Tag Archives: health

Cultivating Compassion Amidst Struggle

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As BIPOC Buddhists, we navigate a world where systemic racism, oppression, and trauma are daily realities. In the face of such adversity, it’s easy to be consumed by anger, pain, and resentment. But there is a transformative power within us—an ancient, yet ever-relevant practice that can help us rise above the suffering we endure. This power is metta, or loving-kindness. Metta is more than just a feeling; it’s an active force of compassion that we cultivate towards ourselves, our communities, and even those who perpetuate harm. In a society that often devalues our very existence, the practice of metta becomes an act of radical self-care and empowerment.

Metta allows us to confront our pain and the injustices we face with a heart full of compassion rather than bitterness. When we practice loving-kindness, we are not denying the harsh realities of systemic racism or minimizing the trauma that has been inflicted upon us. Instead, we are choosing to approach these challenges with a mindset that seeks healing and connection, rather than division and despair. By sending metta to ourselves, we affirm our own worth and humanity in a world that often seeks to strip us of both. By extending metta to others, even those who oppose us, we break the cycle of hatred and violence, refusing to let it take root in our hearts.

In the BIPOC Buddhist experience, metta serves as a powerful tool for resilience. It empowers us to hold space for our own suffering while also maintaining a sense of hope and possibility for the future. Through the practice of metta, we can transform our pain into a source of strength, our trauma into a wellspring of compassion. In this way, metta becomes not just a personal practice, but a revolutionary act—a way to reclaim our power, heal our communities, and create a world where loving-kindness can thrive in the face of adversity.

“Irrigators channel waters; fletchers straighten arrows; carpenters bend wood; the wise master themselves.” Buddha

Jarrelle (杰遨）

Ancestors and Zen: Words from A Black Buddhist

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Africa and Asia both share a rich history of indigenous practices that are deeply rooted in the reverence for nature, life, culture, and one’s own ancestors. These traditions have always emphasized respect for one’s lineage and the offering of food and prayers to those who have transcended this world. Unfortunately, both African and Asian indigenous faiths have often been misunderstood and labeled as pagan, satanic, or evil by outsiders who view them as foreign. Despite this, these ancient practices have been pillars of strength for communities, providing healing, nourishment, and hope to those in need. In the journey of self-discovery as BIPOC individuals, recognizing these shared traditions can be a profound way to connect, heal, and embrace our cultural heritage. As someone who has studied Mahayana Buddhism, a branch from East Asia, I’ve found a deep connection to these principles through my visits to temples, teachings, and extensive readings. The grace and peace of the monasteries have touched me deeply, resonating with my own cultural roots.

Many people may not realize it, but the act of giving offerings is a powerful form of medicine that helps heal the traumas of war, slavery, and oppression. It allows us to be present with ourselves and our ancestors, offering a space to grieve and celebrate their lives. When we give offerings, we not only honor our ancestors but also pray for all victims of injustice. As a Black man, this practice resonates with me profoundly. Every time I give offerings, I think of my ancestors, envision them, and surround them with love and light. In doing so, I mend a part of my heart that has been broken. Buddhism, which has gained significant popularity in the West, is known for its peace and non-violence teachings. Figures like Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama have introduced many to these life-saving teachings. Even the iconic Tina Turner found solace in Buddhism during her darkest moments, embracing the Buddha’s teachings as a gem. Buddhism encourages acceptance of cultural differences and provides mindfulness and compassionate approaches to solving complex issues, offering a path that aligns with indigenous practices of honoring one’s roots and embracing love.

Despite making up just 3% of the American Buddhist community, according to the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life, Black Buddhists are finding a meaningful connection with Buddhism. It is my hope that in the future, more Black seekers will explore meditation, engage with the Buddha’s sutras, and build a community founded on peace and love. The teachings of Buddhism not only align with the values of our ancestors but also offer a spiritual path that encourages unity and understanding across different cultures. As more individuals from diverse backgrounds discover the beauty of these teachings, there is potential for a harmonious blending of traditions that honors our shared history while providing community and healing in our multicultural world.

一切唯心造 – Everything is created by the mind.

Bao Jieao (Jarrelle)

Healthy Eating

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Cultural foods, or traditional dishes, are a delicious representation of the traditions, beliefs, and practices of different regions, ethnic groups, and religions around the world. These dishes often reflect a community’s culture and can include unique ways of preparing and using specific ingredients. Passed down through generations, cultural foods are central to our identities and family connections. They also play a big role in religious celebrations and bring people together. Take Asian traditional dishes like sushi, dumplings, and curry, for example; they highlight the rich flavors and diverse customs that show just how important food is to culture.

In the U.S., people often follow the USDA guidelines to eat healthily, which recommend eating a variety of fruits and veggies. While they do mention some cultural foods like bok choy, taro leaves, mung beans, and lotus root, there’s still a lot of room to explore the diverse selection of healthy foods from different cultures. Food is a big part of culture, and it plays an important role in all communities. By incorporating traditional cultural foods into our diets, we not only enjoy a wider range of flavors but also gain the health benefits that come with eating a variety of nutritious foods. Eating this way can help keep everyone healthy and connected to their cultural roots.


Incorporating a variety of cultural foods into our diets not only adds exciting flavors but also provides a wealth of health benefits. While Western health websites often spotlight foods like kale and quinoa, traditional foods such as Gailan, water spinach, rice, and soybeans offer similar nutritional value. Embracing these diverse, nutritious options highlights the importance of food in cultural identity and community well-being. By expanding our healthy eating guidelines to include more traditional cultural foods, we can promote better health for everyone and celebrate the rich culinary heritage that different cultures bring to the table.

Reference:https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/DGA_2020-2025_CustomizingTheDietaryGuidelinesFramework.pdf

Artist Teo Nguyen’s

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Born to a glass painter and a poet, Teo Nguyen is a remarkable Vietnamese-American artist living in Minnesota. Teo is creating breathtaking new art that captures the beauty of real-life scenes, nature, solitude, struggle, and identity. His work showcases a deep connection to both his heritage and his surroundings, revealing layers of meaning and emotion in each piece.

Teo Nguyen’s artistry is a testament to his unique perspective as both an immigrant and an artist. He says, “As an immigrant and an artist, I have learned to embrace the American spirit of freedom that says if you see a road that interests you, go ahead: venture down it. Even so, I am always a stranger to what I see; always slightly outside, finding in what is ordinary to others something tender and strange.”

Nguyen finds much of his inspiration by immersing himself in nature. He begins his creative process by sketching outdoors, capturing the essence of his creations before transforming them into larger-scale works in his studio. His photorealistic pieces are so meticulously crafted that, at first glance, they could be mistaken for photographs. The balance of light and space in Nguyen’s work is masterful, creating stunning scenes that leave viewers in awe.

Teo Nguyen’s art not only reflects the physical beauty of the world but also invites us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Through his eyes, familiar landscapes become tender and strange, offering a new perspective on identity and existence.

Photo:Teo Nguyen

Photo:Teo Nguyen

Photo:Teo Nguyen

Reference:https://www.teonguyen.com/studiob#/galleryt3/

https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/teo-nguyen-viet-nam-peace-project

Healthy Eating Tips

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Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being, as it ensures the body receives the necessary nutrients and vitamins to function optimally. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides a wide range of essential nutrients that support bodily functions, boost immunity, and promote energy levels. Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and iron, play crucial roles in processes like bone health, oxygen transport, and immune response. Adequate hydration is also important, as water aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation. Prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods and maintaining a balanced intake of macronutrients and micronutrients can help prevent chronic diseases and support long-term health.

A balanced diet emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures a rich intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whole grains provide fiber and energy, while dairy products like low-fat or fat-free milk, lactose-free milk, and fortified soy beverages offer vital nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, which are not adequately found in other plant-based beverages. Protein sources, including seafood, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes, soy products, nuts, and seeds, supply essential amino acids needed for muscle repair, immune function, and overall growth. By incorporating these food groups into daily meals, individuals can achieve a nutritionally balanced diet that supports overall health and wellness.

Incorporating a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein into your diet is essential for achieving optimal health and well-being. By choosing nutrient-dense options like low-fat dairy or fortified soy beverages and prioritizing high-quality protein sources, you ensure your body receives the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids it needs to function effectively. Embracing these dietary principles supports strong immunity, energy levels, and overall vitality, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced life.

Advocate for the Federal Food Service Guideline and Wellness Policy through sharing nutritional information and encouraging healthy dietary choices.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/features/healthy-eating-tips.html

St. Paul’s own, Kid $wami

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Kid $wami, an Asian American rap artist, has risen to prominence as a contemporary hip hop sensation in St. Paul, Minnesota. Known for his unique blend of cultural influences and innovative beats, he has carved out a distinct niche in the music scene. Kid $wami’s journey from local talent to celebrated artist has been marked by his ability to connect deeply with a diverse and devoted fan base. His groundbreaking music, characterized by insightful lyrics and dynamic rhythms, is not only breaking new ground but also challenging the norms of the hip hop genre. With each release, Kid $wami continues to redefine what it means to be an Asian American artist in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary hip hop.

Photo: Kid $wami

Kid $wami uses his music platform to address crucial issues that resonate deeply with him, drawing from his personal experiences to craft songs that touch on themes such as social justice, mental health, and self-expression. His lyrics reflect his journey and the struggles he has faced, making his music a powerful tool for advocacy and change. By candidly discussing these topics, Kid $wami not only highlights important societal challenges but also empowers his listeners to speak out and share their own stories. His message has become a beacon for those seeking to have their voices heard, fostering a community of resilience and solidarity through the transformative power of music.

Kid $wami stands as a beacon of authenticity and courage in the world of contemporary hip hop, using his music to champion social justice, mental health awareness, and the importance of self-expression. Through his deeply personal and impactful lyrics, he not only connects with his audience on a profound level but also inspires countless others to find their own voice and stand up for what they believe in. As he continues to break new ground and resonate with listeners across diverse backgrounds, Kid $wami’s artistry remains a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Reference:https://www.viberate.com/artist/kid-swami/

Healthy Eating Tips

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Healthy eating focuses on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein into your diet. Dairy recommendations suggest choosing low-fat or fat-free milk, lactose-free milk, and fortified soy beverages, as other plant-based beverages do not provide the same nutritional benefits. Protein sources should include seafood, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes (such as beans, peas, and lentils), soy products, nuts, and seeds. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025, most people in the United States need to adjust their eating habits to increase their intake of dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, while reducing added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.

  • Bump up fiber
  • Increase calcium and vitamin D
  • Add more potassium
  • Limit added sugars
  • Replace saturated fats
  • Cut back on sodium
  • Aim for a variety of colors

Eating plenty of fiber is essential for maintaining good health, as it aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Asian leafy vegetables, such as bok choy, napa cabbage, and Chinese broccoli, are excellent sources of both fiber and iron. Incorporating these nutrient-dense greens into your diet can boost your iron intake, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the body, while also providing the dietary fiber needed to support a healthy digestive system. Enjoying a variety of these vegetables can contribute to overall well-being and prevent nutrient deficiencies.

By choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy options and incorporating a variety of protein sources, you can ensure a balanced intake of vital nutrients. Adjusting your eating habits to increase dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium while reducing added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium is crucial for long-term health. Ultimately, making mindful food choices and seeking help when needed fosters a supportive community, helping everyone thrive both physically and mentally.

Advocate for the Federal Food Service Guideline and Wellness Policy through sharing nutritional information and encouraging healthy dietary choices.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/healthy-eating-tips/index.html

Ricky Sim

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Ricky Sim never envisioned a career in standup comedy during his youth due to his fear of performing onstage. “I was really scared to be onstage,” he recalled. Like many first- and second-generation immigrants, Sim’s concern over financial stability led him to practice law for five years. Today, however, the Queens-based writer and standup comedian uses his platform to challenge norms and address the underrepresentation of queer Asian comedians.

Photo: Andrew Max Levy

Despite starting his career in the industry around 12 years ago, Sim chose to take a hiatus due to the lack of Asian representation in comedy, which often resulted in blatant racism disguised as humor. Reflecting on that period, he recalls that most open mic nights were predominantly attended by white men, who would mockingly greet him with lines like, “Oh, look. The delivery guy is here,” whenever they saw an Asian participant.

Sim faced additional challenges due to his sexuality in a predominantly homophobic environment. Despite this, his desire to share his story, particularly about his mother and the gay Chinese-Malaysian experience, helped him overcome the scarcity mindset and embrace the uncertainties of a challenging career. “This is what my heart is telling me to do,” Sim remarked, deciding to follow his passion. In 2023, he performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he presented his one-man show, “Coming Out To Dead People.” The show’s success continued at London’s Off-West End Soho Theatre and recently debuted Off-Broadway at Soho Playhouse, before returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as an EdFringe OffFest Finalist.

Reference:https://www.aaartsalliance.org/magazine/stories/how-ricky-sim-found-freedom-in-comedy

The Art of Tshab Her

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“The United States has forgotten about the Hmong people and what they did. We helped the Americans. We died for the Americans–and we still are, long after the war has ended. And isn’t it ironic that most Americans don’t even know who we are.”

-General Vang Pao, 1979


Through her lived experience as a second-generation Hmong-American woman, her artistic endeavors both illuminate and complicate the intricate politics of displacement. As a member of a nation-less ethnic minority originating from Southeast Asia, she grapples with the looming threat of cultural erasure. Her creative output serves as a testament to the dispersed nature of the Hmong community, probing the significance of location and the spaces in between. Employing a diverse array of mediums including embroidery, installation art, and social engagement, she navigates the realms of political and cultural discourse.

In her artistic practice, she harnesses the power of color as a communicative tool, sparking conversations about spatial dynamics, ownership, and the assertion of identity. By integrating traditional Hmong textiles, language, and strategic placement of materials, she delves into the nuanced question of belonging, whether it pertains to physical land or the autonomy of the body. Her work becomes an integral part of the ongoing dialogue surrounding the historical trajectory of political refugeeism in the United States.

Photo: Tshab Her

Art serves as her chosen platform to explore the intricate interplay between visibility and invisibility within the context of the Hmong diaspora. Through her creative process, she not only situates her own body but also those of others within this complex narrative landscape, seeking to uncover the generative spaces that exist within the margins of societal consciousness.

Heritage Vocabulary:

  1. 流亡 (Liúwáng) – Displacement
  2. 文化 (Wénhuà) – Culture
  3. 跨文化 (Kuà wénhuà) – Cross-cultural
  4. 彩色 (Cǎisè) – Color
  5. 藝術 (Yìshù) – Art

Reference:https://www.artistsonthelam.com/tshab-her

What Is Food Insecurity?

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Food insecurity, a pervasive global issue, affects individuals and families across all economic strata, stemming from insufficient resources or restricted access to safe, nutritious food. Its ramifications extend beyond hunger, manifesting in compromised physical and mental well-being, diminished academic performance in children, and increased prevalence of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Often synonymous with “food poverty,” it diverges from food shortages, which denote insufficient food supplies in a given area. Rather, food insecurity arises from economic challenges such as poverty or unemployment, rendering existing food resources inaccessible to certain demographics.

Food insecurity has a deeply rooted history in the United States, stretching back to colonial times when farmers grappled with erratic harvests. The Great Depression of the 1930s amplified this issue as widespread job losses left many without means to feed themselves. President Lyndon Johnson’s declaration of a “war on poverty” in the 1960s highlighted the nation’s growing concern over food insecurity, which has since remained intertwined with poverty. Presently, over 40 million Americans, roughly one in eight households, face food insecurity, impacting diverse demographics such as children, the elderly, low-wage earners, rural residents, and racial minorities. Moreover, women bear a disproportionate burden of this challenge.

Signs of Food Insecurity

Signs of food insecurity encompass skipping meals, reducing portion sizes, facing trade-offs between food and essential expenses like rent, and turning to food assistance programs for support.

Below, Verywell Mind has compiled a list of the most common signs of food insecurity:

  • Shifting meal patterns—skipping meals, eating smaller meals, or relying on less expensive items like macaroni and cheese instead of healthier foods
  • Inability to store food—food may spoil quickly due to lack of refrigeration or other storage solutions.
  • Low energy levels—lack of nutritious foods can lead to fatigue, headaches, and other health issues.
  • Worrying about running out of food—constant concern about having enough food for the family.
  • Physical changes—weight loss or gain due to insufficient access to healthy diets.

Tips for Reducing Food Insecurity

Verywell Mind has also listed suggestions for individuals and communities seeking to alleviate food insecurity:

  • Support food banks and other organizations that provide meals or groceries to those in need.
  • Encourage local businesses to donate unsold items to food banks or other organizations.
  • Advocate for public policies that prioritize access to nutritious foods in areas where food deserts exist.
  • Volunteer at soup kitchens, shelters, or other local organizations providing meals for the hungry in your community.
  • Educate yourself and others about the signs of food insecurity and how to identify it in your own life or that of another person.
  • Start a community garden to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need.
  • Donate money or other items (e.g., canned goods, non-perishable foods) to organizations providing meals for the hungry in your community.
  • Create a support system of family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who can help provide resources or meals when needed.
  • Provide emotional support and understanding to those going through food insecurity—listen without judgment or offering unsolicited advice.
  • Encourage public discussion about food insecurity—raise awareness by starting conversations with friends and family about the issue.


Food insecurity poses a significant global challenge, impacting millions and causing profound physical, mental, and social hardships. Engaging in actions like donating, volunteering, advocating for policy reform, and establishing support networks can significantly alleviate this issue for affected individuals and families. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, seeking assistance from organizations such as Feeding America can offer valuable support and resources.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-food-insecurity-7097382