World Vision Dialogue - Building a new collective dream

WE CAN HELP ONE ANOTHER WITH A DREAM

We can change the world with a change of heart and mind. With a DREAM. Do you know this? Even in the worst places, we can change everything, if we can help influence a new consciousness of goodness for all people. It starts with a DREAM.

I recently shared my perspective on my home country ... BIAFRA ... a place that needs your vision and action. Listen now. Read a story. 

To help one another, we have to practice being DREAMERS and it can start right where you are in your city. If you practice building a new DREAM about your city. Then you can DREAM about mine.

Some months ago, I participated in the Habitat JAM and shared how to dream about a better world right in your own city:

I recommend the following tools for DREAMERS building their dream city. You expect practical results from your imaginative dreams; therefore, let the tangible morph seamlessly into the imaginative.

1) Get a city map. How can you be dreaming about building a city without looking at a city map?

A great map is a Satellite map of your city.
a) Find maps with parameters which are of interest to you.
b) Study these maps; play with re-arranging things on the maps.
c) Ask yourself, what were the original city fathers / mothers dreaming and envisioning when they built this city this way?

2) Invite your friend(s) to play with you and the maps make it a game or an exercise: ask yourselves what you want this city to look like in the future, and work it out on the map(s).

3) Increase the pool: invite the community, the city planners, architects, community leaders, etc, to participate in the game. Get a table and play the game at every public community event

4) Let the exercise sharpen and bring clarity to your vision and dream.

5) Allow your Vision / Dream to convert you into a driven-person depending on your level of seriousness and commitment.

John F. Kennedy said:
The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by those whose horizons are limited by obvious realities. We need men [and women] who can dream of things that never were.

To which I add: ...and have the fortitude and interest to bring such dreams to fruition.

Dream on: that's where "it" is at! Read more about Building a NEW DREAM

Oguchi Nkwocha, M.D.

NIGERIA: WHAT YOU CAN DO

These are difficult times in for many people. We all witness it the injustices daily.

I am Igbo --- a fellow visionary from Biafra/south-eastern Nigeria. The desperate circumstances that exist for the peoples of my homeland serve as an example of the needs of others throughout the world. There is so much each of us can do. Here is my invitation to you:

If you forget everything, do, remember just these:

• It is better to be good neighbors than to be  "wonderful master-loyal slave" entity.
• Good neighbors do not take Hope away from others.
• Without Hope, you can't dream; without dreams, all is lost.
• Dreams fly Hope to its fulfillment.

PUTTING DREAMS INTO ACTION:

1. First, cultivate Hope---hope for a better world. Then, DREAM a better world. Yes, it starts with YOU, and from you. And, it begins with Hope, followed by Dreams.
2. Convince yourself that forcing the political union of peoples of totally and starkly different backgrounds that are unable to get along, is not just a bad idea, it is unconscionable.  It is a gross violation of Nature herself. It kills hope. It should not be happening in 2006 and beyond.
3. Then, carry your message to others: to the political and societal pundits: your representative; the local newspapers; your neighbors and coworkers. To such romanticized ideas, with respect to Biafra-Nigeria, of preserving and nurturing the so-styled  "Giant of Africa" (Nigeria) by the same group, respond by reminding them that a dysfunctional giant on artificial life-support, a giant with clay feet, is more dangerous and more expensive to maintain than natural entities, which though lesser in size, are better functioning and more fulfilling for their own people. Besides, Africa does not need one giant. Africa is a continent and a Spirit naturally defined by variegation, plethora, uniquenesses and striking contrasts in all her attributes.
4. Question the arrogance of governments who impose their own ideology and ideas of propriety on other countries, especially when common sense and practical experience continue to show that such ideas are unworkable for the particular, hapless country.
5. Ask: Just what can be achieved in the long run by killing millions of human beings in order to continue to force them into arrangements that they neither chose nor want?
6. Write the UN, your government, Nigeria: express your support for a non-violent self determination rights exercise by Biafra resulting in the independence and sovereignty of Biafra from Nigeria.
7. Protest and carry placards in support of the right of Biafra to her own sovereignty when and where Nigerian officials (and British officials) visit your country.

Give me not love---for love is mere poetry.
But give me hope,
Any hope at all, and I can sing a song for you.
...I can fly. ...Oh how I can fly.
Action is inevitable.

In Oneness...

Oguchi Nkwocha, M.D.

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Coming soon at the Global Dialogue Center:

Perspective from Oguchi Nkwocha, M.D.
Igbo visionary from Biafra/south-eastern Nigeria
In this audio/podcast, Dr. Nkwocha enlightens us with his deep conviction and knowledge of the state of south-eastern Nigeria and how our collective consciousness and action can be a catalyst for change and survival for many innocent people.
Learn more...

Also, hear Dr. Nkwocha in a conversation with JOHN PERKINS, author, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Learn more...

VISION: Moving Beyond Gloom and Doom

It is difficult for most of us to rise about the constant noise of gloom and doom. I am a realist as well as a dreamer and there are  bad things happening all around us that one can't deny. However, history proves that a clear vision can be a powerful catalyst for manifesting positive change. I've certainly experienced it in my life and watched it happen in the lives of others.

In a recent writing, Dr. Alex Pattakos, founder of the Center for Meaning and author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts: Viktor Frankl Principles at Work, reminds us of the impact of the negative:

"From a psychological perspective, it takes some 8 or 9 positive remarks to offset a negative one. So, just think about how much motivation and inspiration we all need in order to keep moving forward! We also must ensure we don't become "prisoners of our thoughts!" Let me suggest that, if we can help ourselves---and others---find the deeper meaning in life, then we will not only motivate, but inspire humanity in ways that transcend all the problems we face."

I admit it that it has been my dreams that have transported me to better tomorrows, to safety, to places way bigger and greater than I ever imagined. What created the positive movement that followed was a strong, resolute BELIEF, never shaken by any gloom and doom that surrounded me. It was a steadfast belief that "man has dominion" over his life and the mind is its secret. As Claude Bristol wrote in the continued best selling book since 1947, The Magic of Believing, "All is within." He also confirmed the power of belief when he quoted French Philosopher, Theodore Simon DuFrey, "The subscious mind will not take the trouble to help those who do not believe in it."

"...belief changes the tempo of the mind or thought-frequency, and, like a huge magnet, draws the subconscious forces into play, changing your whole aura and affecting everything about you---and often people and objects at great distances. It brings into your individual sphere of life results that are sometimes startling---often results you never dreamed possible."

Interestingly, the world seems to know the power of this kind of belief. It is perhaps what draws us to certain people. Claude Bristol mentioned it too, "Everywhere men are looking for people who have the kind of belief they will fight for, because it is the people who are charged with the vibrations of strong beliefs that sometimes do the miraculous, the things we so often say are "unbelievable." That kind of belief has the magic touch."

So envision a world of believers! Imagine what we could begin doing today if we filled ourselves with resolute BELIEF followed by ACTION.

How would you rate your BELIEF in possibilities on a scale of 1-10?

What ACTION could you take today to influence good right where you are?

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com

PEACE: BE THE CHANGE

Being the change you want to see in the world asks more of us. It means stepping out of our comfort...for some, stepping out of indifference...for others, stepping out of silence. It means not just hovering to take in...but also doing what you can to bring your own personal Light to a troubled world.

This morning I came across a poem of Rumi's that I had humbly adapted from another translation long ago. It is a call to action for us all.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Come out from under your fear, you so
   so fond of hiding and running away.
Don't cover your face.
The world is reeling,
Its heart so sick,
And you are one who can serve
   as an influence for good.
Don't hide the candle of your clarity.
Be with people.
Lead the way.
Be a teacher of souls by example.

---Rumi

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Put your mark on this time in history. The world needs you! Do your part.

Debbe Kennedy

www.globaldialoguecenter.com

Building A NEW DREAM for Our Cities

Even a city starts with a DREAM or Vision. If the city is deficient, then check out the DREAM or Vision which brought the city into existence. Or, you can DREAM and "en-vision" the city of your desire...it's in your hands.

Many of look to others for the solution, but it’s not about what Bush or other leaders can do, but what YOU--and WE: the rest of us--can do. The least that we can do is to envision the solution. Each one of us can do that--as little as it may seem. When we add it all up, it adds up. Try studying a city map--one with details of the parameter you want to change--find it and study it. That will help your envisioning, and inspire you to follow the next steps. The idea is to empower everyone, not to rely or depend on the Bushes' of our world.

Bring your friends together. Ask for a map of the city you are interested in. If you can, get a Satellite map showing amenities or installations or population, etc. You and your friends look at the map and rearrange it in such a way that you think is desirable; discuss it. Then, "imagine" it mentally--imagine what you want. Increase the discussion group, involve the community; invite city planners and leaders too. Keep refining the mental image, and let that move you into action

The Power of a DREAM

As are beginning another year, we can build new DREAMS for this year and once again be renewed by a vision that came true in the last Century:

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy articulated a powerful vision and described this DREAM in his special message to the Congress on the “Urgent National Needs” of the US. It was a vision that proves the power of our dreams put into action: “...I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth."

On 24th July 1969, when Apollo 11 returned with its crew safely to Earth, following its earlier launch on 16th July 1969, and subsequent successful landing at the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon on July 20th 1969, that DREAM was fully manifested. Why not do the same thing kind of dreaming for our cities and nations and the world? Consider the clarity and precision of Kennedy’s DREAM: Who? This nation What? Commit to achieve a goal What goal? 1) land a man on the moon; 2) return him to earth; 3) return him safely; 4) before decade is out. Size of articulated DREAM in writing: 1 sentence; 31 words; 2 to 3 lines Size of Result: Immeasurable! The Lesson: A DREAM can, today, pluck from the tree of time desirable fruits which, being meant for a future season, are not even there at the moment. That is accomplishing the impossible. Yes, it can be done! Come join with me to dream a new dream for all people.

What is your vision for the city where you live?

What ideas do you have to help others see the new DREAM with you?

Oguchi Nkwocha, M.D.
Contributing Author, Global Dialogue Center

WISDOM OF PEACE calms violence and dispair

As we begin a new year, it is disturbing to take in all the terror and violence and injustice in the world. Sometimes it seems that we are so very lost as a human family. Distracted. Off our course. We are breaking the rules. Forgetting what we are here do discover in one another and with one another. Yet, across the ages, if we would just listen, the wisdom of peace continues its conversation with us ---- the how-to-do-it is clear. Just a small sampling, sets our direction, reflects the beauty of our differences and affirms the common ground upon which we walk. Hold this vision...

Baha'i:
Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself.

Christianity:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. ...Love thy neighbor.

Islam:
"Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart..."
----Qur'an - Hadith in al-Bukhari

Taoism
"Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your own loss." ---- T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien

Judaism:
What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary." ----The Talmud

Confucianism:
"Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not unto others that your would not have them do unto you." ----The Analects 15, 23

Hinduism:
"This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you."
The Mahabharata, 5, 1517

Buddhism:
Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."
----The Udana-Varga, 5, 18

Zoroastrianism:
"That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good for itself."
Dadistan-I-Dinik, 94, 5

It is easy to get discouraged with all that is going on in the world --- or maybe all around YOU. In a cherished book by Emmet Fox, scientist, philosopher and spiritual (1886-1951), he reminds us of the promise that "...miracles always all happen if you believe them to be possible" and call upon the Power of that belief.

In a more recent reminder, inspired by the teachings of Viktor Frankl, Dr. Alex Pattakos, author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts shared his perspective about having a positive outlook in a recent podcast interview I did with with him entitled The Meaning Difference. It really hit home. He said,

"I know the one thing that resonates with me that has kept me going and has kept me very close to the line to Frankl's ideologies, his approach, his maintaining a positive outlook on my personal life as well as, as much as possible, personal—a positive outlook on what's going on around me, I mean, I—and try to stay in the moment, remember to do that, challenging yes, but I certainly has been much more helpful.  I tell people that are negative, I say look, if you can prove to me, but your negativity, you are worrying your attacks, will in fact prove that it will bring my life you know, and everybody else's life to a higher plane, then I will start worrying too.  But, if I can't find solutions in that, you know, then I would rather take my positive outlook as my approach."  Listen to the podcast.

There are many positive things happening in the middle of all the dispair Perhaps, they are signs of a great awakening among all the world's people. Hold that vision! Imagine YOU + ME X many.

Your thoughts?

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

Visit the Global Dialogue Center. Bring your ideas and imagine what we can do together!

Being Amazing Grace

There is so much we could each do to love one another more this year. Hold that vision! Put it into action...touch the world with it. Imagine a world where each person lived as if they were Amazing Grace.

In a package from my daughter, there was love on a bottle. The note told me, "The ingredients are not as important as the message on the bottle." It read...

"Amazing Grace is the person who lives in a state of love, forgiveness, and total compassion. It is the person who is not afraid to be wrong and doesn't need to be right. It is the humble spirit who lets others shine and helps those who cannot find their light. It is the person who prays for others and not oneself. It is the person who has let themself out and the spirit in."

May you be filled with Amazing Grace more abundant than this message describes --- and may you cast its light on others as you move through your life.

Imagine how the world would change before our eyes?

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

PEACE in the World

Mark Twain once said, "The ancients stole all our good ideas." He was right. It seems we make the issue of the world so complicated with our self-interest and at the whim of leaders that somehow are misdirected to believe violence and aggression are the ingredients for peace.

Interestingly, we don't even need to invent something new. The ancients told us exactly what was needed....

"If there is righteousness in
the heart there will be beauty
in the character.

If there be beauty in the
character, there will be
harmony in the house.

If there is harmony in the
home, there will be order
in the nation, there will be
peace in the world.

Confucius
(551-479 BC)

May PEACE find its way to heart. Hold that vision!

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

ENVISIONING a New Age of the GOOD NEIGHBOR

Imagine all the people living life in peace. For 72 hours they did at the Habitat JAM (www.habitatjam.com) was truly amazing! People from 191 countries participated. It was amazing to hear the stories of people around the world crossing all dimensions of humanity (youth, professionals, students, slum dwellers, poor, rich, academics, unemployed for 72 hours talked openly with one another.) When the clock stopped, we had all experienced a moment of world peace. I led a theme on being a GOOD NEIGHBOR. People really related and shared their ideas on what being a GOOD NEIGHBOR means, what attributes good neighbors have and we explored what a GOOD NEIGHBOR CHARTER would include for cities/communities. Over the 72 hours the GOOD NEIGHBOR discussions rose to be the most participated in HUMANITY forum ---- Hope is alive! WHAT DO YOU THINK: What ideas do you GOOD NEIGHBORS have? As I’ve questioned others about their experiences, they have reminded me that a good neighbor is a loving, generous and peaceful person... Here are some the answers others have shared with me. - They help one another. - They value each other without condition. - They stand up for one another. - They never leave you hungry. - They share what they have with others. - They show interest and genuine care for each other. - They invest in others---and sometimes it’s in you. -- They value and respect life in all it wondrous forms. - They often are selfless when it comes to helping a friend. - They show up when you need them most. - They are comforting, but also help you to become more yourself. - They never rip you off. - They never leave you stranded. - They don’t hurt you or blow up your house. - They look out for your children as they would their own. - They care for your animals and pets as you would. - They dream with you. - They work with you. - They believe in you. - They can change the course of your whole life. What other ideas do you have? What's missing? Debbe Kennedy Founder, Global Dialogue Center

PEACE TALKS: Person to Person

I read the news on several sites across the world this morning. I am always amazed how differently, events are perceived and reported. Reading between the lines and beyond the hype, spin, and talking points, it is difficult to see where the truth is. It always seems to be serving someone's interest ---- rarely the good of all. There is a helplessness about taking in this reality. Once caught up in its web, which I so easily seem to do from time to time, I am reminded of Mother Teresa's wisdom, Don't wait for the leaders, do it alone person-to-person. This insight has redirected my thoughts many times. How do we start doing this as a practice, letting our lives be a beacon for good and peace?

·       Look for opportunities to be supportive of others. Small bits of kindness can make a BIG difference to someone else. 

·       Resist our human nature to judge others. What we say and do can hurt. Wrap your words and action in dignity and respect. Love your neighbor. 

·       Pray for peace in your own unique way. There is power in it.

If a bunch of us focused on these three things, imagine the difference we could make?

What if we it were possible for us to meet and talk with one another PERSON-TO-PERSON across the world? ... WE CAN!

...and YOU, your friends and the whole world are invited to an unprecedented opportunity to dialogue with our good neighbors across the world. Imagine what we could do together if we could BE TOGETHER for a while, bringing our skills, talents and best thinking to figure out a better ways of living on this planet that would benefit everyone? Dreaming new dreams and putting them into action.

Join us and other citizens from around the world at the Habitat JAM, an unprecedented ONLINE global conversation about what matters most to us all.  December 1-3, 2005 --- Tell your friends and colleagues.

Come "be the change..."  Open to the public and FREE. Put your fingerprint on history....come experience three days of "world peace" in action.

Learn more and register NOW @ www.habitatjam.com

Feeling skeptical, read this...

Look forward to meeting you there!

Debbe Kennedy, Founder
Global Dialogue Center