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.

 Illustration by Miki Howenstein
 (From page 14 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

Your journey begins with an intensive search within. It is only through better understanding of and by yourself that you can clearly see what is working for you and what isn’t. A key point here is to observe yourself non-judgmentally……
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Author’s Comment: All too often we try to make changes “out there” without cultivating the same within us. Look inside yourself non-judgmentally simply observing what is. It is through deep soul-searching and understanding, and rooting out what is working for you and what isn’t that you can most effectively affect change around you. Any journey begins within, deciphering where you wish to go based on who you are, and, in doing so, unexpected delights await.

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

Building a strong spiritual foundation becomes a source of inspiration to others in the present and also a guiding light to a more enlightened future.
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Author’s Comment: Jambo’s inherent philosophy is that it is those people who have worked on themselves to develop a strong, integrated spiritual core who can lead us to a better present and more inspiring future. As much as possible, Jambo tries to find organizations that have such people and support them, while offering nuggets of wisdom for those wishing to do the same.

  Illustration by Miki Howenstein

 (From page 346 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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Creating opportunities and spaces for concerned people to take action requires direction and leadership. In this sense of the word, true leadership means listening closely to others to find the strengths they can use to build their self-esteem and forge important connections to enhance their sense of self-worth.

Author’s Comment: In many facets of our lives, the private has come to take priority over the public, with opportunities to do something for the public good diminishing. In today’s world of technological marvels and privatization, taking action to better the world falls to the wayside. Yet, such actions inevitably improves the physical and mental condition of the participants, thereby creating a desperate need for those who provide such opportunities.

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

Come to see the cynics’ arguments for what they are—empty. For example, skeptics often use fear as a way of halting progressive ideas, like the idea that moving towards an environmentally harmonious lifestyle means depriving ourselves of the good things in life. But such arguments no longer bear any weight for you, for you clearly see that moving in that direction is far more spiritually and deeply fulfilling, while you also build on life’s most precious gifts—light-heartedness, a sense of enchantment, security and freedom from fear (exactly those treasures which our current unsustainable lifestyles are stealing away from us). Envisioning a future that restores these gifts is the first step towards bringing them into reality.
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Author’s Comment: Our materialistic societies provide a host of conveniences and goodies which bless our lives in so many ways. At the same time, as currently developed, we suffer from environmental ills, a increasingly unstable climate, and more and more loneliness and disconnection with other people and living things. Envisioning and moving towards a society where our multitude of techno-conveniences accompany greater connection and environmental betterment becomes our greatest task for a sustainable and rewarding future for all.