Punk rock. Divorce. Buddhism. Heidiminx explains how she developed her DIY approach to fixing the world.
Punk rock. Divorce. Buddhism.
Not three words that usually go together, granted, but for me, they were, together, the catalyst for something amazing, that I love: Built on Respect, the non-profit I founded that allows me (and you!) to help make sure that the people behind various other youth-run non-profits can keep on making a difference in their communities. It’s my DIY (Do It Yourself) approach to helping the world.
Built on Respect has always been a part of my life, but it has also changed my life. I guess I should explain:
I grew up within the punk rock scene, and no matter where I traveled in the world, I saw that punk’s underlying theme — respect towards each other, and questioning EVERYTHING.
10 years ago, I began studying dharma — which shares that underlying theme — and ‘question everything’ continued to ring in my mind. About two years ago, I got divorced, and yup — you guessed it, I began to question everything in an even more personal way.
So, I did what I do when I need to think: travel. I went to India to volunteer. I specifically chose Dharamsala because I wanted to be closer to the roots of my spirituality. After returning to the States — yeah, you guessed it — I was still questioning everything. What could I do? Why was I meeting people who had had to escape the situation in Tibet? Why had I not heard more about their stories in my dharma quest? Why, in the year 2009, 50 years after the occupation, was this not getting more attention? Why are Tibetans going missing? Why is it illegal to fly the Tibetan flag in Tibet? Why is every phone call monitored by the Chinese government? Why had my new friends been put in jail and tortured for sending an email? And most importantly, why hadn’t I been doing anything about it?
That one I could answer.
If I don’t like something, I don’t complain; I work hard to change it. So, Built on Respect became my answer.
With the support of the SOLO Foundation, I was able to turn Built on Respect into a non-profit, and now I currently live between New York and Dharamsala, raising awareness and teaching. In Dharamsala, I volunteer with several non-profits:
The Tibet Hope Center, working with board members on marketing and sustainability; Jamtse in Action, a fledgling group that supports the elders at the Jampaling elders home, and The Institute for Tibetan Thangka Art, a free school that keeps traditional Tibetan art alive.
In addition, I worked with two local artists to help develop their non-profits, met frequently with NGOs to discuss marketing and development, and also sponsored English classes for the monks of Ganden Monastery, all while teaching English and participating in conversation classes.
In the States, I devote a lot of energy working with influential bands and musicians — they provide invaluable support to gain awareness amongst youth worldwide.
I blog continuously while I am there; I’ve had the good fortune to interview HH the 17th Karmapa, the head of Students for A Free Tibet, the president of the Tibetan National Women’s Association, and the director of the Federation for a Democratic China. (Click here to view some of these videos.)
All of this, thanks to punk rock, divorce, and Buddhism. You see, I learned first-hand that if we take what we learn from take our suffering — and its antidote — we can really make a difference.
For me, I was never good “on the mat.” Sitting still, in any way, just is not in my nature. I used to beat myself up over this, until I really questioned everything, and realized I am most relaxed and happy when I am working — and not just working, but working toward something. I realized that I was practicing transforming by finding creative answers to fighting injustices. I despise cultural genocide from the core of my being, but I wasn’t helpless. When I was able to help sponsor an art school that teaches traditional Tibetan art, I knew that it was helping, in baby steps, to recreate the art that was destroyed in Mao’s absurd “cultural revolution.” So, I took the theory of putting compassion into action, and took it further. Volunteering, teaching, putting compassion into action – this is my meditation, my Tonglen, and my Lojong.
I’ll be heading back to India soon, and plan to share with Lion’s Roar readers some of what happens. In the meantime, I’d be interested to know: how are you putting your compassion into action?
It is so wonderful to hear of another person who has accepted the fact that meditation is not right for them, but hasn't given up on Buddhism. Volunteerism, with mindfulness and the right intent, is definitely a practice in itself.
Engaged buddhism is a wonderful way to practice. We don't have to just sit on a cushion.
Wonderful …grateful sangha sister!
Rev. Karen in T.O. Canada
Hey Elly! Yes, it was a strange one to come to terms with, especially since meditation is the backbone for so many of the dharma classes I have seen in the West. But at the end of the day, it comes down to this: right view, right mindfulness, right livelihood, right concentration…
"Sitting still not in my nature"? " Meditation "not right for them"? Last time i heard there were 8 spokes on the Noble Path and the Buddha wasn't a self appointed social worker. I don't want to sound harsh and i'm sorry if this does but i'm not sure a pick and mix approach is really an option. Maybe you could try and find out why you don't/can't/wont commit to changing your mind through meditation and try sticking with it.Then you might find you could really go out and change the world…
there's certainly something to be said for that, but at the same time, as far as what's an "option" or not, it seems like Heidiminx has indeed found a working option for herself. And, it seems she's really doing world-changing work. there's no doubt that inquiry into actual meditation is always worthwhile, but so too is just gettin' things done. no?
Point taken and i'm aware my post sounds dogmatic but i have have a problem when poeple ( albeit lovely, kind, generous and enthusiastic people) talk about Buddhism without practicing meditation. I may want very badly to drive a car but if i don't ever sit in one i'm clearly deluded if i think i can drive. So options are definitely options but are they 'Buddhism'? I celebrate those who want to work for the world to be a better place – it's a wonderful thing but it can only ever be "just gettin' things done" without the support of proper view and practice.The Dharma asks us to step up to a much bigger plate…
This wasn't really addressed before, but I'm more than happy to explain why.
Several years ago, when I was in a day course for meditation on emptiness, I had a realization. However, it was so physically intense, that I began sweating profusely, shaking, getting dizzy, and finally had to lurch to the restroom to get sick.
Since that day, I have literally been afraid of having that reaction again, it was so profound. Howerver, it did not 'scare' me in a way that I didn't want to learn more, it instead made me see how I personally could learn best — not everyone learns in the same way.
However, I seriously enjoy lam rim, i just find that for me, i prefer the meditation break time, and tend to want to put the lessons learned into action. I find prostrations at temple, or thangka painting is good time for me to reflect.
Heidi, I really respect your honesty about your learning journey – I am always watching myself for signs of dogmatism (there is only the practice!) and always appreciate reminders to return to the beginners mind. What is "the practice"? What if it looks a little bit different for different people?
If your practice helps you dissolve the barriers that life had built up around your natural compassion and equanimity then I reckon it's doing it's work for you.
I've just left the big well-known not-for-profit I've been working for to follow a more personal path to practice my compassion and peace in the world – I found your story inspiring and encouraging. Thank you.
Meditation is the practice of confronting the egomind, and it is a lifetime practice. If you can confront and overcome yourself in any other way, by all means do. Seated meditation often proves to be the most expedient means. Egomind is quite uncomfortable with it, to be sure. As long as we judge it on the basis of whether or not it is working for us, it is not working, and it remains uncomfortable. But with time and commitment, the world to be served by the practice of Buddhism, and the work to be done, appear altogether different than once imagined to be. Sticking with it is, in one sense, the ultimate heroism. Dogmatic it is not, for it cannot be conveyed by doctrine or dogma, but only through the experience itself. Keep going.
Loving-kindness and compassion are most inspiring practices.
Mindfulness completes the circle…