Reflections

REFLECTIONS

TAHOE CITY, CA

And just like that, Christmas has come and gone. Let me be the last to greet you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We cherish that we live in the midst of mountains and I didn't want to let a wintry winter pass by without soaking myself in it as much and as often as possible. The weekend before Christmas was the perfect opportunity to take advantage and staycation in Tahoe. As with the holidays and the New Year now fast approaching, I always take the time to pause and reflect - yes, a little bit of the kind of life I would like to frame for myself in the near-term, but as I get older, it is less and less about me and more and more about how to create a positive social impact.

Returning from my trip to Bhutan was a major reset button for me. I had so many heart-rendering experiences in that country. I know it has been almost two months since - but isn't that so beautiful when it just won't let you go? I'm still haunted by how that trip has changed me overwhelmingly and lately, it's been nagging at me how I can be an agent of change. I don't have the answers, and I trust that they will find me, but for now, I'm wallowing in reflection and thought.

I've gone back and forth on gift giving at Christmas. I'm so sickened by the materialism and commercialism to a point that there were a couple years I did a total boycott. But you know what? During those years, it didn't feel good. It felt overly righteous and disjointed. I actually enjoy shopping presents for the very important people in my life and if it's that one time in the year where I indulge them with material things (that they will enjoy!), then I am okay with that.

There is always that elusive balance though because while it's tempting to give in to every little cute impulse, I can't without knowing that we already have too much of every convenience and necessity. Bhutan has taught me that. And with every whine that I withhold, the less I think about myself. So I'm relearning to reduce the focus on my indulgent first world problems and instead replace that with gratitude, compassion, kindness and generosity. It will never be perfect, but I suppose that's why they call it practice.

SHARING IS CARING

And in the spirit of giving, I'd like to share the non-profit organizations that I've supported with donations in 2018 and will continue to support in the future. I'm picky with the organizations I support and I try to vet them against online charity watchdogs such as Charity Watch or Charity Navigator. I do this because it's very tempting to mismanage and corrupt free money, and in fact, I actually stopped donating to Oxfam when I saw on their website that the COO made more than $400,000 annually (there's actually a lot of those out there). That just doesn't sit well with me! These websites give you an idea of how much they spend on overhead and administration, as opposed to actual boots-on-the-ground work.

So here are the ones that I do support:

WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN: Chef Jose Andres in not a philanthropist per se, but when the disastrous hurricane in Puerto Rico happened, he stepped up to do what he knew - feed people. I have been donating to his charity ever since because they can deploy and get boots on the ground quickly without being tethered by the bureaucracy of larger organizations. Right now, World Central Kitchen is involved in feeding government employees affected by the shutdown, the California Camp Fire, as well as refugees in the border of Mexico and the USA. Jose Andres is nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

KARUNA-SHECHEN: French-born Matthieu Ricard is a Ph. D. in cellular biology before he became a Buddhist monk in the Himalayas. He's also a photographer, an author, and a translator to the Dalai Lama, and I've been fascinated by him for many years. Karuna Shechen is an organization he founded that brings humanitarian projects to the areas of the Himalayas, particularly India and Nepal.

OBAMA FOUNDATION: Obama Foundation builds future leaders by investing in them while they're young. And because I believe that the Obamas are extraordinary leaders of our time and I miss President Obama everyday.

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU): When our world was turned upside down two years ago, ACLU was a beacon of hope and action that justice will prevail. I cannot do justice to their mission if I paraphrase so from their website: "For almost 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States."

350.ORG: Climate change and clean energy is their advocacy. They are a loud voice in global sustainability and clean energy initiatives. Charity Navigator gave them a score of 99.51 (out of 100) in the Financial category and an overall 95.03 overall rating. If you donate before 2018 ends, your contribution will be matched.

It's also interesting to browse the top charities that Charity Navigator gave perfect scores to. Here is their list. Charity Watch has a list of their top as well linked here.

Other interesting for-profit companies that are committed to social good worth your support and worth mentioning:

PATAGONIA: They have been stewards of the environment for a very long time and they're one of those stellar American companies who treat their employees very well. If you don't know Yvon Chouinard, I suggest listening to the NPR-produced podcast "How I Built This" here. Recently, Patagonia declared that the tax cuts they received (and don't need) will be donated to non-profit organizations who are fighting for the environment. Also, have you heard of their Worn Wear program? It's where they repair and recycle unwanted Patagonia apparel. You can also buy and/or sell used Patagonia apparel there to keep them out of landfills!

COTOPAXI: This is a fairly new startup based in Utah specializing in outdoor apparel and gear. 2% of all their profits go towards alleviation of poverty in the world. I've bought bags and technical apparel from them and not only do I favor their designs, they also work so well outdoors. Some of the bags are also manufactured in the Philippines and that is a WIN for me! They're having a 50% sale at the moment on some stuff so if you're looking for gear, do check them out.

TOM'S: Although I personally don't own any Tom's shoes, I think they're an admirable and remarkable American company. They're known for giving a pair of shoes to a child in a developing country for every pair sold. Recently, they've also taken a stand against gun violence in America by launching a page on their site that sends a postcard to your legislator by you filling out a simple form with your name and basic info.

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Happy New Year, friends from all over the world! I hope you have a rich and decadent one filled with love and awesomeness with your family and friends!

#renotahoe #adventure