Feel Good Friday...Saving Seeds

There are fewer greater pleasures than the growing, picking and eating your own food. This morning I picked tomatoes and zucchini for my lunch. It just feels better in my body. The whole process feels better. The food tastes better. If I was a wheat or corn farmer I would not get that pleasure. Our system of mono-agricultural is robbing us of some very simple and important things. In this video a man in India has started to regenerate the indigenous seeds that fed the nation.

See it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3327

Commit to growing and eating some food. Support organic farmers and community supported agriculture. Enough is enough. We can do better.

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Embrace Life

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t wear their seatbelt EVERY time you get in your car? Really? You don’t? What! Seriously folks it maybe the simplest thing every to do and the most important thing you can do for your health and safety. Check out this 90second video that brings the point home so poignantly:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3341

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Food People Power

At the end of the day the one thing you can control is what you put in your mouth, the food you eat. Recently one of my students went to the local Quik-Stop store. He had $2.00 to spend. If he bought a soda (89 cents) he could buy something else also. A bottle of water was almost $2.00. So rather than drinking water from the tap he chose the soda and some candy. He could have made lots of different choices. He chose not to.

In inner city Oakland residents are now being offered wider and better food choices. It is a start. Fresh fruits and vegetables available in local corner markets. It is the beginning of what I hope is a food revolution…one that will have everyone with access to fresh and healthy food so their choice isn’t limited to the “O’s” (fri-tOs, doritOs, hohOs, etc) or cheap candy.

See the video here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2476

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...The Opposite of Poverty is Justice

I really don’t want to go into all the statistics about poverty and the incarceration of the poor. Suffice it to say it is bad, really bad. We have been looking at the problem backwards…it may not be that someone deserves to die for their crimes but do we have the right to kill them for their crime.
The opposite of Poverty is not wealth but Justice. We will not be judged by our progress in Technology but rather how we treat the least among us…the poor, the incarcerated, the elderly, and the disabled.
We can do better than we are doing. We need to realize that as an interconnected society the least among us are weighing the rest of us down. We need to lift those people up through hope and change.
See the video here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3072

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Why I Dance

If your heart beats you can begin to dance. If you can walk, you can dance. Dance is like talking without words. Dance is the outward physical expression of music. Dance, for me, is the expression of my soul in movement. Why do you dance?

See it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3250

“To those who cannot hear the music the dancers appear to be crazy.”

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Peaches Neet Feet

If you want to change the world you need to start with yourself. Then you can change the world of just one person. And the world is changed. Here is the story of how one girl is changing the world. It is moving and wonderful.

See it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3054

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Seeing

One of the most powerful experiences I have ever had is spending 23 hours blind. It was one of the requirements for my Ultimate Black Belt Test. I went to bed blindfolded and awoke in the dark. You really don’t know all the things you miss, all the things you take for granted until you suddenly can no longer see them.
This is perfection all around us. There are extraordinary sights and visions to be seen if we just open our eyes to them. Go ahead start seeing what you can see. Both literally and metaphorically…see what you can see.

Watch the movie here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3155

Namaste

John

“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”

www.martialartsnevada.com


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Feel Good Friday...Dharma Comics

Sometimes we just see the finished product and never get to look into the process that created that product. In this video we see Leah Perlman who began drawing comic stick figures because that was all she could do. So she did that. And kept doing it. Until at some point those stick figures took on nuances and personalities. Her process changed and matured. But in the beginning it was just do it…get an idea and get it on paper, however and when ever. See it here: http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3132 Namaste John “Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation” www.martialartsnevada.com Follow me at: Twitter --- http://m.twitter.com/jmariotti FaceBook --- John Mariotti Blog Spots…John Mariotti http://feel-good-friday.blogspot.com/ http://sunday-stories.blogspot.com/

Feel Good Friday...Mother Trees Connect the Forest

Feel Good Friday…Mother Trees Connect the Forest

Last Sunday was Mother’s Day and here is an expanded idea of what “motherhood” means. It turns out there is a network of tress in the forest. Networks where the older “mother” trees help nourish and nurture the younger trees. Who would have thought such a thing was happening. But it is.
See it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2764

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...World Peace and other 4th Grade Achievements

Feel Good Friday…World Peace and Other 4th grade Achievements

World Peace is a game invented by a teacher. His 4th graders play it and there is no winner until everyone in the game is at peace, safe, secure and on solid economic footing. Thus it is a game of cooperation. One person can’t win, everyone has to win. It is not a zero sum game, in other words, it is not based on finite resources where everyone is trying to get a bigger piece of a limited pie. It is, in essence, a game of abundance with a twist. We have to figure out how to get everyone working together…this is education, a learning where we have to think and create things that did not exist before.

See it here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2863

Namaste
John
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Feel Good Friday...Ekatva-Oneness

Feel Good Friday…Ekatva-Oneness

Here is an amazing story of struggle and peace. 16 children from one of the poorest places on earth, guided by 1 renowned dance school and funded by a non-governmental organization have come together to bring a message of “Ekatva-Oneness.” In a world, at a time when messages of conflict and aggression are more prevalent than those of peace this may be the antidote. You may be able to see them in a city near you!
See the video here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3085

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...The Most Astounding Fact

Feel Good Friday…The Most Astounding Fact

Snails and puppy dog tails, sugar and spice may not be all we are made out of. In this short video an Astro-physicist explains that the atoms of our bodies are literally made of star dust. We are connected through our very being to all the stars and the entire universe. And because my atoms and your atoms are made from and connected to the same star dust we are all connected in very deep ways.
See the video here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3075

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Caine's Arcade

Feel Good Friday…Caine’s Arcade

Do you ever wonder about the random-ness of life? How is it that this film-maker stumbles upon Caine Monroy who built an arcade out of cardboard and his imagination? Caine had no customers for his arcade until this man, Nirvan Mullick, stumbles into the shop in East L.A. to buy some part for his car. And he plays in Caine’s arcade. You can see the rest of the story here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3181

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Mr. Happy Man

Feel Good Friday…Mr. Happy Man

For 6 hours each day Johnny Barnes stands at an intersection and tells people he loves them. He has been doing this for years, rain or shine. We have seen people like this in different places over the years. Here in Northern Nevada there was a guy called the “Waver”. He walked all over the place and just waved and smiled at people. Every time I saw him it never failed to bring a smile to my face, no matter what kind of day I was having. We all need to be reminded that it’s a beautiful day and that we are loved.

See the video here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3059

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Earth Hour

Feel Good Friday…Earth Hour

Feel Good Friday…Earth Hour

So this event took place last Saturday but you can still do your part today. Turn the lights off for one hour. Turn them off everywhere you can in your house. Light some candles, start a fire, or just enjoy the darkness, but turn the lights out! Really we need to be doing this as often as possible. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, every time. Put your outdoor lights on a timer/ motion sensor. It really isn't that hard and it might remind you of some fun times!


See it here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3025

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Find No Enemy

Feel Good Friday…Find No Enemy

Every once in awhile someone just hits it…the exact right spot. In this music video, Akala’s long hip-hop rap poem nails many of the problems with race, politics, and modern life. Yet it is hopeful and offers us a path, a vision of what could be. Give it a listen here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2895

Look in the mirror and find no enemy. A most interesting idea.

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Barefoot College

Feel Good Friday…Barefoot College

In a remote village in India, many years ago a young man, well educated with the whole world in front of him found his calling. He dug wells and started educating illiterate and uneducated villagers. And he founded a college…a college with an unusual and potent mission. This college has taken a unique place in educating the world’s neediest people. The people who are now taking their destinies and the destiny of their children and children’s children by the horns and improving lives exponentially.

See the TED talk here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2699

Where can we do the same? Where is there untapped wisdom for us to find?

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Let Us Free the World

Feel Good Friday…Let Us Free the World

This little video is a remix of the climactic speech from Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 movie, “The Dictator”. It seems that every day our society is moving towards a meaner, less tolerant paradigm. This video is a reminder of what we could become, what we really are fighting for and fighting against. The battle is not over. And for it to be lost it only takes a good person to stand by and do nothing.
See it here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2739

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Gifitvism

Feel Good Friday…Giftivism

The Karma kitchen in Berkeley has served over 25,000 meals over several years with a simple idea…that you will pay your meal “forward”. In other words there is no bill for you r dinner. Someone else has already paid it. So how much will you pay for the next person? This idea has spread over several cities.
This is a radical idea. It isn’t based on guilt or trade or something paid for something given. It is simply based on the concept of Giftivism: the practice of radically generous acts that change the world. This video, a TEDx talk given by Niphun Mehta explores this concept and shares stories of simple acts of kindness that shift the world.

See the video here: http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3048

Remember rule #3: Be nice (kind)!
Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...the Yoga of Taking Food

Feel Good Friday…The Yoga of Taking Food

One of the keys to weight control is to enjoy the food you are eating. Whether it is a slice of tomato, a Doritos chip, or a slice of warm bread from the oven slathered with butter taking the time to really experience the experience of taking food.
“Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life” was written by a Harvard Nutritionist, Dr. Lilian Cheung and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Thich Nhat Hanh. The book explores our relationship with the food we eat and provides some concrete tips to slow down and savor the experience of eating.
In this 3 minute video Dr. Cheung explains how honoring and being mindful of the food we are eating makes us healthier. She also gives seven simple practices (I said simple not easy!) we can implement almost immediately that will help us enjoy our food more, maintain a healthier weight, and live a happier life.
See it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3026

Enjoy!
Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Random Acts of Coffee

Feel Good Friday…Random Acts of Coffee

Every Thursday Dan brings coffee to his friends at the Michigan Cancer Institute. He has been doing this for quite some time now. It is a labor of love and a way to “pay it forward.” He started it when his father was a patient at the institute. And, although his father has passed on, he continues mission of love and good will by bringing a dozen or two coffee drinks to the folks at the Institute. See the video and check his link to help here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3007

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...From Me to We

Feel Good Friday…From Me to We

Generosity everyday…how are you generous? What does it mean to be generous, or kind, or compassionate. In this short video these subhects are explored by everyday people like you and me. So…what does it mean to you? And how are you implementing it everyday with the people you know and love and spend time with each day?
See it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3013

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...More of what Matters

Feel Good Friday…More of what Matters

What really matters? More money, more stuff, more consumption or more connection, more time, and more ease and comfort? Do really want to work more overtime? Do you really need that new gizmo or the latest edition of the smart phone? Or have you been beaten into believing that your life is incomplete in some way without the newest, latest, coolest stuff? Maybe, just maybe it is time for a new paradigm, a new way of looking and being in the world. Check out Plenitude here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2898

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Be Great

Feel Good Friday…Be Great

Everybody can be great. Everybody. Not everybody but me, everybody. Not everybody but you, everybody. It doesn’t take much on the one hand and on the other it takes the one thing you may not be willing to give…your heart.

Want to be great? Listen to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tell you what it is going to take here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2959

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...Kindness Boomerang

Feel Good Friday…Kindness Boomerang

What goes around comes around. Sometimes it is just as simple as that. We never know the how far the ripples will reach when we throw kindness into the pool. Here is a short movie that shows us what might happen:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2748
I hope you smile as much as I did!

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...365 Gratitude

Feel Good Friday…365 Gratitude

Gratitude may be the most powerful practice we can engage in. It is simple and easy to do, yet it has the power to change your life. What happens is simple…you start really appreciating all the things around you. Instead of looking through the lens of complaint, criticism, and condemnation we begin looking through the lens of happiness, harmony and healing. Here is a film about the power of gratitude and how one person’s life was changed and amazingly enough the entire world changed. How cool is that…change your outlook and change your life!

See it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2494

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...The Power of Music

Feel Good Friday…The Power of Music

This especially poignant video shows us not only the power of music but the power of understanding how we are all alike, how we are all much more the same than we are different. I am moved by the power music. See it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2794

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
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Feel Good Friday...DanceWalk

Feel Good Friday…DanceWalk

What if you came upon a cross walk sign that said dance instead of walk? Would you? Dance, that is, instead of walk? Maybe if it said skip, or hop, or bounce? Then would you? Way too often we move through the world without any idea of the things we could do and see if we just slowed down a little.

So slow down a bit and dance thru the crosswalk!
Enjoy it here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2778

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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