Make a difference now

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I want to improve the conditions around me right now. For that I consider what is in my actual power. I will not be bitter or sarcastic but will see hardship as a challenge. I will accept that a lot of things are outside of my control but I won’t forget that there are some things that I can control. I am doing all of this not forgetting that everything is impermanent, even our species and universe. And that thus none of what I do will have a permanent effect. I will not use that as an excuse to waive my right to vote, to withold my duty to sign petitions or to not get involved with charities or my community.

Transmission

I will show other people that they matter and will help them realize their potential.

Compassion

• I solemnly pledge to treat sentient beeings with unlimited respect
  • I will adopt animals from the animal shelter and take good care of them.
  • I will eat vegetarian and/or vegan for one or all meals of the week
  • I will protect animals with all means at my disposal.
  • I will not aquire products that might have caused suffering
  • I am aware of the many deaths of animals for medicine and I stay conscious of what we put them through for our benefit.
• I will give people the benefit of a doubt
  • I will not assume bad intentions over neglect and misunderstanding (Hanlon’s razor)
  • I will not jump to conclusions and I will try to understand a motivation
  • I will focus on what we have in common not on the differences
  • I will start each interaction with a blank slate
• I will act kind towards other people
  • Ask people if they need help
  • Smile sincerely
  • Make eye contact with shop assistants and take the time to say thank you
  • Don’t put my bag on the seat next to me so people can sit
  • Help people carry their groceries
  • Offer my seat to someone that needs it more
  • Let people exit the train/bus before I enter, don’t stand in their way
• I will Share
  • Share and borrow tools
  • Provide services for and consume services from my neighbours
• I will use my skill for good
  • I will stick to a strict code of work ethics
  • I will give my knowledge and skill free for good causes
• I will Donate Money to a charity (see Awesome List of Charities)
  • Gift Donations for birthdays and christmas

Nature

• I will reduce trash production and polution
  • I will abstain from buying anything when possible
  • I will buy second hand
  • I will remove trash whenever I get the chance
  • Shaveing using a straight razor or safety razor use bars of shaving foam, not cans
  • Brushing my teeth with miswak or a compostable toothbrush made out of wood or bamboo
  • Buying clothes second hand and give old clothes away
• Walking and using public transportation
• Don’t fly (impact of aviation)
• Buying products without plastic packaging (e.g. bar soap)
• Meditating on compassion (for yourself and others)
• Going on a fast
• Donating Money to a charity (e.g. Greenpeace) see Awesome List of Charities
• Saving energy
  • Don’t celebrate earth hour once a year but make it a daily practice