Central America! Here we come!

Global Youth Initiative for Disarmament and Shared Security Conference in Costa Rica

Ralph and Spencer were both very fortunate to have been chosen by H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to attend The Global Youth Initiative for Disarmament and Shared Security Conference in Costa Rica. The Conference brought together youth representing the worlds religions to work together for an arms free world and a shared future. Here are some of our experiences.


Thursday, November 5th and Friday November 6th, 2009


Day 1: Depart Montreal for Costa Rica!

We were off to Costa Rica and the excitement was building. What adventures awaited us? Who would we meet? What would we learn? It all awaited us at the equator. Ralph was stuck in a meeting and ended up running late. After hoping in a taxi and arriving at the airport, he realized he had forgotten his wallet at home. After some swift taxi driving and a hefty fare, he made the departure with enough time for us to speak with his brother, Chris, a full time teacher in Jordan. After a live tour of the newly established Jordan Center, courtesy of Chris's Mac book, it was time to board the plane.

Ralph used his ingenuity on the plane and found innovative way of making new friends by exploding ceaser salad dressing not all over himself or the passenger next to him but by sending a Tsunami of sauce on a Mexican gentleman sitting directly behind him. I still have no idea how the physics of that work but something told me the gentleman had other things on his mind. After the laughter stopped Ralph smoothed things over. He gave him his salad. Ha, kidding. That being said, the food was good, and the decent was impressive. Mexico city seems to never end at night. White and yellow lights cover the landscape straight to the mountains. Even some mountains have not been able to escape this overflowing city, as the city creeps over their peaks.

Upon our arrival in Costa Rica we were treated like kings. Ricardo from the Arias Foundation greeted us, sped us past the line through customs, and chauffeured us to the hotel, it was time to end the day and get some rest.

Day 2: Exploring the Rich Coast

Costa Rica, which translates literally as "Rich Coast”, constitutionally abolished its army permanently in 1949. Costa Rica has consistently been among the top Latin American countries in terms of the Human Development Index. The country is ranked 5th in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2008 Environmental Performance Index. In 2007 the Costa Rican government announced plans for Costa Rica to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021. According to the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica ranks first in the Happy Planet Index and is the greenest country in the world. [sources from wikipedia].

How should we spend our first day before the conference begins Spencer and I wondered at the 1^st hour of Friday morning? After careful research and detailed planning in the hotel lobby, juggling between Spanish and English with the front desk clerks, we decided that the best way for us to explore this rich coast was by renting a car and driving to the Pacific Ocean. And that's how we were on our way to Jaco Beach 10 am Friday morning.

The seasons in Costa Rica are quite interesting. Winter is the green season where it usually rains every day in the evening or night and is very sunny and hot during the day. The temperatures vary between 13 and 27 deg C.

We got ourselves a Diesel Toyota Corolla, apparently all cars in Costa Rica run on Diesel. The drive was magical. Never had I expected to see such beautiful, vibrant, lush and diverse exposition of mother nature. Spencer practiced his Spanish by asking Costa Ricans on the side of the roads how to get to “Plaja Jaco”, or “Placo Jaco”, or “placa Cajo”. To his surprise people could not always interpret this mysterious lingo. To our luck there was no high way to take us from San Jose to Jaco Beach, so we had to drive through the mountains and the narrow roads through farm villages and numerous waterfalls. Up to the top of a misty mountain then again down the valley, then again up to the top of another. We were awe stuck and the only 3 words coming out were WOOW, AMAZING and I’M HUNGRY. So we stopped many many times to the side of the road to buy fresh tropical fruits and ate along the way, or should I say Spencer ate along the way while I was rally driving this stick shift Toyota across the Costa Rican Mountains.

Although the ride to the beach was a phenomenal adventure, our final destination was even better. Jaco beach is the most popular surf town in Costa Rica. Since San Jose is quite far from the beach, time had only allowed us to stay at the beach for 1 hour. Spencer went and got his Surf Board! And there he goes to ride the waves! As for me I enjoyed swimming in the crystal clear ocean watching surfers riding the waves. I even got my first surfing lesson that day!

Day 3: Good morning Mr. President

The ARMS DOWN Conference opened with an address from the President of Costa Rica, Mr. Arias. A former Nobel Peace Laureate, and one of the creators of Disarmament for Development, President Arias’s words were touching as he told a story of Budha and his experience of a world of suffering and poverty outside of his palace. President Arias related Budha’s experience to our responsibility to take action to improve our world. Later we spoke with his secretary, and arranged a short meeting with President Arias before his motorcade’s departure. During our meeting, President Arias was encouraging and interested in what we shared with him regarding The Art of Living and the opportunities for a partnership in his country to work on social projects. He advised us to set up a meeting with the Director of his Foundation to discuss the details. The president complimented us many times on how much he loved Montreal, in particular its cuisine. We are definitely men cut from the same cloth! After a quick presidential photo op we were back in the conference, focusing on the topic of the day, Nuclear weapons. What is their status in the world? What are the reprocusions of their use? Most importantly, what can we do? As we broke into our afternoon sessions, ready to learn more, my body let me know that there was a less important but much more urgent priority. The water in Costa Rica was not as friendly as I had hoped.

Day 4: Meet the Twin Bulls and explore Costa Rican Coffee

Day 4 was the 2^nd day of the conference. We learnt about the 2^nd Goal which is to “Stop the proliferation and misuse of conventional weapons”. I was fighting a cold that morning and did not make the entire morning session. However all the speakers were excellent in illustrating the realities that the world faces with the presence of conventional weapons all around us.

Lunch was held at the beautiful residence of Daniela Torre which is in the middle of coffee plantation fields. Her family grows their own coffee beans and uses that property as a way to attract crowds and inform them about Costa Rica’s Coffea making tradition. Fresh Strawberry juice and a pair of Bulls were waiting for us as we arrived. Apparently Bulls were the first mode of transportation in Costa Rica.

During the afternoon sessions were learnt about Lobbying and Advocacy and brainstormed with our respective teams (North America for myself and Europe for Spence

Day 5: Last Day!

Suddenly the last day of the conference was upon us. The conference session opened with summaries of our plenary sessions, that detailed various strategies for making impactfull change in society. Ralph and I prepared a summary of our groups advocacy session. I told my chocolate bunny joke. You could hear a pin drop. I’m lucky the guy with the cane took the day off. Luckily the presentation went very well with great participation and interest from the audience.

The presentations for our Regional Groups Action Plans were next. The detail and professionalism of the groups was very impressive. Ralph took North American, and I’ll be talking Europe. It was a pleasure to address the entire conference especially the time I took to speak about faith.

The evening finished with a surprise trip to the National Center for Biodiversity. It was pretty late so they might have just taken us to someone’s back yard for all we know. All jokes aside it was gorgeous. Take a look at this swiss cheese plant. I always though Cheese came from milk. Who knew?

The Costa Rican Minister of Peace wrapped up the conference with a heartfelt story from his child hood and his dreams that the children of the future be as fortunate as he was. Then it was party time! We were treated to a traditional Costa Rican dance and music, followed by a performance from a Youth Symphony Orchestra. The finaly was an incredible medley of Michael Jackson hits, absolutely unreal. As the hour approached 10pm and Ralph and my stomachs had nearly digested themselves it was time for a sumptuous dinner, followed by the premier of the disarmament campaign video. And if you can believe it even more entertainment. The night ended early for some and did not end for others, regardless a night to remember for all.

Day 6 Back to Montreal

The sounds of “Where is Spencer?” echoed in the hotel lobby at 6am in the morning as the airport shuttle was getting ready to leave. Spencer decided to take a nap early in the morning but his body failed him and he slept in. Luckily he made the bus shuttle and we were all on our way back to Montreal.

We spent the last few hours in Costa Rica and Mexico with the company of two great individuals who attended the conference: Lawrence from Singapore and Areti from New Zeeland. We discussed everything from religion to human values to politics, sitting in the airport waiting for our flight to board. We were surprised by the fact that the flight clerk was looking for us and came to invite us to board the aircraft. We landed in Mexico City, again amazing view as the plane delicately lands in between the thousands of buildings.

Since the 4 of us had plenty of waiting time in Mexico City Airport, we decided to venture out and visit the area. So we did. With our hand luggage we got out of the airport and landed right into the middle of the city. We found a nice restaurant and decided to have brunch there. No one knew we were from out of town, especially that we had our luggage with us, were talking to the waiters and waitresses in broken Spanish and took photos with the owner of the restaurant who kindly prepared for Spencer and I a vegetarian plate, very rare in Mexico. Our last moments in Mexico City ended up sitting on the sidewalk of a café and talking about life.

The flight back to Montreal was smooth and quick. We watched a movie and talked about the conference and its key learnings. We got back to Montreal at 7:30pm, one hour and a half after the YES!+ course had started. Antoine was teaching and Spencer jo

Oh Canada!

What an incredible tour through Europe! I return to Canada in a few days, so I met with some of my french students before I left. We did Sadhana, had Satsang, spoke knowledge, laughed and joked together. We stumbled on something very interesting, that if you like, I could share with you. Excuses. We all make excuses. They make life easier, right? Many times we make an excuse so we won't hurt anothers feelings or someone else won't get angry.

Is this really the case?

What are excuses? Excuses are beatifuly crafted stories that absolve us of responsability. It pinches to take responsability doesn't it? We become suseptible to the critisism of others and that is never comfortable or enjoyable. So we continue, but what are we missing out on. Mayby you can answer me a question? When have you learned the most in your life? Has it been those moment that you were completely comfortable or was there a stretch there, was it uncomfortable but alive, and chalenging? We all have things we want in life, I tell you if you stay in the comfort zone you will never get them. The beautiful secret of responsability is that, once you take it all of these things will simply be given to you. It is like all our lives we have been pushing on the door to happiness with out reading the tiny sign above the handel, "pull".

That is what excuses are, aren't they? Excuses are beautiful enchanting stories we tell our selves to convince ourselves we are not responsible. Take a look! Who are you really fooling? Fool other people all you want but fooling yourself, that is not very intelligent. Why? Who looses? I think you can figure that out. I challenge you today. Take responsability for yourself, your emotions, your own state of mind, your actions just for today. I can't guarantee it will be enjoyable or easy but I can guaruntee that you will never have respected and loved yourself more.

JGD,
Spencer

About Me

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys, and Girls, Kids of all ages, Welcome to the exploration of my experience as a wave in this ocean of awesomeness we call life. Who am I? What and incredible question! Rather than answering it, I'll leave it with you. I have been told that that question has more value than everything else in this universe. However, I can share with you a few details about little ole me :).
Born to the best parents on earth. Raymon, the most charismatic and gernerous person I have ever met, and Donna, an embodiment of love, and unmatched creativity. I was born with long black hair (down to my shoulders) Ozzy Osborne would have been proud! That evening it all fell out and I grew in the lusious blonde locks I have now. Which was a relief to my father as both my parents are blonde! Ha! I have been incredibly fortunate to have lived across Canada; from British Colombia to New Brunswich, and one year in magnificent Australia. I'll have to tell you about that some time. Wow!

One weekend in junior high some family and friends decided to audition for a TV show. I heard they were going for Harvey's Fries after words so without question I was in. You'll see this is theme in my life. Sweet delicious cuisine. MMMMMMM! I ended up landing a spot on "Hey Kid", a kids news, and variety programe . We produced programing for 3 Years. It was a blast.

I have always been facinated by how things work? The natural environment and our connection to it facinates me. Which is probably why I ended up with a degree in Chemistry and Biology, from Mount Alison University. Since then I have had the good fortune to publish my work, and research in facinating areas such as Nutritional Biochemistry, particularly the development of a natural agent to reduce cholesterol at McGill University, in Montreal.

Speaking of Montreal. I have had the tremendous good forture to have made the best of friends who are truly family. I have grown with them in love and knowledge, fights, and celebration, and through it all have found a life that vibrates with enthusiasm; joy, lots of laughs, slience, knowledge and service. All this was made posible by most inspiring being I have ever met His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. After, and during the Art of Living Course, and being personally trained by him as a volunteer and teacher, my life has blossomed in ways that I never fealt posssible. If you would really like to know me, or more so yourself, take YES!+ (Click the title About Me) Remarkable!

Colours of India

If the journey of life is from head to heart, then satsang is the high way to enlightenment. Last week saw the debut of an incredible event in Grenoble, Colours of India. This incredible experience or chanting, dance, and the breath was organized by a fireball of shakti and enthusiasm, Ajra. In just two weeks she was able to create original dance performances, reherse, sell over 100 tickets, publisize, book the hall, arrange for catering, and organize our participation. Did I mention she is doing her Ph.D. at the moment? Ha! As you can see this is no ordinary person, she's a YES!+ (http://www.artoflivingyouth.ca/) graduate! One of the most remarkable people I know, Serge Michenaud, a mind blowing YES! Teacher from Paris recruited a select section of the renouned Lyon Satsang for what was to be a glorious evening.

The event showcased modern bollywood Indian dance, glorious satsang, delicious pakoras, byrani, sweets, profound knowledge, and powerful breathing techniques curtousy of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Not in person unfortunately, however his Shakti was definitly felt with an auditorium of over 100 people blasting out toxins with 3 rounds of the "Moka Capaccino" of breathing techniques. All the benefits and none of the calories (or energy crash)! The Lions of Lyon took to the stage and blasted the crowd with bhajan after dazling bhajan. The shakti rose to such a point that those who came to spectate found themselves begining to jirate, and those that came to watch us groove were finding their lips were inspired to move.

Our set was laid out, planned, and practiced, half an hour before the event. This left just enough time to grab my iphone snaps, get blow away by another glimpse of the Alpes, and run into a YES!+ graduate from Montreal, curteousy of whom the recordings from the evening were provided. You'll have to wait unil next time to savour the colours of India with your eyes, but lets see how far I can take you with sound (Click the the title of this post; Colours of India)!

Om Nama Shivya!

On pedale!

Let me tell you something. When the Lyonaise do something, they do it right. Mathieu et Sophie asked me if I wanted a tour of Lyon, so I was expecting a nice walking tour, a few cafes, maybe a place to find myself a buret. What I recieved was far beyond! The Velomnibus. In the spirit of ecology and fun, the Velomnibus is a tour bus powered by the pumpin legs of its passengers. Each person is seated on a bycicle facing all the other guests on a round dining table. You are treated to delisious Soline fare as you petal your eco-resto-bus around gorgeous Lyon. Sing a few songs, wave at everyone that is staring at you, as you sip on chai and take in all the sites. My first experience of Lyon by Night! The only place where they may boast a true 0 calorie meal! Ha!

Bienvenue a Lyon

Lyon! I couldn't have asked for a better welcome, complete with Art of Living Lyon Banner, and the brightest smiles in Le Gare Centrale.

During my first week in Lyon I stayed with Mathieu and Sophie, two incredible Art of Living teachers that own and operate an absolutely delectible vegetarian restaurant in Lyon. Feast your eyes on Soline!

The restaurant offers vegetarian cuisine from around the world. Each day there is a new dish created to rhyme with the theme of the week.

You can devour everything from the American Hamburger or decide to take your tast buds on a tour of Thialand and enjoy the delisious spring rolls! These delicacies are fresh (everything is made that day), and healthy (balanced in nutrients and 100 organic). An incredible experience for any one that happens to hop into Lyon, for a vacation or to change the world!

Ladies and Gentlement! Boys and Girls! Children of all ages...

We are about to comence a journey into knowledge, service, great dinning, and tones of fun.

Buckel up. It is goin to be a wild ride!

Welcome to Tell me more.