Category — Events and Happenings

Dear Happy Travelers,

Their 4th grade class goal was to understand how to be happy and care for other people. It sounds like the sort of class we all would find beneficial given we find ourselves so over-stressed and over-worked.

Instead of writing my own reflections on happiness, I encourage you to take the time to watch all five segments of CHILDREN FULL OF LIFE.  Especially if you don’t have the time, it will be time well spent.

If you make the time you will have the privilege of watching a different and heart-felt teaching approach than most grammar teacher’s take in Tokyo… no, around the world. May we all be touched by the valuable lessons he offers his students and take his wisdom into our own hearts and actions.

Start by watch the first of five segments below. See how Toshiro Kanamori teaches his pupils to understand their inner thoughts and teaches them about the power of love, compassion, binding, and sustainable joy..

Joy-fully,

Rhonda

Dear Fellow Travelers,

I selectively endorse books, however this one is worth you taking a look.

We all know that minds create and most of us put a lot of energy into positive thinking. Why then are we living in such troubling times? Today I bring you information that is vital for living truly free lives, where we are in control and can once again create our ideal life.

I am writing about my friend and colleague, Eldon Taylor and his brand new book, Mind Programming: From Persuasion and Brainwashing to Self-Help and Practical Metaphysics. This is simply a must-read book! This message is so important that many of the world’s visionaries, myself included, have joined together to support this book launch.

View the trailer for Mind Programming:

CLICK HERE

As you read this book, you’ll feel the blinders being removed and you will truly see the world in an entirely new light.
Jeff Warrick, – documentary filmmaker, Programming the Nation?
[Read more →]

Life moves along at a hectic pace these days. In just one day we are bombarded with and expected to process the same amount of information that a century ago was experienced over a two-year period of time.

As many of you know, I have a three-year-old grandson who experiences autism. He is an amazing child who ‘marches to the beat of a different drummer.’ Passionate about the power of connection, I have felt drawn to him who has difficulty connecting, and have shifted my life to be close by to honor him in his world and hopefully expand his world to more fully include ours.

In June I will start a five day intensive training called Son Rise to learn more fully how to be of service to Brody’s needs and set up a home program for him. Who knows where this ‘YES’ will take me. It already has stretched my capacity to love authentically.

This program was started by Barry Kaufman, author of Happiness Is a Choice. Barry has long inspired me, even before I was aware that he had a severely autistic child who has since graduated from Brown University and is the CEO/Director of the Son Rise program at the Autism Treatment Center of America. Miracles do happen, and as Raun, his son, says, “I would rather be accused of having unrealistic optimism than unrealistic pessimism.”

These amazing kids are ever increasing in number, and I believe they are our canaries in the gold mine, here to alert us to the need to transform and heal our world and our way of being in relationship. They are here to remind us what is truly important.

Remember the story or the frogs and boiling water? If a frog is placed in a pot of already boiling water, the frog will make every effort to jump out, but if a frog is placed in a pot of cold water on the stove with gradually increasing heat, instead of jumping out when the water gets too hot, the frog will stay in the water and fall asleep until he meets his doom.

(Image by purpleslog via Flickr)

Reflected in this tendency, humans are similar. As the pace of life has gradually increased, we falsely believe that if we just run fast enough we can keep up with and manage all the pressures! Rather than recognize and declare our limits, we accommodate to the point of not knowing what we want. We are only half present when we are spread too thin. Attempting to juggle one more thing on top of another leads us to a state of “overwhelm” where all we do is react to all we face rather than choose to best design the life we want. We feel a victim of our circumstances rather than a co-creator of our reality. It’s hard to feel happy when we feel we have no life to call our own and stress is our only predictable emotion.

Under this kind of persistent pressure, everything seems urgent and we lose our ability to prioritize. When we are reacting rather than responding, we choose to fulfill the expectations of others rather than make decisions based on our values and what is important to us.

So, what is important to you? [Read more →]

Dear Happy Traveler,

I have always been curious about words… their origin, their apparent meaning, and their embedded or double meaning. As many of you know, I also enjoy revising the meaning to words so they hold a more intentional impact.

A word that caught my fancy recently was one we hear far too often these days: overwhelmed. Everywhere I turned, I hear the word in conversation, experience it in everyone’s attitudes, and witness the result on people’s faces.

Honestly I, too, had a week that tempted me to concur, however, remembered the words of Mother Teresa,

“I know God will never give me more than I can handle, I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

Her cantankerous commitment to optimism reminded me to take a deep breath and look again from a different view-point.

With her whispering in my ear, I insisted on believing there has to be a better way than despair, and somehow had it in me to refuse to succumb to this overwhelmed perception that only leads to feeling worse.

These feelings caused me to ponder what exactly is the “whelm” we are “overed” by? Hmmmmm. What is whelm?

whelm
Pronunciation: \?hwelm, ?welm\
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English
Date: 14th century
Definition:
1 : transitive verb 1 : to turn (as a dish or vessel) upside down, usually to cover something : cover or engulf completely with, usually disastrous effect
2 : to overcome in thought or feeling : overwhelm <whelmed with a rush of joy — G. A. Wagner> intransitive verb

When we get attached to the way we think life “should” be, we resist what is, even miss it all together. Life then moves forward about as easy as a car with the parking brake on. Our creativity and compassion shut down, prohibiting us to see all the alternative possibilities for joy available to us, even amidst challenging circumstances. Life becomes a pain in the rear to endure rather than an adventure to be explored. [Read more →]

Want to learn more about Positive Psychology? Here are a few suggestions…

1. A Primer in Positive Psychology by Christopher Peterson, Ph.D.

2. Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth by Ed Diener, Ph.D., and Robert Biswas-Diener, MA

3. Positivity: Groundbreaking Research Reveals How to Embrace the Hidden Strength of Positive Emotions, Overcoming Negativity, and Thrive by Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph.D.

4. The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D.

5. Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D.

6. The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom–Why the Meaningful Life Is Closer Than You Think by Jonathan Haidt, Ph.D.

7. Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert, Ph.D.

8. Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment by Tal Ben-Shahar

9. Happiness: A History by Darrin M. McMahon, Ph.D.

10.  Quality of Life Therapy: Applying a Life Satisfaction Approach to Positive Psychology and Cognitive Therapy by Michael B. Frisch, Ph.D.

It’s time to focus on all that is working, rather than belabor the things that are not. Far too often we dramatize life and become high maintenance in the process by exaggerating what is less than ideal. Life has it’s inevitable twists and turns, but need not throw ous off course. Detours are the opportunity to learn, change, or choose a different path.

Being a ‘whiner’ may be signature behavior for a cat, but not attractive for a human committed to sustainable happiness.

Dear Treasured Traveling Companions,

I am writing this from Southern California
with ash still raining from the sky as a result
of the devastating fires that surround me in
Long Beach as I visit my three grandsons. To
the north is Malibu, to the south is Orange
County and San Diego, and to the east are the
fires in Lake Arrowhead and the forests of San
Bernardino County. The creepy orange glow
of the sun struggles to be seen through the
already too smoggy LA basin. How can there be
happiness knowing tragedy haunts so many.
And yet, if we are willing to see, positive things
can emerge even amidst such heartache and
challenge. From the ashes rises the Phoenix.

Just a couple of days ago before the fires had
made any progress toward containment I had
the opportunity to attend the afternoon session
of the Women’s Conference 2007, a day devoted
to honoring women hosted by Maria Shriver.
Here women gathered for a day of empowerment,
inspiration, acknowledgment. The meaning of the
day expanded as together we imagined ways to
provide relief for affected families. Together we
reflected on them, loosing their homes, jobs, and
life as they had known it, and attempted to vision
resilience for new beginnings. What we focus on
expands, and so we visioned peace and courage
for these families, and the safety of those risking
their lives to fight the fires.

It was amazing to hear the powerful presentations
of women such as Maria Shriver, Jamie Lee Curtis,
Linda Ellerbee, Nora Effron, and Nobel Peace Prize
recipient and activist Jody Williams. Distributed
were the Minerva Awards. The Maria Shriver Minerva
Award features Minerva, the Roman Goddess of
war and wisdom.

According to mythology, with her helmet on,
Minerva is a tireless warrior; without it she is the
goddess of peace. Today, women are warriors in
their everyday lives who nurture, protect and
fight for the people and causes they hold dear.
In her endeavors, Minerva embodies the qualities
of courage, wisdom and strength.

It was equally as powerful learn more about the
recipients of this award as it was to overhear the
conversations of ordinary women while standing in
line awaiting to be inspired. In a way, it was as touching
to hear these informal circles of women sharing from
their heart and imagining outside the box the ways
that they might be of service to those who were
experiencing loss in the surrounding communities.
Through contributions of time, energy, and money
and informal commitments made, a day devoted to
honoring women altered it’s focus to include offering
relief to the fire victims. Happiness honed by heartache
teaches us that we are all one and connected in some
way.

This conference is an event I will now plan to attend
each year, and many women there had already made it
an annual ritual pilgrimage. To hear/see clips of this
year’s conference, and years past, visit:

http://www.californiagovernorsconference.org/.

Dear Ones,

How grateful we continue to be to have you as a circle of support for my grandnephew, Connor, and his family. I am deeply pleased to continue to send you good news. Connor will soon return to Alaska after close to a year long stay at Children’s Hospital/Ronald McDonald House in Seattle.

As I read my niece’s latest update that I forward on to you, I am touched by her grace and her talent as a mom and a writer. Although Connor’s journey has been a rough one, it is Alicia who has walked a relentlessly stressful road, holding her family together at every turn. I wish I could give her days of sleep followed by and an all expenses paid family vacation to Disney World (their favorite place ion earth). She and Steve could have allowed the pressures to pull them apart, but instead their relationship is all the stronger. Although they had their moments of melt down, I seldom saw them take their stress out on one another. Instead they had great compassion and tenderness for one another, offering each other strength even when miles apart. Also, the grandmother’s offered such selflessness to be their for their little ones. It took the village! What peace builders they have been. It has not been an easy time for them to put their lives on hold in order to be present as a durable support system. Their presence and hands on help has made this challenging journey much easier.

So, drink in Alicia’s amazing update. I do hope at some point she will finally have time to pull these updates together and weave them with more of her reflections about this road of healing into a book to serve other parents.

Once again, thank you for surrounding Connor with your healing light. Since you now know you can heal cancer, what amazing thing will you do next. It makes everything else easier!!!

Please do not relinquish Connor from your prayers as he still has a distance to travel, but regardless of what is ahead, we joyfully celebrate now!!!

In deep gratitude,
Rhonda

CONNOR’S UPDATE…

Connor has done remarkable over the last month. He has slowly come off several of the medications used to treat his graft verse host disease (GVHD) and is showing no signs of any problems. Since he is still on two medications that lower his immune system, I have to check his temperature at least twice a day. Any time he gets a fever of over 101 degrees, even if he has no other symptoms, we get to go to the hospital and have blood tests done to rule out infection. Unfortunately, over the last month we have been to the ER four times for this reason. Most of the time the fevers would go away as quickly as they came but last Sunday this was not the case. In less than an hour, his fever went from being normal to 104 degrees. After having blood tests done in the ER, he was admitted into the hospital the next day with a blood infection. The doctors started him on antibiotics and within a day, the infection was getting better and we were able to return “home” Thursday. Even though it was a shame to be back in the hospital, it gave us a chance to see all the incredible people who have been there for us every step of the way one last time before heading back to Alaska. We still do not have an exact date on when we will get to return home but the doctors are talking about sometime the middle of March. Along with doing well medically, he has done marvelous with potty training and as his hair gets longer and the signs of cancer fade thankfully there is little left to remind us of all his body has been through.

Carson is a master at walking and loves to climb on everything. His personality is starting to blossom as he becomes more independent. He has accomplished many milestones while living a “hospital life” and it is hard to believe that he was not even rolling over when we got here. Steve is incredible and my love for him gets stronger everyday. As hard as it is for us to be down here coping with all of this I cannot imagine how hard it is for him to be at home. He has been working hard on our house to get it ready for us to return home and I am very excited to see all the changes. I was able to go home for a weekend the end of January to help pick out some of the new things for the house. It was wonderful to be home even if it was only for a short time. Most days what I desire most is more sleep. Between Connor’s appointments, medicine and chasing the boys by the end of the day I am exhausted. Nevertheless, no matter how tired I am when I hear the boys laughing and playing together it makes everything worth it

Recently a wonderful website: www.freewebs.com/kidscancercrusade was brought to my attention. This great site brings together stories from families that are surviving childhood cancer. It allows you to follow there journey, provide encouragement and send sympathy. I know one of the things that helped me through the hard days was the messages of hope and support. I encourage all of you to check out this site and see the amazing children that are more courageous than I can ever hope to be.

Thank you to everyone for you continued support. There is not a day that goes by after all this time that we do not feel your love and prayers.

All our love,
The Dunham’s
Steve, Alicia, Connor and Carson

Check out Connor singing Take Me out to the Ball Game at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7116764384596726585&pr=goog-sl

God Sent to Me an Angel

By Paul Dammon 11/96

God sent to me an angel,

it had a broken wing.

I bent my head and wondered,

“How could God do such a thing?”

When I asked the Father

why He sent this child to me,

the answer was forthcoming;

He said, “Listen and you’ll see.”

“My children are all precious,

and none is like the rest.

Each one to me is special,

and the least is as the best.

I send each one from Heaven

and I place it in the care

of those who know my mercy,

those with love to spare.

Sometimes I take them back again.

Sometimes I let them stay.

No matter what may happen,

I am never far away.

So if you find an angel

and you don’t know what to do, l

remember, I am with you,

love is all I ask of you.”

Alicia R. Dunham

5130 40th Ave NE, Room B 13

Seattle WA 98105

206-838-0707 Seattle Home

www.thestatus.com ID:Dunham- Password:unique-book

The bone marrow made it here safe and sound and at 9:30pm Connor’s transplant began. It is infused, much like a blood transfusion is given, over 3-4hours. Everything is going great so far and now the waiting for engraftment to begin. Thank you to everyone for your continued love and prayers.

All our love,

The Dunham’s

Dear Family, Friends and Loved Ones,

Tomorrow, September 27th, a miracle will happen… a very conscious miracle. Connor will receive a donation of pure love, pure connection of heart from a 34 year-old woman from Europe we know little about in the form of her bone marrow. We do know that this young woman is willing to gift Connor with possibility. We all voice our gratitude!

Our happiness is our responsibility, even at times like this one when fear knocks.

“When fear knocked, faith answered, and no one was there.”
– Old English Proverb

The greatest gift we can give another is being accountable and responsible for our own joy. We call on a sense of knowing that all is well regardless of the circumstances. Seeing the magic in each precious present moment allows us to see beyond the limits of our circumstances and limiting beliefs and allows us to gain strength from the unexpected miracles that exist in even the most challenging times.

This journey has brought together a huge family of support. What we focus on expands, so let us join in showering love on all who have been and will be remotely or directly a part of Connor’s transplant tomorrow. See Connor’s body receiving this pure love in the form of bone marrow from an angel across the pond, and envision it being welcomed by Connor’s body for rapid rejuvenation and healing. Feel the joy this woman feels knowing she has done a noble thing. Imagine the courage of Steve and Alicia as they cradle Connor through this experience. Let time transform. Bless each caregiver, family, friend and stranger, that comes to assist them and to help care for Carson. Hold the hands of the grandma’s and grandpa’s who ache to see thier children and grandchildren walk this uncertain path. Celebrate the love and flow of resources present that will eventually carry this family home to Alaska to a house easily prepared to accommodate for Connor’s transitioning immune system. Trust the Mystery to offer faith, hope, and courage that we dance with and surrender to with grace whatever is meant to be for our highest and best. Together our compassion and connection grows as we experience community and as we walk together on this journey with Connor.

Here is Alicia’s current ,and oh so inspiring update.
Breathe in this sacred miracle and know you are an essential part.

XXOO,
Rhonda

9/26/06

From Alicia and the Dunham family…

Hello to all,

Back in July when we found out Connor was going to need a bone marrow transplant and September seemed to be an eternity away. And now here we sit in our hospital room only hours from one of the biggest moments of our life.

Connor checked into Childrens Hospital Monday the 18th and was started on fluids to make sure he was fully hydrated for radiation Tuesday morning. We had to go the University of Washington to receive radiation and since he was feeling good Steve and I were able to drive him. I didn’t think it was going to be as hard as it was for me to start this next phase but as they sedated him to start the procedure I was in a whirlwind of emotions. I was crying both tears of joy and anxiety knowing that there was no turning back once the radiation began. Connor did great! He had a total of 8 sessions over 4 days. Since he is so small they had to sedate him each time to ensure he would not move. This meant no eating or drinking from 3am till about 4pm and although Connor was not to happy about this, he did wonderful. We were warned that the radiation would make him tired and not want to eat and that he would probably need to be started on I.V. nutrition by the start of the weekend. Well here we are Tuesday and even though he is not as active as he was just days ago, he still wants to go for walks, plays basketball and has even been able to maintain his weight well enough to not need I.V. nutrition yet. The doctors are impressed every morning at how well he is doing. Today is a rest day with no major events planned and the transplant still on schedule for sometime Wednesday. No one can tell us what to expect after the transplant because everyone’s timeline of events are different but the doctors expect that the marrow will start to engraft 10-20 days after transplant.

The rest of us are doing well and are all adjusting to hospital living. Steve took the first week of hospital “duty” and enjoyed spending the extra time one on one with Connor while he has been feeling good. This week is my turn. I think one of the most difficult things for me while Connor is in the hospital is finding balance between being with him, spending time with Carson and finding time for myself without feeling guilty about where I am at. I know that Carson is surrounded by love no matter where he so it makes it a little easier when I am at the hospital for long hours. Carson had his 9 month well baby check up yesterday and passed with flying colors. He weights 22.7 lbs and is 30 inches tall. He learned how to wave bye-bye this week and is working on getting a few more teeth.

I was recently asked “What is the most important thing you have learned so far in this adventure?” It is hard for me to answer this question with just one thing because this whole experience has changed me so much in many ways. I have questioned every aspect of my life since we have been here and have become a better person because of it. Children are amazing! I see this everyday, and even though I would never wish for any family to have to experience this, I do think you should spend sometime with a child who has cancer and see how they look at life. They live in the moment and know how to embrace everything that life has to offer. It will truly teach you that on a daily basis we don’t take enough time to enjoy life. As adults we get caught up in work, money, and material possessions and forget to take pleasure in all the wonderful things that surround us. Everyday I see how wonderful God is and without being forced to turn to him in this time of need I don’t think I would have truly experienced His splendor.

I am not sure what time Connor’s transplant will be on Wednesday but I ask that you hold us close to your hearts, lift him up in prayer, and take a few minutes to enjoy what life has to offer as we all take this next big step.

All our love,
The Dunham’s
Steve, Alicia, Connor and Carson

Alicia R. Dunham

5130 40th Ave NE

Seattle WA 98105

206-838-0888 Seattle Home

907-232-4629 Alicia Cell

907-232-1206 Steve Cell

www.thestatus.com ID:Dunham- Password:unique-book

http://www.connordunham.com