The lessons we've learned
It's crazy to think that it's been one year since COVID, since all of our lockdowns. There's been so much
loss and tragedy.... but spring is almost here, and the clouds may be beginning to fade away. 🌤️
We have learned a lot from this time to ourselves, whether it's ways of: taking care of our mental and physical health, using technology to communicate and learn differently than before, discovering meaning and purpose, taking action for the planet, or exploring new interests...
We have been given the opportunity to think
differently about our personal growth, our our relationships, and about the world.
As Jean and I talked about this last week, it reminded us of our grieving time and our lengthy journeys from that grief to real purpose and fulfillment.
Without rain, the plants can't grow and thrive. Tragedy strengthens us, unites us, and makes us complex and beautiful...
"Sometimes good things fall apart so
better things can fall together."
- Marilyn Monroe
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Kirk Talbott is a huge Stardust supporter, and has been from the very beginning. He's helped us morally and financially, and is just a staple in the Stardust community!
He's also a volunteer t'ai chi and qi gong instructor, teaching all age groups in the Maryland and DC area for more than 11 years. I asked him a few questions to get his unique perspective on making the best of the current
situation...
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Stardust: Everyone was faced with COVID restrictions this year… and you were able to pivot your tai chi lessons into a virtual class. Could you explain a little bit more about this experience?
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Kirk: Thank you, Stardust, for the opportunity to share a few experiences
and insights from our 'allgoodtaichi' group.
COVID has presented difficulties and unexpected benefits for everyone. Surviving or thriving depends on one's attitude and approach.
We struggled to find the best ways to use Zoom to teach and practice qi gong (stretching/breathing exercises) and t'ai chi, an ancient, internal Chinese martial art.
One of the best ways to test softness, yin/yang empty and full feeling, and true 'gung fu' (literally 'skill acquired through practice) is through touch, or 'sensing hands'.
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While not possible on Zoom, we have found other ways to encourage each practitioner to relax, release, open and feel the neurological pathways towards health and healing.
| "Surviving or thriving depends on one's attitude and approach."
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We engage in socializing to connect before class as people join the Zoom, sharing information on vaccinations and other topical subjects.
We celebrate everyone's birthday with a Zoom photo, card and shout-out. We play all sorts of
music from classical to reggae, team teach different ways to practice quiet standing and moving meditation.
It seems to work well as we regularly have 25-30 or more t'ai chi players, mostly seniors here in Montgomery County, Maryland, enjoying several practices on Zoom every week for a year now.
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Stardust: Mental health is one of our focus areas for innovative projects. We believe putting more emphasis on mental health and finding ways to heal in this era is more important than ever. Would you share with the Stardust community some insight you have on this topic?
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Kirk: Just as with your team at Stardust and countless other authentic,
grassroots groups, our allgoodtaichchi community has strengthened over time by focusing on the most important aspects of life - health, awareness and consideration of others.
We find that by exercising mind and body in an integrated, relaxed and proven system of meditation and moving form with postures, we can let go of stress and open to healing.
Most of stress is self-generated and springs from the 'monkey mind', either worrying about the past or anxious about the future.
Kirk: Slowing down, paying attention to breath, posture and internal
meridians or pathways sets us in the right direction.
T'ai chi emphasizes simple principles of suspending, releasing, moving from the waist and feeling empty and full (yin/yang) to guide us through our 37 posture 'short form'.
Whether yoga, walking in the woods, biking or just feeling gratitude - as your wonderful newsletter has mentioned - our mental, physical and spiritual health depends on our mindset and actions.
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Stardust: What makes you a Stardust
supporter? 💛
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Kirk: When Angus died, my wife, Yvette, and I witnessed Jean turning
grief into positive action. We have marvelled at what Jean and Camille have built around Stardust and Angus's beautiful life and vision.
We applaud all the Stardust team, their creativity, endurance, love and inspiration. The world is richer and hope kindles stronger. ✨
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What's going on @ Stardust...
› Shyleen Mpfou, owner of Ruscello Investments (formerly Fruitiesburg), is thriving despite the pandemic situation in Zimbabwe.
"So many people lost their lives, jobs, and relatives during this pandemic and other businesses had to close down. But I’m grateful that everything is still going well on my side. Business has been growing since my line of business is selling natural organic products, and some
of the herbs have been in high demand."
› Dabba Consigne won 60,000 € on Thursday, landing in the top 3 out of 149 projects in the La Fabrique Aviva contest. Bravo! 🎉
› Katherine from Mindkit has emailed us with some great news. They’ve been providing stress management, writing, and photolanguage workshops as well as fitness activities to young people involved in Le Refuge, a social organization in Paris. The people
are kind and eager to learn how to improve their wellbeing and mental health.
Thanks to our microgrant, they’ve also been building an upcoming all-inclusive mental fitness program scheduled for the summer. 😊
› The relaunch of our partner organization, Spiritual Alchemy, is in full
swing. If you're interested in beginning your journey from grief to purpose, consider purchasing a membership! 100% of the profits are donated to Stardust Startups. Start your 1-month free trial here.
› Our entire team is working diligently to write a research paper on the importance and effectiveness
of microgrants within impact entrepreneurship. The paper will include a literature review, case studies, and some of our own research... ✍️
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Thanks for reading!
Camille Babington
Co-Founder, Senior Director of Operations
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