XII - Political Ponerology

Ponerology: Study of Evil.

In Andrew Lobaczewski's book, Political Ponerology, he presents "Evil" as a disease. In a nutshell, Lobaczewski performed clinical studies showing that a small percentage of the human population lack the ability to empathize (a.k.a. psychopaths). This small group of humans has learned to use their deficit as an advantage through evil actions; as a result, they have risen to places of power - hence "Political Ponerology."

While I witness the distress of our brothers and sisters on a daily basis, I remind myself that some of the people "calling the shots" do not "feel" the way I do. I spend a large percentage of time reminding myself to forgive them. Lobaczewski recommends psychologically screening all those who are in a place of power or jobs with the responsibility for the safety of people. Perhaps our world leaders would stop playing with human being's lives like we are living a big chess game.

Since arriving on Lesvos, it was obvious to me that the energy was shifting here. I heard volunteers speaking in fear of being stopped by police, or detained in prison for helping refugees. I began to see articles that spoke of the EU trying to pass a law to criminalize volunteers helping refugees (Statewatch Article); meanwhile, the people of Lesvos are nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize! What a paradox! It makes me wonder, who is making these decisions, and why?

The refugees I have met are fleeing ISIS, al-Qaeda, or a devastated home. If you have not seen Homs, Syria yet, check this video out: Syria Drone Footage. The refugees are normal people, just like you and I. They carry iPhones and leather jackets, they care for their children and elderly, they eat with their hands and put their pants on one leg at a time. Where is the empathy?

Together, we have the resources to provide safe passage for all the refugees. Here is the catch: the refugees are seen as a great business. They spend all of their money to travel through life threatening situations to safety, without the guarantee that they will be accepted into a new country or have the chance to make a new home. Along the way, their money is funneled to criminal organizations.

Since humanity did not work together on this crisis earlier, the process was done sloppily - leaving refugees scattered through Europe without a firm plan. Now, parts of the EU are angry with Greece for letting so many refugees through, that they have threatened them with their Shengen rights (ability to pass through the common border of 26 European countries without a passport). Greece has a few weeks to tighten up the border and create a plan.


Greece has a pile of their own problems economically, not to mention the refugees. This situation is putting a great deal of stress on the common people and the government. As the winter begins to fade away, the volunteers expect a new wave of refugees to cross. Lifeguards are manning our posts, facilities are continually being upgraded to receive people in distress, and donations continue to arrive. Even though the massive military vessel is scooping up many refugees to bring them straight to the ferry, we expect to continue to receive refugee ships.

The last three days have been very stormy - high winds, rain, and freezing temperatures at night - boats have not been arriving on Lesvos. Anais and I have revisited the Hope Center, where spirits are high. A church group from Holland arrived to help for the week. They are full of energy with a strong work ethic. It seems like the lawyers representing the Hope Center are optimistic that they will be able to properly register the hotel to receive refugees. The project continues! Painting, landscaping, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry (the list goes on).

Today we made it down to Moria - the main camp - to visit with Refugees. We only saw a couple of people in the overflow camp, versus the hundreds we saw a few days ago. It was a testament to the low numbers of refugees arriving to the island in these days, and the efficiency of the registration process.

Every day is different here. No one knows what is going to happen for sure - as the shores of Turkey and government action remain a mystery. We are here to serve, and we will continue to inject this island with positive vibrations.

Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/

X-XI - Sharing the Language of the Heart in Refugee Camp - Lesvos, Greece

I did not dare to write a blog yesterday, as it was quite a disheartening day. The police came to the Hope Center and shut it down indefinitely. There are many laws around helping illegal immigrants, and Greece is under pressure from the EU to enforce them. On top of this, the coast guard launched a pilot program to intercept all refugee boats on the water, bring them aboard military vessels, and drive them straight to Mytilene (the other side of the island). Therefore, yesterday shook many people up, tears were shed, and many volunteers are left with bamboozlement as what is going to happen next.

Today, we decided to go to Moria (yes, the same name as the Dwarf underworld inhabited by the demon that Gandalf fights) - the main camp for the refugees. It is about an hour drive to the other side of the island through beautiful olive groves, mountains, and herds of sheep.

As we approached we began to see the barbed wire above the massive concrete walls. Moria used to be a prison, now it has been transformed as the main registration camp for refugees. Families in distress are first priority to get accommodation, and then it filters down from there. There is an overflow camp outside of the jail walls with tents, porto potties, and volunteers. As of now, only certain people with the right badges are allowed inside the jail walls.

We found a parking spot on the muddy banks of the road. We had 11 pounds or so of mandarines to share, although I was skeptical of bringing them in - as we have heard it was "illegal" to give food in certain circumstances. I saw a brother, Daniel, walking towards the overflow camp, and grabbed his attention. We struck a conversation, and next thing you know, he is showing us around the camp and how things are done.


Daniel offered us a few options for volunteering: serving sugar tea, cleaning, etc. Looking around, it seemed that the vibe was pretty low - so I asked if it was acceptable for me to play music. He replied, "Absolutely. Most of the time I come to volunteer I spend my time with the people, helping them take their minds off the current situation." On that note, Anais and I scurried back to the car for the Ukulele and mandarines.


It took about 3 seconds for many eyes to find me as I plucked the first strings of the Uke. I was welcomed by a group from Syria on their blanket, and started jamming. Anais played the shaker and sang with me as we shared many different sacred chants and mantras. If I slowed down, or took a rest, someone would encourage me to continue! Wah! It was so good, the energy became very high, very fast.

Video: https://youtu.be/j-4R4aeaMf8

Kids started dancing, smiles exposed teeth to the afternoon sun, and a crowd of 30+ people constantly lingered around our magic blanket. Then, we played the game: pass the Ukulele. Many folks wanted to get their hands on my well traveled Ukulele - and so it began. I did my best to teach them basic strumming, picking and a couple basic chords. We passed hours on the blanket sharing our hearts.

And then, the gang from Iraq came by, smoking cigarets and walking with swag. A grizzly fellow came from behind me and put his fingers through the curls of my hair and then beckoned for the Ukulele. With his rough fingers he began to drum on the wood body. Oye! Be gentle brother, please! When he passed the Ukulele to a slimmer dude, my heart raced, this guy was full of life and passion - and he began to sing in Arabic.




His voice brought silence to the crowd and cut through the air. It opened a whole new space, where others felt invited to share their song. An older man joined in, a young boy jumped on the rattle, and a woman strummed the ukulele. We traded song, back and forth, until we were full to the brim and exhausted!

 Video Anais recorded - https://youtu.be/clkNQSK-6n0

When I returned home, I received a message from a refugee from Afghanistan that I met the other day. He wrote to me, "we will never forget that day and u." In these days I have witnessed the power of sharing music with an open heart.

Guru Nanak is a hero of mine who spread the truth through song and prayer. Inspiration has reached an all time high for me to create and share music with everyone.

Peace, Love, Wahe Guru!



Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. All donations we receive at this point will go directly to providing the refugees with healthy food.  http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/

IX. Sharing Joy - Lesvos, Greece

Rising early to arrive at Hope before the refugees woke, Anais and I scrambled. We made our way into the Hope living room, to see a few refugees huddled around the fire and volunteers moving slowly to wake up. After sharing a few "good mornings," we began cutting apples for 2 massive pots of oats, apples, cinnamon, raisins, and evaporated milk. We stirred the pot with delight, whispering prayers of peace into the food.

A Syrian elderly woman grew curious of what we were doing and brought herself to the pot. Within seconds, she was smelling the spices, trying the raisins, and telling us the names of them in Arabic. The 3 of us began to cook together in harmony: Anais and I stirring pots and our new sou chef pouring ingredients into the pot.

I resisted adding white sugar to the oats even though everyone insisted that no one would eat it unless it was intensely sweet. Many of the children's teeth were blackened or covered in metal - many of the adults teeth are in bad shape as well. While filling up tea, they tend to add 5+ full spoonfuls of sugar to a small cup.

Some volunteers tried the porridge and were delighted. At the sight of the food, the majority of the refugees chose to eat white bread and Nutella or cookies over the porridge. It broke my heart a bit. Most of them are happy and warm - this was a huge victory.

Two lifeguards from Lifeguard Hellas stopped in to help bring items we needed. I struck a conversation with one and talked about the conditions of the water and passing boats. There has been no sight of boats on our side of the coast. Yesterday a double decker ship flipped right off the coast of Turkey, and at least 40 people drowned. It is an absolute crime to allow these people to get aboard some of these makeshift boats.

Refugees play soccer outside of Hope!

According to the lifeguard, the police/coast guard are tightening up the Maritime laws and trying to get organizations like Pro Activa Open Arms, Green Peace, etc. off the water. The Coast Guard wants their territory back. This would be a huge disservice to the arriving boats, and would make things for volunteers on the beach much more difficult - as these boats are escorting incoming boats, communicating with people on shore, and making rescues if boats fail.

A local volunteer explained that this is a big business. The refugees are seen as ATMs. First they pay smugglers (mafia) a large sum to board a makeshift boat, then the Coast Guard intercepts them. In the past, the Coast Guard has been seen (through binoculars) beating the refugees and stealing their money. Refugees have arrived beaten and shared with the volunteers that they were robbed by the Coast Guard.

Ultimately, this local man does not see an end to this crisis for at least s, as corrupt organizations have found a way to capitalize off innocent people.

On top of this, there are racist groups on the island that are sabotaging certain camps. Yesterday an emergency medical tent was burned (after being slashed with knives days previous). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uFAU67q8zw&feature=youtu.be


After lunch, I received a phone call from Cookie - she called on request of the refugees, they wanted Anais and I to return before they left to say goodbye! We hurried back with a bag full of clementines to give, and shared many hugs, handshakes, smiles and Facebook names! One of the men said to me, "I love you." Ah! The gratitude of the people was obvious as they walked towards the bus with bags full of new blankets we gave them.  They were an incredible group of beings who spent most of the day helping the Hope Center with random tasks and construction. I will pray for them on their journey.

Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/




A video hope center of last night shot by Eric Kempson (https://youtu.be/PFnW0VvuTgY) 

VIII. Hope Center opens - Yogi Kitchen: Lesvos, Greece

Aloha! Emotions of joy are bursting from my heart in these moments.

We woke up to a warmer day and calm seas. I expected to see boats scattered through the ocean. Instead, I watched Greek Military ships move up and down the invisible boundary, displaying their arms to Turkey and Lesvos. Since no calls were coming in on the radio and many lifeguards were at their post, I decided to take the opportunity to get a flat tire fixed at a local mechanic.

Victory was mine as I drove towards the Hope Center on four full tires! I was surprised to arrive with an unusual hustle in the air, and Anais setting tables with food and tea on them. "What is happening?!"

The ferry went on a planned strike this weekend, not running any boats. Therefore, there is an overload at the refugee camp, Moria, and the "powers at be" asked the Hope Center to receive 100+ refugees for a night or two; hence the unusual pace of things!

I jumped into the mix, helping Anais prepare the living room with an array of treats and teas; I wanted something more to offer then - that is when my favorite yogi meal: Mung Beans and Rice popped in my head.

I found Phillipa (she and her husband leased the Hope Center) and Cookie, and offered my service to cook a yogi meal. They took to the idea well, asking where we would get Mung beans - Lentils will do for now! Within minutes, I had a team of chefs who were willing to help chop veggies and follow my lead.

I fetched a set of massive pots, put in an order at the grocery store, got the water boiling, and off we were rolling. Green Lentils, Rice, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, zucchini, and spices - quite a step up from white bread and a slice of cheese! With the help of an amazing team, we were able to provide hot, delicious and nutritious food to 100+ people within a couple of hours.

The refugees walked into our living room warmed by the fire, full with hot tea and food, and many smiles. After serving food, Anais made rounds around the room to give mothers warm water for baby formula. Children laughed as they played on our carpet with donated stuffed animals. Some children played with balls, and other found it funny to play tricks on the volunteers.

With the help of bilingual refugees, we let them know our current situation, giving them free reign of the hotel - families are given priority to change first in rooms, and everyone will have space and a sleeping bag to sleep with (we need beds asap!).  We ate and chatted with the refugees, learning some of their stories. One man told me he left Afghanistan 7 years ago to get away from the Taliban, traveling though Iran and Turkey to get here. He made a gesture that if he was to go back to Afghanistan he would be killed. Others came from Iraq and Syria with similar stories.

In between cooking and cleaning, I was able to pick up my Ukulele and strum a few chords. Many ears perked up, and before you know it, I was full on jamming. An Irish man, Nigel, picked up an empty bin and began drumming, Anais with her angelic voice and a shaker, and we were making music. A Hawaiian track and Om Namah Shivaya left the refugees with a big smiles on their faces and a buzz in my heart.

I put in my order for the breakfast - oats, raisins, apples, bananas, cinnamon. I am looking forward to rising bright and early to make a massive pot of delicious food for a group of amazing individuals.








Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/

VII. Fog on the Water, Lesvos, Greece

As fog rolled in over the morning ocean, Anais and I spotted the first incoming boat of the day. Why so late? Perhaps it is because of the lack of visibility? We teamed up with Pro Activa and the Greek Red Cross to bring the boat in safely, unload the refugees, and welcome them with a wave of warmth.

As I walked towards my vehicle, I spotted a military/police jeep with armed men inside. Their presence irked me; a burly looking fellow stepped out of the jeep in a full camouflage uniform and a pistol strapped on his hip. "Should I snap a photo of him?" Anais asked. Not this guy, there was steel in his eyes as he peered over the blue sea.

Morris, the leader of the Pro Activa lifeguards, told us the police are observing the people bring the boats over; although no one is sure of their real motivation. There is speculation that the European border control group, Frontex, will be taking extreme measures to turn refugees around in the water and send them back to Turkey.  In this case, I am sure they would not want a bunch of volunteers on the beach taking video of them!

Who knows?!? It is a tense time to be on island, as many changes are sure to happen in these upcoming weeks. 

Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/

An interesting chart I came across on who cashes in on keeping migrants out.
http://newint.org/features/2016/01/01/the-border-industry/

VI. Weather improves, Regulations increase - Lesvos, Greece

It seems Poseidon has answered our prayers! The weather has dramatically shifted since we arrived on island, from cold & bitter winds to warm sunshine. The weather is supposed to continue to improve, although locals say it has been up and down all winter. Improving weather means more refugees have the opportunity to cross the sea.

The EU has threatened to strip Greece of Schengen zone rights, and has given Greece 6 weeks to stop the flow of immigrants into Europe. What is Greece to do? You cannot stop the refugees from crossing the ocean, so do they turn them back? Do they keep them on the island, or make big refugee camps for them across Greece? Greece is in a predicament that has led to stricter regulations on the island, and a police presence that is increasing.

The volunteers here are prepared to do whatever it takes to keep things as peaceful as possible, as the unknown approaches.  People are preparing for the long haul. For example, The Hope Center has a 1-year lease with an option to extend to 5 years if needed.

Last night, the Hope Center received its first boat full of 45 refugees. Although we are not officially open, the renovated hotel was able to provide shelter, a warm fire, and tea to the group. Anais and I will be working with Sat Nam Foundation to help provide The Hope Center with necessities for the refugees. Stay posted on how you can support!

Pressure is increasing on the island. The local Greeks are feeling the financial effects of this crisis - as tourism is plummeting. Stress amongst the common folk is increasing as taxes have become a burden. Yet, the locals continue to welcome volunteers with open arms, giving deals on rentals, offering free desserts with meals, and playing an important role during this crisis.

As my perspective of this situation begins to widen, I understand we each play a crucial role in the development of the human race. I am beginning to see this as a gateway to long term service. Collectively, we can make a difference. We represent Sat Nam Foundation and all of the kundalini yoga family while we are on this island - help us make the love grow! Whether through prayer or action!




Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/

V. Ups and Downs - Lesvos, Greece

Anais and I rose early with a new pep in our step, thanks to our little portable heater! Rising in the dawn is slightly easier when you cannot see your breath and can feel your toes. We decided to beeline straight for Skala, in hopes to help receive the morning boats.

There are two roads connecting Molivos and Skala: the mud road & the mountain road. We have passed through the mountain road a couple of times, although it is a bit longer and you run the risk of icy roads. We have heard many stories of the mud road; people bottoming out, popping tires, getting stuck, while others make the journey once or twice a day with no problems other than a muddy car!

As it snowed the night previous, we decided to try the mud road. By the grace of God, our little Nissan Micra successfully crossed the grueling road in about 25 minutes, arriving just in time to help with the unloading of the morning boats over the course of a few hours. We witnessed a pace that the volunteers worked - one that received the refugees, and then guided them into vans where they are transported elsewhere.

In the heart of the winter, the arrival of boats has been the slowest, as the danger has increased with falling temperatures. Lifeguards shared stories with me about October, when the entire ocean was filled with boats, and 10s of boats would land at the same time. The beaches were absolute mayhem and the island filled fast. People are expecting the weather to get better in the next few weeks, and a flood of refugee boats to take off from shore - as there are apparently millions waiting on the coast of Turkey for their chance to cross.

My favorite part of receiving the refugees is seeing the happiness and relief in their eyes, shaking their hands, welcoming them with "Salaam Alaikum," and watching family rejoice with hot beverages in their hands and dry clothes on their bodies. On the other hand, reality began to sink in, as not all is glitter and gold.

Yesterday, a refugee spoke to me as I helped him onto land. With his hands and words, he told me that there was another boat that flipped. I spoke with the leader of Pro Activa who had radio contact with his rescue boat, and he let me know that it was in "Turkish waters" and there was nothing we could do about it. I watched the refugees of the boat that arrived safely, and could feel the pain they were experiencing for their lost family and friends.

As it turns out, the boat did sink, and at least 23 drowned. As I spoke with Nigel (a volunteer from Ireland) about the tragedy, he told me a story: A group of 30 refugees paid a smuggler a premium price to take a boat with less people, as to be safer. They also paid the smuggler to drive the boat across for them, as they had never even seen the ocean.  When the morning came for the crossing, the smuggler loaded the boat up with 52 people (22 extra), and began to drive off the coast. When he was 50 meters from the coast, he jumped off the boat, pointed to a 23 year old young man and said, "you drive." Then the smuggler swam back to the coast.

With the winds and seas in their favor, this group made it safely across. There are many unbelievable stories like this, that involve the corruption taking place while helping the Syran/Afghan/Iranian people. If they do arrive safely to Lesvos, which is their only option into Europe at this point, they are not guaranteed entry beyond this point.





For example, a 22 year old young man was sent on a boat with his 5 year old nephew. The grandparents paid their crossing, so the child could see a better life. When they arrived, the young boy died of hypothermia. The uncle, tried to register and was deported because he was a "single male." Imagine the guilt and burden this man carries.

Some volunteers are speaking with refugees as they arrive, and telling "single" males to claim anyone as their family, or they will be sent back home. For many, their perilous journey hits a brick wall of legislation and ends in heartbreak.

We are happy to be here, serving.

Love and Peace to all.

Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/