Taking Action
Taking Action: that arises from Not-Knowing and Bearing Witness
The underlying intention is that the action that arises be a caring action, which serves everyone and everything,
including yourself, in the whole situation.
Share your project and also find out what is happening in your community.
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(All Projects Are Listed Below)

I started a mobile shower program for the homeless after I moved to an area where many homeless individuals lived, but where there were no public showers available to them.
We all know the gifts of a hot shower; that feeling of being clean and fresh and the uplift it gives to your spirit; it can change your whole outlook for the day ahead. Our shower trailer is driven to 5 shower sites 5 days a week. The sites are primarily located at multiple local churches. There is a staff of 6 volunteers at each site, they welcome our shower guests, hand out new underwear and socks, and clean each shower unit in prep for the next guest.
The best part of working at the showers, for me and our volunteers, is the respect and caring that develop between those working and our homeless guests. Our homeless guests are thankful for our simple shower service and their “thank yous” and “God bless yous” and the uplift in their step, has a direct impact on us volunteers, causing us to be thankful to be able to both know and help others who are in need.
We all know the gifts of a hot shower; that feeling of being clean and fresh and the uplift it gives to your spirit; it can change your whole outlook for the day ahead. Our shower trailer is driven to 5 shower sites 5 days a week. The sites are primarily located at multiple local churches. There is a staff of 6 volunteers at each site, they welcome our shower guests, hand out new underwear and socks, and clean each shower unit in prep for the next guest.
The best part of working at the showers, for me and our volunteers, is the respect and caring that develop between those working and our homeless guests. Our homeless guests are thankful for our simple shower service and their “thank yous” and “God bless yous” and the uplift in their step, has a direct impact on us volunteers, causing us to be thankful to be able to both know and help others who are in need.

Today, I had the honour of holding space for a mother and daughter to come and do some coffin weaving with me. Their husband/father died just two weeks ago, from cancer that had spread all through his body, and from what they told me, he faced his illness and his death with both resilience and grace. The loss of this important presence in both their lives was hugely evident, the story they shared with me of his final passing and his last words still very much alive in my heart. This work that I do, this being drawn into such an intimate time with total strangers, to bear witness to their (often very raw) grief, is nothing less than a privilege. Every time.
I have been weaving coffins since 2020, inspired as I was by my aunt-in-law’s death in 2015 and her own request to be buried in a willow coffin. The time I spent helping to make her coffin woke something up in me - something I can only begin to describe as a deeper spiritual connection to the boundless cycle of life and death - the essence of which remains at the heart of why I continue to do what I do for a living. Inviting people to come and help weave a part of a family member or friend’s coffin is what gives my willow work soul. Working together, as we do, feels both ancient and wholly present. People always comment on how ‘meditative’ it feels when they get into the flow of the weaving. It allows them, I believe, a moment’s reprieve from their grief, and the opportunity to pour some of that grief through their hearts and hands, weaving love into this last resting place for the one who has died.
When a family leaves my workshop - as did this mother and daughter today - I feel the absence of their presence keenly in the space around me. And, more than that, I feel the presence of something else - a gift, always, in the shape of something I have learned from them. A lesson, every time, in how to be more present and how to live life fully.
I have been weaving coffins since 2020, inspired as I was by my aunt-in-law’s death in 2015 and her own request to be buried in a willow coffin. The time I spent helping to make her coffin woke something up in me - something I can only begin to describe as a deeper spiritual connection to the boundless cycle of life and death - the essence of which remains at the heart of why I continue to do what I do for a living. Inviting people to come and help weave a part of a family member or friend’s coffin is what gives my willow work soul. Working together, as we do, feels both ancient and wholly present. People always comment on how ‘meditative’ it feels when they get into the flow of the weaving. It allows them, I believe, a moment’s reprieve from their grief, and the opportunity to pour some of that grief through their hearts and hands, weaving love into this last resting place for the one who has died.
When a family leaves my workshop - as did this mother and daughter today - I feel the absence of their presence keenly in the space around me. And, more than that, I feel the presence of something else - a gift, always, in the shape of something I have learned from them. A lesson, every time, in how to be more present and how to live life fully.
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Daily Practice & Training - Interfaith - Well Being
"Ancient Traditions in Modern Times: Natori Ryu Buddhist Studies"
"Embracing the Past, Enlightening the Present"
Natori Ryu Buddhism Studies Group Welcome to the Natori Ryu Buddhism Studies Group, a community committed to delving into the profound teachings of Buddhism with a special focus on Soto Zen Buddhism. Our mission is to cultivate a deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and spiritual traditions. Join us as we explore: Nittenshi No Ho (Sun Ritual): Experience the ancient and sacred sun ritual, harmonizing nature and spiritual enlightenment. Learn its history, significance, and meditative techniques. Soto Zen Buddhism: Engage in guided sitting sessions, discovering zazen (seated meditation), mindfulness, and teachings of Dogen Zenji. General Buddhism Studies: Explore diverse Buddhist traditions, covering various schools of thought and practices from historical and contemporary perspectives. Esoteric Studies: Dive into Japan's mystical spiritual heritage, uncovering esoteric practices, rituals, and teachings for deeper spiritual insights. We foster a respectful and supportive environment for all, encouraging open discussion, shared learning, and personal growth. Join us to value the wisdom of the past and its relevance to modern life.
Natori Ryu Buddhism Studies Center USA
- Moultrie

Daily Practice & Training - Well Being
Awakening at Home
Providing home practices to soothe and bring awareness into everyday life.
Awakening at Home has been offering classes, a monthly blog and online meditation for over 17 years. We are the child of Hearth Foundation which supported mothers in the home based spiritual practice. Our foundation is Buddhist and our main practice in meditation and presence. We have offered a monthly dharma essay once a month for 17 years and supported mothers internationally.
Awakening at Home
- Sonoma, Ca

Arts - Climate Change - Human Rights - Interfaith
Peace Education in Community
The PECHV offers programs for educators, children, and community members who are committed to peace building at all levels: personal, interpersonal, communal, and global.
The Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley
- Rosendale, NY, USA

Human Rights - Well Being
Sustaining Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Language Roots: Nurturing Heritage & Strengthening Communities
We empower migrant and refugee communities to establish and manage after-hours schools where children can learn and preserve their heritage language and culture
Hunter Community Languages
- 63 Scott St, Newcastle, NSW Australia

Climate Change - Daily Practice & Training - Entrepreneurship - Food & Shelter Security - Interfaith - Well Being
Empowering Refugee Teen Mothers: Building a Self-Sustaining Vocational Hub in Nakivale
"Empowering Refugees, Building Futures" "Skills for Self-Reliance, Hope for Tomorrow"
Founded by Muganuzi Mushongole Adonis in 2017, Yaren is dedicated to empowering refugee mothers, women, and youth in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
YAREN ORGANISATION LTD
- Nakivale Refugee Settlement South West Isingiro District of Uganda