Today's 11 miler took me back to Hains Point, since it has been a few weeks since I've crossed the bridge into DC. I ran strong the entire time - and since this was a stepback week, I decided to speed up the long run to 30 seconds faster per mile than my typical long run.
As in other runs this past week, I paid special attention to my breathing. I counted and noted that my default rate is 3 steps for an inhale, 3 steps for an exhale. Since I was running strong this week, I didn't change it up much (such as 2 steps for an inhale, 3 for an exhale) - but I think I will in runs this upcoming week.
Nature greeted me with a couple of surprises during the run. As I crested the footpath near Reagan National Airport that allows you to get a view of DC, I saw the brightest red-orange sun in the sky. It was a bit hazy this morning, with the sky a little grayer than normal, which really made the ball of fire stand out. There weren't any rays of sunshine that stemmed out from the sun, which made me think it might have been a huge, red moon. As I progressed in my run, I saw the sun continue to rise and get yellower in color, which made me realize that it was, in fact, the sun. Moments like this make me wish I bring a camera with me on my runs.
The other surprise that nature gave me was a flock of geese - two parent geese and countless teenager geese. Strangely, I haven't seen too many baby animals this year - ducklings, bunnies, cygnets, etc. This made the sight of these geese a truly pleasant site. Yes, I know that it was just teenager geese - not even baby geese - but they were so cute!
As I progressed in my run, I noticed that very few people were out compared to normal. Was the heat too hot for them? Were they on vacation? Had they discovered a new trail? I saw my "regular" people that I've seen week after week, but a lot of the big groups were missing. Then, as I rounded the corner on Gravelly Point going south, BAM - I saw a huge group of runners. I counted, and there were 33 in all. There was even a runner with a jogging stroller. (I didn't count the baby in the stroller because s/he wasn't running.) A couple of runners in this group wore Pacers t-shirts, so my guess is that they were with a running group organized by the Pacers Running Stores.
One final surprise in my run occurred at the Crystal City waterpark, where I had about a mile to go before completing the distance. I noticed a girl doing the downward dog yoga pose and thought she was standing a little close to a Crystal City directional sign. She stood in that pose for a few seconds, and then out of nowhere she flipped up her legs and did a full out handstand against the sign. I was quite impressed. I have been told that I have the body of a gymnast, but I can't even do a cartwheel - so I admire people with those skills.
Next week I am continuing the progression... sort of. As you may remember, I have to add in some filler weeks to complete 40 weeks of training successfully. I am going to repeat the past four weeks and see if I can improve on them. There are two reasons for this. First, I got very nervous after the tendon in my left inner ankle hurt so badly before my run; this pain actually continued in some form for four days after the fact. Thankfully, I did not feel any pain today, but it's better to play this safe and take all possible measures to avoid injury. Second, my body feels as though it is plateauing. I feel like my runs aren't having the same effect on me. I am going to, essentially, redo the past four weeks and add in measures that I think will help me undo that plateau - a greater variety in weight training, faster speeds, and more yoga, to add a few. I believe I will get positive results!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Reason #22 to Support Periclean Scholars: To Give Responsible Governments A Reason To Celebrate National Pride With Fireworks And Fanfare
This week has truly been one of independence and unity. In this narrative, I will focus on the experiences of three nations this past week (and even provide a personal anecdote) as related to independence and unity.
In the United States, July 4 marked the 235th celebration of Independence Day, the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States severed its ties as a British colony. In Jefferson’s words, as penned in the Declaration, “Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government...” Here, Jefferson references the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Americans continue to celebrate this day as one of triumph.
Independence Day celebrations in America include many traditions, such as picnics, family gatherings, baseball, and relaxation on a day off from work. We contemplate everything that makes this day possible - from the events of 1776 to present. When I watched the DC fireworks from my rooftop this past Monday, I sat among some colorful characters who were hellbent on recognizing all that was good in America (and on having a good time). There were some USA chants and some words that were exclaimed - obvious benefits of living in America - such as freedom. Then, one of the characters shouted out “taxes!” There was a brief lull, as not many people seemed to agree with him. A short while later, someone shouted out “books!” which, of course, drew a laugh - since books and education are a couple of clearly positive benefits of living in America. The chanting made me think about how matters that may seem unpopular at the individual level (such as taxes for shared services and books on questionable topics) add to the richness of our society, enhance our freedom, and build our democracy. Sometimes, minimal discomfort inflicted on a micro level leads to large triumphs on a macro level - but should never be undertaken without representation of all people in government (as in the institution of Congress).
Celebrations continued around the globe. On Tuesday, July 5, Zambia celebrated Unity Day - an annual holiday founded to hold the fledgling nation together and create a sense of Zambian solidarity, since the nation was created from various ethnic groups. The slogan “One Zambia, One Nation” signifies the mission of the day. On this day, citizens honor those of varying backgrounds and beliefs that came together to bring forth a united Zambia. As in America, Zambian citizens take the day off from work to give special pause for reflection. The continued celebration of Zambia’s Unity Day by all citizens is a testament to how working together for the national benefit has improved the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The nation itself may not be perfect in many regards, but it continues to strive for improvement based on individual and collective success.
If we head north up the African continent, we will find another nation that has cause for celebration. On July 9, at 12 a.m. East Africa Time (or July 8 at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time), a new nation is born: South Sudan. Those who lived in the mostly Christian South Sudan were granted the opportunity to vote for secession from the Muslim Sudan in January of this year. Four million registered to vote for this referendum; 97.5% of those registered voted, and 98.83% voted for a new nation. South Sudanese had been sick of not having a voice and rights. Their right to life was denied through genocide. Their right to liberty was denied by living in fear. Their right to the pursuit of happiness was denied through lack of opportunity and few opportunities to be self-sufficient and serve their communities and country. In fact, they hated their country and are now claiming a new national identity. They get a new flag and a new national anthem. They even get a new embassy in Washington, DC, at 1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 602.
The fanfare and fireworks are great fun, but the true meaning and consequence goes deeper. The ultimate success of South Sudan as an independent nation will depend on how they play in the international political landscape. While all peoples have the right to self-determination, they also have the duty to work responsibly toward the common good. The new leaders of South Sudan will be judged as other world leaders on the quality of life of their people. Will the South Sudanese be celebrating July 9th many years from now as a day of glory, or will they remember it as the start of yet another tyranny? All nations became independent at some point, but what they did with that independence has determined their current and future states. South Sudan is off to a good start with declaring elections instead of a transition government, but much is yet to be seen.
To celebrate and love independence, we must celebrate a responsible, freedom-loving government. Such a government empowers the voices of all and addresses the root issues that might deny its citizens freedom. The Periclean program works toward ensuring life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. How can you pursue happiness when you are in a chronically malnourished community and have no hope of education? How can you enjoy liberty without a stable roof over your head or by living in a filthy, unsustainable community? How can you enjoy life without access to a clinic or ways to manage your HIV? We may not be the government, but we help responsible governments to stand strong. Their people can live out their fundamental rights in part thanks to Periclean help. We help give them reasons to celebrate national pride with fireworks and fanfare.
The Periclean Scholars might not be in South Sudan... yet... but the Jeffersonian and Periclean ideals are certainly there.
This is reason #22 to support Periclean Scholars: to give responsible governments a reason to celebrate national pride with fireworks and fanfare.
In the United States, July 4 marked the 235th celebration of Independence Day, the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States severed its ties as a British colony. In Jefferson’s words, as penned in the Declaration, “Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government...” Here, Jefferson references the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Americans continue to celebrate this day as one of triumph.
 |
| Fireworks in DC |
Independence Day celebrations in America include many traditions, such as picnics, family gatherings, baseball, and relaxation on a day off from work. We contemplate everything that makes this day possible - from the events of 1776 to present. When I watched the DC fireworks from my rooftop this past Monday, I sat among some colorful characters who were hellbent on recognizing all that was good in America (and on having a good time). There were some USA chants and some words that were exclaimed - obvious benefits of living in America - such as freedom. Then, one of the characters shouted out “taxes!” There was a brief lull, as not many people seemed to agree with him. A short while later, someone shouted out “books!” which, of course, drew a laugh - since books and education are a couple of clearly positive benefits of living in America. The chanting made me think about how matters that may seem unpopular at the individual level (such as taxes for shared services and books on questionable topics) add to the richness of our society, enhance our freedom, and build our democracy. Sometimes, minimal discomfort inflicted on a micro level leads to large triumphs on a macro level - but should never be undertaken without representation of all people in government (as in the institution of Congress).
Celebrations continued around the globe. On Tuesday, July 5, Zambia celebrated Unity Day - an annual holiday founded to hold the fledgling nation together and create a sense of Zambian solidarity, since the nation was created from various ethnic groups. The slogan “One Zambia, One Nation” signifies the mission of the day. On this day, citizens honor those of varying backgrounds and beliefs that came together to bring forth a united Zambia. As in America, Zambian citizens take the day off from work to give special pause for reflection. The continued celebration of Zambia’s Unity Day by all citizens is a testament to how working together for the national benefit has improved the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The nation itself may not be perfect in many regards, but it continues to strive for improvement based on individual and collective success.
 |
| Emblem of Zambia's Unity Day |
If we head north up the African continent, we will find another nation that has cause for celebration. On July 9, at 12 a.m. East Africa Time (or July 8 at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time), a new nation is born: South Sudan. Those who lived in the mostly Christian South Sudan were granted the opportunity to vote for secession from the Muslim Sudan in January of this year. Four million registered to vote for this referendum; 97.5% of those registered voted, and 98.83% voted for a new nation. South Sudanese had been sick of not having a voice and rights. Their right to life was denied through genocide. Their right to liberty was denied by living in fear. Their right to the pursuit of happiness was denied through lack of opportunity and few opportunities to be self-sufficient and serve their communities and country. In fact, they hated their country and are now claiming a new national identity. They get a new flag and a new national anthem. They even get a new embassy in Washington, DC, at 1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 602.
 |
| The South Sudanese celebrate with their new national flag. |
The fanfare and fireworks are great fun, but the true meaning and consequence goes deeper. The ultimate success of South Sudan as an independent nation will depend on how they play in the international political landscape. While all peoples have the right to self-determination, they also have the duty to work responsibly toward the common good. The new leaders of South Sudan will be judged as other world leaders on the quality of life of their people. Will the South Sudanese be celebrating July 9th many years from now as a day of glory, or will they remember it as the start of yet another tyranny? All nations became independent at some point, but what they did with that independence has determined their current and future states. South Sudan is off to a good start with declaring elections instead of a transition government, but much is yet to be seen.
To celebrate and love independence, we must celebrate a responsible, freedom-loving government. Such a government empowers the voices of all and addresses the root issues that might deny its citizens freedom. The Periclean program works toward ensuring life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. How can you pursue happiness when you are in a chronically malnourished community and have no hope of education? How can you enjoy liberty without a stable roof over your head or by living in a filthy, unsustainable community? How can you enjoy life without access to a clinic or ways to manage your HIV? We may not be the government, but we help responsible governments to stand strong. Their people can live out their fundamental rights in part thanks to Periclean help. We help give them reasons to celebrate national pride with fireworks and fanfare.
The Periclean Scholars might not be in South Sudan... yet... but the Jeffersonian and Periclean ideals are certainly there.
This is reason #22 to support Periclean Scholars: to give responsible governments a reason to celebrate national pride with fireworks and fanfare.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Reason #21 to Support Periclean Scholars: To Provide An Outlet To Work Toward Positive Solutions After Learning Of Others’ Pain
Our world continues to progress on so many levels. On the forefront of progress seems to always be technology. In many ways, we are now part human, part machine. To work, we type. To talk, we type and text. To play, we press buttons on a joystick and stare at screens. As a result of continuous electronic stimulation, many have noted that we as a society are becoming desensitized to emotion. One of those emotions in which this is most true, in my opinion, is pain. We get exposure to others’ pain in manners that have no true consequence for our personal lives - such as through movies and video games. In fact, if you “die” in a video game, you can come right back to life.
Many schools, helicopter parents, and societies do a great job of sheltering our kids from true pain - while giving them plenty of outlets for observing pain without consequence. For a student that has never personally experienced true suffering, like hunger, violence, incurable disease, or death, it is very easy to downplay the effects of harmful actions in the real world. However, when you take those students and challenge them to think outside of their community-created bubbles, in environments such as the Global Studies course that is a foundation for the Elon general studies program, an important paradigm shift occurs. Students learn that the makings of this world are much more complicated and with many more consequences than they had previously considered, and the poor and suffering that come as a result of apathy, misplaced resources, and hatred are experiencing true pain, right now. Negative emotions will come as a result, such as anger of living a sheltered life, guilt and shame of exploiting the riches in this world solely for personal gain, fear of the eternal consequences of doing too little to help out.
It is the job of the Periclean Scholars program to turn these negative emotions into positive actions. Rather than anger for living a sheltered life, students’ minds can be soothed by the opportunity to create a project of positive global consequence. Rather than feeling guilty and shameful for using past riches solely for personal gain, students can explore avenues to use their time, talents, and resources for the common good. Rather than fearing what will happen for not doing enough in the past, they can vow to turn things around and make helping others into an important life priority.
There is an important gap here. If we do not allow students the opportunity to explore positive means of expression after bursting their bubbles, they will grow angry, cynical, and disengaged. When people see or hear about bad things being done with real consequences, their primal instinct is to find a solution. If the only message that they hear is that their efforts are fruitless or inconsequential, then their negative feelings will be magnified. Even worse, if people never learn about others’ pain and what is truly going on in the real world, they will never have the opportunity to experience that paradigm shift. This could mean that they cause suffering for others through ignorance or through mimicking acts they witness in the digital environment. This is the trend that Project Pericles as a whole aims to fight.
The world continues to move forward technologically - but we must give its citizens the opportunity to make a difference in the real world, lest we move backwards.
This is reason #21 to support Periclean Scholars: To provide an outlet to work toward positive solutions after learning of others’ pain.
Many schools, helicopter parents, and societies do a great job of sheltering our kids from true pain - while giving them plenty of outlets for observing pain without consequence. For a student that has never personally experienced true suffering, like hunger, violence, incurable disease, or death, it is very easy to downplay the effects of harmful actions in the real world. However, when you take those students and challenge them to think outside of their community-created bubbles, in environments such as the Global Studies course that is a foundation for the Elon general studies program, an important paradigm shift occurs. Students learn that the makings of this world are much more complicated and with many more consequences than they had previously considered, and the poor and suffering that come as a result of apathy, misplaced resources, and hatred are experiencing true pain, right now. Negative emotions will come as a result, such as anger of living a sheltered life, guilt and shame of exploiting the riches in this world solely for personal gain, fear of the eternal consequences of doing too little to help out.
It is the job of the Periclean Scholars program to turn these negative emotions into positive actions. Rather than anger for living a sheltered life, students’ minds can be soothed by the opportunity to create a project of positive global consequence. Rather than feeling guilty and shameful for using past riches solely for personal gain, students can explore avenues to use their time, talents, and resources for the common good. Rather than fearing what will happen for not doing enough in the past, they can vow to turn things around and make helping others into an important life priority.
There is an important gap here. If we do not allow students the opportunity to explore positive means of expression after bursting their bubbles, they will grow angry, cynical, and disengaged. When people see or hear about bad things being done with real consequences, their primal instinct is to find a solution. If the only message that they hear is that their efforts are fruitless or inconsequential, then their negative feelings will be magnified. Even worse, if people never learn about others’ pain and what is truly going on in the real world, they will never have the opportunity to experience that paradigm shift. This could mean that they cause suffering for others through ignorance or through mimicking acts they witness in the digital environment. This is the trend that Project Pericles as a whole aims to fight.
The world continues to move forward technologically - but we must give its citizens the opportunity to make a difference in the real world, lest we move backwards.
This is reason #21 to support Periclean Scholars: To provide an outlet to work toward positive solutions after learning of others’ pain.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Breathing Techniques for Distance Running
While the general population seems to take our basic needs as human beings as given, it seems like the “basics” are the subjects of special attention to runners. Basics include eating, sleeping, and breathing. Today, I will focus on my experience with targeted breathing.
Yesterday, I stumbled across an article that mentioned how most runners do not breathe properly for peak performance. We do not breathe deeply and instead keep the air near the top of our lungs, in shallow breaths. Doing so limits the potential for oxygen to reach our muscles. The preferred type of breathing is called “belly breathing” and should be practiced by everyone - not just runners - as it improves oxygen circulation (and has even been purported by some to reduce aging).
A way to check whether you are belly breathing or not is to place one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest. When you take a breath, one hand should rise and fall. If it is the hand on your abdomen, then you are belly breathing. If it is the hand on your chest, your breathing is shallow.
During my run this morning, I took belly breathing for a test run. I paid more attention to the lower cavity in my abdomen - whether or not I could feel it filling up with air. In order to take the belly breaths, I had to take slower breaths. Most of them required my mouth open for both inhale and exhale. (I normally inhale through my nose and exhale through my mouth when running.)
For a test run, the results were mixed. I activated my diaphragm muscles more than normal, and it was the first time that I paid any attention to them during my run. Because I was so focused on breathing deeply, I did not really concentrate on whether my legs were straining more than normal. Perhaps as a result of this, I was able to run faster with less perceived exertion. However, at about mile 3.5, I started to feel a side stitch on my right side. Normally when I feel side stitches, I will slow my breathing down - but I was already breathing more slowly. To fix the side stitch, I slowed down my speed by about 0.5 mph and started to breathe how I normally would.
I think that in the long term, practicing breathing fully will be important and enable me to improve my performance. However, I think that I do need to ease into it with breathing exercises outside of running. I have also heard that Pilates can improve the deep belly breathing.
Does anyone have any suggestions for proper breathing while running - or for breathing exercises to improve my breathing form?
Yesterday, I stumbled across an article that mentioned how most runners do not breathe properly for peak performance. We do not breathe deeply and instead keep the air near the top of our lungs, in shallow breaths. Doing so limits the potential for oxygen to reach our muscles. The preferred type of breathing is called “belly breathing” and should be practiced by everyone - not just runners - as it improves oxygen circulation (and has even been purported by some to reduce aging).
A way to check whether you are belly breathing or not is to place one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest. When you take a breath, one hand should rise and fall. If it is the hand on your abdomen, then you are belly breathing. If it is the hand on your chest, your breathing is shallow.
During my run this morning, I took belly breathing for a test run. I paid more attention to the lower cavity in my abdomen - whether or not I could feel it filling up with air. In order to take the belly breaths, I had to take slower breaths. Most of them required my mouth open for both inhale and exhale. (I normally inhale through my nose and exhale through my mouth when running.)
For a test run, the results were mixed. I activated my diaphragm muscles more than normal, and it was the first time that I paid any attention to them during my run. Because I was so focused on breathing deeply, I did not really concentrate on whether my legs were straining more than normal. Perhaps as a result of this, I was able to run faster with less perceived exertion. However, at about mile 3.5, I started to feel a side stitch on my right side. Normally when I feel side stitches, I will slow my breathing down - but I was already breathing more slowly. To fix the side stitch, I slowed down my speed by about 0.5 mph and started to breathe how I normally would.
I think that in the long term, practicing breathing fully will be important and enable me to improve my performance. However, I think that I do need to ease into it with breathing exercises outside of running. I have also heard that Pilates can improve the deep belly breathing.
Does anyone have any suggestions for proper breathing while running - or for breathing exercises to improve my breathing form?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Reason #20 to Support Periclean Scholars: There Are Many Ways to Support Its Mission.
Are you considering a donation to the PSAA, but you don’t have any discretionary money at the moment? Have no fear - when your budget is small (or if it was just blown on beer and fireworks), there are still ways to help out. Of course, I hope that before October 30, 2011, you’ll consider sacrificing a beer for $5 or more toward the PSAA, but in the meantime, here some non-monetary ways to help fulfill the Periclean mission:
Practice your democratic rights. All non-criminal US citizens over 18 have the right to vote, and therefore, we have a duty to be informed. Read your tax receipt and learn where your tax money goes. Read the local, national, and international news - from at least three sources with different “slants”. Engage in debate about pressing issues with friends and colleagues, and don’t be afraid to question your own assumptions. Write your congressperson about overlooked issues that mean a lot to you (especially Periclean issues of focus). Appreciate these rights, and don't take them for granted.
Give blood. The Pericleans’ work saves lives. Donating blood in your local community can save up to three lives per donation. Since I am training for the marathon, I cannot give right now, so this would be a huge help to me, too. If you are not able to donate blood, help to organize a blood drive. A small prick is all it takes to save lives instantly.
Volunteer. For organizations that rely on volunteers, time literally is money - if volunteers do not help out, they need to pay staff and incur extra costs. Volunteer regularly (more than just a one-time event) at a place with a cause that stirs your soul. For example, I volunteer at a safehouse because I cannot stand still and accept the epidemic of intimate partner violence in our society. Use your professional skills for the benefit of an organization that can use them. As an example, if you are a web designer, offer your services to a non-profit that desperately needs a webpage overhaul. Match your services with an organization’s greatest needs. Active volunteerism is one of the foundations of a democratic society, and it requires many people to do their small part.
Share your expertise. Are you a guru in one or many areas? Don’t hesitate to share your expertise with those who are willing to learn. If you are an expert in a Periclean area of focus (issue or country), you could serve as a Periclean Scholar-In-Residence. Even if your expertise doesn’t reach the level of Scholar-In-Residence, still take the opportunity to share it with those who may benefit from it. It’s a net win and a stride toward a better informed and educated society.
Choose a career in line with the Periclean values. One of the most important ways that our society can contribute to the Periclean mission is by choosing a career in line with the Periclean values. On that note, it is important to have a career in line with your own personal values - or else I believe you are living a lie, and the stress of doing so will eat you alive. I would not consider this to be a sacrifice, unless you take the Mother Teresa route and devote your life to something completely out of the mainstream (though undeniably having a huge impact). It could be a small change that, over the course of a career, has a massive impact. For instance, you want to go into pharmaceutical research. Rather than choosing to develop drugs like Viagra, you choose to work on antiretrovirals that are accessible to everyone. Another example is with working with energy. You want to develop new ways to obtain energy, so you choose to use your skills (let’s say engineering) for wind farm development over oil exploration. That’s the kind of small change I am talking about.
Offer your contacts in areas of Periclean focus. Do you know someone working toward the Periclean mission in a future area of focus, Appalachia or Haiti? If so, please do not hesitate to share your contacts with the Periclean program. Doing so would make you a valuable liaison as the classes lay their foundations.
Be a better spouse, roommate, child, etc. I believe that world peace starts in the home. Live the Periclean ideals in your interactions with those you live with. If you are the head of household, do not run your house as an authoritarian dictatorship. Treat each of your “citizens” as valued members of society. Never solve problems with violence; explore different ways to resolve conflict, such as collaboration and active listening. The person who gives money to the PSAA but lives as a tyrant at home is a walking contradiction and should strive toward becoming a better household member.
Stay positive. Sometimes, the easiest way to make a difference is to carry an infectiously positive attitude. Be thankful for the opportunities you have and where you will go in life. Offer someone (friend or stranger) a genuine compliment. Overcome apathy by showing people how great it is for you and them to stay positive.
Pray. If you are a person of faith, offer a prayer toward the Periclean Scholars’ work to help the world. While you’re at it, pray for me on the trails so that I don’t get hurt or encounter any bears.
Spread the word. Send the link to this blog to a handful of your friends. One-third of this blog is to thank donors, but two-thirds of it is to educate, both on the Periclean works and on running and training for the marathon. The only way to educate through this blog is to share access to it.
Donations help to advance the mission of the PSAA, but so do all of the suggestions above. The organization aims to transform lives by working to create an actively involved democratic (lowercase “d”) citizenry. By doing one of the items above, you are “donating” your time and effort to our cause, and for that I thank you.
This is reason #20 to support Periclean scholars: there are many ways to support its mission.
Practice your democratic rights. All non-criminal US citizens over 18 have the right to vote, and therefore, we have a duty to be informed. Read your tax receipt and learn where your tax money goes. Read the local, national, and international news - from at least three sources with different “slants”. Engage in debate about pressing issues with friends and colleagues, and don’t be afraid to question your own assumptions. Write your congressperson about overlooked issues that mean a lot to you (especially Periclean issues of focus). Appreciate these rights, and don't take them for granted.
Give blood. The Pericleans’ work saves lives. Donating blood in your local community can save up to three lives per donation. Since I am training for the marathon, I cannot give right now, so this would be a huge help to me, too. If you are not able to donate blood, help to organize a blood drive. A small prick is all it takes to save lives instantly.
Volunteer. For organizations that rely on volunteers, time literally is money - if volunteers do not help out, they need to pay staff and incur extra costs. Volunteer regularly (more than just a one-time event) at a place with a cause that stirs your soul. For example, I volunteer at a safehouse because I cannot stand still and accept the epidemic of intimate partner violence in our society. Use your professional skills for the benefit of an organization that can use them. As an example, if you are a web designer, offer your services to a non-profit that desperately needs a webpage overhaul. Match your services with an organization’s greatest needs. Active volunteerism is one of the foundations of a democratic society, and it requires many people to do their small part.
Share your expertise. Are you a guru in one or many areas? Don’t hesitate to share your expertise with those who are willing to learn. If you are an expert in a Periclean area of focus (issue or country), you could serve as a Periclean Scholar-In-Residence. Even if your expertise doesn’t reach the level of Scholar-In-Residence, still take the opportunity to share it with those who may benefit from it. It’s a net win and a stride toward a better informed and educated society.
Choose a career in line with the Periclean values. One of the most important ways that our society can contribute to the Periclean mission is by choosing a career in line with the Periclean values. On that note, it is important to have a career in line with your own personal values - or else I believe you are living a lie, and the stress of doing so will eat you alive. I would not consider this to be a sacrifice, unless you take the Mother Teresa route and devote your life to something completely out of the mainstream (though undeniably having a huge impact). It could be a small change that, over the course of a career, has a massive impact. For instance, you want to go into pharmaceutical research. Rather than choosing to develop drugs like Viagra, you choose to work on antiretrovirals that are accessible to everyone. Another example is with working with energy. You want to develop new ways to obtain energy, so you choose to use your skills (let’s say engineering) for wind farm development over oil exploration. That’s the kind of small change I am talking about.
Offer your contacts in areas of Periclean focus. Do you know someone working toward the Periclean mission in a future area of focus, Appalachia or Haiti? If so, please do not hesitate to share your contacts with the Periclean program. Doing so would make you a valuable liaison as the classes lay their foundations.
Be a better spouse, roommate, child, etc. I believe that world peace starts in the home. Live the Periclean ideals in your interactions with those you live with. If you are the head of household, do not run your house as an authoritarian dictatorship. Treat each of your “citizens” as valued members of society. Never solve problems with violence; explore different ways to resolve conflict, such as collaboration and active listening. The person who gives money to the PSAA but lives as a tyrant at home is a walking contradiction and should strive toward becoming a better household member.
Stay positive. Sometimes, the easiest way to make a difference is to carry an infectiously positive attitude. Be thankful for the opportunities you have and where you will go in life. Offer someone (friend or stranger) a genuine compliment. Overcome apathy by showing people how great it is for you and them to stay positive.
Pray. If you are a person of faith, offer a prayer toward the Periclean Scholars’ work to help the world. While you’re at it, pray for me on the trails so that I don’t get hurt or encounter any bears.
Spread the word. Send the link to this blog to a handful of your friends. One-third of this blog is to thank donors, but two-thirds of it is to educate, both on the Periclean works and on running and training for the marathon. The only way to educate through this blog is to share access to it.
Donations help to advance the mission of the PSAA, but so do all of the suggestions above. The organization aims to transform lives by working to create an actively involved democratic (lowercase “d”) citizenry. By doing one of the items above, you are “donating” your time and effort to our cause, and for that I thank you.
This is reason #20 to support Periclean scholars: there are many ways to support its mission.
Donor Acknowledgement - Kristin Schulz
I am proud to say that Kristin Schulz has contributed to the chitenge challenge. You may remember that Kristin was a shining example for all Pericleans as an undergraduate, when she introduced the solar cooker technology into communities in Ghana and was later named the very first Periclean Scholar of the Year. Kristin now leads an exemplary life as a member of the PSAA, by working as a climate advocate in Washington, DC. Since graduation from Elon in 2010, her location and organization may have changed, but her contributions to this world continue to reflect the Periclean mission. The organizations that have the opportunity to work with her and employ her are extraordinarily lucky because of how she lives her life with integrity and with the Periclean values as her compass. While I am particularly thankful for her donation toward my marathon goal, I am especially appreciative of how she supports the Periclean program through her everyday choices. They are what make her decision to give at this time so humbling.
Thank you, Kristin.
Thank you, Kristin.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Donor Acknowledgement - Elyse Tooley
I am excited to write a donor acknowledgement for Elyse Tooley, one of my Elon friends that also settled in the Arlington, VA area after graduation. When I first moved down to the Northern Virginia area in 2009, Elyse was one of my very first friends to contact me, excited about planning get-togethers. When you are new to a city, you feel like you have to rebuild your support and social networks - but having a friend like Elyse in the area made that process so much easier for me. Since then, we still meet up and keep in touch regularly.
It is an honor to see that Elyse has contributed to the chitenge challenge. She has told me that she is excited for me to wear the red, white, and blue chitenge to work - and that I better take pictures! Elyse, don't worry - there will definitely be pictures if I meet my goal by July 31! If not, I'll still show you what the chitenge looks like in person.
One of my goals on race day is to have friends and family as spectators along the course, to keep me motivated. Elyse has told me that she will watch for me in Crystal City. This means so much to me - Crystal City is a key point on the race course, and I will now have extra incentive to beat the bridge on race day and finish the last 10K strong.
Elyse is a true and loyal friend, and I am honored to have her support as a friend - in many ways, including those listed above.
Thank you, Elyse.
It is an honor to see that Elyse has contributed to the chitenge challenge. She has told me that she is excited for me to wear the red, white, and blue chitenge to work - and that I better take pictures! Elyse, don't worry - there will definitely be pictures if I meet my goal by July 31! If not, I'll still show you what the chitenge looks like in person.
One of my goals on race day is to have friends and family as spectators along the course, to keep me motivated. Elyse has told me that she will watch for me in Crystal City. This means so much to me - Crystal City is a key point on the race course, and I will now have extra incentive to beat the bridge on race day and finish the last 10K strong.
Elyse is a true and loyal friend, and I am honored to have her support as a friend - in many ways, including those listed above.
Thank you, Elyse.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)