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Wherever you go, there you are.
During times of uncertainty, I find solace in meditation and mindful activity. It offers an opportunity to calm my thoughts and stay focused on what I can control: my own response to what is happening around me. It has become a non-negotiable self-care practice, and depending on the season, I tend to focus my practice on gratitude, patience (as the mother of two young children, this seems in perpetual under supply!), kindness and courage.
As we are going through a period of significant change and transition at the Foundation, I’ve invited a corporate mindfulness consultant to join our staff meetings to offer her guidance and lead us through a team meditation practice. One of the themes she emphasizes is staying present - despite the human inclination to wonder about what lies before us or reflect on the past, the reality is that we are all, always, in the here and now.
Judaism offers a wealth of guidance about looking inward and staying rooted in the present. Whether it’s the weekly celebration of Shabbat (I really enjoyed the book 24/6 for a modern interpretation of this core Jewish practice) or annual traditions and seasonal holidays that create opportunities to find meaning in the everyday.
As a Jewish Community Foundation, our role is to facilitate tzedakah (charity) and to connect philanthropists with organizations working toward the ambition of tikkun olam (repairing our world). While we are always working toward that mission, we must find ways to check back in with the here and now - what is the next best decision we can make with the resources available to us today?
At the DJCF, we are also focused on celebrating personal and professional milestones - recognizing the joyful moments in our present day. This month, we highlight two team members: Mona Allen’s 10th and Natasha Shovar’s 15th year work anniversary. A recent practice we’ve implemented is asking our colleagues to recommend a grant on their work anniversary. This has been a meaningful way to engage as colleagues in our mission of repairing our world. Are you a business owner? We’d be glad to share information as to how a corporate DAF can improve morale and increase employee engagement. We also offer a program called the “gift of giving” which generates a charitable gift card, offering the recipient the opportunity to determine which qualified nonprofit to direct funds toward.
We remain dedicated to providing valuable education and opportunities for donors to connect with one another and the beneficiaries of their generosity. To that end, we have three upcoming events at which I hope you’ll join us. Please visit our website to RSVP.
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