Date: 2009-05-07 18:53 Subject: Despair-work, Peace-work, Hope Security: Public Tags: despair work, ethics, facebook, friends, hope, networking, peace work, twitter, wordpress

If you've followed along for any length of time, you know that I'm a big fan of what Joanna Macy calls 'despair-work'. Interestingly, this is not work in which one admits despair and then gives up. This is work in which one admits to despair being present, then uses the energy gained by that admission to generate new energy: to create hope, in one way or another.

I've joined the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War in their ican project, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. I'm inviting you to join me, by donating, by spreading the word, by believing this can be accomplished across the lines of nations and over the objections of corporations and armies, through the work of concerned, dedicated, connected individuals- a fellowship of the many, if you will.

The secondary cost of maintaining nuclear weapons stockpiles is part of what the GreenhamCommonWomen worked to make apparent, what Eric and David Thiermann, in their difficult but beautiful film The Last Epidemic demonstrate in clear and personal way, what Joanna Macy Rogers from her practice of Engaged Buddhism names Nuclear Guardianship. The thing is done, it cannot be undone, but it can be put into balance: not the balance of bomb for bomb, because that is no balance, but the balance of action and care.

I'm inviting you to join me, and bring your friends, family and co-workers. Invite your government, corporations, churches, synagogues, mosques. There is room for everyone to do this work, and many hands make light work.

As Aragorn said: There is always hope.

Today, I bring this sliver of it and hold it alight. Please, join me in carrying the fire.

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Date: 2009-05-06 07:36 Subject: State of the Slashfairy, three weeks and counting Security: Public Tags: amazon, aoop, despair work, europe 2009, facebook, friends, life, peace-work, twitter, uni, wordpress

Yep, I'm graduating! have to pick up my cap&gown over at uni this week. If I remember I'll do it after work before my mammogram on Friday. *eyeroll* life of an older student.

EnjoyIt will go on vacation May 25th (last day I can ship) because I'm leaving for Europe May 26th! (London-Germany-Denmark-Germany-London) Home July 8th, back to work probably the 12th. Thank you every one who has bought or will buy, who has passed the word to friends and co-workers. It's been a real joy, becoming a book-seller, and it's made the difference between being able to pull off this trip nicely and have it be a grind and a worry.

Have started a WordPress Blog as a professional place to write; those of you who read along know that peace-work and despair-work are two lifetime interests/pursuits for me. My entire aim with pursuing my bachelors' has been to get the base for doing work in this area- yes, I know people do work in it without college degrees, but I want to change something in Nursing, open up a dialogue inside Nursing, so I thought I'd better get a bit more academic education in Nursing to give me some place to stand. It worked: I feel/AM better prepared to state my case. Now I'm making the place from which to speak. It's very satisfying.

Ok, I've a chance at an early bed this morning, and I'm going to take it. Blessings on your heads.

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