Thank you
2022 was proof that inspiration can be found
And as we ask for your year-end donations in support of the projects that were part of 2022, we ask that you spread the invitation to give with others who may be looking for a way to share their good fortune.
Tu continues to make amazing art; Oh continues to work at the intersection of law, healing, and spirit. So far, we remain healthy.
In 2022 we paused the Zoom Zazen weekly meditations half way through the year. Tu-2 felt it was time to reflect on whether people really benefit from yet another time on the screen to meditate - strong feelings that we should be together in person. In 2023, we plan to resume in person and virtual. Why not try it? Some of our regulars are not in southern CA so, we decided it might be good to try a hybrid approach.
The Black/API Healing Circle continues well past its intended 4-week introduction to how to serve as Host and Guardian of the sacred space that allows folks to compost all that life brings - both joys and non-joyful events in life. Our circle meets Tuesdays for 90 minutes, every other week. We began right after the murder of George Floyd and have continued (will continue).
The Migration Support Network has been a steady place of intention for compassion and love to be shared across the so-called border. GoCompassion delivers monthly, support in the form of cash for food and medicine. In addition, special projects (like the building of a school for the 400 or so kids at the sanctuary at Cañon de Alacrán) are added to the menu of options for how to help. This year, a generous donation of $32K allowed the pastor and refugees at the sanctuary to complete the building of the school and now, local government is sending teachers! Next project: a health clinic so that there can be privacy for medical exams and maybe even a dental care room. Next, next project: Children lead pilgrimage path to learn, to educate, to walk a path of love and compassion from Bolinas to the Border — stand by for details to emerge in 2023!
LA Race Praxis group formed in the summer of 2022 and will continue to grow a network of small nonprofit organizations that are spreading love on to their communities through programs and activities that take folks on urban hikes, support sober living through workouts and sober socials, engage youth in Watts to learn both entrepreneurship and mathematics, make space for wellness and self-care at Skid Row, organize to stop/prevent gun violence that kill people (especially, Black men), and focus on reentry and support for formerly incarcerated Asians and Pacific Islanders. Our hearts, minds, and spirit of love and compassion go out to: Hike to Yoga, Valor Rising, Cease Fire, Skid Row People’s Market, The Reverence Project/Ambassadors of Watts, API RISE.
Healers’ Retreat 2022 was held in late July 2022, where 18 healers were invited to rest, reset, and re-engage in the work of taking care of themselves as they dedicate themselves to caring for others. The weekend was an amazing opportunity to reconnect with purpose as well as the ultimate teacher in nature - thanks especially to the medicine garden tended by Dr. Anna and James Stark. We hope to do this again in 2023 - make the invitation to remember to care for self along with the work of caring for others.
Please, if you are willing and able - make a year end gift to GoCompassion, a program of Commonweal in Southern CA. Go to www.commonweal.org and designate Gift of Compassion, and an acknowledgment of your gift will be sent.
Our website is going to transform into a space where narratives will be shared, updates will be reported, and inspiration can be found (to balance the barrage of negative news!).
Thank you in advance.
May 2023 be a year of health, positive transformation, and fulfillment!
May it be so~
Angela Oh at 213.422.9781 (she/her/hers)
Ming Tu at 213.250.2223. (he/him/his)