
November 2020: A Note from Hope — Just after graduating high school in 1982, I bought a copy of Dr. Leo Buscaglia’s, Living Loving and Learning, a collection of informative and amusing lectures that he had delivered worldwide 1970-1981. It was an inspirational treasure, as I was eager to accept the challenge of life and to profit from the wonder of love.
In the years since, I have read all 14 of his books, and can’t tell you how much I appreciate the thoughtfulness and wisdom of Felice Leonardo “Leo” Buscaglia (March 31, 1924 to June 12, 1998), known as “Dr. Love.”
He died of a heart attack (of all things) in 1998 and in the years since The Leo Buscaglia Foundation has been created to build community spirit by helping people to help others.
As I write this introduction to the November 2020 issue of BeInkandescent Health & Wellness magazine, it is Halloween eve. The divisive Presidential election is days away. A whopping 99,321 cases of coronavirus were diagnosed yesterday, and scientists forecast the global pandemic will only get worse before we finish the year.
The only thing I can think to do is: Give thanks.
Like so many of you, I have countless blessings in my life — from my kids to my health, a career I love, a home I am lucky to live in … the list is endless. Don’t get me wrong: I am anxious about what’s happening in the world around me. But I know there is nothing more I do regarding the election beside cast my vote — and encourage others to do the same. I know I can only wear a mask, stay at least 6-feet away from others in public, shelter-in-place as best I can — and encourage others to do the same.
I can also publish stories in this issue of this magazine that I believe will inspire our readers to feel thankful, as well. We hope you’ll enjoy the following:
- Spotlight is on: Fine artist Kay Stratman is giving away her hand-painted ties — find out why, and how you can help!
- Mind: Actor, musician and philanthropist Kevin Beacon is changing the game — one degree at a time
- Body: Give Back Yoga brings funds teaches so they can bring this powerful practice to those in need
- Spirit: GivingTuesday — Unleashing the power of people
- Soul: The Art of Giving Foundation — “Art inspires change in the world; everyone has a unique opportunity to make a difference.”
- Heart: Working together to find a cure — The Children’s Cancer Aid & Research Institute
I leave you with this parting thought from Dr. Buscaglia: “It’s not enough to have lived. We should determine to live for something. May I suggest that by creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of person kind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.”
About the Leo Buscaglia Foundation: While traveling in Hong Kong decades ago, Leo Buscaglia met a Chinese refugee who, with his family, lived in extreme poverty. The young refugee’s name was Wong. In order to find work, Wong needed to learn English. Dr. Buscaglia paid Wong’s tuition to an English-language school.
Years later, Wong wrote to Dr. Buscaglia. By then he was sufficiently employed to get his family out of the refugee camp. He was also prepared to pay back what he saw as his “debt.” Instead, Dr. Buscaglia encouraged him to find another determined person such as himself and to give the money, with love, from Wong and Leo, with the hope that in this way it might touch many lives.
In 1984, Dr. Buscaglia established the Foundation to give special aid and attention to those who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of others through the art of giving. As in his experience with Wong, the Foundation is structured around the dynamics of sharing and giving, and influencing others to do the same, the roles of helper and helped constantly interchanging. Get involved at leobuscaglia.org.