by Daleena Samara (Reprinted from Positive News Hong Kong)

A German woman’s ‘wonderful active form of compassion’ is building lives in Sri Lanka.

Hundreds of children around Sri Lanka may not know the name Ursula Beier. But ask them if they know of the Sudu Amma, and they will waggle their heads in assent immediately. Their parents would also know who Sudu Amma is.

Jeremy Gilley is an actor turned film maker, who in the late 1990's became preoccupied with questions about the fundamental nature of humanity and the issue of peace. He decided to explore these through the medium of film, and specifically, to create a documentary following his campaign to establish a day of ceasefire and non-violence.

by Joanna Wong, Communications Manager, Future Generations/China (Reprinted from Positive News Hong Kong)

Chinese students carry the torch for a more sustainable future.

Amid controversies over smoggy skies during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, news of the "Green Long March" came as a breath of fresh air. As athletes from around the world prepared for the world's first "Green Olympics," student volunteers from 32 different Chinese universities set off on a nation-wide march for the environment.

by Miranda MacPherson

The perennial spiritual invitation that has been given us by every sage and tradition east and west is this: surrender and open through absolutely everything - no matter how it appears. We are told that this is the sacred route from the shell of our ego structure to the depths of our divine nature that is naturally infinite in peace, love and fulfillment.

Hollywood film directory Stephen Simon continues his Movie Mystic on the movie 'Cold Souls'.

It feels so good to have a movie to write about again. For those of you who have followed this column for the last seven years, please know that, as long as films like COLD SOULS are released, I will continue this column, even though it will be on an irregular basis. Now, to the film.

David Spangler writes about how we are all connected to one another... and how we can become a subtle activist.

Unlucky in love? Did you know that HOW you breathe can directly affect your performance in bed? This may seem like an odd concept, but according to Jac Vidgen, an expert in a breathing reconditioning method called Buteyko, people who breathe with short, shallow and gentle breaths have better sex lives and more stamina in the bedroom.

by Simon Chau

Deep Green Reflections for a sustainable Future

I was less than keen when fellow green campaigners asked me to sign petitions and attend rallies to try to halt the construction of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Hong Kong Section) (hereafter XRL). After all, such a Save the Choi Yuen Village Battle could well be another not-in-my-backyard battle on the part of the local villagers and their sympathizers who cannot wait to pick up green issues to harass our government. Re-routing the proposed line would mean higher construction cost, further delays, and destroying another village.

(Reprinted from Positive News Hong Kong)

Nick Vujicic proves that human nature can rise beyond suffering.

“I just love life,” said Nick Vujicic.  Vujicic is a 25-year old Australian motivational speaker who was born without limbs, an extremely rare condition called Tetra-amelia Syndrome. Yet, he has a double degree in financial planning and accounting and a career in stock market and property investment. He was also nominated as Young Australian of the Year in 2005. He recently completed a six-day tour in Hong Kong, giving inspirational talks that were like part standup comedy and part speeches.

By Vicky Vortex (Reprinted from Positive News Hong Kong)

Lizette Smook worked for the clothing industry for 20 years. Now she is championing and producing sustainable and environmentally friendly products.