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Open the Door / #NoExcuse / Orange The World (a revised compilation) November 25, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Suffering, Super Heroes, Tragedy, Women, Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone developing kindness, friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women & Roses Revolution Day.

May you be safe and protected / May you be peaceful and happy / May you be healthy and strong!

This compilation post contains new, updated content mixed with content from 2020 & 2024. WARNING: There are no explicit details in this post, but there are references that may trigger trauma.

“Quedé viva para contarles la historia.” [“I stayed alive to tell the story.”]

— Dedé Mirabal, author of Vivas en su Jardín

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports from those on the front lines, have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified.

This is the Shadow Pandemic growing amidst the COVID-19 crisis and we need a global collective effort to stop it. As COVID-19 cases continue to strain health services, essential services, such as domestic violence shelters and helplines, have reached capacity. More needs to be done to prioritize addressing violence against women in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.”

— quoted from the United Nations website for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (2020 #OrangetheWorld)

There’s nothing pretty about violence — and statistics about violence against women are particularly ugly. 1 in 3 women, worldwide experience physical or sexual violence. That works out to about 736 million women around the world experiencing physical and/or sexual violence. Prior to 2020, about 243 million women and girls (ages 15 – 49) reported experiencing sexual and/or physical abuse by an intimate partner within a 12-month period. That number went up during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in some countries, hotline and emergency calls regarding domestic abuse increased to 5 times the average numbers.

Globally, cases of gender-based violence have also gone up because of widespread use of the internet and social media — with 16% to 58% of women (especially for Generation Z and Millennial women) experiencing technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Gender-based violence has also escalated in recent years because of various geopolitical conflicts and wars. In fact, 70% of women in conflict, war, and humanitarian crisis, experience gender-based violence. In 2023, at least 51,100 women who experienced gender-based violence were murdered by partners and/or family members. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers violence against women and girls (VAWG) a human rights violation — in fact, they consider it “one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human violations in our world today.”

“For the purposes of this Declaration, the term ‘violence against women’ means any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

— “Article 1” of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, issued by the United Nations General Assembly, December 20, 1993

To combat this violence (and the accompanying stigma) that can manifest physically, sexually, and psychological — and that happens to people around the world regardless of education, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, age, health, or nationality — UNESCO designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In 2011, extra significance was added to this date when people also started observing Roses Revolution Day, which brings awareness to the international movement against obstetric violence (i.e., abuse during childbirth). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Every woman has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to dignified, respectful health care… [but] many women experience disrespectful and abusive treatment during childbirth in facilities worldwide. Such treatment not only violates the rights of women to respectful care, but can also threaten their rights to life, health, bodily integrity, and freedom from discrimination.”

The 2020 theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” and focused on “amplifying the call for global action to bridge funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence during the pandemic, [prevention measures,] and collection of data that can improve life-saving services for women and girls.”

The 2024 theme was “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” and highlights the fact that “a woman was killed every 10 minutes [in 2023].” (See statistics above.)

The 2025 theme is “Open the Door”, which is a call to action for people to “Take a stand. End Violence.” The door in this theme is literal and symbolic. It is reminder that anyone can be an ally and everyone can pay attention to the pain and suffering hidden behind closed doors. It is an invitation to open the door’s of heart and express a little empathy. We can all support survivors — Believe survivors! — and advocate for changes in how our governments (and first responders) interact with survivors. Today’s observation kicks off “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” which culminates with International Human Rights Day on December 10th.

“We cannot allow our children to grow up in this corrupt and tyrannical regime. We have to fight against it, and I am willing to give up everything, even my life if necessary.”

— Patria Mirabal Reyes

When UNESCO started observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1999, November 25th wasn’t randomly selected because it was 16 days before International Human Rights Day. Today was specifically selected to honor the lives and legacy of the Mirabal sisters (Las Hermanas Mirabal), three of whom were assassinated today in 1960.

Patria Mercedes Mirabal Reyes, Bélgica “Dedé” Adela Mirabal Reyes, María Argentina Minerva Mirabal Reyes (known as Minerva), and Antonia María Teresa Mirabal Reyes (known as María Teresa) were married, Catholic-educated young mothers who had been raised in a middle-class household in the Dominican Republic. Three of the sisters (Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa) were also college educated professionals who actively and publicly opposed the dictator Rafael Trujillo (known as El Jefe), who’s fascist regime lasted 31 years.

“Perhaps what we have most near is death, but that idea does not frighten me. We shall continue to fight for that which is just.”

— María Teresa Mirabel Reyes

The sisters became known as Las Mariposas (“The Butterflies”) and they (and their husbands) were often harassed and even incarcerated because of their activism. There were many activists who spoke out against the dictator before the sisters — including organizers of the “Movement of the Fourteenth of June” and the sisters’ own uncle. But, part of the reason the sisters (and their husbands) may have been targeted was because Minerva had turned down Trujillo’s sexual advances when she was in her early 20’s.

International attention on their plight may have saved Minerva and María Teresa from being tortured during their last incarceration — and definitely led to them being released. Their high profile, however, did not secure the release of their husbands. It also did not save them. As they returned from a visit to the prison where two of their husbands were being held, Patria, Minerva, María Teresa, and their driver Rufino de la Cruz were stopped by people associated with Trujillo’s regime (including members of his secret police force). There was an attempt to make their murders look like a car accident, but evidence to the contrary was very obvious.

Dedé, the surviving sister lived to the age of 88. She was also the only one of the sisters who did not go to college and the only one who did not publicly participate in the resistance. She was a “traditional” homemaker who also took care of the family business. After her sisters were murdered, she continued to take care of their children and started the Mirabal Sisters Foundation. She also turned the last home they lived in together into a museum and wrote a book, Vivas en su Jardín, as she saw that her legacy was to preserve herstory.

“If they kill me, I’ll reach my arms out from the tomb and I’ll be stronger.”

— Minerva Mirabel Reyes

If you see roses in front of a delivery room or hospital, over the next few days, they may have been placed there by someone who suffered varying forms of physical or psychological violence — or they may have been placed there by someone whose family member died as a result of obstetric violence. If you see a building or landmark being “oranged” in the next few days, it is a reminder of the campaign against gender-based violence and a reminder of the importance of everyone coming together to promote a violence-free world. Curious about why the color for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is orange, I thought maybe it would be tied to the symbol of the butterfly; however, I could only find a UNESCO site that says “The color orange symbolizes a bright future, free of violence. It also serves as a means of demonstrating your solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence and…. As a show of solidarity, the UNESCO globe will be illuminated orange.”

Of course, the reason I was curious about the color choice is because in yoga and Áyurveda, as they come to us from India, orange is associated with the second chakra — which is the energetic center of our relationships. From the yoga perspective, our mind-bodies are a microcosm representing the macrocosm that is the world. So, from the yoga perspective, physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual healing begins on the inside and if we want to truly “orange” the world, we must find a way to physically, emotionally, and energetically honor a sacred truth.

“Sacred Truth: Honor one another. Every relationship you develop, from casual to intimate, helps you become more conscious. No union is without spiritual value.”

— from “Morning Visual Meditation” by Caroline Myss

Please join me today (Tuesday, November 25th) at 12:00 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into in the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra   (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Mother’s Day 2020”]

NOTE: The YouTube playlist includes an extra video that is not available on Spotify. The Spotify playlist has an extra song track that does not affect the practice timings.

If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.

White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.

If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).

“Article 2

Violence against women shall be understood to encompass, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation;

(b) Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women and forced prostitution;

(c) Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the State, wherever it occurs.

Article 3

Women are entitled to the equal enjoyment and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. These rights include, inter alia:

(a) The right to life;

(b) The right to equality;

(c) The right to liberty and security of person;

(d) The right to equal protection under the law;

(e) The right to be free from all forms of discrimination;

(f) The right to the highest standard attainable of physical and mental health;

(g) The right to just and favourable conditions of work;

(h) The right not to be subjected to torture, or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

— quoted from the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, issued by the United Nations General Assembly, December 20, 1993

In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).

Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.

Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.

NOTE: In anticipation of the holiday(s), I have cancelled classes on November 26th – December 3rd.

Don’t forget to be grateful.

11/25/2025 Updated with music/playlist note.

### HONOR HUMAN RIGHTS ###

The Devil of a Thing & EXCERPT: “Still Focused On the Outside? [But, What’s On the Inside?]” September 8, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Depression, Donate, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma Yoga, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tragedy, Volunteer, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
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Happy International Literacy Day! Happy Star Trek Day! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone carving out space for a mighty good heart, friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.

Stay safe! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.

This is the post-practice post related to Monday, September 8th. The 2025 prompt question was, “What is a book or story that left an impression on you (and do you think someone would be interested in it just from the cover?” You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra      (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).

Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.

Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.

“‘“The History of the Devil,” by Daniel Defoe,—not quite the right book for a little girl,’ said Mr Riley. ‘How came it among your books, Mr Tulliver?’

Maggie looked hurt and discouraged, while her father said,—

‘Why, it’s one o’ the books I bought at Partridge’s sale. They was all bound alike,—it’s a good binding, you see,—and I thought they’d be all good books. There’s Jeremy Taylor’s ‘Holy Living and Dying’ among ’em. I read in it often of a Sunday’ (Mr Tulliver felt somehow a familiarity with that great writer, because his name was Jeremy); “and there’s a lot more of ’em,—sermons mostly, I think,—but they’ve all got the same covers, and I thought they were all o’ one sample, as you may say. But it seems one mustn’t judge by th’ outside. This is a puzzlin’ world.’”

— quoted from “Chapter III. Mr Riley Gives His Advice Concerning a School for Tom” in “Book First. Boy and Girl.” of The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot 

You’ve probably heard the old adage about not judging a book by its cover. However, you may still do it. Previous experiences (and marketing people) may have taught you — or conditioned you to believe — that the stories that interest you will have certain things on the cover, while the stories that are not worth your time will have other things on the cover. Of course, as George Eliot’s Maggie eventually pointed out, it goes both ways.

Every once in a while, you may find yourself reading something that doesn’t interest you. No harm, no foul.

On the other hand, unless someone tells you otherwise, you may miss out on a great story.

But, what if you were one of the millions of people around the world who lack basic literacy skills? What if you didn’t read because you have an undiagnosed learning disability and it was exhausting? You might be thinking, “Well, now there’s Audible and other technology that can read for you.” Sure, but even that requires a certain amount of access and digital literacy, which millions of people are also lacking.

Additionally, as our reliance on technology increases, proficiency can decrease. For example, I can verify the spelling and meaning of a word, because I know where to start. I also know how to verify if an image (and the accompanying information) is real and accurate, slightly altered, or completely fabricated. I can do those things (and more), because I can read.

But, some people can’t.

“‘Well,’ said Mr Riley, in an admonitory, patronizing tone as he patted Maggie on the head, ‘I advise you to put by the ‘History of the Devil,’ and read some prettier book. Have you no prettier books?’”

— quoted from “Chapter III. Mr Riley Gives His Advice Concerning a School for Tom” in “Book First. Boy and Girl.” of The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot

According to UNESCO, “… at least 739 million youth and adults worldwide still lack basic literacy skills in 2024. At the same time, 4 in 10 children are not reaching minimum proficiency in reading, and 272 million children and adolescents were out of school in 2023.” And, while you may think that’s a THEM problem, it’s actually an (all of) US problem.

In 1967, UNESCO designated today, September 8th, as International Literacy Day (ILD). It is a day that highlights “the critical importance of literacy for creating more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society.”

The 2025 ILD theme is “Promoting literacy in the digital era.”

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW
FOR MORE ABOUT THE INSIDE
(& TO DISCOVER WHY THESE POSTS ARE SO PINK)!

Still Focused On the Outside? [But, What’s On the Inside?] (the “missing” Sunday post w/related links)

“‘Oh, yes,’ said Maggie, reviving a little in the desire to vindicate the variety of her reading. ‘I know the reading in this book isn’t pretty; but I like the pictures, and I make stories to the pictures out of my own head, you know. But I’ve got “Æsop’s Fables,” and a book about Kangaroos and things, and the “Pilgrim’s Progress….”’

‘Ah, a beautiful book,’ said Mr Riley; ‘you can’t read a better.’

‘Well, but there’s a great deal about the Devil in that,’ said Maggie, triumphantly, ‘and I’ll show you the picture of him in his true shape, as he fought with Christian.’”

— quoted from “Chapter III. Mr Riley Gives His Advice Concerning a School for Tom” in “Book First. Boy and Girl.” of The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot

There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices. 

NOTE: If you are interested, you can click on the excerpt above for a related playlist. 

If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.

White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.

If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).

### “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” ~ Michelangelo ###

#NoExcuse / Orange The World (a revised post-practice post for Monday) November 25, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Suffering, Super Heroes, Tragedy, Women, Yoga.
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone developing kindness, friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women & Roses Revolution Day.

May you be safe and protected / May you be peaceful and happy / May you be healthy and strong!

This is a post-practice compilation post for Monday, November 25th. It contains new, updated content mixed with a post from 2020. WARNING: There are no explicit details in this post, but there are references that may trigger trauma. The 2024 prompt question was, “What moment of kindness have you recently experienced?” You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).

Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.

Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.

“Quedé viva para contarles la historia.” [“I stayed alive to tell the story.”]

— Dedé Mirabal, author of Vivas en su Jardín

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports from those on the front lines, have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified.

This is the Shadow Pandemic growing amidst the COVID-19 crisis and we need a global collective effort to stop it. As COVID-19 cases continue to strain health services, essential services, such as domestic violence shelters and helplines, have reached capacity. More needs to be done to prioritize addressing violence against women in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.”

— quoted from the United Nations website for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (2020 #OrangetheWorld)

There’s nothing pretty about violence — and statistics about violence against women are particularly ugly. 1 in 3 women, worldwide experience physical or sexual violence. That works out to about 736 million women around the world experiencing physical and/or sexual violence. Prior to 2020, about 243 million women and girls (ages 15 – 49) reported experiencing sexual and/or physical abuse by an intimate partner within a 12-month period. That number went up during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in some countries, hotline and emergency calls regarding domestic abuse increased to 5 times the average numbers.

Globally, cases of gender-based violence have also gone up because of widespread use of the internet and social media — with 16% to 58% of women (especially for Generation Z and Millennial women) experiencing technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Gender-based violence has also escalated in recent years because of various geopolitical conflicts and wars. In fact, 70% of women in conflict, war, and humanitarian crisis, experience gender-based violence. In 2023, at least 51,100 women who experienced gender-based violence were murdered by partners and/or family members. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers violence against women and girls (VAWG) a human rights violation — in fact, they consider it “one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human violations in our world today.”

“For the purposes of this Declaration, the term ‘violence against women’ means any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

— “Article 1” of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, issued by the United Nations General Assembly, December 20, 1993

To combat this violence (and the accompanying stigma) that can manifest physically, sexually, and psychological — and that happens to people around the world regardless of education, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, age, health, or nationality — UNESCO designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In 2011, extra significance was added to this date when people started also observing Roses Revolution Day, which brings awareness to the international movement against obstetric violence (i.e., abuse during childbirth). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Every woman has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to dignified, respectful health care… [but] many women experience disrespectful and abusive treatment during childbirth in facilities worldwide. Such treatment not only violates the rights of women to respectful care, but can also threaten their rights to life, health, bodily integrity, and freedom from discrimination.”

The 2020 theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” and focused on “amplifying the call for global action to bridge funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence during the pandemic, [prevention measures,] and collection of data that can improve life-saving services for women and girls.”

The 2024 theme is “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” and highlights the fact that “a woman was killed every 10 minutes [in 2023].” (See statistics above.) Today’s observation kicks off “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” which culminates with International Human Rights Day on December 10th.

“We cannot allow our children to grow up in this corrupt and tyrannical regime. We have to fight against it, and I am willing to give up everything, even my life if necessary.”

— Patria Mirabal Reyes

When UNESCO started observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1999, November 25th wasn’t randomly selected because it was 16 days before International Human Rights Day. Today was specifically selected to honor the lives and legacy of the Mirabal sisters (Las Hermanas Mirabal), three of whom were assassinated today in 1960.

Patria Mercedes Mirabal Reyes, Bélgica “Dedé” Adela Mirabal Reyes, María Argentina Minerva Mirabal Reyes (known as Minerva), and Antonia María Teresa Mirabal Reyes (known as María Teresa) were married, Catholic-educated young mothers who had been raised in a middle-class household in the Dominican Republic. Three of the sisters (Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa) were also college educated professionals who actively and publicly opposed the dictator Rafael Trujillo (known as El Jefe), who’s fascist regime lasted 31 years.

“Perhaps what we have most near is death, but that idea does not frighten me. We shall continue to fight for that which is just.”

— María Teresa Mirabel Reyes

The sisters became known as Las Mariposas (“The Butterflies”) and they (and their husbands) were often harassed and even incarcerated because of their activism. There were many activists who spoke out against the dictator before the sisters — including organizers of the “Movement of the Fourteenth of June” and the sisters’ own uncle. But, part of the reason the sisters (and their husbands) may have been targeted was because Minerva had turned down Trujillo’s sexual advances when she was in her early 20’s.

International attention on their plight may have saved Minerva and María Teresa from being tortured during their last incarceration — and definitely led to them being released. Their high profile, however, did not secure the release of their husbands. It also did not save them. As they returned from a visit to the prison where two of their husbands were being held, Patria, Minerva, María Teresa, and their driver Rufino de la Cruz were stopped by people associated with Trujillo’s regime (including members of his secret police force). There was an attempt to make their murders look like a car accident, but evidence to the contrary was very obvious.

Dedé, the surviving sister lived to the age of 88. She was also the only one of the sisters who did not go to college and the only one who did not publicly participate in the resistance. She was a “traditional” homemaker who also took care of the family business. After her sisters were murdered, she continued to take care of their children and started the Mirabal Sisters Foundation. She also turned the last home they lived in together into a museum and wrote a book, Vivas en su Jardín, as she saw that her legacy was to preserve herstory.

“If they kill me, I’ll reach my arms out from the tomb and I’ll be stronger.”

— Minerva Mirabel Reyes

If you see roses in front of a delivery room or hospital, over the next few days, they may have been placed there by someone who suffered varying forms of physical or psychological violence — or they may have been placed there by someone whose family member died as a result of obstetric violence. If you see a building or landmark being “oranged” in the next few days, it is a reminder of the campaign against gender-based violence and a reminder of the importance of everyone coming together to promote a violence-free world. Curious about why the color for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is orange, I thought maybe it would be tied to the symbol of the butterfly; however, I could only find a UNESCO site that says “The color orange symbolizes a bright future, free of violence. It also serves as a means of demonstrating your solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence and…. As a show of solidarity, the UNESCO globe will be illuminated orange.”

Of course, the reason I was curious about the color choice is because in yoga and Áyurveda, as they come to us from India, orange is associated with the second chakra — which is the energetic center of our relationships. From the yoga perspective, our mind-bodies are a microcosm representing the macrocosm that is the world. So, from the yoga perspective, physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual healing begins on the inside and if we want to truly “orange” the world, we must find a way to physically, emotionally, and energetically honor a sacred truth.

“Sacred Truth: Honor one another. Every relationship you develop, from casual to intimate, helps you become more conscious. No union is without spiritual value.”

— from “Morning Visual Meditation” by Caroline Myss

There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.

The 2020 playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Mother’s Day 2020”]

If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.

White Flag is a new app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.

If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).

“Article 2

Violence against women shall be understood to encompass, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation;

(b) Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women and forced prostitution;

(c) Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the State, wherever it occurs.

Article 3

Women are entitled to the equal enjoyment and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. These rights include, inter alia:

(a) The right to life;

(b) The right to equality;

(c) The right to liberty and security of person;

(d) The right to equal protection under the law;

(e) The right to be free from all forms of discrimination;

(f) The right to the highest standard attainable of physical and mental health;

(g) The right to just and favourable conditions of work;

(h) The right not to be subjected to torture, or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

— quoted from the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, issued by the United Nations General Assembly, December 20, 1993

### HONOR HUMAN RIGHTS ###

Still Focused On the Outside? [But, What’s On the Inside?] (the “missing” Sunday post w/related links) September 8, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Depression, Donate, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Mathematics, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tragedy, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.
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Happy International Literacy Day! Happy Star Trek Day! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone carving out space for a mighty good heart, friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.

Stay safe! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.

This “missing” post for Sunday, September 8th. is a slightly revised (and expanded) version of a 2020 post. Some statistics and links (including the language-related Star Trek link at the very end) have been updated or added. One embedded link directs to a site outside of this blog. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).

Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.

Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

— Mother Teresa, quoted from “10. Judge Not” in Spiritual Gems from Mother Teresa by Gwen Costello

I was watching an interesting video in September of 2020 (see link at end of post). Some parts were awkward and clumsy. Then, there were times when some of the participants felt bad about themselves (and, as an empathetic viewer I felt bad for them). The parts where people felt bad about themselves were some of the parts that were awkward and handled in a slightly clumsy way. However, the participants felt bad for themselves because the topic of the video is a sore spot for many people, especially women in America: weight and appearance. The video was interesting and good — in that it was meaningful — because it was yet another reminder that there is more going on with a person (and their health) than what we see on the outside.

“True beauty is knowing who you are and what you want and never apologizing for it.”

— 2006 quote attributed to P!nk (born Alecia Beth Moore, today in 1979)

Michelangelo’s David was unveiled in Florence, Italy today (September 8th) in 1504. At various times throughout history, the marble statue has represented the epitome of the male form. What captivates people, however, is not just the beauty of Michelangelo’s masterpiece. People love the story of David; the story of the underdog. When faced with towering figure of Goliath, David used his inner resources. He drew from the experience he had as a shepherd (rather than being preoccupied by the experience he didn’t have as a soldier) and he focused on what he could do (not on what he was “trying” to do).

Once he became king, he again drew on his inner strength, courage, and wisdom. Yes, King David made mistakes — he was human; but, he is remembered because of his wins, not his losses. Those wins became his legacy, which is represented by the statue, the story, and his son Solomon (who is considered the ruler with the wisest heart in the history of the world).

Similarly, the 26-year old Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni was a bit of the underdog when he was selected to work on the statue of David. His contemporaries would eventually call him Il Divino (“The Divine One”), because of his ability to bring inanimate objects to life and to create terribilitá (a sense of awesomeness or emotional intensity). However, he was not the first choice — or the second choice — when the statue was first commissioned by the Overseers of the Office of Works of the Florence Cathedral (the Operai). Granted, one reason he wasn’t on the short list was that he wasn’t born when the series of Old Testament statues were first commissioned; but, that’s beside the point.

The point I’m getting to is that neither David nor Michelangelo were Plan A. They weren’t even Plan B. Yet, they both had the possibility of greatness inside of them.

“Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”

— quote attributed to Michelangelo

Take a moment to consider Michelangelo, the sculptor, staring at a chunk of marble. To the outside observer, the marble was nothing — or, more specifically, a very expensive and “badly blocked out” hunk of marble. But, the artist saw inside… and got to work.

To someone who is not an artist, the artist’s process may seem magical and impossible. If we were to undertake such a task, without knowing what to look for and what steps to take, the process would be frustrating. The final effort might even be embarrassing. But, even though it takes effort and sometimes it’s harder for some than for others, the artist who is literate in their craft thinks nothing of the process: this is just what they know (or think) they can do.

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

— quote attributed to Michelangelo

What an artist does can be very similar to you reading this post (or even me writing this post). Yes, it takes effort and energy; however, if you have the knowledge — if you are a literate adult (who learned how to read as a child and don’t have a learning disability) — you don’t think back to the struggle of the learning process every time you read or write. You just do what you know how to do. Even though the yoga philosophy defines this exchange of words and meaning as one of the “powers unique to being human,” we don’t always think of it as being anything more than a tool. Or something that is part of our landscape… like the rocks on the ground before David picked them up. Or, like the chisel and the hunk of marble before Michelangelo went to work.

But, what about the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who are functionally illiterate? To those people who lack the basic reading and writing skills to manage daily living and employment tasks, my blog posts can be like Goliath. (I know, I know: Even when you are literate, these blog posts can sometimes be like Goliath — but then, you are David and you have what it takes to conquer!)

Quick Facts: In 2020, approximately 775 million young people and adults (aged 15+) lacked basic literacy and numeracy skills. Between 2015 and 2023, literacy rates have increased 2%; however, an estimated 754 million people are currently considered functionally illiterate.

While we can celebrate the fact that literacy rates are increasing all over the world — and that some of the biggest increases are on the continent of Africa, where literacy rose 5% between 2015 and 2022 — population is also increasing in some places (which means, unfortunately, that the number of people who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills on the continent of Africa rose from 193 million to 217 million).

“Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savour their songs. I again realized that we were not different people with separate languages; we were one people with different tongues.”

— quoted from Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela by Nelson Mandela

There are huge financial costs to being illiterate (an estimated $1.19 trillion (USD) globally), but there are other extreme costs. Illiteracy limits possibilities. It decreases employment opportunities, increases chances for poor health and the inclination toward crime. There is an emotional toll, in that it can lead to depression, anger, frustration, and embarrassment. Illiteracy is often associated with poverty; however, location, age, and disability are also factors. The millions of people who are forcibly displaced face challenges of literacy and digital divides*; only 30% of young people living in crisis-affected areas are literate; children and adolescents with disabilities are 42% less likely to have foundational literacy skills; and (as of 2022) only 10% of elderly women in some sub-Saharan African countries are literate. Which brings us to the fact that there is also a gender component: 63% of the people who are illiterate are also women. (That’s down 1% from 2020; but, that’s still 475 million people!)

According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), if all women completed primary education, there would be 66 percent fewer maternal deaths. This is one of the reasons UNESCO focuses on educating girls and women. This is also one of the reasons why, in 1965, the United Nations designated today, September 8th, as International Literacy Day.

The 2024 Theme for International Literacy Day is “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace” and highlights the fact that the world is becoming more and more multilingual and more and more people are interacting with people who speak different languages. In fact, there are approximately 7,000 living languages (unevenly) spread out over 200 countries and “[over] half of the world’s population is bilingual, using at least two languages or dialects daily.” All of that is exciting! What is not exciting is that 40% of those who are bilingual lack access to education in a language they speak or understand.

“David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart….’”

— quoted from 1 Samuel – The Old Testament (17:32 NIV)

It can be a little daunting to look at some of these numbers related to literacy. It can also be frustrating to think about the fact that, according to UNESCO, 250 million children are out of school; 31 million forcibly displaced young people are learning in a language other than their first language; and that “57% of the 102 countries that responded to a UNESCO  survey spent less than 4% of their national education budget on adult literacy and education.” Furthermore, you might feel like throwing your hands up if you live in a country (like the United States) where some people are working to ban books and restrict education. But, rather than giving up, let’s celebrate literacy… and books!

This year’s global celebration of International Literacy Day will be held September 9th – 10th, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This is a time to promote awareness of illiteracy and cultivate compassion around this human rights struggle. It’s also an opportunity to buy a book for a public school or a library in a developing country, a rural area, or an impoverished area (even here in the United States). It’s also a great opportunity to buy a book for a friend or a loved one — maybe a banned book, maybe even a book that tells you not to judge “the book” by its cover.

“As a mother of two who is deeply invested in education and in representation for all races and sexual identities, P!nk wanted to give away banned books to highlight the spike in book bans in Florida and across the country documented by PEN America.

‘Books have held a special joy for me from the time I was a child, and that’s why I am unwilling to stand by and watch while books are banned by schools,’ P!nk said. ‘It’s especially hateful to see authorities take aim at books about race and racism and against LGBTQ authors and those of color. We have made so many strides toward equality in this country and no one should want to see this progress reversed. This is why I am supporting PEN America in its work and why I agree with them: no more banned books.’”

— quoted from the November 13, 2023 PEN America press release titled, “Global Pop Icon P!nk Teams Up with PEN America to Give Away 2,000 Banned Books at Florida Concerts: The Giveaway Highlights the Unprecedented Rise in Book Bans in the United States”

*NOTE: Technology makes it easier for people to access stories and (sometimes) facilitates communication between people who speak different languages. However, as referenced above, there is a digital divide. Additionally, some of that technology requires a certain level of literacy. Finally, if someone is not in the habit of reading — and/or if they find reading frustrating, they may not look for other ways to access stories.

Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “09082020 What Is Inside”]

NOTE: Track #11 on Spotify is longer than the corresponding track on YouTube. I neglected to give people the opportunity to fast forward during the 2024 practice (but the silence is obvious).

Here’s that interesting video I mentioned above.

If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.

White Flag is a new app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.

If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).

Final Note: Yes, I know it is (technically) Star Trek Day, since the original series aired today in 1966; however, this is not one of the days when I “officially” celebrate the series.

### BREATHE, READ (or LISTEN) TO A (BANNED) BOOK###

Orange The World November 25, 2020

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Suffering, Super Heroes, Tragedy, Women, Yoga.
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WARNING: There are no explicit details in this post, but there are references that may trigger trauma.

“Quedé viva para contarles la historia.” [“I stayed alive to tell the story.”]

— Dedé Mirabal, author of Vivas en su Jardín

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports from those on the front lines, have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified.

This is the Shadow Pandemic growing amidst the COVID-19 crisis and we need a global collective effort to stop it. As COVID-19 cases continue to strain health services, essential services, such as domestic violence shelters and helplines, have reached capacity. More needs to be done to prioritize addressing violence against women in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.”

— quoted from the United Nations website for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (2020 #OrangetheWorld)

There’s nothing pretty about violence — and statistics about violence against women are particularly ugly. 1 in 3 women, worldwide experience physical or sexual violence. Prior to 2020, about 243 million women and girls (ages 15 – 49) reported experiencing sexual and/or physical abuse by an intimate partner within a 12-month period. That number has gone up during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in some countries, hotline and emergency calls regarding domestic abuse increased to 5 times the average numbers. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers violence against women and girls (VAWG) a human rights violation — in fact, they consider it “one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human violations in our world today.”

To combat this violence (and the accompanying stigma) that can manifest physically, sexually, and psychological – and that happens to people around the world regardless of education, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, age, health, or nationality — UNESCO designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The 2020 theme is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” and focuses on “amplifying the call for global action to bridge funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence during the pandemic, [prevention measures,] and collection of data that can improve life-saving services for women and girls.” Today’s observation kicks off “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” which culminates with International Human Rights Day on December 10th.

“For the purposes of this Declaration, the term “violence against women” means any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

— “Article 1” of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, issued by the United Nations General Assembly, December 20, 1993

When UNESCO started observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1999, November 25th wasn’t randomly selected because it was 16 days before International Human Rights Day. Today was specifically selected to honor the lives and legacy of the Mirabal sisters (Las Hermanas Mirabal), three of whom were assassinated today in 1960.

Patria Mercedes Mirabal Reyes, Bélgica “Dedé” Adela Mirabal Reyes, María Argentina Minerva Mirabal Reyes (known as Minerva), and Antonia María Teresa Mirabal Reyes (known as María Teresa) were married, Catholic-educated young mothers who had been raised in a middle-class household in the Dominican Republic. Three of the sisters (Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa) were also college educated professionals who actively and publicly opposed the dictator Rafael Trujillo (known as El Jefe), who’s fascist regime lasted 31 years.

“We cannot allow our children to grow up in this corrupt and tyrannical regime. We have to fight against it, and I am willing to give up everything, even my life if necessary”

— Patria Mirabal Reyes

The sisters became known as Las Mariposas (“The Butterflies”) and they (and their husbands) were often harassed and even incarcerated because of their activism. There were many activists who spoke out against the dictator before the sisters — including organizers of the “Movement of the Fourteenth of June” and the sisters’ own uncle. But part of the reason the sisters (and their husbands) may have been targeted was because Minerva had turned down Trujillo’s sexual advances when she was in her early 20’s.

International attention on their plight may have saved Minerva and María Teresa from being tortured during their last incarceration — and definitely led to them being released. Their high profile, however, did not secure the release of their husbands. It also did not save them. As they returned from a visit to the prison where two of their husbands were being held, Patria, Minerva, María Teresa, and their driver Rufino de la Cruz were stopped by people associated with Trujillo’s regime (including members of his secret police force). There was an attempt to make their murders look like a car accident, but evidence to the contrary was very obvious.

Dedé, the surviving sister lived to the age of 88. She was also the only one of the sisters who did not go to college and the only one who did not publicly participate in the resistance. She was a “traditional” homemaker who also took care of the family business. After her sisters were murdered, she continued to take care of their children and started the Mirabal Sisters Foundation. She also turned the home they last lived in together into a museum and wrote a book, Vivas en su Jardín, as she saw that her legacy was to preserve herstory.

“Perhaps what we have most near is death, but that idea does not frighten me. We shall continue to fight for that which is just.”

— María Teresa Mirabel Reyes

“If they kill me, I’ll reach my arms out from the tomb and I’ll be stronger.”

— Minerva Mirabel Reyes

If you see a building or landmark being “oranged” in the next few days, it is a reminder of campaign against gender-based violence and a reminder of the importance of everyone coming together to promote a violence-free world. Curious about why the color for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is orange. I thought maybe it would be tied to the symbol of the butterfly, but I could only find a UNESCO site that says “The color orange symbolizes a bright future, free of violence. It also serves as a means of demonstrating your solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence and…. As a show of solidarity, the UNESCO globe will be illuminated orange.”

Of course, the reason I was curious about the color choice is because in yoga and Áyurveda, as they come to us from India, orange is associated with the second chakra — which is the energetic center of our relationships. From the yoga perspective, our mind-bodies are a microcosm representing the macrocosm that is the world. So, from the yoga perspective, physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual healing begins on the inside and if we want to truly “orange” the world, we must find a way to physically, emotionally, and energetically honor a sacred truth.

“Sacred Truth: Honor one another. Every relationship you develop, from casual to intimate, helps you become more conscious. No union is without spiritual value.”

— from “Morning Visual Meditation” by Caroline Myss

Please join me today (Wednesday, November 25th) at 4:30 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. Use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You will need to register for the 7:15 PM class if you have not already done so. Give yourself extra time to log in if you have not upgraded to Zoom 5.0. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Mother’s Day 2020”]

In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es). Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.)

“Article 2

Violence against women shall be understood to encompass, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation;

(b) Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women and forced prostitution;

(c) Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the State, wherever it occurs.

Article 3

Women are entitled to the equal enjoyment and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. These rights include, inter alia:

(a) The right to life;

(b) The right to equality;

(c) The right to liberty and security of person;

(d) The right to equal protection under the law;

(e) The right to be free from all forms of discrimination;

(f) The right to the highest standard attainable of physical and mental health;

(g) The right to just and favourable conditions of work;

(h) The right not to be subjected to torture, or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

— quoted from the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, issued by the United Nations General Assembly, December 20, 1993

11/25/2024 Revised formats.

### HONOR HUMAN RIGHTS ###