Spiritual Awakening: Smile Until It Hurts

This post was inspired by Up With People as I just saw a trailer for the documentary Smile Until It Hurts, which chronicled the Up With people group or as many have described them a movement. The are many people who support what Up With People stands for while others are still questioning their motives. I find what Up With People does to be spiritually moving in shifting the consciousness of those who attend theor shows and understand the value of a smile, a kind word, and respect. Imagine if we all took the stance that I will not judge you and I will get to know you as I continue on my spiritual path. It is when we begin to implement the ideas of peace, love, and happiness that we begin to see both personal and spiritual growth.  I had the privilige to work with the cast when they came to Coral Springs, FL. in the late 90’s and I was moved by those I worked with as they were from different cultures had varyibg beliefs but were able to take action to put their differences aside and realize that together working in harmony for a higher good that a positive impact could be and was made that week. They did many community service projects and helped to mark Martin Luthe King Jr. Day with a special performance at The Citi Centre(now known as The Coral Sprongs Center For The Arts). Their message was one of hope and you could see the dedication of  the performaners and the staff to deliver a message but also to allow that message  being spoken through actions.

When you visit The Up With People Website this is the history you will find.

Up with People was founded by J. Blanton Belk in 1965 as a positive voice for young people during a turbulent period in the United States. Its historic path officially began in 1968 when it was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) international, educational non-profit entity.

Over the years, Up with People has become known as a tremendous force in international relations, education, and entertainment.  The statistics speak for themselves and we are proud of the impact we have made – and continue to make today.

• More than 21,000 young men and women from more than 102 countries have come together to travel in 180 casts to deliver a common message of hope and goodwill to people around the world, and pursue their own global education and personal growth goals through service, music and travel.
• Up with People has visited more than 4,000 communities in 42 countries;
• Over 3 million hours of community service have been performed by Up with People students;
• 500,000 host families around the world have welcomed Up with People students into their homes;
• An estimated 22 million people worldwide have been directly impacted by Up with People.

With a rich history of Up With People there are stillmany who disparage what they are doing and what they stand for. I say Smile Until It Hurts and continue to spread a message of peace and love through your actions showing the detractors that there is no right or wrong there is only doing the right thing.

 Also in the 1960’s there was a movement to help emerging countries known and The Peace Corps. I am proud to be a Returned U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer. I was a English Language Assistance Community Educator in The Phillippines from July 2002- February 2003. I did an early termination of service due to medical issues. In the sixth months that I served I smiled until it hurt as each day was anew challenge and every night as I laid down for bed I was grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those I was working with and interacting with. I have many stories about my 6 months of service and some fond memories. Serving in The Peace Corps gave me an awareness that I am a spiritual being having a human experience. I learned about breathing and slowing down in The Phillipines. I believe I learned more than I taught.

The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michiganto serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

Since that time, 200,000+ Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation.

Today’s Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and contributing to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.

Again there are many that will never ubderstand why someone would volunteer  for The Peace Corps and question why The Peace Corps Exist, however there are many that smile until it hurts and believe that change through organizations like Up With People and The Peace Corps is possible.

This is Maureen Lang who served with her husband Dave we thought it was fitting to find a Jeepney with her name on it. Dave and Maureen really helped all of the volunteers to smile until it Hurts. The interesting part is that their last name in Tagalog translates to Only. Everythine I think of Dave and Maureen and the rest of Group 260 I smile until it hurts.

 Today you can choose to smile until it hurts and spread peace, love, and happiness through www.feelthehugs.com, www.forestofangels.com, and several other organizations. You can choose to tap into the positive memories and smile until it hurts. Allow your light to shine as you smile until it hurts.

Spiritual Awakening: Images and Songs That Make JDOGG Smile Until It Hurts