Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Desperate Times Desperate Measures

In recent weeks, I have had one friend whose jacket was swiped from her checkstand, the thief then went into the parking lot, with my friends keys, clicking the unlock button on the key fob until she found my friend's vehicle and stole it from a busy parking lot! January 31st, two men mugged a retired deputy law enforcement officer on the American River Trail, and then SHOT him in the leg...this happened in broad daylight, folks! And the other day I came home from dropping off the kids at school to find a homeless man rummaging through the recycle bin that had been left out for pick up (an unusual occurence, so I walked swiftly into my house and locked the door behind me -- something I rarely do).

So ladies, if you've never done so before, now is the time to take a self-defense course, and if you already have, then polish up and practice what you've learned! Gentlemen, you may be slightly less vulnerable, but obviously from the incident last week, when in a threatening situation, don't assume you're safe.

In these harder economic times it makes sense to remind everyone that when people get desparate, when they lose hope, when they turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with stress, people are capable of horrible things...Please read on:

Roger Lane, a Haverford College professor and author of Murder in America: A History, says the economic downturn will almost certainly contribute to increased crime rates in the near future. Hundreds of thousands have already been thrown out of work — many who not too long ago moved from welfare to work under recent reforms. Those individuals may now face new lifetime limits on welfare and find themselves in a particularly porous safety net, Lane said. "In a short period of time we may see levels of desperation that we have not seen in a long time," he said. When people get desperate — particularly young, low-income people — they are more likely to turn to drugs, alcohol and crime, some experts say. "It may give rise to a growth and demand for drugs as self-medication for the stress of unemployment," Blumstein said. "All of the horrors that follow from illegal drug markets can follow."

Here are some tips to help keep us all safe:

The three reasons women are easy targets for random acts of violence are:

1) Lack of Awareness - You MUST know where you are & what's going on around you.

2) Body Language - Keep your head up, swing your arms, stand straight up.

3) Wrong Place, Wrong Time - DON'T walk alone in an alley, or drive in a bad neighborhood at night.

Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor,and in the back seat. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. This is a good reason to park away from big vans.

Look at the car parked on the drivers side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman towalk you backout. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (Better paranoid than dead.)

If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot.) Do not get on an elevator if there is a weirdo already on there. (Of course bad men don't always look bad.) Do not stand back in the corners of the elevator. Be near the front, by the doors, ready to get off or on. If you get on the elevator on the 25th floor, and the Boogie Man gets on the 22nd, get off when he gets on. Don't ride the elevator with him if you are not comfortable.

If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! Police only make 4 of 10 shots when they are in range of 3-9 feet. This is due to stress. The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times. And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!

As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good looking,well-educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

Pat Malone told us the story of his daughter, who came out of the mall and was walking to her car when she noticed 2 older ladies in front of her. Then she saw a police car come towards her with officers who said hello. She also noticed that all 8 handicap spots in the area were empty. As she neared her car, she saw a man a few rows over calling to her for help. He wanted her to close his passenger side door. He was sitting in the driver's side, and said he was handicapped. He continued calling, until she turned and headed back to the mall, and then he began cursing at her. In the meantime, she wondered why he didn't ask the 2 older ladies, or the policeman for help, and why he was not parked in any of the empty handicap spots. As she got back to the mall, two male friends of hers were exiting, and as she told them the story, and turned to point at the car, the man was getting out of the back seat into the front, and the car sped away. DON'T GET CAUGHT IN THIS TRAP.

Tips to saving your life, if you have gotten into a violent situation:
REACT IMMEDIATELY - If he abducts you in a parking lot, and is taking you to an abandoned area, DON'T LET HIM GET YOU TO THAT AREA. If you are driving, react immediately in the situation, and crash your car while still going 5 mph. If he's driving, find the right time, and stick your fingers in his eyes. He must watch the road, so choose an unsuspecting time, and gouge him. It is your ONLY defense. While he is in shock, GET OUT. This sounds gross, but the alternative is worse if you do not act.

RESIST - Don't go along with him: Run, if you are able: DON'T EVER GIVE UP! You DO NOT want to get to a crime scene.

Always keep your distance when walking past strangers on the street or in dark areas.

GET A CELL PHONE: There are packages for $19.95 a month that allow you to program only 911 into the dialing out program. (This is an alternative for parents who say it is too expensive for their kids to have a cell phone.)

BREAK DOWNS: Make every effort to avoid this by ALWAYS keeping your carin good working order. If your car breaks down:
LOCK YOUR DOORS. You better have a cell phone to call for help. If you don't have a cell phone: (shame on you) keep a blanket, warm clothes, a pair of boots, and a flashlight in your car always, for emergencies.
If it's noon on a business day, you may want to put your hazards on and walk to safety. If it's 2 AM, put on your warm clothes, and walk to a lighted area. You are a perfect target if you are sitting in your car broken down. Predators search the highways for easy targets like you. If you're on a desolate road: walk away from the car (in your warm clothes) and go to some bushes, or some area AWAY from your vehicles. It will be cold, and uncomfortable, but you DO NOT want to stay in your car, and there are no psycho bogeymen waiting in the bushes who knew you were going to break down there and then.

Physical defenses that we can use against the violent predator:

The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

The EYES are the most vulnerable part of the body. Poke him there HARD. It may be your only window of opportunity.

The neck is also a vulnerable spot, but you MUST know where to grip, AND HAVE THE STRENGTH to cut off his breath. Punch him in the throat to cut off his air supply.

The last place is the KNEES. Everyone's knees are very vulnerable, and a swift kick here will take anyone down. **** A cautionary note about these things. If you do not do these things right the first time, you are in trouble, because it will only anger the individual, and that anger will be TAKEN OUT ON YOU. I'm not saying don't attempt them, it may be your only hope, but be forceful when you do.

If you are walking alone in the dark (which you shouldn't be) and you find him following/chasing you: Scream "FIRE!" and not "help"; People don't want to get involved when people yell "help" but "fire" draws attention because people are nosy. RUN!

Find an obstacle, such as a parked car, and run around it, like Ring Around the Rosie. This may sound silly, but over the years, 5 women have told Pat Malone that this SAVED THEIR LIVES. Your last hope is getting under the car. Once you are under there, there are tons of things to hold onto, and he will not be able to get you out and will not come under for you (most likely). Usually they give up by this point. The catch here is that YOU MUST PRACTICE GETTING UNDER THE CAR. You must have a plan (he will have one); know if you will be going on your back, front, from the side or back of the car. It must be practiced.

Hey...Let's be careful out there!

Peace & Blessings,

Lisa

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Thursday, January 15, 2009

I Love This!

From "Lean Forward Into Your Life" by Mary Anne Radmacher: "i awakened. isn't that a wonderful statement? i awakened. oh that it were true in every cell of my being. i awakened! i no longer slept. i did not draw down the shades of my spirit and remain forever slumbered to the vitality of life. i set aside numbness and even willingly choose pain over not feeling. ah. there's a lesson here. is it the self-punisher who would contrast a willingness for pain over numbness? i see the reach but i must invent a new internal dynamic. i would choose joy. i would choose JOY over pain."

It IS a choice, folks! How many of us numbly go about our day, packing the kids lunches in our half sleep, herding our flock to school while absent-mindedly sipping the lukewarm coffee that was hot when we poured it into the travel mug an hour ago, returning home we walk in the front door, auto-pilot to the laundry room where we toss in yet another load of mis-matched socks and torn jeans...up to the shower, same routine every morning, then back out into the world to take care of the chores and errands of the day...sit down "just for Days of Our Lives", then back to the rut... the robotic kiss and "How was your day, Dear", dinner at 6 (always), tacos on tuesdays (always), homework, baths, the robotic kisses goodnight and finally fall into bed - exhausted? NO. just bored with it all...how very sad! Shake it up people. Be truly present and aware. Take a risk, lean into it! It's SO worth it! Did anybody see the moon tonight?! AMAZING!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Everyone's Perogative

All of us are blessed with the right and ability to change our minds. Some of us do so more often than others. I change my mind on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. Others who do not change their mind as often may think of this as a negative trait; flaky or flighty. On the contrary, the ability to change one's mind, to "go with flow" should be appreciated as being open to all the possibilities that are presented to us. The Universe is continually giving us new choices to make, new possibilities to explore. Being rigid in the decision making process limits your ability to be open to all that the Universe has to offer. In fact, if one has made a choice, and then wants to reverse their decision, as long as no one is harmed or severely inconvienced, reversals should be honored and respected. We must all be open to the ebb and flow of the Universe. The earth and all it's inhabitants and wonders are fluid and temporary - as are our choices - it's the nature of living.

Today I am choosing to live robustly - tomorrow I may choose to bury my head in the sand! Life is a series of difficult choices and we should always try to choose wisely, but knowing that any decision I make does not have to be set in stone gives me courage to live freely and boldly. Rigidity is fragile, flexibility is strength. Stay strong!

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Renunciation

"Fixated upon getting, possessing, and arriving at the "perfect moment", we overlook the fact that the perfect moment comes to depend upon the fulfillment of our goals, desires, and fantasies. We believe we will be happy when we have ordered the world to suit our wants, expectations, and ambitions. Strangely, the perfect moment and promise of fulfillment never arrives, it is ceaselessly pushed over into the future as yet another need or desire arises within us. Peace and happiness are not so complicated; they are born of being, not of having."

"We can go through life thinking "This shouldn't be happening, I want something else to happen". Pursuing what we want and do not have, losing interest in what previously fascinated us, are all the tentacles of a (unfulfilled) craving. Craving is a powerful energy that takes us away from the moment and ourselves. As our appetites increase, we find ourselves needing ever more intense excitment and experience. Our energy, time, well-being, and peace are pushed aside by the craving. Renunciation, learning to let go gently and clearly in our lives is the antidote to craving."

Normally I wouldn't post stuff I rip from books, but this was just too good to let go. This excerpt is from The Buddhist Path to Simplicity by Christina Feldman and it really sums up what my feelings have become about life/love/friends/good times/bad times, etcetera.

As modern human beings we tend to push ourselves into deep states of sorrow and anxiety in our quest for the perfect partner/job/house/child/life. Buddha described the two deepest fears for us as the fear of having nothing, and the fear of being no-one. If you can learn to let go of those fears, you can attain true freedom, which will allow you to live in peace with yourself, with others around you and with the universe. Freedom is not about being able to do whatever you want, when you want. It's beginning to learn how to love yourself so that you can love others. It's discovering that happiness and contentment are possible within each moment if we let go of our expectations, leaving a world of unease and discontent, to live in a world of profound joy and love.

Of course in our western world, we must balance this with the reality that we should be happy and successful in the work we choose, that we can forgive but don't have to forget when we've been wronged, and that everyday is a gift and should be approached with wisdom (that there may not be another) and enthusiasm. As you learn to let go of your wants and expectations, you will find that what you have always desired has been right there for you.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Sharing My Air

Some people on this planet make it very difficult to practice Buddhist philosophies.

I'm talking about the jerks that just have no concept or concern when they go around hurting others. I'm talking about the CEOs that rake in millions while their employees work their asses off to keep their jobs, struggling every day just to make end meet and then get laid off anyway. I'm talking about the jerks who think they are above the law and abuse their positions in their quest for power. I'm talking about the ass hole that cheated on my friend, while she was celebrating the New Year with him, and then had the nerve to tell someone that he was "sorry" just to cover his dumb ass and make himself feel better.

Buddhism tells us that these people must be suffering deep inner turmoil (whether they know it or not, or choose to do anything about it or not) and we should have compassion for everyone, especially those that are suffering. This is where I get stuck.

I obviously haven't reached enlightment yet, because to me, these people and all others like them are just plain soul-less and evil, and no compassion that I, or any other person, could ever show them will change that. These are the people I resent sharing my air with. And because of them, because I can't get past their reprehensible behavior, I have and will continue to let myself and all other buddhists down.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Gifts

I was blessed to receive the most amazing gifts this Christmas; I received the gift of insight during my experience with 11 year old Matthew, I received the gift of inner peace & honesty from a dear friend, I received the gift of courage from the Universe and I received the gift of true love from my girlfriends and from my children.

Truly, this has all happened within the last two weeks...but what really blew my mind was that through it all, I was also given the gift of awareness: I have become aware that though I thought I was Open to receiving gifts and wisdom from all around me, it is as if I have french doors within me that were just slightly ajar, but when I threw those doors open wide, an abundance of light and peace and insight came flooding in! These gifts have overwhelmed me with gratitude and happiness!

So in return for all my beautiful gifts, here is a small but precious gift for you:

Better than a thousand careless words is one single word that gives peace.
Better than a hundred years lived in heedlessness,
Is one single day lived in wisdom and deep contemplation.
Better than a hundred years lived in confusion,
Is a single day lived with courage and wise intention.

The Dhammapada

(The only question I have now is, "Where do I return this ridiculous purple sweater?!" lol!! jk!!! You know I can never take life TOO seriously! hee hee!)

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Realizations. A final word about 2008...

*Note: This was one of those silly myspace surveys, but it made me think...if you want to take it for yourself just cut and paste, remove my answers and insert yours...it's kinda fun!

1. I've come to realize that boobs...
are just boobs - everyone's got 'em!

2. I've come to realize that my car...
was more of a burden than a wise choice...ugh

3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving...
I've been less careful - oops...

4. I've come to realize that I need...
meditation, good health and friends

5. I've come to realize that my heart...
is open wide and while love pours out, it welcomes everyone in

6. I've come to realize that I hate it when...
I lose myself in what's not important

7. I've come to realize that when I'm drunk...
I'm not as funny as when I'm not....

8. I've come to realize that money...
can cause trouble or triumph...be wary of it

9. I've come to realize that certain people...
can't be taught

10. I've come to realize that I'll never be...
anything other than who I am

11. I've come to realize drugs...
are not my thing

12. I've come to realize that my best friends...
don't always agree with me, but that's what makes them the Best!

13. I've come to realize that my cell phone...
is a crutch

14. I've come to realize that last night before i went to sleep...
I was alone

15. I've come to realize when i woke up this morning...
I was alone

16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about...
I have to pee! lol!

17. I've come to realize that when I get on Myspace...
my neck hurts

18. I've come to realize that yesterday...
was a gift

19. I've come to realize that today...
is going to be a LONG day


20. I've come to realize that tonight...
is just another night that somehow became a big deal, but almost always ends in disappointment...

21. I have come to realize that tomorrow...
may never come, so treasure this moment!

22. I've come to realize that I really want to...
Be an example of loving kindness in the world

23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this...
could be anyone - life is full of surprises

24.I've come to realize that I love...
me!

25. I've come to realize that last weekend...
was the most amazing Christmas present I've ever given myself

26. I've realized the best music to listen to when I am upset...
always seems to come on the radio at just the right moment

27. I've come to realize that some friends.....
Just kinda drift away. Life is funny that way.

28. I've come to realize that this year...
Will be one I will remember forever