G. Ross Lord Park is a large major Toronto parkland. It’s extremely beautiful and many people frequent it. From time to time though, it feels a bit neglected.

Bella Agronik, reiki healer, jewelry designer extraordinaire, and all-around awesome woman, organized a park clean-up of G. Ross Lord Park yesterday.

It wasn’t her first; the park clean-up has taken place the last 5 years running. It’s amazing how her clean-ups have changed the world for the better. Last year, Bella’s efforts attracted someone who didn’t join in on the party that year, but 8 months later ended up organizing a park clean-up of her own. Tova, also synchronously bumped into Bella recently, and she and Bella ended up cleaning up the other side of G. Ross Lord last month. Very cool stuff.

Doing things for others and basking in the joy of it, without expectation of any kind, is truly a beautiful thing. An outstanding thing worth noting that took place yesterday, was how a young girl named Denisa saw the clean-up flyers posted around the park and brought her classmates out to help, one of whom was sporting a cast on one arm; yet she was still happy to help.

For me, that was extremely meaningful, and it really opened my eyes. No matter what position you’re in, no matter how disadvantaged others may see you, everyone can truly make a difference. Even if the girl just asked her friends to help clean-up and didn’t actually do any physical litter-removal, it still would’ve been mind-blowingly-crazy-superb of her, but the fact that she readily helped out herself was the icing on the cake for me.

It was an amazing opportunity to appreciate all things ‘big’ and ’small.’ It seemed big that so many unprompted people from the community came out to participate. Thanks to Leon, Steve, Lisa, Denisa, Rebecca, Stacey, Sabina, Rob, Jennifer, Nick, Curtis, Jesse, Jackie, Albert, Bella, Arthur, Pete, Brendon, and Senia, and a few more people who’s names I didn’t get ( contact us here or in the forums to be included! ). These people brought water, (organic!) snacks, gloves (the heavy duty kind), bags, creative ideas, their enthusiasm, and more!

Appreciating the ’small’ thing of simply being outside and active in the sun and breeze after a substantial winter is also wonderful.

There’s a good number of great photos on the summary page. Feel free to check them out. Here’s a highlight

I’m a little more tanned, a little bit sore, and very happy. The main thing is that everyone had fun, felt good, did something they felt was a positive step or action, and came closer together.

Arthur’s Addendum:

"… writing this post reminds me of my walk today, in the rain. So many birds, so many beautiful birds were out. Most people complain about the rain, either outwardly or silently. These same people appreciate the beautiful flutter of the birds on a sunny day, consciously or not. When it rains, the worms come out, and the birds get to feast. The birds get healthy, and on sunny days are out singing, blessing the world with their cheerful voices.

A cheerful heart is good medicine. I thank my feathered friends everyday for that blessing =)"

Kids know the score

Discuss this in the forums! Or: Take me to The Pictures

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