Dalai Lama Foundation Study Circle Montreal

What I would really like to do is to be able to change the lives of a group of people, with the same materials they deal with everyday. — Vik Muniz

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Inspiration of the Day:
In the world’s largest garbage dump, Artist Vik Muniz finds beauty in resilience, art in compassion. Returning to his native Brazil, he finds himself along the outskirts of Rio de Jeneiro, amidst the garbage pickers of the Jardim Gramacho landfill. Determined to help, Muniz creates wildly creative, intimate portraits of the garbage pickers to sell back in New York. All the money earned goes to his subjects. “Think about what you are going to do when you get out of Jardim Gramacho,” he tells one woman from behind the camera lens. Her hard stare cracks into a smile. http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4572

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Be The Change:
Make an extra effort to recycle and reduce waste. Here are ten easy ways: http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4572a

**Share A Reflection**
http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=4572

It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert. — Jacques Yves Cousteau

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Good News of the Day:
Venture into a Panera Cares cafe and you’ll see the same menu and racks of freshly baked breads that are staples at the 1,400 Panera Bread restaurants across the United States. The only thing missing is the cash register. Instead, there’s a donation box where customers pay on the honor system. Since opening its first “restaurant of shared responsibility” last May, Panera Bread is poised to take its new model nationwide. “We tell you the suggested price but the choice is yours,” explains Panera co-founder Ron Shaich. “If you’ve got a few extra bucks, the right thing is to leave it. If you’re feeling pressure, you can take a discount. If you’ve got nothing, you’re free to enjoy your meal with dignity.” http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4562

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Be The Change:
Explore the psychology of pay-what-you-can and pay-it-forward experiences. http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4562a

**Share A Reflection**
http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=4562

I have the view… that the human being was not made for pleasure, was not made to gratify the ego, was not made to make money, was not made to have babies: it was made to serve something bigger than oneself. We are built to serve. — Jacob Needleman

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Good News of the Day:
Philosopher and professor Jacob Needleman maintains that humans have the capacity for great good. In his book “Why Can’t We Be Good”, he explores what causes us to go astray, and what can help us to stay focused on what he believes is our purpose: to serve. In his book and the interview, offers one practical way of keeping on track–deep listening. Based on experience with many groups of students, he maintains that listening, without evaluation, judgement, or response, is the beginning of letting go of the ego and finding connection with other human beings. http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4555

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Be The Change:
Deeply listen to one person today: not to agree or disagree, but simply to let their thought into your mind. http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4555a

**Share A Reflection**
http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=4555

That’s why I’m helping you, because we’re brothers. — David Ross

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Inspiration of the Day:
Hundreds of people sleep on San Diego’s streets each night, on corners, beneath the interstate and across from the public library. They hang out in small groups or sit alone, watching the time pass. But when a wiry man with dark glasses approaches, everyone seems to perk up. The man is David Ross, better known as Waterman Dave. For years, he’s handed out hundreds of bottles of water each day to the homeless. He’s a 75-year-old retiree who’s made it his mission to help the homeless– even if it’s just with a hug or a kind word. http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4520

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Be The Change:
Offer kindness in a greeting. Take a moment to stop and say hello. http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4520a

**Share A Reflection**
http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=4520

Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads. — Erica Jong

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Good News of the Day:
Over the weekend, Edward Reid became an instant celebrity when he brought down the house on “Britain’s Got Talent” — with nursery rhymes! The crowd laughed and jeered when 35-year-old school teacher opened with “Old MacDonald.” But his undulating voice won them over as he moved into “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” By the time he concluded with “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands,” every pair of hands in the room was, indeed, applauding wildly. Watch the full video: http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4571

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Be The Change:
Explore you hidden talents. Do something unexpected today, that you’ve always wanted to do.

**Share A Reflection**
http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=4571

Those who wish to sing, always find a song. — Swedish Proverb

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Inspiration of the Day:
At first glance, it looks like someone plastered “Hello, My Name is” name tags all over the city. Take a step closer, and the tag reads, “I Wish This Was…” A public installation artist, designer, and urban planner, Candy Chang likes to make cities more comfortable for people. She came up with the project, ideal for its super low barrier of entry, to allow her fellow citizens to express their ideas on how empty lots and store fronts may be rebuilt and used. The responses — from Disneyland to a bike rack, heaven to an art supply store — reflect “the hopes, dreams, and colorful imaginations of different neighborhoods.” http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4521

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Be The Change:
Express your wishes for the enhancement and betterment of your city. http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4521a

**Share A Reflection**
http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?qid=4521