Illustration by Miki Howenstein
                                               (From page 312 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

… With faith firmly inculcated into your being, you become different and see others differently, for you are then securely grounded in a world of hope. Accompanying this hope comes the realization that most of us (probably yourself included) are trapped by our culture’s false stories, those very stories which destroy our environment and accelerate the injustices in our world…..
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Author’s Comment: Much of cultivating a genuine sense of hope for a better world entails weeding out the cultural stories which degrade the human spirit  (like “we’re all greedy”) or damage the environment (efficiency is most important, even if it causes suffering). Any hopeful demeanor based on faith in humankind will prioritize those cultural stories (new and old) which build the good character in people and restore the health of our natural environment.

                                                          Illustration by Miki Howenstein
​                                           (From page 280 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…….. Nature is often seen in today’s world as a resource, which is to be exploited for our selfish good, leading to the environmental ruin which we see today. Yet, it is the most integrated, productive system known to us, and one that could lead us towards a far more sustainable world if closely imitated.…….
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Author’s Comment: By envisioning nature as a miraculous, self-sustaining system which existed well before humankind made our entrance on the planet and probably will continue after our farewell, we will come to respect her and hold her in awe, seeking to learn from her ways. If we continue to see her as a resource to be used (and abused), we sow the seeds to our own destruction; however, working together with her in a mutually beneficial give-and-take can move us towards a world where we all flourish.

                                                              Illustration by Miki Howenstein
                                               (From page 246 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…….. Forging the connections that are best will vary greatly from one person to another, depending on your character and your environment. The more extroverted may prefer to connect with other people through organizing fun get-togethers or volunteering. The more introverted may connect with famous writers of forgone times and share them with others through writing, develop technological applications that cultivate compassion, or take care of animals and plants…….
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Author’s Comment: As a social and curious living being, searching for the connections which instill you with energy and life is inherent to becoming a more fulfilled being. My desire to be seen as good pushed me to do work with those in need, without realizing that I too had needs that were not being met. After much trial and error, I found my greatest joy in connecting people to nature through hikes and environmental projects. It’s difficult to ignore the messages of others near and far, but searching deep within and making the connections best for you will surely enliven mind, body, and spirit.

                                                                          Illustration by Miki Howenstein
                                                         (From page 212 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…….. Understand that people resort to meanness and crime largely because of the feeling of being disrespected and unloved. We treat all people with respect with the realistic hope that our treatment will be a seed for others to do the same. …….

​Author’s Comment: Simply lending an angry person your ear (REALLY LISTENING) is often enough to defuse the anger. And how difficult to do so when your ire has been needled as well. Keeping in mind how much you hope the other will truly hear you can help you to take the first step, listening respectfully and lovingly. Doing so may not always bear fruit, but is much more likely to so than fighting against each other. Helping others to feel dignified and included is a great way to bring more peace and peoples’ goodness into the society.

                                                                 Illustration by Miki Howenstein
                                                    (From page 180 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…….. At a deeper, life-engendering level, very few of us know what our purpose is, what we truly want, and then continue to live unhappily without knowing why …….

​Author’s Comment: We have so many conflicting wants and desires, often at battle amongst themselves to be the first to become fulfilled. And how tempting it is to choose those which are easier to attain and give a temporary high, rather than others which take an effort but enliven your whole life (in mind, body and spirit). Sorry to say that I myself have fallen victim to this trap, constantly searching for my grander purpose and meddling in too many activities, some of which move me more towards fulfillment while others lead me astray. How fortunate is the one who finds her purpose and dedicates herself thereto!

                                                                         Illustration by Miki Howenstein
​                                                         (From page 146 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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…….. The exploration of different paths in moving towards these universal ideals in such a multi-cultural world can be frustrating and stressful. Yet, when you approach the search with a sense of curiosity, and share your ideas and learn from others, you are humbled by your own ignorance of the diverse ways of life around the world, which can also be a source of great delight. And, in the process, you become much wiser towards learning new ways of living in unity that you might have never before considered.

Author’s Comment: Belief in a set of universal ideals which are held by humanity as a whole provides a foundation for the believer on which to build her life. Yet, understanding that these ideals often are colliding with each other can lead her to see how others balance these conflicting ideals and search out ways to best harmonize them in her own life. This never-ending struggle may, at times, be difficult to carry out, yet living more and more in accord with these ideals blesses her with a sense of confidence and integrity which is a shining light to those around her. 

                                                                            Illustration by Miki Howenstein
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……. Both within the self as well as in the physical world, the opposite of non-violence, i.e. violence, diffuses bitterness and creates a threatening environment that necessitates an aggressive spirit. It drives living beings (or the variant aspects of the self) apart, and is most often caused by the lack of empowerment ... 
(From page 114 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

Author’s Comment: When violence is seen as the result of a lack of empowerment and, let me add, an infringement on people’s dignity, we can see that empowering and respecting others is something any of us can do in our everyday lives to create a more non-violent environment. The violence being perpetrated by countries and militaries around the world, and the fear being instilled by authoritarian figures seeking to increase their power can make you feel overwhelmed, but creating more nourishing relationships (through empowering & showing respect) and, thereby, a more peaceful community makes you an agent for peace, much needed in today’s world.

                                                                             Illustration by Miki Howenstein
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……. These reflections help in developing more sensitivity to yourself and others, realizing that all of us are doing what makes sense to us, based on our unique pasts and personalities. And in becoming so, you discover the true enrichment of your own spirit and the world around you by the power of love..….　(From page 80 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

Author’s Comment: Understanding your own story, and the reasons that you do what you do is key to loving yourself. And doing the same for others, listening to how they came to be who they are, will grant you an understanding which can grow into love. This isn’t to say you will agree with what he is doing, but it does allow you to see that he has a reason for acting as he does. Then, by putting yourself in his shoes, you can feel your spirit expand and a seed of love for him, however, small, has been planted. 

                                                                          Illustration by Miki Howenstein
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……. Being more consciously aware of the good things around you, and the countless miracles of this mystery called life, can only make you feel mesmerized with this magical place called Earth…. (From page 52 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

​Author’s Comment: Regularly appreciating for the countless miracles, seen and unseen, which surround our everyday existence (the gift of breath, the teeming life in the soil which makes our existence possible and on and on)  instills your life with an inner joy. Granted that in times of trouble and sickness, this is harder to do, but in “normal” times, during your so-called mundane existence, reflecting on these wonders of life on Earth nourishes your bodily temple and, in turn, that inner light shines on those around you.

                                                                          Illustration by Miki Howenstein

……. This kind of self-reflection is the beginning of the most significant education of your life. In coming to know yourself (understanding how your past has brought you to this point and what is beneficial for you to keep and what is best to discard), you can subsequently move towards what you wish to learn outside of yourself—specifically, the things which actually peak your interest and excite you to learn. When education becomes enjoyable, you naturally wish to continue with it progressively.  (From page 18 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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Author’s Comment: Schools are thought of as the main centers of education. However, the most important, meaningful (for life) education comes from self-reflection and living out what is learned therein. Knowing your true self takes a lot of time and discipline and, when done correctly, can bring you a lifetime of contentment and excitement in learning more about your deepest passions.