and first man to reach the South Pole. His travel experience demonstrates benefits of having a focused purpose, adequate knowledge of climates and geography, careful planning, and attention to detail. His strength was openly interacting with locals to learn survival strategies. He couldn't help the inuit adapt to their changing climate or incoming Europeans, but he was their friend.

6) Travel teaches you to recognize that you’re part of a minority.

No matter who you are and what your background, gender, religion or skin color, recognize you're part of a minority somewhere. You decide whether this has advantages or not. Consider Mother Teresa, the Macedonian Saint who devoted her life to serve poor in Calcutta.  Her work taught me much about widespread perceptions in the Western world.  For example, the poor may be seen as a disadvantaged majority with respect to groups in social status and education. In developing countries, being a minority can be an advantage. It means you have food, shelter, and inner peace when a majority of people are hungry, ill and needy. Being a minority is perceived as you choose.

7) Travel teaches humility.

If you understand travel as a series of two-sided exchanges, locals may learn as much from you as you choose to learn.  Consider that no matter where the Dalai Lama goes, he remembers where he came from and that he is connected to everyone else. Travelling widely simply reinforces his ability to be humble. He holds a modest opinion of himself and estimate of his own importance. He also shows the value to be found in nurturing an observant and uncensored mind.

8) Travel enables you to make life-long friends.

If you choose to maintain contact with people you connect with during travel, you have the ability to develop enduring relationships.  I've stayed in contact with some people ~20 years or more. Staying in touch with people and remaining open to learning reminds me of Freya Stark. She was an adventure traveler who evolved to admit her standards and understanding of the world are not everyone’s standards. She learned to discriminate the values which were not her own values, but she also learned not to judge people simply because they were different.