Monday, June 29, 2009

MIND AND SPIRIT

Human beings are spiritual beings by nature. The mind is part of the spirit.

By digging deeper in the levels of conscious thoughts, feelings, motives and conscience, we are acknowleding our existance as spiritual beings with a higher purpose in life.

With this awareness, we can go to a deeper level and analyse the quality of our thoughts and understanding, and start to be selective as detached observers.

We are responsible for our thoughts, what we become is mainly based on the quality of the thoughts we choose to have.

Thinking is an art that starts with the ability to stand back and look inside our own mind.

I believe, if I don't take the conscious responsibility of choosing which thoughts to have, what is happening externally will simply affect my thoughts, feelings. and reactions.

By taking responsibility of my thoughts, it enables me to choose my destination therefore I decide which steps to take to work towards it.

This process involves clear separation of what is happening inside and what is happening outside.

Naturally I still have to give a reasonable amount of attention to my external world, without being distracted from my spirit journey.

Whenever I get frustrated by the process, I analyse the feelings as a doctor.
What feelings and emotions am I experiencing? From which place are they coming from?

As I dig deeper, I always trace the root from my pattern of my thinking.

The good news is, we can all make our own patterns!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

DETACHMENT AS A POSITIVE QUALITY

Detachment is a positive quality that is sometimes misunderstood as 'cutting off ' or 'running away.'

Detachment in the real sense means learning to separate things, the inside world and the outside world. Being able to see the difference between the two.

By outside world, I'm refering to eg. the job, study, finances, relationships and other external things.
By inside world, I'm refering to things that are less easily measured i.e feelings, conscience, personality, emotions all things that are happening inside my inner self.

The inside world, is influenced by thoughts. The way we think, can shape the way we live.

By creating positive thoughts, we influence the inner world eg. our feelings, our personality. This changes the quality of our lives.

TAKING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Very often when something that we don't like happens, we tend to start by looking outside.

Gandhi famous observation was that, by pointing a finger towards someone, we are pointing three fingers towards ourself.

This is just a small example that, if I start by thinking what is happening ''out there'' is responsible for my situation, I too need to remind myself that I am responsible for creating my own thoughts and responses, to various situations.
I'm responsible for what is happening inside my inner world, my peace of mind, my well-being, love, and happiness. It is not someone else or something else, that is responsible for my inner state of being.

In good and bad times, we have to learn to accept responsibility. When we don't take responsibility over what is happening inside, we allow external forces to influence us.

When we allow external situations and people to influence us, we no longer have control over the quality of our experiences.

The world at present, is filled with many horror stories. But it is not wise to allow ourselves to react to everything that is happening around us otherwise what is happening inside us, is neither going to be positive,beautiful or peaceful.

It is a challenge, but it is necessary to make a decision whether to take an all the existing negativity or train ourselves to respond creatively and only with positive thoughts and feelings, from our own inner self.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Real people inspirations

Today I’d like to share with you, ''real people inspiration'' behind Green Waters. There have been many people but I have chosen to mention only a few who made a big impact in my life.You all know my number one hero, the late father of the nation (TANZANIA) Julius Kambarage Nyerere, whom the memories of his character, his deeds and his faith, will always remain a part of me. The moment I met him, I took the first step towards my destiny. However it has been a long journey filled with trials, learning and triumphs. It is my personal culture to acknowledge those who contributed to my growth in many different ways as I go along, because one never knows if they would live to see another day.My best friend Freda Chomi, who has always been there for me in all turns of life. She is an amazing person and the most loyal friend one can hope to have. She is my rock.My dear late friend Halima Rubanza, whose death came as a dreadful shock. After many tears of regret, I was left with a need to help others where I couldn’t help her.My late father H.E Onesiphorus Henry Tesha and my mother Marriet Tarsilla Tesha, from whom I learnt many important lessons that guide me in various situations.My dear friend Mama Rukia (Macrida), who always shares everything with everyone in need. I have never met a person with a bigger heart, and I am blessed to have her in my life.A hard working and loving mother, Mama Shida. She made me see the poor as ''real people'' with love, problems, friendship, hopes, dreams and courage.My Uncle Eddy and Aunty Adeline Lyaruu. They have been real role models as parents. All children would be lucky to have such loving parents.My Aunty Autropia Vitta, who is both a parent and a dear friend. She is the most loving and strongest woman I have ever met. My late grandfathers Mtuweta Tesha and Hipolyte Lyaruu. They built the foundation of whom I am. Their eternal guidance couldn’t be measured.My late Grandmother Magdalene Tesha, who raised 9 amazing children as a widow since 1945. I am blessed to be a descendant.My Uncle Hugh Tesha who taught me how to read and use my brains at the age of 4. I never had a bigger and more enjoyable challenge. He travelled from Moshi to Dar es salaam every month with a new bundle of books for me.My late uncle Dr.Louis Tesha, whose violent murder really shook me. I never saw violence at so close before.My late cousin Mary Alice Tesha who died at a young age. Although she had a short life, she made me see it is okey to be different and stand up for what I believe.My late cousin Joseph Tesha. He fought against Iddi Amin’s army 1977 -1978, and later died suddenly with malaria 1994. The hole he left in everyone’s heart, can only be filled with time and dedication to all he stood for. Peace and friendship. My beloved late grandmother Maria Lyaruu Hipolyte, at the age of mid 95 she still had amazing grace, charm, instinct and the diplomacy of a born leader. Her departure to the soul world has left a huge void in everyone who knew her.My dear daughter Melissa Yvonne Tesha, whose depth of love, wisdom and patience is limitless. She inspires me to fight for all children to achieve the same and leave behind a better life for their generation.My first real employer Alex Moshi, whose faith in me from the beginning of my career, gave me the tools that are useful for me today. I can´t thank him enough.Crosby, who set me free ....... this was the biggest gift of all, although I didn't see it that way at the time.My friend Gregory Barbet, who make me see that the love I have for others, is a rare gift and not a curse.My former colleague Milly, who was my mentor in many ways. Her wisdom and passion for life is expressed through the commitment in whatever she does. A value I won’t have known to master, if it wasn’t for her.My former boss Martin, without losing my job I won’t have realised that I was not following the right path. I really appreciate that now.My inspiring primary teachers Mrs Eliya, Mama Mndolwa and Mrs Semboja, Makubi, Mjuahuzi and Katende. Because of them Mlimani Primary school reputation has always been and remains outstanding. They are the true leaders.Reverend Mother Consolata, a majestic and strong woman who led Kibosho girls secondary school with an iron fist for almost 3 decades. She never gave up on any of us girls. The greatest lesson she always taught us is that ; knowing how to care and to act should be our motto in life. (Kujua kupenda, kutenda ndio ngao kuu, tudumishe)My new dear friend Bianka, an incredible woman who is very humble in her influence. She made me realise that everyone has a gift to contribute towards development and all they need is to believe in themselves.I have truly been blessed in meeting the people who shaped my path till now. I thank each and everyone of them. I believe, everything happens for a reason , even if sometimes we don’t like it. By overcoming challenges, we move a step towards our destiny....The journey continues ….

What do I want in a man?

Every woman asks the question
And yet we never stop to answer ourselves
What do I want in a man? I ask myself today,
I want a man who attracts me from the beginning
And be able to hold my attention everyday
I want a man who is charming and bright
And yet not manipulative or dishonest
I want a man who is intelligent and challenging
And yet not proud and hard
I want a man who listens to what I say
But even important listens to what I don’t say
I want a man who is an equal
And yet a shoulder I can lean on and feel safe
I want a man who wants me for me
Not me for sex, appearance or fame
I want a man who knows he is special to me
And makes me feel I’m special for him
I want a man I don’t have to question
A man who is not unwilling to be questioned
I want a man who accepts and loves me for me
A man I can accept and love for himself
I want a man who can stay up late talking
Or fall asleep reading a book
I want a man who can analyse serious world issues
And yet be able to enjoy a simple adventure or comedy
I want a man who is tall and has a great smile
I want a man I can be myself with
And enjoy making love with
Not only the traditional man woman way
I want a man who is in touch with his true nature
For nature has no limits and no boundaries
I want a man who likes making love in the woods
Under a blanket of stars , or on the beach
I want a man who enjoys life as it comes
One who can live on a 100 million dollar house
And yet enjoy the simplicity of a hut
I want a man who supports my true desires
For my desires are my dreams
To give life to those who have no hope
To create a life for those who will never have
For everyone in the world was created for a purpose
We all have to reach our true destination
And yet… every person is balanced by another
A true balance creates value
A forced balance diminishes potential
The truth of life is life itself
As souls live forever and go through recreation
Life after life after life
An incomplete circle of life
Is not the end of life as thought
Only the end of this life …..
I want a man I can laugh with and cry with
I want a man I can argue with
I want a man who is secure in being himself
And allows me to be myself
I want a man I can trust with my life
I want a man I can love till my last breath
Not only in this life, but after forever
For there is no forever…there is always more

TRUE LOVE IS A DESTINATION



Sometimes we take the wrong bus
and travel for a while
at the end of the journey
we realise it’s the wrong place

Sometimes we need to take a bus
get off and take a metro
with the right connections
you reach your destination.

Sometimes the trip is short
we don’t appreciate the distance
convinced a voyage taking longer
Must be worth more

Sometimes we pay a price
To reach that paradise
when we settle at the place
it’s all a fake pretence

Sometimes we don’t look
and true love is right there
The more we try to deny
The stronger it grows inside

Do you remember, the fist time you fell in love?

Do you remember the first time you fell in love?
I remember at the time, everything felt different,
The excitement during the day, the pounding heart,
mixed emotions, day dreaming, heated dreams,
The feeling of expectation and uncontrollable passions,
The wildness, innocence and unlimited possibilities.

Remember the first time you fell out of love?
I remember the time, everything seem meaningless,
The tears all day long, the sleepless nights,
The feeling of despair, the heaviness of the heart,
The desperation, and the wish to die,
The uncontrollable pain, the endless aching heart.

Every time I fall in love, it is the first time,
The endless possibilities of a new love,
The desire to please the one I love,
The wish to have my first as last love,
Down deep inside, we all long for first loves,
who one day, may be our last loves.

Yet the time comes again we fall out of love,
And with that end we learn a another lesson,
to love who is worthy a day at a time,
to treat each day as a special gift,
Love gives life to a beautiful day,
As the sun shines inside your heart.
I remember the first time, I fell in love.....

Sometimes ...time is everything

Sometimes time is everything,
Sometimes time means nothing,
Sometimes time is all there is,
Sometimes there simply isn’t time,
Sometimes time stands still,
Sometimes time gallops to the hills,
Sometimes it seems like yesterday,
Sometimes today is simply today,
Sometimes, tomorrow is all there is,
………..Sometimes………..

Sometimes the future blends with the past

Sometimes, the past seems like a story
With a book at hand, and chapters inside

Looking back as clear as reading
Memories lived, revisited, embraced
Habits, experiences, characters shaped
As the past mingles with the present

Sometimes the future has been lived
For the past as the present will be then

Listening to memories that have been
Familiar faces, sounds and stuff
With the present far from now
With the past close at hand ……

Sometimes the past seems like a story
Sometimes the future remains in the story

Reminiscing on love

I remember when love used to be simple
Meeting a guy and knowing just by looking at his eyes
He is the one I love, because my heart speaks.

From the very beginning I always listened to my heart
No matter how wrong my past choices have been
I still listen to my soul … my heart.

But now I let my mind ask …why?
Why do I love this guy?
Is it his eyes … always my great weakness :)
Or is it the sound of his voice, which makes my heart melt ?

Is it what I see in the nature of his character
That shows him to be ambitious and hard working,
Courageous, loving, kind and honest?
These are qualities I can live with.

Yes, I remember when love used to be simple
Now luckily it is complicated
Even more so, as I know what I want
And I could never settle for less.

I hope now I’ve answered the question
Which many keep on asking me
Why don’t you make up your mind?

All I can say is, the day will come, someday …
He will be my soul mate, my friend, my love
When my heart speaks and my mind agrees

He will be, The one.

There is no love greater

Sometimes love hurts so much
It makes you wish for life to end
Sometimes love feels so right
You wonder why one doesn’t love you back
Sometimes love makes one so mad
You end up saying things you don’t mean
Sometimes in love we feel confused
And end up hurting the ones we love
Sometimes love runs it’s course
yet we hang on to it as a habit
Sometimes love turns to hate
When one is made to lose self respect
Sometimes love seems so near
And yet some things blinds us
Sometimes you love and lose
And yet with losing you find yourself
No matter how much you may love
There is no love greater
than of yourself.

LOVE AS FLOWERS



Love as flowers grows with roots
Some roots grows on the surface
Some roots grow much deeper
Those that grow deeper are usually stronger
Love as flowers grows and blooms
Some flowers bloom faster
Some flowers bloom slower
Those that bloom slower, withers slow as well
Love as flowers needs nutrients
Sunlight, air, water and attention
All the attention you’d give to love
Some might grow some might die
Love as flowers changes with seasons
Some blossoms in spring and die in winter
Some blossoms all the year round
Some need the right touch or the right person
Love as flowers has no owner
It lives and dies as it pleases
Love as flowers is beautiful or not
Yet the world will be a duller place without

Life remains the same

Life, has a mind of it’s own
Sometimes we follow it’s path
Sometimes it follows along
Each day brings miracles
Sometimes we get to see

Life lies wide awake
Even when we sleep
Memories lives in life
Time and time again
Another life of the same

Nothing is ever lost
There is much to learn
challenges seem new
solutions remain the same
determination, courage, hope

Every soul has a story when it comes from a life once lived

Souls are part of history, with other souls,
Some pieces complete each other’s story
Some pieces conflicts with another story
We are all part of a story that never ends.

Dreams don't lie

Dreams do not lie
Some live in our waking hours
Some live in tomorrows
Some live in previous pasts
Some we try killing today
We grow up and realise
Dreams don’t lie
Dreams don't die
We simply bury them alive
and live another life
until we live again
and dream again

1 minute

1 Minute could change everything
Maybe for good maybe for worse
I could tell you no matter how much I love you
I’m always scared of losing you forever

1 minute to tell me how you care
Can change the way I feel about us
Maybe make me strong and secure
and make me love you even more

1 minute to share our worries with each other
Will make us more understanding of each other
and help bring down the wall in between us
And accept the challenges that come with love

1 minute to think of me and search your heart
You will see me as I am and know that you are my heart
My love for you will always be true
and no one can take it away, except you

1 minute to understand my heart desires
Will make you the only man I need
The one who loves me for who I am
The one who chooses to be with me

1 minute can change our lives
1 minute of doubt, 1 minute of love
1 minute of understanding, 1 minute of fear
1 minute, is all it takes to change everything.

1 minute thinking of the man I love
Made me write this poem for you
For I wish to show you my heart
As I always long from you …

THE PEOPLE ARE THE FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

These are the words of Tanzanian father of the nation, first president, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

When I was growing up, I listened to his conversations and inspiring speeches, he never failed to remind us ''watu ni msingi wa maendeleo'', he never credited himself for all good he did for the country, and for the rest of Africa.
I regard Julius Kambarage Nyerere, as a living legend, a hero. He was not a ''me first '' person, he led with principles, compassion, wisdom, discipline and a clear vision. Although he was revered by all his people, he remained humble and devoted all his energy in building the foundation for our country. The peace and unity we Tanzanians enjoy today are the fruit of his efforts, which is why we see him as Father of the nation. He planted the seeds of his wisdom, principles, discipline and compassion among us, but with the changing times, few take time to remember the many sacrifices he made as a person, to be a good leader for his country. It was easy to follow Nyerere, because he was someone we could trust as a parent. Unfortunately now that he is no longer with us, Tanzania remains like a family with foster parents.

Many organisations have expressed interest to help Tanzania and the rest of Afrika with various development projects. Not all organisations have the people’s interests at heart and not all organisations take time to analyse the causes of problems within the community they are trying to help, they simply make a project plan that is sustainable to enable them to earn a living. Analysing the cause of the problems region by region, can help to create projects that will eliminate the problems one by one and therefore take care of the negative multi-dimensional impacts.There are organisations whose underlying interests are mainly to accomplish personal and organisational goals, to meet deadlines or simply to make profit.For many developing countries, this can create chaos within local communities and/or policy makers and also brew opportunities for many things to go wrong. This is why, the father of the nation was against foreign interventions. If the people are the foundation for development, and they are not empowered with the right tools, what kind of a foundation are we creating for poor countries? And what kind of a nations are we building for the future generation?

Currently my biggest concern is that, many regions in Tanzania are not targeted for development projects. There are regions such as Moshi, Arusha, Dar es salaam, Mwanza, which have donor friendly environment and they are well endowed, these are places that have the most projects from non governmental organisations. This situation, replicates in most African countries.The problem is that, with some regions developing so fast, we have an imbalance within the country. For instance, in some regions there are a lot of education facilities and health facilities, and in some regions there are few or none. We have seen how the imbalance created by colonial past, has had impact in our present, such as the case of the Hutus and Tutsis.

Within Europe, it is important for development organisations working in Africa to hold meetings with African embassies to understand various concerns and be aware of opportunities that are needed in different communities, before making a decision on where to set a project. It is important for research to be made about the cause of problems so that a project can be created to attack the root of the causes, instead of doing plastic surgery on the problems. It is important for international organisations to involve migrants from the countries they are establishing the projects. Migrants have to be empowered to bring change in their home countries, they have to be empowered and polished to be tools for change. This is the road to sustainable development and the way to forming empowered sustainable partnerships. Migrants are an important resource for development organisations, and until now they have not been given much thought.

Furthermore, empowerment within developing countries, should be taken more serious. Until now, some organisations have been doing well, but there is more that can be done if more people are given the tools to make their own contribution towards development. By tools, I mean skills, support and any relevant knowledge, that will enable them to participate in income generating activities. Let’s face it, without economic means the circle of poverty will continue and as we are clearly aware, organisations simply help ‘’target groups’’ and whoever falls out of the target group, has no chance unless they are empowered to help themselves.[

The majority of the population within developing countries, have traditional skills even though most of them lack advanced formal education.Organisations can tap into this resource and polish it to be a finer tool, and in so doing empower more people to participate in production.It is not possible for Africa to depend on foreign aid forever, and it is not possible for developing countries to repay all existing aid.
Dependence on developing aid, dis-empowers developing countries and creates more poverty related problems.For instance, it is impossible for poor countries to make policies that restrict import of products within a poor country, while at the same time the poor country depends on this rich country to assist in health care.

In the end, by accommodating the wishes of the donor country, more problems are created for poor countries, such as 80% of the population which consists of farmers losing their market, and the impact falls on the households and spreads to other businesses in local community and country wide. The trend needs intervention, and therefore reviving primary industries has to be one way of rectifying the current situation for a better future for Afrika.People need to be able to provide for their basic needs, without wondering who will be dropping in with their next meal.When people's stomachs are satisfied, Tanzania and the rest of Afrika might be able to maintain a record of good governance and getting rid of corruption. This kind of environment is good for business investments and provides fair export- import trading opportunities.

Furthermore, what has happened in Zimbabwe and South Afrika, should be taken as a warning. If the higher majority of the poor population can't manage to earn a sustainable living, the end result is undesirable for everyone. One can not reason with a hungry and angry person.

The solution is in our hands. We can either empower the people to be active participants for development, or wait for the people to be empowered by opportunists from the weapon industries.As we have seen, development and destruction are two sides of the same coin.

The people are the foundation for development.

Honouring the memory of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere,

by Stella Evelyne Tesha
http://www.green-waters.org/

Strategizing industrial development in Africa:

Developing countries in Africa have long since faced extreme poverty challenges. Yet according to available natural resources this should not be the case.
The natural resources in developing countries include minerals, ocean resources, forestry resources and people skills. Africa is very rich in resources.
Development in Tanzania as well as the rest of Africa, is crippled by lack of good strategies, disorganised governance, corruption and international policies.
The best strategy I can think of to accelerate the development process , is region by region development.
Regional by region development:Taking an example of one of the richest regions in Tanzania, Arusha. Among other things, this is a region rich in minerals such as tanzanite, rubies, diamonds, gold, and forestry.This is just one of the many rich regions in Tanzania, and yet the UN HDI shows that the country is one of the poorest in the world. http://hdrstats.undp.org/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_TZA.html
Why region by region development?First of all, available resources are usually what stimulates the people skills. Therefore, in an areas such as Arusha, mining and hunting are the main existing primary skills, professional trainings can be given to improve on these.
The best strategy for region by region development, would be to establish processing industries within the regions. These industries should focus on increasing the value of the products and creating employment for the local people. The government will benefit by getting more tax payers, and furthermore the regional administration can create enough revenue to contribute by investing in i.e local health and educational institutions.
For lake regions, creating fish processing industries, will also carve employment spaces for people in tools making, uniforms and other required stock for fishing industries. I can only suggest from experience that restaurants with special local menus will be a huge attraction both locally and internationally, if well publicised.
For agricultural regions, food processing/packaging industries will do the same.
These are the projects that are needed in developing countries, because they are sustainable and they utilise local resources.
Furthermore, regional administration is a way to upset corruption. This is by making regional administration systems accountable to the government, to enable more transparency and a detail oriented system.
Region by region development is also a ‘’bypass’’ to international policies, and will provide possibilities for locals from different regions to be more focused on product value for fair trade, locally and internationally.
It is not possible, to have a tupsy turvy, happy go lucky system as it used to be in the past. Development and globalisation are now hand in hand. The economic interdependence regional and international, is there to stay. The value and price competition is going to be even more tougher, considering available subsidies from the first world. Governments from developing countries, have to be more proactive in planning and de-centralising.
I would urge the first world to keep an eye on the bigger picture and assist region by region development. Throughout history Africa has always been a big market for the first world, but with increased poverty Africa is hard hit and can’t afford to buy as much.This has affected all of us living in Europe, production without demand is a recipe for profit loss which leads to job losses, less tax payers, more dependency on social welfare, less spending, increased stress and health hazards, higher health insurance which has to be paid by the governments, as more people loose their jobs. By helping third world countries to develop sustainable regional industries, this will create more purchasing power among individuals , and most especially create demand for high technology tools from first world for the regional industries. Furthermore, the situation might enable the achievement of millennium goals and lower the need for humongous grants. The available funds can then be reinvested in reducing the ecological footprint and maybe we can manage to reverse the damage we have already caused on our environment.
I believe, we all need to work together in development, we each can make a contribution even by just suggesting an idea and letting someone else work on it!
It really is a win win situation.

Stella Evelyne Tesha
http://www.green-waters.org/