Month: June 2025

To begin with, the two pieces shared in this post (the sad picture and the inspiring article) are not directly related to each other. Indeed, the article was written in Montreal, Canada, chronologically before the picture-related tragedy of Damascus, Syria.

Stated differently, the two items are the product of a pure coincidence. However, Bambi made the decision of sharing them with you, dear readers, in a single post because one can ideally act as an internal barrier to the other. Of course, practically speaking, one needs critical thinking, along with a will to respect ALL human lives, to live, an to love.

Bearing the above in mind, it is time to dive into this post by starting with the following words of wisdom: “The twentieth century will have taught us that no doctrine in itself is necessarily a liberating force: all of them may be perverted or take a wrong turning; all have blood on their hands – communism, liberalism, nationalism, each of the, great religions, and even secularism. Nobody has a monopoly on fanaticism; nobody has a monopoly on humane values” (Mr. Amine Maalouf, “In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to Belong” or “Les identités meutrières”).

Whether the perpetrators of violence act in the (so-called) name of this or that fanatic group, and/or whether the victims come from this or that community, one thing is sure: Bambi’s heart breaks for the innocent victims, regardless of whom they are or where they reside in the bloody Middle East or anywhere else in the world, including Canada.

This being said, today’s unacceptable suicide bombing attack took place at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, Syria… May everyone’s memory be eternal.

From the L’Orient Le Jour (https://tinyurl.com/4y83eh2x), we learn that “the attack, which left 25 dead and more than 60 injured, was claimed Tuesday by a little-known Sunni extremist group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, while Syrian authorities attributed it to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS)“.

What is highly worrisome is the following demographic trend: “Syria’s Christian population has shrunk from one million before the 2011 war to fewer than 300,000 today, according to experts, due to forced displacement and exile. The Vatican has expressed fears of a further exodus of Christians from the Middle East following the attack” ( (https://tinyurl.com/4y83eh2x)

You might find the senseless violence against the Middle Eastern’s Christians of Syria, Irak of Egypt sad or even depressing. It surely is. For Bambi, it reminds her of the progressive disappearance of other historical minorities from the Middle East, including Arab Jews or, more recently, Irak’s Yazidis (https://tinyurl.com/4tdxtwzk)

What can each one of us do in order to remain connected to our humanity, despite the grief, which includes anger? How can we chose or re-chose nonviolence and even love? Perhaps Dr. Chawki Hitti’s beautiful evidence-based article on nonviolence can inspire us?

Below you can read the original French text, preceded by an English translation (in bold), thanks to Mr. Google Translate, Bambi’s beloved online friend.

May peace and love prevail in everyone’s hearts and in the entire Middle East.

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“Title:

The Genesis of Nonviolence: A Scientific and Conscious Approach

Abstract

This article explores the hypothesis that nonviolence is not simply an ethical practice or a moral choice, but a natural law inscribed in the order of the universe. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining biology, psychology, philosophy, and spiritual traditions, we argue that living nonviolently requires an elevation of consciousness capable of transcending the ego. This level of consciousness allows human beings to harmonize with the profound dynamics of nature.

Introduction

Nonviolence is often perceived as a sociopolitical strategy or a moral principle, championed by historical figures such as Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. But a more fundamental question emerges: what if nonviolence were, above all, a universal natural law, an intrinsic structure of life to which human beings may (or may not) align?

This article proposes that nonviolence is not simply a rule imposed from outside, but a fundamental reality of the living world, access to which depends on a heightened level of consciousness capable of transcending egocentric conditioning.

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1. Nonviolence in the Laws of Nature

1.1 Cooperation and Harmony in Living Things

Although the classical view of nature has long emphasized competition and the law of the strongest, modern research in evolutionary biology (Nowak, 2006; Wilson, 2012) demonstrates that cooperation and symbiosis are essential drivers of survival. Thriving ecosystems depend on a balance and profound interdependence between species.

1.2 Balance and Ecological Reciprocity

Physical and ecological laws emphasize that the universe tends toward states of equilibrium. Any violent disruption of this balance leads to systemic disorder and collapse, illustrating that violence is a disruption of natural dynamics, while nonviolence, through cooperation and regulation, promotes the sustainability of systems.

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2. The Ego: An Obstacle to Natural Harmony

2.1 Ego Separation

Human beings develop an ego that is self-aware, but often disconnected from the whole. This separation fuels defensive, competitive, and violent behaviors. Neuroscience (Damasio, 1994; Siegel, 2007) reveals that fear and self-preservation strategies are activated by ancient neurological patterns, often incompatible with deep cooperation.

2.2 Violence and Unconsciousness

Violence could be understood as a manifestation of unconsciousness about universal interdependence. When human beings act under the influence of an isolated ego, they break their connection with the natural dynamics of harmony.

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3. NonViolence: A Manifestation of Higher Consciousness

3.1 The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A Universal Ethic

In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the foundational text of yogic philosophy, nonviolence or ahimsa is defined as the first and most essential of the Yamas (ethical principles). It is not limited to the absence of physical violence, but extends to all actions, words, and thoughts that could cause harm. It encourages universal compassion and active kindness toward all beings.

Sutra 2.35 states:

“When one is firmly established in nonviolence, all hostility ceases in one’s presence.”

(Source: Integral Yoga® Magazine, The Art of Living).

This statement suggests that true nonviolence is not mere abstention, but a transformative force that impacts the social and energetic environment.

3.2 Mystical and Neuroscientific Convergences

Mystical traditions—whether Buddhist, Sufi, or Christian—teach that true nonviolence is only possible when the ego is transcended. Contemporary discoveries in contemplative neuroscience (Varela et al., 1991; Davidson & Goleman, 1977) confirm that deep meditative states can reconfigure neural circuits by decreasing aggression and increasing empathy.

Authentic nonviolence therefore appears to emerge spontaneously from an expanded and connected state of consciousness, rather than from a mere moral effort.

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4. Ethical and Societal Implications

4.1 From Behavioral Education to Conscious Education

While nonviolence stems from natural alignment and heightened awareness, it would be reductive to limit it to behavioral injunctions. A truly effective educational approach should integrate the development of mindfulness, compassion, and emotional intelligence as fundamental pillars.

4.2 Nonviolence as a Sustainable Solution

Peace mechanisms imposed by laws or external constraints remain fragile as long as they are not accompanied by inner transformation. Nonviolence, experienced consciously, offers a more sustainable and deeply rooted path to resolving both individual and collective conflicts.

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Conclusion

Nonviolence, far from being a simple social construct or a moral ideal, is akin to a universal natural law. However, its true attainment requires a profound transformation of consciousness, transcending the ego and its conditioning. Mystical traditions, yogic teachings, and neuroscientific advances converge to affirm that nonviolence emerges from an experience of the fundamental unity between self and the world.

This perspective opens new horizons for interdisciplinary research and invites our societies to rethink their educational, political, and social strategies, directing efforts not only toward controlling behavior, but also toward elevating human consciousness”.

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References

Nowak, M. A. (2006). Five Rules for the Evolution of Cooperation. Science.

Wilson, E. O. (2012). The Social Conquest of Earth. Liveright.

Damasio, A. (1994). Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. Putnam.

Siegel, D. J. (2007). The Mindful Brain. Norton.

Varela, F. J., Thompson, E., & Rosch, E. (1991). The Embodied Mind. MIT Press.

Davidson, R. J., & Goleman, D. J. (1977). The Role of Attention in Meditation and Hypnosis: A Psychobiological Perspective. American Psychologist.

Integral Yoga® Magazine, The Art of Living. (s.d.). Ahimsa in the Yoga Sutras.

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Titre:

La Genèse de la Non-Violence : Une Approche Scientifique et Conscientielle

Résumé

Cet article explore l’hypothèse selon laquelle la non-violence n’est pas simplement une pratique éthique ou un choix moral, mais une loi naturelle inscrite dans l’ordre de l’univers. À travers une approche interdisciplinaire croisant la biologie, la psychologie, la philosophie et les traditions spirituelles, nous défendons l’idée que vivre la non-violence requiert une élévation de la conscience capable de transcender l’ego. Ce niveau de conscience permet à l’être humain de s’harmoniser avec la dynamique profonde de la nature.

Introduction

La non-violence est souvent perçue comme une stratégie sociopolitique ou un principe moral, défendu par des figures historiques comme Gandhi et Martin Luther King Jr. Mais une question plus essentielle émerge : et si la non-violence était avant tout une loi naturelle universelle, une structure intrinsèque du vivant à laquelle l’être humain peut (ou non) s’aligner ?

Cet article propose que la non-violence n’est pas une simple règle imposée de l’extérieur, mais une réalité fondamentale du monde vivant, dont l’accès dépend d’un niveau de conscience élevé, apte à transcender les conditionnements égocentriques.

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1. La Non-Violence dans les Lois de la Nature

1.1 Coopération et Harmonie dans le Vivant

Bien que la vision classique de la nature ait longtemps mis en avant la compétition et la loi du plus fort, les recherches modernes en biologie de l’évolution (Nowak, 2006 ; Wilson, 2012) démontrent que la coopération et la symbiose sont des moteurs essentiels de la survie. Les écosystèmes florissants dépendent d’un équilibre et d’une interdépendance profonde entre les espèces.

1.2 Équilibre et Réciprocité Écologique

Les lois physiques et écologiques soulignent que l’univers tend vers des états d’équilibre. Toute perturbation violente de cet équilibre entraîne des désordres et des effondrements systémiques, illustrant que la violence est une rupture de la dynamique naturelle, alors que la non-violence, par la coopération et la régulation, favorise la pérennité des systèmes.

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2. L’Ego : Un Obstacle à l’Harmonie Naturelle

2.1 La Séparation Égotique

L’être humain développe un ego conscient de lui-même, mais souvent déconnecté de la totalité. Cette séparation alimente des comportements défensifs, compétitifs et violents. Les neurosciences (Damasio, 1994 ; Siegel, 2007) révèlent que la peur et les stratégies d’auto-préservation sont activées par des schémas neurologiques anciens, souvent incompatibles avec la coopération profonde.

2.2 Violence et Inconscience

La violence pourrait être comprise comme une manifestation d’inconscience de l’interdépendance universelle. Lorsque l’être humain agit sous l’influence d’un ego isolé, il rompt son lien avec la dynamique naturelle d’harmonie.

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3. La Non-Violence : Une Manifestation de Conscience Élevée

3.1 Les Yoga Sutras de Patanjali : Une Éthique Universelle

Dans les Yoga Sutras de Patanjali, texte fondamental de la philosophie yogique, la non-violence ou Ahimsa est définie comme la première et la plus essentielle des Yamas (principes éthiques). Elle ne se limite pas à l’absence de violence physique, mais s’étend à toutes les actions, paroles et pensées susceptibles de nuire. Elle invite à une compassion universelle et à une bienveillance active envers tous les êtres.

Le Sutra 2.35 affirme que :

“Lorsqu’on est fermement établi dans la non-violence, toute hostilité cesse en sa présence.”

(Source : Integral Yoga® Magazine, The Art of Living).

Cette déclaration suggère que la non-violence véritable n’est pas une simple abstention, mais une force transformatrice qui agit sur l’environnement social et énergétique.

3.2 Convergences Mystiques et Neuroscientifiques

Les traditions mystiques — qu’elles soient bouddhistes, soufies ou chrétiennes — enseignent que la véritable non-violence n’est possible que lorsque l’ego est transcendé. Les découvertes contemporaines en neurosciences contemplatives (Varela et al., 1991 ; Davidson & Goleman, 1977) confirment que des états méditatifs profonds peuvent reconfigurer les circuits neuronaux en diminuant l’agressivité et en augmentant l’empathie.

La non-violence authentique semble donc émerger spontanément d’un état de conscience élargi et connecté, plutôt que d’un simple effort moral.

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4. Implications Éthiques et Sociétales

4.1 De l’Éducation Comportementale à l’Éducation Conscientielle

Si la non-violence découle d’un alignement naturel et d’une conscience élevée, il serait réducteur de la limiter à des injonctions comportementales. Une approche éducative véritablement efficace devrait intégrer le développement de la pleine conscience, de la compassion, et de l’intelligence émotionnelle comme des piliers fondamentaux.

4.2 La Non-Violence comme Solution Durable

Les mécanismes de paix imposés par des lois ou des contraintes externes restent fragiles tant qu’ils ne s’accompagnent pas d’une transformation intérieure. La non-violence vécue de manière consciente offre une voie plus durable et profondément ancrée pour la résolution des conflits, tant individuels que collectifs.

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Conclusion

La non-violence, loin d’être une simple construction sociale ou un idéal moral, s’apparente à une loi naturelle universelle. Cependant, son accès réel suppose une transformation profonde de la conscience, transcendant l’ego et ses conditionnements. Les traditions mystiques, les enseignements yogiques et les avancées neuroscientifiques convergent pour affirmer que la non-violence émerge d’une expérience de l’unité fondamentale entre soi et le monde.

Cette perspective ouvre des horizons nouveaux pour la recherche interdisciplinaire et invite nos sociétés à repenser leurs stratégies éducatives, politiques et sociales, en orientant les efforts non seulement vers la maîtrise des comportements, mais vers l’élévation de la conscience humaine”.

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Références

Nowak, M. A. (2006). Five Rules for the Evolution of Cooperation. Science.

Wilson, E. O. (2012). The Social Conquest of Earth. Liveright.

Damasio, A. (1994). Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. Putnam.

Siegel, D. J. (2007). The Mindful Brain. Norton.

Varela, F. J., Thompson, E., & Rosch, E. (1991). The Embodied Mind. MIT Press.

Davidson, R. J., & Goleman, D. J. (1977). The Role of Attention in Meditation and Hypnosis: A Psychobiological Perspective. American Psychologist.

Integral Yoga® Magazine, The Art of Living. (s.d.). Ahimsa in the Yoga Sutras.

It is never too early to wish beloved Québec a “Bonne Fête Nationale”! Same for French-Canadians across our wide and beautiful country, including Acadians in the Maritime provinces, a “Bonne Saint-Jean-Baptiste“.

This being said, had singer-songwriter Jean-Pierre Ferland been alive, he would have turned 91 tomorrow. Last year, he was honoured by his colleagues at Montreal’s main “Fête nationale” concert, entitled “Le Grand Spectacle” (https://tinyurl.com/4exrvptc). This year onward, he will be missed greatly at these annual concerts. May his memory be eternal. May inner peace fill the hearts of his spouse, children, and loved ones (including his dog Wallis, https://tinyurl.com/3nc68jpw).

As usual, Bambi’s post ends with music. The chosen piece is “Un peu plus haut“, one of Mr. Ferland’s superb songs, recorded in Paris in 1969 and inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007 (https://tinyurl.com/5ek4un3z). Of note, Ms. Ginette Reno majestically performed “Un peu plus haut” on June 24, 1975 “in front of 250,000 people on Montreal’s Mount Royal” (https://tinyurl.com/5ek4un3z). This concert “was part of the festivities for St-Jean-Baptiste Day and International Women’s Year” (https://tinyurl.com/5ek4un3z).

Long live Québec and Canada’s Francophonie :)!

If you happen to be in Montreal (Québec) on Canada Day, and you are not busy moving out from one apartment into another one (since most residential leases end on June 30th), you might wish to consider joining the “Anti-Canada Day BBQ“. This would be an opportunity for you to celebrate our country’s National Day in a sad and odd way.

This way would be a contrast with Lebanon, Bambi’s birth country. The latter is still struggling to exist in the most basic sovereign way. Yet, when she visited it lately, she attended a university-based public event. The latter started with the Lebanese national anthem to which everyone stood up, from young students to more senior academics, journalists, and the general public. They did it for a few seconds with the utmost respect.

Of note, Lebanon’s past history and present, and most likely its near future, are filled with injustice. Yet its people, especially youth, seem to be keen to preserve their critical thinking, along with a healthy sense of patriotism. They seem to love their country despite all its critical problems.

In contrast to the above, why can’t McGill University’s “Quebec Public Interest Research Group” aspire to maintain the ability to think clearly and to analyze Canada’s shorter history, more objectively? Why should they give their BBQ event an insulting name, namely a so-called “decolonial anti-Canada day” (whatever “decolonial” means and whatever “Palestinian Feminist Collective“means)?

In other terms, how about wisely and radically accepting the following reality: like many other countries grappling with flaws or injustices in their pasts, what can Canada do better in moving forward into the future? What might be some ideas to address the country’s issues and key areas of development?

Mr. Mike Massy is a Lebanon-born singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, film score composer, a celebrity vocal coach, and an actor (https://tinyurl.com/mrxt3nsu). Of note, he played the role of Jesus in a famous French movie, “Jesus de Nazareth à Jerusalem” (2017). Indeed, Mr. Massy is multi-talented and Bambi is a loyal fan.

One of this singer’s recent songs is a classical Arabic poetry written by Mr. Ibn Al-Farid. The music is composed by Mr. Malek el Yaman. The piano and arrangement are by Mr. Tomàs Nine. Violin is by Ms. Lucia Kohan. Bandneon by Mr. Nicolás Velázquez. Double Bass by Mr. Axel Gómez. The song was recorded at Mtt Estudio, thanks to Mr. Manuel Mendez. It was mixed and mastered by Mr. Nestor Basurto in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The cover was designed by Mr. Sayed Karam. The production is by Mr. Malek El Yaman.

Before leaving you with this beautiful song, Bambi will share its original Arabic lyrics, followed by an English translation (taken from YouTube). She hopes you will enjoy it as much as she did. Long live music and love in all its forms ❤️!

زِدْني بفَرْطِ الحُبّ فيك تَحَيُّرا“

وارْحَمْ حشىً بلَظَى هواكَ تسعّرا

وإذا سألتُك أن أراكَ حقيقةً

فاسمَحْ ولا تجعلْ جوابي لن تَرى

يا قلبُ أنتَ وعدْتَني في حُبّهم

صَبراً فحاذرْ أن تَضِيقَ وتَضجرا

إنَّ الغرامَ هوَ الحياةُ فمُتْ بِهِ

صَبّاً فحقّك أن تَموتَ وتُعذرا

قُل لِلّذِينَ تقدَّموا قَبلي ومَن

بَعدي ومَن أضحى لأشجاني يَرَى

عنّي خذوا وبي اقْتدوا

وتحدّثوا بصَبابتي بَينَ الوَرى

ولقد خَلَوْتُ مع الحَبيب وبَيْنَنَا

سِرٌّ أرَقّ منَ النّسيمِ إذا سرى

فَدُهِشْتُ بينَ جمالِهِ وجَلالِهِ

ورأيت كلّ الحُسْنِ فيه مُصَوَّرا

Overwhelm me with Your love, so I’m lost in its flame,

Have mercy on a heart that burns with passion’s name.

And if I dare to ask: “May I behold You, true?”

Then grant me that, and not a “You shall never view.”

O heart, you swore you’d bear their love with grace—

So falter not, nor sigh, nor leave your place.

For love alone is life—so let it take your breath,

Die in its arms, and earn a noble death.

Say to those who came before, and those yet near,

And all who see the sorrows I hold dear:

Take me as your guide, and learn from what I bear,

Speak of my longing—spread it everywhere.

I was alone with the Beloved one still night,

And shared a secret softer than the breeze in flight.

I stood in awe of beauty wrapped in might,

And saw all loveliness in Him unite“.

Bambi’s last day in Lebanon was June 16, 2025.

She made it home safely on June 17, 2025.

Two symbolic dates for her:

June 16th of 1990 was her last day residing in the Middle East. On that day, her family returned in a rush, from Cyprus to Beirut, to pack a few items during one of the civil war’s most intense rounds of violence.

While saying good-bye to her loved ones hiding in the shelters, she imagined the following in her mind: had her life been a book, it would be made of two volumes, one in Lebanon and the other in the far-away peaceful Canada. She was 17 years old at the time.

On the 17th of June 1990, two flights took her family, from Larnaka airport in Cyprus to Mirabel airport in Québec. From there, they drove to Montreal where she spent the first 15 years in what is called “La belle province” of Canada. That was 35 years ago.

In the end her life was not made of two volumes, but rather of four. Indeed, she lived in Beirut in addition to three Canadian provinces: Québec, Ontario, and New Brunswick (in addition to some time spent escaping civil war in Germany, Egypt, and Cyprus, etc.).

Of note, she lived the first 17 years of her life in her birth country, Lebanon, and the last 17 years (starting year18 now) in her most recent adoptive and charming maritime province of New Brunswick.

One thing is sure, Canada has changed a lot over the past 35 years. Same for her birth country. Tragically, what remained constant is the unsafety in the Middle East.

However, today, the level of absurdity of violence has reached exponential levels in the entire region. Countries hating each other. Tribes fearing each other. Kidnapping, ethnic cleansing, massacres, shelling, drones in the skies, missiles between rival countries, and other nations struggling to remain neutral while being in the middle of the fire. Some people fear a third world war. Others estimate that the insanity will not last long.

When it comes to Lebanon, this tiny yet resilient country keeps going from one crisis to the next and from one war to the other. In as much as Bambi is relieved to know that her loved ones there are safe and sound, she worries about them. Today more than ever. Yet, selfishly, she is grateful for Canada for the safe heaven, for all the opportunities, both in her personal and professional lives.

For all the reasons mentioned above, she will end this post by saying: may God/G-d/Allah/No Gods watch over the Middle East, and especially over Lebanon. As for you Canada, thank you… Bambi is proud of calling you home for 35 years now!

“Being a dad is my most important job because it not only affects my children, but their children and many generations to come” (Mr. Mark Dominik, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

Dads come in all shapes and sizes. Same for father figures. They all deserve to be acknowledged, honoured, and loved back.

For whatever reasons, some dads are literally absent (not in their kids’ spirits or dreams). Tragically, others may be dismissive even when physically present in their children’s lives. Yet, sadly, other fathers may be trapped in cycles of domestic violence or exponential levels of narcissistic traits.

Of course, life is a rich journey and death is part of it. So dear readers, maybe your own dad (or father figure?) is in heaven. If so, may his memory be eternal. If not, may you cherish each moment together.

As for your own fatherhood journey (if it applies), some of you may be new dads (hello to the most caring Michael “habibi”!). Some are more senior. Others may be grandfathers too (hola Doudou, “Abouna Elias”, etc.!). Yet others may have played fatherhood roles, including foster and host parenthood, in the most rewarding ways (coucou Luigi!).

This being said, Bambi sends her heart to readers who may have lost a child and to those who experienced a heart-aching grief at any time point of the continuum losses of pregnancy. Same for those who are facing biological or adoptive delays as well as those who do not want to become fathers. To all you, best wishes. Some of you may be uncles (i.e., kinship or not) to beloved kids, without being official dads. Others are uplifting guys to whom younger ones look up to. Some of you may be good spiritual figures. Others may have a big heart and a persistent will to love. Please keep being who you are, our world needs much love.

To all the world’s dads, ESPECIALLY to her most inspiring adorable dad, Antoine [or Antonio :)]: Happy forthcoming Fathers’ Day! Sunday is Canada’s Father’s Day. In Lebanon, this day falls on June 21st, 2025 (thanks again, dear Jessy, for your kind wishes).

Of note, Bambi is blessed to still be in Beirut on Canadian Fathers’ Day. Yes, there is Middle Eastern drama now: yesterday night, it felt surreal to be watching, with her own eyes, missiles flying over Lebanon, on their way from Iran to Israel. All this while sitting next to her dad, in such a nice place, both being surrounded by love. We shared laughter and bites with cherished ones, along with concerns about the escalation and about loved ones trapped abroad (of course, there is also her own planned departure in a couple of days. She just want to peacefully fly out back home on time. Time will tell, if this would be possible then. From the bottom of her heart, she wishes the innocent victims of this Middle Eastern’s current/continuous madness to heal well or… to rest in peace (wherever they are and whomever they are).

The irony of yesterday night’s precious moments of immense joy mixed with war concerns (and sorrow for a recently deceased great dad-friend) reminded Bambi of the the mixed joy and deep grief, along with jet-lag, at her nephew’s most beautiful wedding. At that time her mom’s soul departed to heaven. Antoine, her/their hero of dad/grandfather protected his grandson Michael, daughter, et al. with his legendary stoic attitude, which allowed the celebrations to go on.

At the end of the day, this is is life. It is simple and at times complex, along with its reassuring process of always moving forward, no matter what. It is thus up to us to create the present moment or to capture daily opportunities to love and be mutually loved. Yes, life is truly short, especially in the Middle East. As Bambi’s mom used to say, “what can we do? We do not choose our birth country. It chooses us” (in line with the concept of “radical acceptance” of reality). This is Lebanon in the here and now. This is its neighbourhood in the here and now. If things escalate further or longer, let’s patiently wait for the storm to pass, just like Atlantic Canadians deal with their natural winter storms. May the future be brighter than the current darkness. May the children of the children of all the dads, especially those residing in Lebanon/the Middle East, live a dignified, peaceful life filled with LOVE, the most precious ingredient.

Saint Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 13, 1231 (https://shorturl.at/Jy3N0). When he was 15 years old, he entered the order of St. Augustine where he studied Augustinian theology for 11 years. Later, he got immersed in Franciscan teaching (https://shorturl.at/McExL).

Notoriously known as “the patron saint of lost objects” (https://shorturl.at/McExL), Saint Anthony helps people find lost objects. You just have to connect with him, and ask him for help, just like you do with a trustworthy friend. At least that was the advice of Bambi’s mother to her children since their childhood.

Maybe, like Bambi, you have wondered why a religious man is specialized in finding lost objects? Well, Saint Anthony of Padua had a valuable book of psalms where he made annotations in the margins. He used this book to teach theology (https://shorturl.at/McExL). A new trainee was suspected of stealing his book on his way out of the Franciscan monastery. Saint Anthony prayed for the return of his highly cherished item. He was relieved when, shortly after, this individual returned the book and even sought his forgiveness (https://shorturl.at/McExL). What a lovely end of the story, isn’t it?

This being said, why is Saint Anthony keen to support us when he does not know us or even know what our lost object means to us? Maybe this cherished item is a gift from a loved one? Maybe it has an emotional value, worth billions of dollars to us? Who knows? maybe it is made of gold, the mot precious of metals? Mind you, a lost object can be a toy or any little thing we play with, even if it not practically needed or cherished. When we are upset or sad because of a lost object,

Regardless, when we are frustrated after loosing an item, Saint Anthony is “our” guy or the man of the situation. We do not have to be Christian, not even Catholic, to benefit from his sweet services :). Of course, in addition to reaching out to him, we must keep physically looking for our lost object (yes an action is required, even with prayer). Ideally, the latter would be done while trying to use our memory to reconstruct the last steps prior to where we suspect we had this object last.

When it comes to the Middle East, since the past decades and especially now, the residents of this beautiful yet highly volatile region have lost their basic needs, namely their sense of dignity, safety, and hope for brighter days. Why don’t their leaders dare to envision peace? For a change, how about wisely working for conflict resolution (not just an application of temporary patches)? Wouldn’t this be more productive than the endless and senseless violence? Like people residing in other parts of the world, don’t Middle-Eastern people deserve to benefit from peaceful co-existence among nations and from enriching exchanges (i.e., economically, scientifically, medically, culturally, and humanly)?

Thus, to conclude this post and if she may, Bambi urges Saint Anthony of Padua to inspire the Middle East to find or create HOPE for a path of dignity, safety, humanity, peace, and of love among individuals from its various nations and tribes.

“Life is beautiful
when love flows through us like a silent river,
softly shaping the shores of our days.
It is beautiful when hearts open,
when we dare to embrace another’s soul,
when we become both the giver and the gift.

Life is beautiful
when we grow—
not in haste, nor in fear—
but like trees reaching patiently toward the sun,
accepting each season,
each fall, each bloom,
as a sacred step in the unfolding.

Life is beautiful
when we find meaning,
not as something waiting at the end of the road,
but as seeds hidden in the cracks of today,
in the smallest acts,
in silent courage,
in quiet kindness.

Life is beautiful
when we are present—
when we touch the fabric of this moment
with our bare hands,
when we drink from the cup of now
as if it were the first sip of life.

And life is most beautiful
when we tremble in awe,
when words dissolve before the vastness,
when we kneel before the mystery that holds us—
in the stars,
in the birth of a child,
in the silence between heartbeats.

It is not answers we seek,
but the sacred wonder that keeps us alive,
the breathless recognition:
To be here.
To love.
To grow.
To mean.
To behold.

This—this is the beauty”.

—

Creating beauty and meaning: The inspiring world of Chawki Hitti [Créer de la beauté et du sens: L’univers inspirant de Chawki Hitti]

What makes life beautiful?

Today has been declared by God knows whom “Making Life Beautiful Day” (https://shorturl.at/ZhgSe). Regardless of the stated meaning of this day, Bambi hopes that life has been good to you lately.

Who knows? Maybe you are happier now because someone made you smile, feel supported, or valued. Maybe you had a lovely day with your loved ones? Or maybe you took the time to appreciate nature’s beauty?

She does know about your own “Making Life Beautiful Day“, but today Bambi met a certain Rana randomly. The latter is a very sweet, competent, and generous Lebanese lady. Indeed, just because Rana appreciates Bambi’s sister, she insisted on offering her a free-of-charge session of professional nail polish application. As Bambi likes it, she used two colours (i.e., blue and yellow), but with a novel creative combination. Many thanks and bless her.

Beyond this specific story of sweetness, if Lebanon is beautiful, it is precisely because of the KIND faces, voices, and behaviours of its many Ranas as well as Ahmeds, Tonys, Farids, Carlas, etc. Indeed, the people of Lebanon remind Bambi of the kindness of Canadians from the Maritime provinces in addition to their legendary hospitality.

Of course, Lebanon is also beautiful with its high mountains, valleys, villages, beaches, sunrises, and sunsets. In addition to its natural beauty, Lebanon is sadly a place of corruption, illegal weapons, crimes, impunity, and much uncertainty. Yet, its people keep smiling and creating ways to be generous, despite the financial adversity or war cruelty.

Bambi thanks the reader who kindly shared a brief, beautiful interview chat with Mr. Leon Saad. The latter is an American citizen of Lebanese origins. Mr. Saad happens to be of Jewish heritage and, like Bambi, he was born in Beirut. They both share the same love for Lebanon and for humanity.