We Are More

We Are More
by Shane Koyczan

When defining Canada
you might list some statistics
you might mention our tallest building
or biggest lake
you might shake a tree in the fall
and call a red leaf Canada
you might rattle off some celebrities
might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
might even mention the fact that we've got a few
Barenaked Ladies
or that we made these crazy things
like zippers
electric cars
and washing machines
when defining Canada
it seems the world's anthem has been
"been there done that"
and maybe that's where we used to be at
it's true
we've done and we've been
we've seen
all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
and turned into theme parks
but when defining Canada
don't forget to mention that we have set sparks
we are not just fishing stories
about the one that got away
we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
and yes
we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
who inspired little number nines
and little number ninety-nines
but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
and some say what defines us
is something as simple as please and thank you
and as for you're welcome
well we say that too
but we are more
than genteel or civilized
we are an idea in the process
of being realized
we are young
we are cultures strung together
then woven into a tapestry
and the design
is what makes us more
than the sum total of our history
we are an experiment going right for a change
with influences that range from a to zed
and yes we say zed instead of zee
we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
we dream so big that there are those
who would call our ambition an industry
because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
we are vineyards of good year after good year
we reforest what we clear
because we believe in generations beyond our own
knowing now that so many of us
have grown past what used to be
we can stand here today
filled with all the hope people have
when they say things like "someday"
someday we'll be great
someday we'll be this
or that
someday we'll be at a point
when someday was yesterday
and all of our aspirations will pay the way
for those who on that day
look towards tomorrow
and still they say someday
we will reach the goals we set
and we will get interest on our inspiration
because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
more than backpacks and hiking trails
we are hammers and nails building bridges
towards those who are willing to walk across
we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
of those who clamour for the failings of others
we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
we are cousins
we are found missing puzzle pieces
we are families with room at the table for newcomers
we are more than summers and winters
more than on and off seasons
we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
because we are more than what we say or do
we live to get past what we go through
and learn who we are
we are students
students who study the studiousness of studying
so we know what as well as why
we don't have all the answers
but we try
and the effort is what makes us more
we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
so keep exploring
go far and wide
or go inside but go deep
go deep
as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
and suddenly there was this location scout
trying to figure some way out
to get inside you
because you've been through hell and high water
and you went deep
keep exploring
because we are more
than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
we are more than hills to ski
or countryside ponds to skate
we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
a country that is all the ways you choose to live
a land that can give you variety
because we are choices
we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
"keep exploring... we are more"
we are the surprise the world has in store for you
it's true
Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
so don't say "been there done that"
unless you've sat on the sidewalk
while chalk artists draw still lifes
on the concrete of a kid in the street
beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
don't say you've been there done that
unless you've been here doing it
let this country be your first-aid kit
for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
let us be the story told to your friends
and when that story ends
leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
next time pack for all the things
you didn't pack for the first time
but don't let your luggage define your travels
each life unravels differently
and experiences are what make up
the colours of our tapestry
we are the true north
strong and free
and what's more
is that we didn't just say it
we made it be.

CISV and the Olympic Games

A while back, I friend of mine posted on Facebook that the Olympic Village in Vancouver looks like a CISV camp: Full of flags! The more I thought about it, the more I liked her analogy. Last year, I was an adult leader at a Village Camp for CISV. I was responsible for 4 children who were 11 years old, and we traveled across Canada to meet another 56 children and 20 adults. We spent a month playing, learning about each others cultures, teaching others about our countries, correcting stereotypes, and Building Global Friendship. It was a wonderful summer, a wonderful experience, and one that I can't wait to repeat (although I won't be able to go this summer for lack of vacation time). The children at camp were chosen to represent their countries, their culture and their beliefs. 

At camp, there were people representing 4 of the 5 continents, and although not every child spoke fluent English, everyone was able to communicate and to have a great experience. There wasn't any competition, and there wasn't anyone trying to prove they were the best in something, but I think I can relate to some of its aspects to the Olympic Games here in Vancouver. First, the games gather together people from over 80 countries in the world. These countries, from  all 5 continents) might or not have a history with winter sports, but somehow, these athletes fell in love with the art of the North Pole, and here they are.

Some people will be watching them carefully, wishing they were in the athletes place. Over 5000 of them made their way to the Olympics. Some of these will go back home with with a medal. Some will have realized the experience of merely participating in the games. I can already see (and hear) lots of children that are seeing these magic moments, and will grow up with a dream. A dream to participate in the games in a distance, or not so much, future. It's common to watch interview with winners and they'll comment on their heroes and the inspirational moment that started the dream. 

If you ask me, I'd love to be participating in the events outside the competition. I see the Olympic Villages as a big Village Camp with people from all over. They're here to compete, and I doubt there is one who will come thinking they're here just for "being," but besides the games, when their competition is over, I bet they socialize, talk, enjoy and meet people from all over the world. I have many friends volunteering for the Olympics ( and I'm sad I didn't apply sooner, but I wasn't sure I'd have time between classes and work) and I can see all that goes on behind the scenes, with the lounge room where athletes can relax in the Village, or the place where they eat, live and sleep during the games. It's normal to see the athletes hanging out downtown, watching their friends competitions, and even in the skytrain. After all, they're just normal people (with special talents of course!).
 

As we approach the end of the games, I saw only one sore loser who didn't accept the silver. All other times, people were congratulating each other, and some athletes even train together although they compete for different countries. There are athletes who changed countries to be able to compete, those who are competing for their parents citizenship. It doesn't make a difference. In the end, they're here, and they're participating in the magic. As I said before, just as a CISV camp has a peace education program, the games serve the purpose of healthy competition, instead of irrational rivalry. I hope everyone taking part in the games enjoy them as much as possible. It is a magical event that happens only so often, and for the 5000 athletes, 25000 volunteers, thousands of workers and spectators, will forever leave a mark. Just like my summer Camp. 

Ode to Canadian Athletes and Athletes from all over the World.

  

We're 10 days into the Olympics and what 10 days has it been. Although I'm not a crazy fan of anything, it's hard not to get into the spirit when everyone around you is doing it. Also, for someone who loves Canada (and Canadians) as much as I do, it's an opportunity to be proud, cheer and be united into one voice, for once. Walking the streets of Vancouver you'll see happy families all dressed in red, cheering fans with tattoos and painted faces, accents from all over the place, international flags, line ups, red mittens, smiles, colours and sounds. This feeling is unique, of being in an international village, cheering for different countries, but enjoying being together. I can see why some people choose to follow the Olympics wherever they go, they simply want to keep living this experience. I'm happy I got to experience this as a local, and I don't think I'll do it again. But then, how do you measure the success for the Olympics? Is it for medals won? Or in putting together a great show? Inspiring crowds?

 It turns out that this is the  winter athletes show. They've been practicing, rehearsing, dreaming and preparing for this moment: Their moment to shine. The Olympic Committee organizes it, the volunteers work, and the fans cheer them on. But truth is that we are all backstage to what is happening right now. I'm all for having fun, and not so much for competition, but these athletes have been giving their best to arrive where they are today and they should be saluted and be given credit for all of their hard work. The top 3 winners get medals, and suddenly number 4 is a loser. Guess what? Being 4th in something, in the world, is a pretty good place already. And for those who don't get so close to the firsts on the list: You're at the Olympics! Congratulations and have a great time!

 Shame on you media, for celebrating a victory by overshadowing a loss. Saying that one Canadian athlete is saving the day because the other one was a disappointment is  cruel. I bet that the first ones to point their faults are the athletes themselves. Nobody came here because they wanted to "just compete." When you give up your life to be a winner, you aim at the podium, nothing less. The Vancouver Sun showed a story from the NYT showing The Price of Glory, telling how Lindsey Vonn didn't have a normal childhood, all for the love of sport (They end up saying we shouldn't honour athletes, you can read the reasons, I don't agree). Closer to me, is my friend Natalia. She's my age, she won bronze at the Beijing Olympics in Taekwondo, and she's an awesome girl. But only her family and friends to know how much she gave up to get there. I remember being in college and calling her to go out and she'd say she was too tired for anything after training all day. I remember all the hard work to raise funds to support her because most governments don't care for sports (only when it's to show off the medal count).

Natalia, like Vonn and many other athletes here in Vancouver, deserve nothing but our praise and our cheer. I can only imagine the amount of pressure anyone feels when it's their time to compete. It's that feeling of being now or never. The moment for which they've practiced  for years has finally arrived, and whether they win, or lose, we respectably say thank you, you made us proud. Enough with the word disappointment. Does anyone really care for regular international competitions that happen every year? Didn't think so. Then, why care so much for medal count now? In the past 2 Olympics it seems that the US, Germany,  Norway, Russia and Canada are always on top of the list anyway.

I choose to celebrate the fact that we're gathered here to celebrate excellence in sports. No matter what country they come from. I'll cheer for my country too. But if someone else wins, it's still human race that ends up winning. We're all in this together because fortunately, we rather compete on a mountain, or on the ice rink, than in a battlefield. 

 

           "Anything Is Possible

Anything is possible, if you think it is worthwhile
If you're willing to go the distance, to go the extra mile.
With determination and effort, you can often achieve more
Because you don't always get what you wish, but what you work for.
Dreams can become challenging, but no matter what the cost
Strive to complete the task before you, and you'll never end up lost.
So bring with you your goals, and leave your doubts behind
Whether you think you can or can't, you certainly will find
You'll be right either way--so never quit, and this is why:
You'll never become a failure, until you fail to try."

Credits: Poem by 

Melissa Underwood

Feeling Numb.

Numb ¹

Definition: Enfeebled in, or destitute of, the power of sensation and motion; rendered torpid; benumbed; insensible; as, the fingers or limbs are numb with cold. 

One of these days, I was ready to contact scientists and offer them my brain for studies. Sometimes I feel that it's impossible for anyone to simply disagree with almost everything around. I'm not talking about bitching or the need to go against the flow, but I genuinely have a strong opinion about almost everything I lay my eyes on. I don't spend my time in search of issues to discuss, but somehow they come my way naturally. While many people will do anything not to get into a discussion of debate (which I consider to be mutually beneficial exchange of information) I'll volunteer to enter one, for the love of rhetoric! I believe debates helps us formulate our thoughts for others and for ourselves. This is one of the reasons I enjoy engaging in the classroom, at a social gathering, or online. Without communication one might as well give up life.

I have some core moral values that are the base for my rational thinking. They were mostly shaped as I was growing up, through my studies and readings and views from people I admire and trust. Although I consider myself a strong-willed person, I'm not stubborn, I'm persistant. I defend my point of view  tirelessly. At the same time, some of my thoughts will never be shared because I think they'd just stir too much confusion around. Or because I just value them too much to give them away to people who wouldn't be able to put it to good use or who could understand what I mean with them. I come up with 3, 4 thoughts for blogging ,daily. By the time I have time to write a post, I already moved on to something that caught my attention, or I decide not to share it. I value people who can share most of their thoughts and feelings on their blogs, but I'm not sure I could be one of them.

 I wonder how it is to feel numb. To not feel anything, protected from excitement and from pain, not enjoying the glory, but also not having to put up with the nonsense. Do you ever feel like shushing life away to enjoy some peace and quiet? I often hear people say that I should let it go with the news, with my friends, with family, with the world. How can anyone do that? Although we can limit who and what has an impact in our lives, at this point, it'd require too much effort to clean up all the sources. If I could feel numb, would I want to feel this way? I sincerely can't remember any moment of numbness in my life. People usually say that the shock of losing someone dear makes you lose your ability to react. My grandpa died years ago, but he was 91 years old and he lived a good life. Besides him, I've never lost anyone (knock knock) really close to me.

I'm indifferent if a something is not worth of my time, but indifference requires thought, evaluation. To be indifferent to something you first need to acknowledge it. Numbness, on the other hand, doesn't let you feel anything at all. There's no judgment, because you don't think or reason about anything. I choose to feel. I don't think the experience machine would make anyone happier. Shushing yourself from the world doesn't change the fact that it's still happening. You can choose not to follow it, or not to respond to it, but it is still out there, other people will have reactions and the only one left behind will be you.

News, are not so new anymore. The world is changing at such a fast pace, that it's impossible not to feel overwhelmed. Internet helps connect billions of people around the world, it spreads information, it also shows us information which we wouldn't have known 20 years ago. And if we didn't know, we wouldn't automatically feel inclined to agree/disagree with the topic. Not that I'm required by any major force to have an opinion, but it's something that happens instantly for me. Sometimes I feel I have sensory overload. There's simply too much happening out there and I don't know if I want to keep up. 

Olympic Cauldron

 

Last night, we had the Opening Ceremony to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. In the end, they lit the cauldron that will be kept lit, until the last day of the games.

I can't say that I'm an Olympic's fan, because I'm not. I realized that yesterday, when I was discussing the Vancouver's ceremony and past ones with a friend of mine, and couldn't remember the Beijing opening., or any for that matter (maybe the reason for that is my lack of TV time, which decreased to almost zero in the past years. Maybe I have selective memory).

That said, when they are in your own backyard it's almost impossible not to be contaminated (in the good sense) by it. I have mixed feelings, but overall, I'm enjoying to experience it so close to me, and as a local. The opening ceremony was amazing and I was one of the lucky people to got to see it twice: In person and on TV (I was able to see the last dress rehearsal from a very good seat!). It's hard for me to choose one favourite moment: From the First Nations and Aboriginals welcoming the world, to the orcas in the ocean. I loved the colours of the fall with fiddlers and maple leaves. Or the dreamer on the fields of the prairies. I loved the poem that said "Canada is an experiment going right for a change," and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah sang by candle light.

However, everyone was curious to one part: The special person who would light the Olympic Cauldron. I especially liked this moment. Not because it was Wayne Gretzky, also known as the great one, but because the moment was shared among 4 athletes, instead of just one. To me, this moment represented my experience with Canada and Canadians: Gentle, humble, compassionate and accepting. It was pretentiousness, especially because it would be hard to choose only one person. Merit, almost always depends on the eyes of the beholder. But it was symbolic. In the end, unfortunately one of the pillars didn't come up and one of the athletes didn't get a pillar to light. I think she should have improvised and gone with someone else, but it's hard to say what goes in someone's mind ( and heart) when you have millions of people watching you. 

I like the Olympic Cauldron in Vancouver. It is a nice design. In a world of phallic designs, it is good to have something that is normal and down-to-earth. Literally. The design is about 10 meters high (which is not so high compared to these ones) , but instead of one , there are 4 pillars that lean sideways creating a bonfire, with the flame on top. I read it is supposed to look like a bonfire and that makes me like it even more. Wish we could have bonfires at the beach. During the summer of course. 

It was more fun to see the ceremony while following the comments on twitter, than to hear the comments on TV. I think most people liked the show. Some people didn't, but that's life and we can't please everyone. I  thought the music sounded better live. On TV it wasn't the same, or maybe the same emotion. However, the effects of the ice cracking and the ocean with whales were better on TV. It was fun and different to have the audience helping with the show. On each seat, they found a drum (designed by a First Nation and on exhibit at the Aboriginal Pavilion) with a white vest to help with special effects, a fake candle for the song Hallelujah, and a flashlight to help with the  lightning. I have a few maple leaves than fell from the "sky "as a souvenir.But the best one is the poem declared "We Are More," by Shane Koykzan.

Let the games begin!