A little over a week ago, LiLu emailed a handful of bloggers about this idea she had to send some smiles and prayers to our [blog] friend, Brandy. Over the course of “production” and organization, Laurie put together a donation page with the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund. We launched the video and campaign at 12n EST, thinking it would be this awesomely epic, inspiring, funny, nice thing for our friend.
Love Harder
And it was, but holy hell is that an understatement. I knew the Internet was a great place, but I was totally blown away by the generosity and immediate involvement of HUNDREDS of people. We saw our original posts reblogged all over the place (over 300 people posted something about it), the YouTube video itself has seen over 3,000 views, and in just the first hour, over $1,500 was raised in H.A.D.’s name. Today, less than 48 hours later, that total is over $2,500 and growing.
Today at 3pm EST, the Love Harder Online Store launches. I know that there will at least be t-shirts available and all proceeds go right back to the MMRF. This just goes to once again testify to the viral nature of the Internet beyond things like Pants on the Ground and Charlie Bit My Finger. What an amazing example of people from all over the world pulling together and caring for someone they have never even met because they too have been close to an unexpected disease or event that changed their entire reality. At the core, we’re all human, we’re all people, and we do have the power to Make a Difference.
Thinking about helping and haven’t taken the leap yet? Maybe today’s payday and it’d be easier to spare $10 today than it was on Wednesday. Either way, check out these resources for information and to donate. I’ll update later with a link to the Online Store.
DONATE: http://www.loveharder.org | CONTACT: theloveharderfund@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.loveharder.org | MORE INFO: http://www.themmrf.org
BLOG: http://love-harder.blogspot.com/ | SHOP: http://shop.loveharder.org
The Wellness Initiative
At some point during my Yoga Teacher Training that I completed this past fall, I KNEW that I wanted to use my yoga to reach younger people. I was immediately and deeply impacted from some of the examples given in the documentary, Y Yoga. Specifically, I believe that using yoga to encourage the physical, emotional, and ultimately sexual health in teenage girls would be an incredibly powerful way to instill values of respect – both for self and for others – in these young women. Developing such a strong mind-body connection and awareness from a young age could have such a powerful impact. I believed this. And decided that someday I’d look into what it would take to develop, write, or teach such a curriculum in middle schools and high schools.
Then I moved to Boulder and The Wellness Initiative found me. Well, Grace introduced us because she “thought it might be something I’d like to be a part of.” Um. YEAH.
From their website:
The mission of The Wellness Initiative is to improve the physical health, social and emotional development, and academic performance of low-income youth through yoga-based wellness programs.
I met with the Executive Director last week and attended my first planning committee meeting for an amazing fundraiser that’s in the works. It would be an understatement to say that I’m pumped about this. I honestly don’t believe that there are even words for how excited I am to be a part of this. Don’t worry, there will be a number of fun and awesome ways you can help if this is something you also believe is worth supporting, so stay tuned!
There’s still a world out there
While we’re here in this place spreading love, healing, and sun salutations, there’s still a world out there with its own need for help and love. I believe that healing starts at home, but that we need to be aware of the world outside of and around us.
People in Haiti are still mourning, hurting, struggling, and facing the monumental challenge that is rebuilding their city and their lives. Help out anyway you can, and check the Red Cross website for places to donate blood, how to make donations, and how to otherwise get involved.
The bottom line
I finally saw Avatar earlier this week. Arguments about Pocahontas and Fern Gully aside, the whole movie was an absolutely breath-taking and powerful experience. What struck me the most was this beautiful idea of total inter-connectedness and respect for life. The energy of life is eternal (call it what you want – soul, karma, spirit, whatever), and our actions – for ill or for good – on this earth impact this place we call our home even if we can’t always see or understand how. It re-inspired me to consider how I live, how I treat other people, how I treat myself (because I am a being also), how I treat any living creature. It reconnected me to the principles I’d scratched the surface of in yoga training and made me hungry for all over again.
Whether it’s a $5 or $50 donation, a hug, a yoga practice, a meditation, a prayer, an act of kindness, a volunteering commitment, or an awareness of the bigger picture and world around us, the bottom line above all else is to love and to not feel held back by what you think you can and can’t do. There’s always something – big or small – that each of us can do to help our neighbors, our friends, and complete strangers that are oceans apart. I’m committing to living a life that is conscious of my surroundings, and for finding a way to do practical things to make a bigger difference.
Above all else, love deeply. And when our loved ones struggle with challenges and we don’t know what else we can do, love harder.
Photo: via
Doniree Walker is an aspiring yogini, jet-setter, foodie, and story-teller. She's a writer and geek girl by trade, and a lover and a connector by lifestyle, and is currently obsessed with: train travel, single-serving chocolate milk, and brand new notebooks. Oh, and she's also part supergirl. Wanna be friends? 
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
i got chills reading all of this. i'm firmly convinced that the world is a better place because of you and 20SB. We are rally using our voices for something amazing, helping to make the world a better place even if it's only a little at a time.
I don't even know what to say at this point. Hell, I didn't even know what to say two days ago- and I've had TWO WHOLE DAYS to try and wrap my brain around everything. It's just… been overwhelming in the very best way. I cannot believe that blogging has done so much for me, I'm so, so grateful. Over $2500 raised so far- during a tough economic time… I get teary every time I think about it. So thank you again- to you and Lilu and Laurie and every single person who participated in loving harder- no matter how they did it. I'm in awe. Every. single. day.
awesome Doni!! Just donated and posted it on twitter. Keep up the great work!
ROD! How nice to see you here
Thanks so much for your support, friend! I've got no doubt you're out making your own giant splash somewhere, too.
my grandmother was diagnosed with MM, and it's something near and dear to my heart. **If you're reading this and haven't donated yet, please do.** It's amazing how little research is available on MM. I remember sitting in the hospital room translating the Dr's prognosis to my grandmother and realizing that the medical industry just didn't know what to say or do since there was so little research being done. Hopefully alot has changed since 2006, but it's these small gifts that make that type of impact.
I had actually never heard of MM until Brandy first told me that they'd be going through this, and have since found how much it's touched three of my friends, you included. You're absolutely right – these small gifts make the research possible which will help bring answers and healing. Thanks again for your support, Rod
Doni, what a lovely post. You managed to tie so many things back to the main idea of making the world better, with eloquence and grace. Just lovely.
P.S. I went back to yoga this week
So much happening already.
Beautifully said. Every single point you make is stunningly simple and profound. Thank you for sharing your spirit and conviction with the world. We are all better for it. And I, for one, am inspired to step a little further away from my comfort zone.
p.s. Didn't you just love the phosphorescence on Pandora – so beautiful.
Isn't it so amazing? I had nothing to do with setting up Love Harder, but I totally bragged on you guys the other night in my media communications class when the professor asked if anything interesting was happening on the internet. The whole shindig really warms my heart.
i got chills reading all of this. i'm firmly convinced that the world is a better place because of you and 20SB. We are rally using our voices for something amazing, helping to make the world a better place even if it's only a little at a time.
I don't even know what to say at this point. Hell, I didn't even know what to say two days ago- and I've had TWO WHOLE DAYS to try and wrap my brain around everything. It's just… been overwhelming in the very best way. I cannot believe that blogging has done so much for me, I'm so, so grateful. Over $2500 raised so far- during a tough economic time… I get teary every time I think about it. So thank you again- to you and Lilu and Laurie and every single person who participated in loving harder- no matter how they did it. I'm in awe. Every. single. day.
Those are officially my favorite two words in the English language now.
<3
awesome Doni!! Just donated and posted it on twitter. Keep up the great work!
Well put. You have a way with words my friend.
Beautiful!
Also, I have been meaning to ask you b/c you are the yoga expert, but what type of yoga would you recommend for an easily winded pregnant lady? I belong to Lifetime Fitness and they offer a few different types of yoga classes and I'm clueless as to what the names actually mean and don't want to go into the wrong class and have it kill me!
ROD! How nice to see you here
Thanks so much for your support, friend! I've got no doubt you're out making your own giant splash somewhere, too.
my grandmother was diagnosed with MM, and it's something near and dear to my heart. **If you're reading this and haven't donated yet, please do.** It's amazing how little research is available on MM. I remember sitting in the hospital room translating the Dr's prognosis to my grandmother and realizing that the medical industry just didn't know what to say or do since there was so little research being done. Hopefully alot has changed since 2006, but it's these small gifts that make that type of impact.
my grandmother was diagnosed with MM, and it's something near and dear to my heart. **If you're reading this and haven't donated yet, please do.** It's amazing how little research is available on MM. I remember sitting in the hospital room translating the Dr's prognosis to my grandmother and realizing that the medical industry just didn't know what to say or do since there was so little research being done. Hopefully alot has changed since 2006, but it's these small gifts that make that type of impact.
I had actually never heard of MM until Brandy first told me that they'd be going through this, and have since found how much it's touched three of my friends, you included. You're absolutely right – these small gifts make the research possible which will help bring answers and healing. Thanks again for your support, Rod
GO TO BLOOMA! Seriously. http://www.blooma.com/
One of their instructors came to our class to talk to us about how to teach to pregnant women; they're also amazing once you have your baby – childcare, baby yoga, all of it. I have heard nothing but AMAZING things about that place and the people there.
Also… which Lifetime and what kinds of classes? Don't go to hot/bikram yoga
And whichever class you DO go to, you can let them know before class starts that you're preggo and they should offer you modifications that are better/easier/gentler for you.
I had to pick my jaw up off the floor a few times. BEAUTIFUL.
Doni, what a lovely post. You managed to tie so many things back to the main idea of making the world better, with eloquence and grace. Just lovely.
P.S. I went back to yoga this week
So much happening already.
This has turned into such an awesome movement. I'm so glad to have been a part of it.
Beautifully said. Every single point you make is stunningly simple and profound. Thank you for sharing your spirit and conviction with the world. We are all better for it. And I, for one, am inspired to step a little further away from my comfort zone.
p.s. Didn't you just love the phosphorescence on Pandora – so beautiful.
Isn't it so amazing? I had nothing to do with setting up Love Harder, but I totally bragged on you guys the other night in my media communications class when the professor asked if anything interesting was happening on the internet. The whole shindig really warms my heart.
Those are officially my favorite two words in the English language now.
<3
Well put. You have a way with words my friend.
Beautiful!
Also, I have been meaning to ask you b/c you are the yoga expert, but what type of yoga would you recommend for an easily winded pregnant lady? I belong to Lifetime Fitness and they offer a few different types of yoga classes and I'm clueless as to what the names actually mean and don't want to go into the wrong class and have it kill me!
GO TO BLOOMA! Seriously. http://www.blooma.com/
One of their instructors came to our class to talk to us about how to teach to pregnant women; they're also amazing once you have your baby – childcare, baby yoga, all of it. I have heard nothing but AMAZING things about that place and the people there.
Also… which Lifetime and what kinds of classes? Don't go to hot/bikram yoga
And whichever class you DO go to, you can let them know before class starts that you're preggo and they should offer you modifications that are better/easier/gentler for you.
I had to pick my jaw up off the floor a few times. BEAUTIFUL.
so i think i have finally been persuaded into seeing avatar and i really hope i like it because i keep hearing all of these wonderful things.
as for love harder and yoga, both are all sorts of wonderful that make my heart oh so happy.
Pee first. It's a LONG movie, but it's so worth it and you really won't even notice. Or want it to end. I literally felt like I had the wind knocked out of me in a good way. James Cameron, he done GOOD. And OMG Zoe Saldana?! I remember her from Crossroads.
Immediately regretting admitting that.
This has turned into such an awesome movement. I'm so glad to have been a part of it.
Awww well said. I love how this blogging committee really rallies around a fellow blogger and supports her in such an awesome way!
Oh my goodness!! That group sounds *right* up your alley, I hope you guys can find a fit! =D
so i think i have finally been persuaded into seeing avatar and i really hope i like it because i keep hearing all of these wonderful things.
as for love harder and yoga, both are all sorts of wonderful that make my heart oh so happy.
Pee first. It's a LONG movie, but it's so worth it and you really won't even notice. Or want it to end. I literally felt like I had the wind knocked out of me in a good way. James Cameron, he done GOOD. And OMG Zoe Saldana?! I remember her from Crossroads.
Immediately regretting admitting that.
I can't really respond to this in a way that would come close to expressing my love for this post, for you, for all the people I love in this Universe, and all the amazing that happened this week via social networking.
Everything with Love Harder is beyond what I could have imagined with I asked Rachel if I could participate in honor of my grandmother. I am so thankful for everything I have learned from the people I have met online since this summer and am thankful I was able to participate in something so touching.
Thank you for all you do, all you aspire to be and all you are.
Hugs.
Awww well said. I love how this blogging committee really rallies around a fellow blogger and supports her in such an awesome way!
Oh my goodness!! That group sounds *right* up your alley, I hope you guys can find a fit! =D
I can't really respond to this in a way that would come close to expressing my love for this post, for you, for all the people I love in this Universe, and all the amazing that happened this week via social networking.
Everything with Love Harder is beyond what I could have imagined with I asked Rachel if I could participate in honor of my grandmother. I am so thankful for everything I have learned from the people I have met online since this summer and am thankful I was able to participate in something so touching.
Thank you for all you do, all you aspire to be and all you are.
Hugs.
The power of the the community that has developed from blogging is pretty amazing. I'll be be checking out all the various sights throughout the day today.
simply amazing.
Beautiful.
seriously, all of the 'Love Harder' epicness has made my heart swell about three times its size. I squeal with delight whenever I read about the growing donation total.
and I love how you managed to find the inter-connectedness of everything going on and have made me want to see Avatar just that much more.
What a truly lovely post, Doni. Big love for all that you are and all that you do to share that with the world. It's a cold rainy day here in Seattle (well, duh) but this heartfelt check-in warmed me right up.
Perfect.
Beautiful.
seriously, all of the 'Love Harder' epicness has made my heart swell about three times its size. I squeal with delight whenever I read about the growing donation total.
and I love how you managed to find the inter-connectedness of everything going on and have made me want to see Avatar just that much more.
What a truly lovely post, Doni. Big love for all that you are and all that you do to share that with the world. It's a cold rainy day here in Seattle (well, duh) but this heartfelt check-in warmed me right up.
Perfect.
I think this post should carry a warning on it: for the over-emotional do not read at work. I'm tearing up at my desk over the love, joy, comunity and also over your excitement. Love Harder still amazes me, I wish I could do more for Haiti than just donate money, and I'm so excited for your new opportunity in Boulder. I can't wait to read more about it!
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