Adolescent Risk Factors and Warning Signs…

…for drug use.  This stuff seems pretty basic and self-evident, but gentle reminders never hurt.  We all play our parts, even those of us who don’t have kids. 
Info taken from National Institute on Drug Abuse: Preventing Drug Abuse Among Children and Adolescents ( http://www.drugabuse.gov/pdf/prevention/InBrief.pdf ).
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Risk Factors                            (Setting)           Protective Factors
Early aggressive behavior     (Individual)     Self control
Lack of parent supervision   [...]

Chip of Paint Off the Old Block

 
This was a chip off a wall from old Belmont Art Park in L.A. this year.  It is about 1 cm thick, and there are around 150-200 layers of paint.  Cool, huh?  So many different ideas of what makes a wall look good.

Tao: Take Care in Who You Are, Part 3

           
Patience: Who can be still until the mud settles and the water is clear?  Can you remain unmoving until right action occurs by itself?
The Master doesn’t seek fulfillment.  For only those who  are not full are able to be used, which brings the feeling of completeness.  Not seeking, not expecting, she is present, [...]

Tao: Take Care in Who You Are, Part 2

                    
Forbearance: When people see some things as beautiful, ugliness is created.  When people see some things as good, evil is created.
Freedom from Desire: Colors blind the eye.  Sounds deafen the ear.  Flavors make the palate go stale.  Too much activity weakens the mind.  Too much wealth causes crime.Where there is no desire, all things are at peace.Desire [...]

Tao: Take Care in Who You Are, Part 1

                      
 A few reflections from the Tao Te Ching….
*Simplicity, Patience, and Compassion:*
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion.  These three are your greatest treasures.  Simple in actions and in thoughts, you return to the source of being.  Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are.  Compassionate toward [...]