Beyond Forgiveness

I have a favorite saying; “I’m glad I’m able.” I always have a lot going on in my life—maybe too much. In fact, I often neglect myself and I fear that one of these days soon it will catch up to me, but still, I really am glad I’m able. As I approach my 60s, I think I am doing well in most ways. Life is a struggle for all of us, but I feel I am well-balanced emotionally and mentally, moderately strong physically and so far, my cognitive abilities are intact.

Sharing compassion, kindness and support to others is a part of my daily life, and I am grateful that I have been able to keep my spirit intact. Life has never been easy for me, and one of the greatest lessons that I learned is that my ability to forgive allows my spirit to be free to be me, not someone who is angry, bitter, sad or hateful. Of course, we have to protect ourselves from people who hurt us, but we also know that everyone has a story about their own struggles, history and reasons for their dysfunction. I also recognize that not everyone is able to be insightful or empowered to change. We all have different abilities.

My Mother was born in Germany in 1943, right smack in the middle of WWII. Her father was killed and her mother had five children under the age of 8. Her town was totally bombed out and my grandmother had to find a way to survive and feed her children. Her house was totaled and there was rubble everywhere. All of the bridges were gone. She was in her mid 20s, bartered her husband’s belongings for food and fuel and rented rooms in her house after she was able to save it from being taken way. She grew her own food, with chickens for eggs and meat. She was so resilient, but stern because she had to be. My mother married my father, an American GI, when she was 16. By the time she was 20, she had three children of her own and was living in the U.S. without a support system. Needless to say, she had a difficult childhood and early adulthood. Being a very dysfunctional parent, we have had a difficult relationship off and on, but despite all of that, I get most of my strength and resilience from those two women.

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I am happy to have been working on myself for many years, and don’t think I am nearly as dysfunctional as I could be, given my upbringing. In the end, everyone is imperfect, but when you get beyond forgiveness, you appreciate the strength, have compassion for hardship and realize that even though your relationships may be more distant than you would like, they can still survive.

With compassion, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Life will never be perfect. My mother started nursing school when she was 57 and graduated at age 60. This year she will be 80, and is the director of a free clinic that serves uninsured people between the ages of 55 and 65. She is strong, compassionate and glad to be able.

Michelle Dalnoky, RN, BA, Publisher

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Galentine’s Day Hike

The Richard King Mellon Foundation will host a young adult Galentine’s Day Hike from 2 to 4 p.m., February 13, in Frick Park. Couples may include a best friend, a new friend, a gal pal or anyone to spend Galentine’s Day with; all genders and friendships are welcome.

These young adult community events are designed for those 18 to 26 years old or anyone attending a secondary educational or technical institution in the Pittsburgh area. The mission is to create a welcoming space for all races, genders, sexualities, religions and experience levels. Participants can meet other young adults with a passion and/or curiosity for connecting with nature to create a community of outdoor enthusiasts that is welcoming to all.

Cost is $5. Location: Frick Park Environmental Center 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburg For more information, call 412-5864576 or email Abbie@ventureoutdoors.org.

Heinz History Center Green Building Tour

The Green Building Alliance (GBA) will conduct a tour of the historic Heinz History Center from 8 to 9 a.m., February 8. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, GBA is revisiting some of the green buildings that influenced the region’s path to sustainable leadership.

Participants will walk through the first Smithsonian property in the country to become Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified while learning about the project’s history, the building’s green features and insights into sustainable building operations.

They will hear about why green building was pursued during the initial project planning; the center’s current building operations; gain insight into how the project influenced other cultural institutions; and understand how involvement in the Pittsburgh 2030 District is helping to continue its commitment to sustainability, especially related to energy and water use.

Admission is free for members of the Green Building Alliance, $20 for nonmembers. Location: 1212 Smallman St Pittsburgh. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/HeinzFactoryTour.

Yoga For Recovery

Carol Huncik, a certified yoga, and meditation instructor and reiki practitioner specializing in recovery patients, will present Yoga for Recovery, a yoga class from 6 to 7 p.m., on February 1, 8, 15 and 22. She has worked with clients on their journey of healing for many years and is also available for private sessions that include yoga, meditation, art, spirituality and reiki. No experience is necessary. BYO yoga mat if possible. Friends and family are welcome.

She states, “Yoga for Recovery is great for those that are needing a place to let go and become calm to release anxiety. Students will learn breathwork and postures that aid one getting into the parasympathetic mode, which calms and soothes the nervous system. Finding peace is where we start. No matter where you are at in recovery, this class can help get you to a centered place. so by the end of class you will find your peace and grace for yourself and your life’s journey. Come stretch, breath, let go and find peace!”

Location: Tuned Wellness, 3925 Reed Blvd., Murrysville, and online. Email CarolHuncik@gmail.com for the Zoom link and more information.

Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplaces Celebrates Pitt

Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplaces by nonprofit Sustainable Pittsburgh has awarded its inaugural Platinum level designation which recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to environmental, social and governance performance to the University of Pittsburgh.

Workplaces that prioritize sustainability contribute to more vibrant, equitable communities and support a healthy environment. Sustainable Pittsburgh, which includes the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant, believes that businesses, nonprofits, institutions and local governments have the power to make this region a better place for all.

The Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplace program offers a globally relevant framework for sustainability progress that includes best practices to reduce organizational risk and expense, respond to stakeholder expectations, better attract and retain employees, tap new markets and innovations, support the local community and stand out to customers, investors and other constituents.

Joylette Portlock, Ph.D., executive director of Sustainable Pittsburgh, says the university is setting an example for their peers in southwestern Pennsylvania by embedding sustainability as a core value to their operations, both internally and within the community. Sustainable Pittsburgh evaluates the workplace across a range of categories and actions such as carbon reduction; diversity, equity and inclusion; resource conservation; responsible sourcing; and product design. Workplaces are recognized with one of four levels of designation, ranging from Bronze to Platinum.

“The University of Pittsburgh defines sustainability as balancing equity, environment and econom- ics, so current and future generations can thrive,” says Aurora Sharrard, Ph.D., executive director of sustainability. “Keeping this in focus, Pitt is actively involved in sustainability initiatives and practices across disciplines, domains and scales, including a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2037. Pitt is earning a strong reputation for its culture of sustainability across the nation because of the university’s business operations, research collaborations, fostering of vibrant student groups and commitment to master planning. We encourage others to join and follow along as we continually challenge the status quo to create sustainable solutions, actions, strategies and opportunities for students, faculty, staff, our campuses and Western Pennsylvania.”

For more information, visit SustainablePittsburgh.org.