Berks Unity Solution: In The News: Chess: Not Just a Game

Friday, July 25, 2008

Chess: Not Just a Game

On a beautiful afternoon nestled under a shade tree in City Park, children play a friendly game of chess. Chess is a wonderful game. It is fun while at the same time teaches strategies which carry over to everyday life. In addition to learning and playing the game, the children are given an outlet to discuss issues concerning drugs, bullying, and other concerns affecting their lives.

Michael Reese, pictured in yellow, is the founder and coordinator for the Million Youth Chess Club. This "Summer Night Chess Program" is one of many which Mike coaches throughout the City of Reading. Mike is a well known community leader who facilitates chess programs in conjunction with the United Way, the Council on Chemical Abuse, and the Reading Police Department.

For more information about the Million Youth Chess Club contact Mike at # 610-373-3061 or mikeree6@aol.com and visit: www.millionyouthchessclub.org

Times and locations for club meetings are located on the Berks Unity Solution Calendar.

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from: The Way of Living

It matters not how the heavens were created, but that they are.
It matters not the name of God, but that God exists in all creatures….
the earth and beyond are alive with a unified spirit.
It matters not in what capacity we serve, but that we provide service….
for each ones lot is different and each must give that which they are able. We are the caretakers of the earth and all its inhabitants.
It matters not where one comes from or the color of their skin, for we are all one, not separate from each other….
should the sun shine in one place more than another is no consequence of human recourse.

fourwindsflying

Unconditional Love

Love is an open door
No need of invitation or fear of abandonment
Love does not bring with it intentional pain
It brings a longing to be with one another
It is friendship at its sincerest level
It brings a touch that warms your very soul
Love thrives in intimacy
True love encompasses the mind, body, and soul
Any less is merely a passing

True love should not drain your mind, but enhance you every thought
It should not leave you with a desire to crawl within, but to sense with your every being
True love should not inhibit your soul, but allow it to soar

A true loving relationship does not leave you wondering
You know with your every breath that you are loved
One should not sell themselves short
A loving spirit deserves a loving spirit

Take the time
Allow yourself to be loved
Not merely in words, but in every motion
Life is too shot not to be loved, not to love
Love today… and each passing moment will follow accordingly

fourwindsflying

Why

Why doth mine eyes see if not to take in the beauty before me
if not to see the human disgrace of our poor and suffering
if not to wonder why I see what I do

Why doth mine ears hear if not for the laughter
if not for the cry’s of sorrow from those who hurt
if not to wonder why I hear what I do

Why doth my body feel if not for the warmth of a human touch and texture against my skin
if not for the pain inflicted upon my flesh and bones
if not to wonder why I feel

Why doth my mind wander if not to imagine
if not to squander inner wisdom and spirituality
if not to wonder why I wonder

fourwindsflying

Living in the Here and Now

The past is like old dirt.
It has lost its nutrients and nothing will grow there.
It is only with the decay that learning comes.
Learning to let go is natures fertilizer,
and
finding a deeper meaning its rain.

This is the difference between growth and stagnation.

Fear is like a deadly pesticide.
Fear of the future proves to be the most zealous of fears.
The future will show itself in due time.
It is impossible to live there,
for it does not yet exist.
Time spent here is squandered.

One is not truly living when ensnared
by past and future.
What a precious gift to waste…..Today.

fourwindsflying

Great Value

No thing
is of great value
or significance
unless put upon by man.

Gold is of no use.
It is merely ornamental in nature,
But for this,
many lives would be taken
and for what?

I find more value in a river stone,
worn upon by a lifetime
of motion.
But, would I kill for it?
Die for it?

No

I would examine it,
question it,
think upon it,
learn from it.
These lessons of nature
hold in essence
our purpose,
our path.

Yet a man live
his entire life
without question
or purpose,
he is not a man,
but another stone
with which to ponder.

fourwindsflying

A Child's Lesson

Broken Spirit

The spirit, unlike an inanimate object, does not have to be broken in order to mend it.

Must one break a horse of its spirit in order to ride or is it possible to build a relationship where nothing is broken?

Ahh…to get to the pit of the problem.

I assure you it is not by breaking ones spirit.
One should not manipulate another’s growth, but enhance it.
Feed it.
This is what renders an individual.
Each person, each living thing is within its own self, a gift.

Should a gift be presented broken, remember this…
you are simply a stepping stone along the path of awaking the spirit which lies within that whom you see before you.

Cause no harm nor malcontent,
Choose your actions and words carefully because…
while you have immense power in this situation,
you are not the trainer,
but the facilitator of a renewed spirit.

fourwindsflying

I Hope You'll Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,May you never take one single breath for granted,GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,Never settle for the path of least resistanceLivin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance, And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
Dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.

Written by: Tia Sillers and Mark Sanders

In The Land Of Lela

In the land of Lela the sun shines bright during the day with the smell of sweetgrass abounding. The hawks soar above to catch the warm currents rising. In the land of Lela your spirit can soar these same winds.

The deer come right up beside you, as you lay in the lush green meadows of spring. The four-legged ones all know you by name and do not run at the rustling of your footsteps.

In the land of Lela the wind plays with your hair and the waters cleanse your soul. The trees bend in your direction and offer you shade from the elements.

In the land of Lela you are accompanied by a true friend. You nestle in each others warmth as the night falls around you. The ancestor stars gleam and send you their blessings for a new day.

In the land of Lela the children gather around you, because they are innocent and know that you too have not lost the innocence of youth.

In the land you are happy because the simplest, most wonderful things life has to offer are right where they should be… in your heart.

fourwindsflying

These Things I Pray

Should my eyes be open that I see
all which encompasses that which is before me,
both apparent and obscure.

….. Grasp the judgment of the hawk

Should my ears hear not only the spoken word,
but the resonance and the echo rebounding.

….. Heed the wisdom of the Owl

Should I know the distinction and appropriation
of when to speak and when to sit quietly.

….. Observe the patience of the Cougar

Should I seek to smell that which is fragrant
and repulse the stench which thrives on ignorance.

….. Abide the intuitiveness of the Bear

fourwindsflying

Berks Unity Solution: In The News