Illustration by Miki Howenstein
(From page 346 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…. When you take action, your hopes become embodied in physical reality….

​Author’s Comment: Forever talking about hope but taking no action bring life to that hope is like forever talking about loving another but never giving her the time and attention which feeds that love. It’s worthless to say that “I hope the natural environment gets better” and doing nothing about it. In this case (and in every case) action can take on many forms. You can go out to restore a natural area. You can clean up a local waterway. You can join an environmental group and offer some volunteer time to them. You can donate much-needed funds to those groups who are providing hope in action by what they do. Find ways of bringing your hope to life, and feel the jolt of energy it bestows upon you.

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

….A primary ingredient towards building a better future is faith (and hope), strengthened with a sincere belief that such a future is possible…..

Author’s Comment: Faith and hope is not a naive optimism, but the belief that we have the potential to create lives which bring about a better world for ourselves, the natural environment, and especially for future generations. Cynics will have you believe that faith is foolish, but then how can the entire financial industry of the world (incurring debt and investing to make more money) be explained, since its whole foundation is based on the belief in a better future? Indeed, faith and hope can create “miracles” which would be impossible without them.
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 Illustration by Miki Howenstein
 (From page 280 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…… In addition, closer contact with nature offers hints towards finding ways of developing technologies which make our lives better while also benefitting the natural environment of which we are an intricate part…..

Author’s Comment: It is often claimed that the ways of nature and the ways of human technology are opposed. Yet, many of our man-made inventions have been inspired by their natural counterparts (known as biomimicry), from velcro to airplanes. And finding ways to closely imitate natural processes make our inventions more likely to be sustainable, creating less harm (and in some cases, actually benefitting) both people and nature. Herein lies the way to create a better future for all.

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

…… Make an effort to connect with all of the aspects of the self in order to become whole. In becoming whole and matching your beliefs with your actions, you become fully alive and can proceed to develop and live out visions for the good of life….

​Author’s Comment: This can be one of the most challenging, and exciting, endeavors anyone can take on. Each one of us needs to find their own way of becoming more fully alive by feeding the various parts of yourself which make you a healthier individual. You will be able to FEEL when you are approaching the right balance of constructive elements in your life through the renewed harmony between your beliefs and your actions.

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

The concepts of dignity and inclusion are necessarily intertwined, for those who are excluded from a circle of any kind lose their sense of dignity and their feeling of being worthy as human beings. Correspondingly, those who experience a defense of worthiness feel as if they are a part of something bigger—a group which they value, the larger society, or feel a strong connection to nature or a spiritual discipline……
Author’s Comment: This is a toughie. Including the excluded extends to them a needed sense of dignity. Yet, they also need to make an effort to “fit in” with the purpose of the group. Jesus is a grand example of welcoming anybody willing to try living out the values he held dear. And these outcasts came to treasure themselves in the process. What a powerful example!

  Illustration by Miki Howenstein
 (From page 80 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…… Determining your true purpose and moving towards it tenaciously grants you mastery over your life’s direction—even if the final goal is unattainable—giving you a passion for living.

Author’s Comment: But how do you find your true purpose? A very valuable hint often lies at what you loved to do as a child, the activities which brought you uninhibited joy. Go from there, and try out things which fill your soul with delight. Upon discovering your purpose, blazing a path which moves you towards living it out fully can instill your life with a deep-down contentment.

 Illustration by Miki Howenstein
 (From page 80 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…. There are some basic universal values on which the majority of the world’s people can agree. The disagreement arises on the optimal application and achieving the proper balance between these values……

Author’s Comment: Seeking out the similar values which you hold with someone who you disagree with is an important first step towards beginning a constructive dialogue. In the same way, discovering the similar values which different societies treasure enables them to seek out courses of action to move towards these “ideals” in mutually beneficial ways.

                                                                    Illustration by Miki Howenstein
                                                     (From page 80 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

 …..A vital component of non-violence is to learn forgiveness since, as long as you are unable to forgive, you are letting the past control you and engendering a spirit full of bitterness and remorse—in effect, committing violence to yourself…..
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Author’s Comment: Non-violence is usually thought of in terms of our actions towards the outside world (of people and nature). Yet, committing mental violence to oneself (continually feeding your anger, bitterness, sadness, depression) is rarely discussed, and may be worse as it moves you into a living hell. While these emotions are important to feel, harboring them does damage to body and soul. Learning from them and “using them constructively” (for your own good as well as others) is true non-violence in action.

 Illustration by Miki Howenstein
 (From page 80 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

Love is one of the most puzzling words in the English language. It carries diverse meanings ranging from a raging passion (often to the exclusion of anything else) to an all-encompassing attitude towards all life, with a beckoning spirit to let it all in…..

​Author’s Comment: “I love you.” One of the most often verbalized statements in our daily lives, and yet, what does it truly mean? There are many levels and meanings of love, yet, in the end, it hopefully moves one towards a wholistic feeling where your love for another expands to an increasingly love for all. What an exciting endeavor to move towards!

  Illustration by Miki Howenstein
 (From page 48 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

…….The active implementation of spirituality into your life becomes much more enjoyable and appealing when infused with an element of play and having fun.
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Author’s Comment: In today’s world, there are many issues which weigh heavy on us, and rightly so. While it is important to confront the viruses which sicken the soul, it is just as important to instill fun and humor, a lightness of being, which attracts friend and foe alike. Living in the Jambo spirit—having fun doing good—engenders a joie d’être so needed in an all too often dark world.