Another week of Yoga

Time flies.

Now that my kids and I have a common interest, we spend more quality time together. I am not sure if I like working on yoga more or being with my kids more during yoga classes. I am very very grateful.

My son said that once you did well in one pose, you had to challenge yourself and go for more difficult postures. It is human nature to get bored easily and to go after challenges. That is his philosophy. I am not so sure about that.

My friend wrote: "I love learning yoga more than before. It grows on me. It energizes me not just after each practice, but day after day. I find my body self-adjusting my posture. I feel it most when I am sitting during meditation. My body is light and sitting is effortless, as my spine is kept lengthening on its own during the sitting. My mind can stay still and calm sooner and longer. The feeling is small, sinking in bit by bit, but powerful."


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You tube: The Last Lecture -Randy Pausch

(Randy Pausch 1960-2008)

I like this saying of Randy Pausch's: " How to live your life? If you live your life the right way, karma will take care of itself and the dreams will come to you."

This youtube is a short version of who he is:

Randy Pausch's; A Final Farewell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIysXLiA5s0&feature=related


This you tube is the full version of his last lecture:

Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

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CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS - Nov 27 2010

CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS
presented by Scotiabank
November 27, 2010 ONE NIGHT ONLY!!
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West

Toronto's 44th annual Cavalcade of Lights returns to Nathan Phillips Square this Saturday for one night only!

The festivities kick-off at 7 pm with the lighting of Toronto's official Christmas tree, fireworks and live musical performances by Shawn Desman, Divine Brown and Sarah Slean.

The concert culminates in a spectacular fireworks display at 8 pm.

For full details: www.toronto.ca/cavalcade

====================================
Neighbourhood Lights

Throughout the holiday season brilliant creations of light will beautify the city as neighbourhoods and tourist attractions participate in the Cavalcade of Lights festival.

Participating neighbourhoods: www.toronto.ca/special_events/cavalcade_lights/2010/events.htm


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Youtube: Joe Wong at RTCA Dinner

Joe Wong at RTCA Dinner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buSv1jjAels

You may or may not like the jokes, but there are much to reflect...

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U of T: Nov 29: SHINZEN YOUNG on "How the Essence of Mindfulness Parallels the Nuts and Bolts of Science"

In case you are interested:

New College at the University of Toronto and basicmindfulness.org present:

Free public talk by SHINZEN YOUNG

"Divide and Conquer: How the Essence of Mindfulness Parallels the Nuts and Bolts of Science"

Introduced and moderated by Jeff Warren, author of *The Head Trip: Adventures on the Wheel of Consciousness* (Random House, 2007)

Monday Nov. 29 , 2010, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

*170 College Street*, The Mining Building, room 128 (north-east corner of College and King's College Road, at U of T's main gates)

About Shinzen Young: Author of the "Science of Enlightenment" talks, Shinzen Young is one of North America's most respected Buddhist scholars and teachers of meditation. He has trained extensively in three major Buddhist meditative traditions: Vajrayana, Zen, and Vipassana. His intellectual interests includes the burgeoning dialogue between Eastern internal science and Western technological science. Shinzen leads meditation retreats in the mindfulness tradition throughout the world, and has helped establish several centers and programs.

For more information on Shinzen, see www.basicmindfulness.org

--- The content of this message does not represent the views or opinions of the University of Toronto.---


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Day12, 13, 14 - Nice Surprise

Another 5 yoga classes in the last 3 days.

Today I had a chance to talk to my son and asked him how he thought about his yoga lessons. He enjoyed them very much and wanted to persuade his grandma and best friend to try yoga lessons too. He is more optimistic about life, knows how to relax and release stress, understands his body more, and best of all, able to change his attitude or mind when necessary. He was at a lost in this point in life, through yoga, he begins to see the light and rainbow.

During our conversation, I was able to introduce him to the facts of life and Dharma. I can pass on my wisdom and practice experience to him. Am I ever glad? I have introduced Dharma to so many people, "preaching" to my son is so much warmer and close to my heart or home.

Thank you SON, for giving me the chance...

Thank you GOD, for life...


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Today's Smile: Best Thing About Being Old

A reporter was interviewing a 104 year-old woman: "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked.

She simply replied, "No peer pressure."

**********

I would prefer having as much peer pressure as possible.

The Four Noble Truth:

Birth: I can hardly remember my own birth. In memory, giving birth to my five children were some of the most memorable moments in my life.

Aged: I can sense that very strongly as day passed by...

Sickness: Luckily I hardly suffer much of that yet. Touch wood.

Death: I am not scared of that yet.

The Noble Truth that is propounding me is aging, on a very scary rate...


************

As Shi-Xhong used to say, if you are always thankful, then even negatives will turn into positives.

My take on the Four noble Truth:

Birth: Thank god for regressive therapy. I still curl up in a fetal position and enjoy my thumb when I am stressed.

Aged: Thank god for Herbatine Hair Dye.

Sickness: Thank god for the doctor who cut me open and sew it up. Thank god that he could sew properly.

Death: Thank god for my future parents who know how to enjoy a smoke after they embrace me with open arms.

Life would be scary without those things.


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Day 9, 10, 11: Relive Life Again Through Yoga

Three more days of Yoga, we went through Hatha, Iyengar and Reduced Heat Yoga (28 degree Celsius).

Today I can do Lolasana (Pendulum Posture with legs in lotus position) without any prepared training. I guess it was because my body has better strength and flexibility with the recent yoga practices. I felt so amused.

I could not remember my first walk, first talk, first fall etc. But through yoga, I can re-understand my body, re-learn new posture, remember the experience and re-live life again.

Soooooo wonderful is the feeling......

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Why America’s economy fell off the cliff...

Sharing the following email with you:

Why America’s economy fell off the cliff...

John Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (made in Japan) for 6 am.

While his coffee-pot (made in China) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (made in Hong Kong).

He put on a dress shirt (made in Sri Lanka), designer jeans (made in Singapore) and tennis shoes (made in Korea).

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (made in India) he sat down with his calculator (made in Mexico) to see how much he could spend today.

After setting his watch (made in Malaysia) to the radio (made in India) he got in his car (made in Germany) filled it with gas (from Saudi Arabia) and continued his search for a good paying American job.

At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day checking his computer (made in Taiwan), John decided to relax for a while.

He put on his sandals (made in Brazil), poured himself a glass of wine (made in France) and turned on his TV (made in Indonesia), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in AMERICA.

And now he is hoping he can get help from president made in Kenya.

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Day 6,7,8: Building Awareness, Flexibitity, Strength & Energy

In the past few days, I was too busy to write the blog.

I went for 4 yoga classes in the last 3 days: Ashtanga yoga focuses on developing strength and endurance; two classes of Hatha Flow yoga in which students move in a continuous flow from one posture to the next, combining the breath with movement; Restorative yoga which is a gentle and therapeutic style of yoga that use props to support the body, deepening the benefits of the poses.

I begin to sense the change in my physical body in terms of flexibility, strength and energy level.

After one week of yoga classes, my understanding of my gross (physical) body, subtle (inner energy) body and causal (causation and dependability) body are deepened.

Through yoga, I can find my path on the spiritual journey of life...

I recommend yoga to everyone, especial to the youngsters in life.

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HBO Movie: Temple Grandin

My friends and I just watched this movie on the weekend. We all enjoyed it pretty well.



On 2010/11/6 my friend, Michelle wrote:

--- Dear friends, Here is the link of the movie regarding a girl with Autism and I think it's pretty interesting and hope you enjoy watching it . http://www.tudou.com/playlist/p/a36256.html?iid=57328727 Michelle

Temple Grandin's Web Page Livestock behaviour, design of facilities and humane slaughter.
www.grandin.com/


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Comments about the 2010 Summer Family Vacations

Patty asked me how was the family vacation this summer, here are the comments from some of us:

****************************
I guess I can be the first to give a big thanks to Aunt Margaret and Aunt Nancy (even though she couldn't come) for looking for places, planning the trip, and finding the house. Because of you guys we had a great time in the Outer Banks! Even more special thanks to Aunt Margaret who helped cook and clean every meal. I found out that feeding 24 is ridiculously challenging. It's so hard to proportion and estimate how much food you need! This vacation seemed to go by faster than any other vacation we've had in the past. I'm glad that I did get some time off to go to this vacation. It would have been super sad for me to see all your photos and know that I would have been missing out.

I loved going to the sand dunes, even though it was super hot; going to the beach, although not the part where we almost lost Ching...SURFER DUDE gnarly; going to see the lighthouse; and mostly importantly, I loved hanging out with the families! It's been such a long time since I saw anyone that it was so nice and awesome that I got to spend a whole week with you all!

Thanks everyone for making this vacation amazing! I guess I should go back to work now :(

xoxo,
Natalie


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I had an awesome time. Blondie also had fun but now her length is halved. it happened because i was swirlin it around in the car then somehow half of it fell off. I miss the other half of blondie . that trip went by SO FAST!!

Jacks and Jo


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This trip was awesome!!!. I really love having vacations that let me spend time with my family. Especially since we're not going to see lots of you for a long, long time. This trip was full of fun stuff. Making tie dye shirts, going to the beach, playing fun games ( thank you ULP for always taking time to set up games ) and many other fun stuff. Also I want to thank everyone to taking time and putting effort into dinners. They were great! Also want to thank the girls for having to cook twice. This vacation really just made my family relax from all are intense problems of going to Beijing ( witch BTW I'm already there ). Thank you everyone for making this trip GREAT! Hope you guys have fun in your next family trip.

see you soon,
Max


*********************************
Our family had lots of fun for the whole time.

Thanks Nancy, Marg & Oli for choosing such an unique vacation house in OBS, N.C. Laurie & Toni for organizing so many games and keeping the kids
(and adults)
having so much entertainment and spending quality time together.

Thanks Oli & Marg. for looking after all household and grocery matters, and staying behind all the times for the clean up.

Thanks to all the drivers for driving such a long distance. Alfred, Laurie & Su who came all the way from the other side of the coast
to make this family vacation very, very memorable.

Fanny



*************************************

Hello group,

What a great vacation! We had lots of fun. Thank you to all of you for making this trip possible. We know everyone had put in lots of effort to make it possible.

We loved swimming in the pool and at the beach, playing in the waves, boogie boarding and making the tie-dye shirts. Of course, we have to mention the delicious food. All the families cooked yummy food - the Cheung's spaghetti, Aunt Su's paprika chicken, Uncle Laurie's lemon tarts, the Hadley's BBQ chicken, Natalie's casserole, the girls' homemade pizzas and the Tsang's curry and soya sauce chicken. Morgan had fun preparing the water balloons and throwing them at the other team. Special thank you goes to:

• Uncle Laurie and Toni for the creative games and fun prizes
• Toni and Adri for helping us with our tie-dye shirts - it was very messy, but they turned out very nicely
• the girls for making the yummy desserts
• Matthew, Uncle Alfred and other photographers for taking great pictures
• Uncle Keith for taking us to look for crabs at night
• Aunt Olivia for taking care of everything - groceries, cleaning, laundry, etc.
• Aunt Nancy for finding this house on Rodanthe - sorry that you couldn't come
• Joey and Jacqueline for playing and watching over us - we had fun making the origami and preparing the placemats - just want to say hi to Blondie

Uncle Alfred and Aunt Olivia - we hope you liked your surprise 30th anniversary celebration. Toni and Adri had put on a great slide show.

Ruby and Jacqueline - happy birthday!

Thank you for a memorable vacation. We hope all of you had an enjoyable vacation as well.

Leigh-ann and Morgan


********************************

“I'm not sure if I had fun, but I think I had a good time this year - especially seeing everyone. It was a lot of stress booking the tickets/car/getting to Rodanthe, we'd almost miss our flight leaving SF because I screwed up going to the wrong terminal (again!), but in the end the house was very beautiful. And for that I want to thank my sisters for booking the place.

I was a bit worried about making the lemon tart for the first time and to such a large group of people (sorry Ching/Nat for using up the whipping cream), but it seems it turned out quite well. I also wanted to commend Natalie on her casserole dish. I think Su's only enjoyment in the trip was the cooking. Maybe we could let her cook twice next time.

I don't think I did a good job organizing the games this year. Maybe it was the NC heat. I think I might have even awarded the prizes to the wrong team in the
obstacle race. And Ching's riptide incident was definitely not fun. It was quite scary and I'm just so glad it turned out alright. And of course I think our stay was too short so that wasn't fun. At least we are thankful for the good weather. When I left CA, the forecasts were all thunderstorm for the entire week. It was raining a bit when we drove on the way to the airport.

So in the end, I'd say this trip wasn't that fun, but memorable.

LP”


********************************

I think Su's only enjoyment in the trip was the cooking.  Maybe we could

let her cook twice next time.

Not true and in no particular order:

I enjoyed doing nothing especially lying in the pool and getting my tan
I enjoyed doing origami
I enjoyed catching up with you guys to see what's up
I enjoyed meeting Alfred for pretty much the first time. (the last time was
too long ago to remember)
I enjoyed doing tai chi every morning on the deck
I enjoyed cooking but it's hard for 23. So no, cannot cook twice.

And sigh.... man never understands woman.

Regards,
Su


******************************
We had great fun in North Carolina.  Next year we should do the same kind of thing, only we should do it here in China.

K.


************************************
This family vacation to North Carolina was TONS AND TONS of fun! It makes me sad knowing that for the next little while, a few of us will be further a part than usual... Hadleys moving to China, Adri going off to school in Montreal, Natalie living in Sudbury etc. Hopefully the next time we are together won't be too long from now.

A big thanks to Momma, Aunt Nancy, and Aunt Margaret for planning such a memorable trip! Thanks to all the Papa's for driving such long and extensive hours and not complaining about it. (Thanks for Dad for stopping every time I had to go to the washroom!)

Thanks to all the designated cooks each night, for slaving over the hot stoves and cooking for 20+!

Thanks to ULP, once again, for the amazing games and prizes! I think we need to do another poll this year for best game.. Obstacle Course? Min to Win? etc.

I know this year I slacked and didn't take many photos, in fear of having to edit and distribute them to a million people. We were saved by Matthew and Dad who were always there camera ready...

Either way... the day I did take out my camera, me and the girls (Adri, Ching and Rubs) managed to take over 300 photos over a short hour under the sun.

To Ching, Adri and Ruby.. I'll send you guys links to download the photos, so you'll have the originals.. Anyone else who wants originals, come visit me with a usb handy! (Atleast 1g in size)

Alright that's it for now.. back to uploading photos.. Thanks for the amazing time family! Can't wait to do it again..

P.S. If our next family vaca is to China, that would be amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ants

***********************************

Day 5: Ommmmm.....

Today's teacher is Tom. He has a different teaching approach. We enjoyed his teaching very much. He aided us in understanding the alignment of the posture.

When he asked us to chant Om 3 times, he wanted us to say it in harmony with the whole class.

In India, I was taught to chant Om as long as possible in one breathe in order to extend our breath. Tom said not chanting in harmony was egoistic. But chanting in harmony with others can promote mediocrity. May be that's why in our Tibetan chanting practice, we chant slowly in harmony together, progressively we chant faster at each own pace, then gradually we chant quieter until we are chanting silently into meditative state...

Ommmmm.....

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Day 4: Now, the inquiry of yoga

Atha Yoga Nushasanam (Now, the inquiry of yoga) is Patanjali's first yoga sutra. It states:

Now, the inquiry of yoga
Yoga is an opportunity to quiet the chatter of the mind
Then consciousness finds it's authentic nature
May the posture be sweet and full of ease.

Today Katerine, our yoga teacher introduced this Sutra to us. She wants us to bring"Now, the inquiry of yoga" into our daily life.

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UT: Nov 18: Todd Lewis on a Buddha's Life Narrative from the Kathmandu Valley

In case you are interested:

Todd Lewis will be a Numata Program visiting speaker on Thursday, November 18, 2010, from 4 - 6 pm. Professor Todd Lewis's Lecture, "Sources and Sentiments in Sugata Saurabha, a mid-20th Century Narrative on the Buddha's Life from the Kathmandu Valley," will be held at U of T, Munk Centre, Room 208N.

Todd Lewis has been Associate Professor of Hinduism and Buddhism at the College of the Holy Cross since 1990. He is a leading authority on the cultures, religions, and peoples of the Himalayan region and the social history of Buddhism. His special research focus for over twenty years has been Buddhism in the Kathmandu Valley, particularly the traditions found among the Newars, the indigenous population of Nepal's most populous valley. He speaks both the national language of the country, Nepali, as well as the Tibeto-Burman language Nepal Bhasa or Newari that is spoken by the Newars. Beginning with his scholarly training at Columbia University (where he studied Sanskrit and Pali, earning his Ph.D. in Religion 1984), Professor Lewis' research and teaching has been interdisciplinary, linking anthropology and the history of religions. In addition to scholarly books and articles published in leading academic journals, Professor Lewis has shot, directed, and produced films for classroom use.

Since 1982, Dr. Lewis has been a member of the American Academy of Religion and he was the founding co-chair (1992-1996) of the "Tibetan and Himalayan Religions" group, the first AAR unit whose members are specialists in the region. Professor Lewis has since 1978 been a member of the Nepal Studies Association and he has served as an Associate Editor of the Association's journal, The Himalayan Research Bulletin, editing the Book Reviews section. Professor Lewis is also an active member in the Asian Studies Association and the International Association of Buddhist Studies. Professor Lewis has been awarded major grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, Fulbright Senior Faculty Research Program, the American Philosophical Society Research Fellowship, the American Academy of Religion, National Endowment for the Arts, National Geographic, the Social Science Research Council Grant, U.S. Department of Education, Smithsonian Institution, and the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research.

See http://buddhiststudies.chass.utoronto.ca/todd-lewis/

---- The content of this message does not represent the views or opinions of the University of Toronto. ------

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Day 3: The third class- Iyengar yoga

Today's yoga class is lyengar, using blocks and props to help stretching. The teacher is Anne Marie, she is more of an instructor than teacher, she does not connect with you like the previous teachers do.

It is good to try so many different teachers in the beginning, such that we can experience a wide range of teaching techniques. After a while, we need to follow a good teacher to deepen our learning.

We woke up at 8:00am in the morning, no breakfast, just attended a 90 minutes class; and when we got back home it was close to noon and time for lunch.

So the whole morning is gone for one yoga class. How time flies...

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Day 2: The Beauty in Life

Today our yoga teacher is Dina. She emphasizes on appreciating the beauty in life, within us as well as outside/around us.

It is nice to take the time and effort to reflect and appreciate everything life has offered.

Through appreciation we generate positive thinking and energy...

---
My friend sent me this link:

Take a look at this deal. $40.00 for a private yoga class of up to 4 persons.

http://dealoftheday.redflagdeals.com/deal/toronto/yogaaah

m

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Day 1: In love with Yoga

Today, my son, my daughter and I went to yoga class. We joined a one month trail membership in a yoga studio. The three of us enjoyed the lesson very much.

We intend to go every morning if possible for a month as it is better to have an empty stomach before yoga exercise.

It is a luxury to have yoga lesson every morning as it implies that you have the time, money and mind to do so.

I am so glad that my kids love yoga too and we can learn it together...

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DDMBA: Nov 21, Sunday morning GCR Chanting Service

In case you are interested:

Dear Friend,

This is a gentle reminder of our monthly Sunday morning GCR Chanting Service which will be held at 154 Poyntz Avenue on Sunday November 21, from 10 am – 12 pm.

We invite all of our members to take part in the Morning Great Compassion Repentance Chanting every third Sunday of the month. Liturgies will be offered in Chinese, with English translation and explanation provided. This chanting session is an excellent opportunity for members to purify the mind, and thus deepen their regular meditation practice, in the presence of dedicated practitioners who have put sincere effort into learning and practicing the Chanting ceremony.

We hope to see you there.


With Joined Palms,


DDMBA Ontario
http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca

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Beware: UPS/Fed Ex/DHL/USPS Virus‏

Sharing the following email with you:

With Christmas coming up felt this is worth passing along again. This could be a real problem during the busy holidays and even earlier. At least read and be aware!

The newest virus circulating is the UPS/Fed Ex Delivery Failure. You will receive an e-mail allegedly from UPS/Fed Ex Service along with a packet number. It will say that they were unable to deliver a package sent to you on such-and-such a date. It then asks you to print out the invoice copy attached. DON'T TRY TO PRINT THIS. IT LAUNCHES THE VIRUS!

Pass this warning on to all your PC operators at work and
home. This virus has caused millions of dollars in damage in the past few days.


Snopes confirms this is real.

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp

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DDMBA Ontario November One Day Chan Meditation Retreat

In case you are interested:

DDMBA Ontario November One Day Chan Meditation Retreat


Event: One Day Chan Meditation Retreat 一日禪坐共修
Date: Saturday, November 27 , 2010星期六11月27日
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm 上午九點半至下午四點半
Location: DDMBA Ontario, 154 Poyntz Avenue, Toronto M2N 1J4 法鼓山安省分會

This is a gentle reminder of the upcoming DDM One Day Retreat which will be taking place at our 154 Poyntz Avenue Centre on Saturday November 27, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

This form of practice is very beneficial for everyone; it gives us the chance to practice with a group over a longer period of time. Furthermore, the One Day Retreat is an excellent opportunity for deepening one's practice. Participants for the One Day Retreat should ideally have practiced meditation for a considerable length of time, preferably with some formal meditation training.

Sitting meditation periods are followed by walking meditation, gentle stretching exercises and mindful work periods. The environment of the retreat is designed to promote mindfulness in everything we do.

To receive the full benefits of this form of group practice, we encourage you attend the entire event.

Also, be sure to wear loose, warm and comfortable clothing suited to the long sitting periods. DDM provides cushions, sitting mats, towels and a light vegetarian lunch. While a conducive and relax atmosphere is maintained in the retreat, participants should understand that it is still a serious occasion dedicated for practice. In the interest of respecting your own and others’ practice, please provide advance notice should you be arriving to the retreat late or leaving early without valid reasons.

In the spirit of sharing with the community of Chan practitioners, participants of this retreat are also encouraged to contribute a vegetarian dish or snack for the retreat lunch. Please note that dishes contributed should not contain any form of onions (including green onions), any form of garlics, chimes as well as egg products. If you would like to submit a dish, please send an email to meditation@ddmba-ontario.ca, no later than Thursday November 25.

Kindly RSVP meditation@ddmba-ontario.ca by November 25 should you plan to attend the retreat and, if you plan to bring a dish, inform us about the dish that you would bring.

The event is offered free of charge while any donations to support events like this are greatly appreciated.


With Palms Joined,
DDMBA Ontario
http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca

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How to seal a bag and make it air-tight with a plastic water bottle!

Sharing the following email with you:

How to seal a bag and make it air-tight!

Ingenious and simple.

Wow, what a fantastic idea! Do not have to grapple with rubber bands that are tied too tightly.

Cut up a disposable water bottle and keep the neck and top, as in photo. Insert the plastic bag through the neck and screw the top – to seal. The bottle is made to be air-tight, such that water will not leak, the secret lies with the top and screw! The guy who first thought of the idea should be given an award for originality!!! --