While we strive to address the immense challenges that face our global community, we must also balance our individual lives and circumstances. Recently personal tragedies and difficult times have also been visited upon several members of our team. It has been reassuring to see our team members negotiating these difficulties with a large degree of bravery, integrity and grace.

I don’t know if their efforts on this project help them to negotiate these challenges, but I do see a correlation between the bravery and integrity of Tibetan farmers as they exercise compassion in the face of overwhelming odds and the personal strength it takes to face hard times – no matter the reason. Might it be that the simple work of practicing compassion informs us about ourselves and our own ability to manage hardships?

I can only speak for myself when I say that my work on behalf of Tibetans has certainly been rewarding on a personal level.  My interactions and observations of their selfless resolve and steadfast dedication have given me great strength to endure my own rites of passage. Simply the strength it takes to inhabit a compassionate state of mind in the face of tragedy and loss can open a doorway to great possibility and triumph. It has been inspiring to see the character and resolve of our team. Compassion works!