MARI SELBY: What if everyone in the world acted as if we were part of each other's community, whether building barns, mourning our lost ones, or recovering from Mother Nature's power? Would we then know what it really means to be one? As caring humans we are awesome to behold in crisis.

However today, there are hungry, hurt people everywhere that are longing for your touch, smile, or kind act. We dont need a crisis to bring the best out in us. We can demonstrate that quality of love and caring anytime. Through the power of our beliefs, and actions we can create a world that is whole and where we truly recognize our connection to all people.

To continue to honour those in crisis along the Gulf Coast, and wherever there is War, I offer this song, the singer is called Amma by her followers. www.youtube.com

Everyone in the world should sleep without fear,
at least for one night, sleep without fear.

Everyone in the world should eat to their fill,
at least for one day, eat to their fill.

There should be one day when there is no violence,
no one is injured, no one is harmed.

All people young and old should serve the poor
and needy, at least for one day, serve selflessly.

This is my dream. This is my prayer.
Love is the answer, love is the way.
Love is the answer, love is the way

For the past 35 years Amma has dedicated her life to the uplifting of suffering humanity through the simplest of gestures - an embrace. In this intimate manner Amma has blessed and consoled more than 25 million people throughout the world. Today Amma is known all over the world, as the 'hugging saint'. She has earned international recognition for her outstanding contributions to the world community. I felt the power of her healing touch with my first embrace from Amma in 1985. Learn more about Amma www.amma.org

Today Amma's example and energy still informs my life. Her song helps me to remember my mission when my desires for what I want when I want it, and my egos preferences for people to do or be, rear their not so pretty heads. My personal demons may not be yours, but the one challenge we all have in common is facing our fears. Facing my fears with love is the answer, love is indeed the way.

This week's exercise is to write how you feel about this song. Maybe the song inspires you to be of service more in your community? Or does it bring up memories of your own hurt? When have you known a night of sleeping without fear? Have you ever gone a day without eating to your fill? Imagine a day when there was no violence, and no one was harmed? How would you describe that day? Write up your vision for the day, and then share it with someone you love. Each time we share our visions for a better world we create one more plank, one more rock across the stream that bridges our visions into reality.

Aug 11, 2010 - 1:38 PM

Paul Clark -

The healing power of touch is SO strong. Even a handshake with good intentions does a 'one world' of good.
As a 'hugger' I was told years ago by a Shaman that it "gets the hearts together" which is what I think every time I do it now. Most times I say it out loud which puts a smile on both of our faces.