About Me

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Canada
With a B.Ed., M.Ed., and over 10 years of classroom teaching experience, Chantelle has been privileged to observe the fruits of many living philosophies. By continually striving to live the best life possible, Chantelle has been able to overcome many personal challenges in life and enjoys helping others do the same. In 2001, Chantelle stepped into her first yoga class and has been amazed at the ways it has transformed her life. In 2007 she studied under Shri Yogi Hari of the Sivananda lineage and became a certified yoga teacher. She has since earned the E-RYT designation from Yoga Alliance and continues to study under various Indian Master Yogis. In October 2013 launched Prana Yoga & Wellness, offering private/corporate yoga and stress management workshops based on Eastern wisdom. Chantelle frequently appears as a guest speaker and is involved with various community projects and local non-profit organizations. Dedicated to walking her talk, Chantelle is not afraid to do the necessary work to remain happily married and be a healthy role model for her two young daughters.

Friday, March 23, 2012

You Can Toss A Coin, But A Smile May Last Longer

For the last little while, I've been reading "A Simple Path" by Mother Teresa. She provides no-nonsense, practical advice on how to serve others. What I most enjoy about reading her book is the wisdom presented is not just Mother Teresa's. She invited her tireless volunteers–the lovely souls that have immersed themselves in her vision–to also share their lessons, ideas and gentle reminders. One little excerpt that has been particularly resonating with me comes from Brother Geoff, who was a General Servant of the Missionaries of Charity Brothers. He stated:

"Certainly, love is expressed first in being with before doing to someone. We have to continually renew our awareness of this because we can get caught up in a lot of the doing for. You see, if our actions do not first come from the desire to be with a person, then it really becomes just social work. When you are willing to be with a poor person you can recognize his need and if your love is genuine you naturally want to do what you can as an expression of your love. Service, in a way, is simply a means of expressing your being for that person–and often with the poorest people you cannot completely alleviate their problem. But by being with them, by being for them, whatever you can do for them makes a difference."

Being with vs. doing to. Connecting vs. donating. Homeless people have names. They are a son or a daughter. They have stories. Ken is someone in our community I've become familiar with. I first noticed him a couple of years ago during the summer months, sitting outside of the Grand Theatre asking for money during the lunch hour. I would walk by him while on my way to eat my lunch at Victoria Park and would politely apologize for not having any spare change. One day, I decided it was time to get to know this person I see every day. I was on my way to Victoria Park and instead of our usual interaction, I stopped walking, looked him in the eye and started a conversation that went something like this:

"Excuse me, what's your name?"
"Ken."
"Hi Ken. I see you out here every day and just wanted to say hello. My name is Chantelle." and I shook his hand.  "Are you hungry?"
"I sure am."
"I've got a beef & cheese sandwich for lunch to day, would you like half?"
"Sure."

I carefully took the sandwich out of my lunch bag and gave him half. He thanked me and I told him I would see him around.

 And see him around I have. Over the last two years we've often crossed paths downtown and always greet each other with a smile and have a quick conversation whenever we see each other. One time, I offered him my apple and he jovially pointed at his gummy smile and said, "I can't eat apples. I have no teeth!" I quickly apologized and together we laughed at my rather awkward moment.

Ken and I have become a familiar face to each other on an otherwise crowded street. I am for Ken. I think about him. I wish him happiness–whatever that looks like for him. I dream for him, too. I dream that whatever suffering he is enduring, he is one day able to use it to propel himself into a better life.

I know there are some out there who would cry, "but wishing and dreaming does not alleviate poverty." You're right. But creating policies and shelters do not create community. Warmth and compassion is a powerful currency and it is inclusive. It requires leaving your comfort zone more so than dropping a coin in a hat, but doesn't all being with?




6 comments:

  1. As always, I am in awe of your brilliance. Another seed has been planted, my friend. Off to place a hold on A Simple Path. :)

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    1. Hi Nadine,
      As long as I'm planting seeds, I'll continue to share. Thank you for confirming I am still on the right track :)

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  2. Lovely, Chantelle. (I'm a friend of Nadine's.) I deeply believe in connection and community and am so saddened when I see people ignore those who suffer within our city. I think about...what if it is my child who someday stands one the corner, his belly rumbling...and I stop and offer what I can. Often I have nothing physical to offer...but I always make eye contact, always smile. And that small gesture seems to soften their hardened edges, it reaches a little place in their heart and they realize people are still good, that there is still great love in this world. Thank you so much for the inspiration. <3 ~ Debbie

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  3. Hi Debbie,

    I think as mothers we can always see our child in others... or maybe we see the child that exists in all. It is this "seeing" that true compassion is born. If we were all to follow our mother-essence in all circumstances I believe it could radically change our world.

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  4. Awesome story - thank you for sharing! The leaving-your-comfort-zone thing is terrifying, but surely worth it. I believe this is what we are supposed to do.

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement and feedback, Gavin. To truly create community we need to think of everyone and at least attempt to extend ourselves to them where ever they are at.

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