The Gun Epidemic

     As more die, many people become insistent that the only solution is more guns. Others wait for a movement large enough to capture the attention of those who hold the power to do something. How can we change the perspective on guns, what they represent, why they're so easy to obtain, and ensure no more lives lost? But we can't ensure that; we can't guarantee that every movie theater or elementary school is safe. We don't have the assurance we need to get a handle on gun control, which is why this situation has escalated. The American people crave assurance that doesn't exist; parents are grieving; children are being raised without their mothers and fathers; families are

torn apart by the violent assaults happening back-to-back in this country.
     Will these crimes stop if the mindset changes? If potential threats were aware that idolization is not a reward for devastating actions? Where does the need to hurt others stem from? I bet almost everyone who reads this can quote the names of those responsible for acts of domestic terrorism in this country; but can you name a single victim?
     How can we shift mindsets when young people are shown that acting with honor and bravery means obtaining the ability to protect oneself, to fight, to defend loved ones with violence? When the conclusion of an action movie is when the "bad guy" is killed, where the climax involves violence and blood? Millions of young people are subconsciously translating this into realistic culture, becoming blood-thirsty, seeking the only form of protection they're exposed to; retaliation and forceful preparation for the worst. Millions of children are exposed to graphic video games and movies  portraying guts and blood and guns; it seems as if we're raising a new generation of killers.

Changes in gun regulation would be a miracle. But what we need as a nation, is to shift mindsets. We need to make it clear that there is no reward for violence. There is no fame, no glory in ripping families apart, stealing the futures of children.

 Guns don't kill people. People kill people. People pull the triggers. Humans commit these crimes.

And we have to change.



Ocean Pleasant

Origin. Magazine + Huffington Post

I had the great honor of interviewing Russell Simmons for Origin. Magazine, and the article is now live on Huffington Post! Russell talks yoga, meditation, the power of celebrity, and the flow of giving as you get. Read it here.

-Ocean Pleasant, Global Youth Editor for Origin. Magazine

Climate Rally

Today I participated in the largest climate rally in US history. Alongside Bill McKibben, 350.org, Rosario Dawson, Van Jones, and the Sierra Club, an estimated 50,000 people marched to the White House to draw the attention of President Obama and his decision on the keystone XL pipeline. I had the pleasure of interviewing Evangeline Lilly, Rosario Dawson and Nolan Gould, all passionate about climate change and shifting the planet for good. Keep an eye out for these interviews in the next issue of Origin Magazine.

The Passing

The precious impermanence, the fragility of existence, a thread of connection to a passing soul. I do not know her name, but my heart mourns with hers. The face of this child, tucked away in secret folds, because there is no room for prolonged sorrow in these depths. I heard the heart of the young one, quick to perform a vanishing act. How do these occurrences come to be, the ones that live and those who move on? The child with no name, no future. The mother with no child. Was is meant to be? How can something this heartbreaking be foreseen in the card deck supposedly wielded by divine alignment? My heart is struggling in an unruly attempt to let myself mourn this passing, crucifying the slightest hint of dignified justification in attempt to heal my own wound. But I will not let this clear away, a scab that slowly disappears, hindering acknowledgment simply because the pain isn't present.

I love that child.
I love that mother.
My presence is all I can offer.
My heart is what I'm willing to give.

Bali

I originally traveled to Bali for vacation, with a set return date. After scuba diving, moped riding, chicken fighting (I paid off men/bought chickens to spare them of a gruesome yet inevitable demise), I discovered Robin Lim's birthing clinic in Ubud. I have always been passionate about natural medicine, and here I knew I belonged. Now I'm working in the clinic, following a great passion of mine. Volunteering hands-on always increases learning rate and capability, and I hope to absorb as much as possible! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work in a clinic that provides so many natural services- this is my chance to see which field I'm most passionate about. Today was Saraswati day, we went to a temple with offerings, decked in traditional clothing, and prayed (Balinese style). I don't know when exactly I'm returning, or what the next day holds. While learning my tolerance for purposeful chaos, I live in the intention that "to lose yourself in the service of others is to find yourself."

Much love from Bali.

Ocean

YOGANONYMOUS

Hey guys!

I was recently interviewed by YOGANONYMOUS on my inspirations, daily routines and my projects around the globe. Check it out!

http://www.yoganonymous.com/spotlight-on-ocean-pleasant-15-years-old-changing-the-world-two-steps-at-a-time/

Thanks for your support!


Ocean, 15

Osukuru United Women Network

Osukuru United Women Network (OWN) is an organization in Tororo District, Eastern Uganda providing women with tools for entrepreneurship, as well as counseling for those who have endured emotional/marital hardships.

I met the chair person, Constance Okollet, at SxswEco. She had flown over from Uganda just to attend the event, in hopes of finding financial sponsors. I interviewed her, and I was deeply moved. I'm now representing OWN in the US, spearheading social media and fund raising here in the States.

Their dream is to create a sustainable piggery, generating revenue for dozens of women and their families. $5 US dollars equals almost $13,000 Ugandan shillings! That's insane!

 If you had the opportunity to radically impact a woman's life with the spare change in your pocket, would you? 

Visit our GoFundMe page, and learn how each dollar of your generous donation will be used to better the lives of these women and this community.

DONATE: http://www.gofundme.com/1d1a74

To learn more, visit our website- www.empowerwomenafrica.org 


Please. We need you to make this happen.


-Ocean Pleasant, 15