COFFEE BREAK 145

+ Updated at 1:05pm EST, Tuesday, February 23, 2010

+ Spirituality and Practice offers "Global Marshall Plan" by Mary Ann and Frederic Brussat. Excerpt:

In Buddhism, everything starts with generosity. It lays the groundwork of the spiritual life because it is based on letting go. Generosity opens the heart, which is why it brings us close to freedom. Buddhist meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein has written: "When we have developed a heart of generosity, a heart that wishes well to all beings, not just a few, when we've come close to the suffering in the world, the heart moves to alleviate suffering."

That impulse is evident in the Network of Spiritual Progressives' proposed Global Marshall Plan. They believe that the United States needs a foreign policy based not on domination but on generosity. In place of war and mass killings, this plan offers hope and trust among the peoples of the earth and a co-operative effort to end poverty and environmental destruction. This article (pdf) outlines the essential ingredients of the Global Marshall Plan and responds to the criticisms of it as too idealistic for a world of power and conflict. We believe it offers a wise plan for the future based on ethical principles and the best path to the survival of American democracy.

+ I will see if I can embed the Ice Dancing performance of Meryl Davis and Charlie White last night at the Vancouver Olympics.  They got the silver medal but should have received the gold metal.  Their synchronicity with music from The Phantom of the Opera was outstanding. Here's a link to the video > http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/assetid=6da95c69-187c-4fb9-9fec-3cc4b55ec5ea.html

I have watched it three times and I have been brought to tears each time. Wow! One with the music.  One with everything. 

Tracy Wilson, an Olympic champion herself and one of the NBC commentators said: "They don't let a note go by without acknowledging it in some way. That's what draws you in.  As an audience, you are captivated by them."

That's for sure.