Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a recurring column. The purpose of these features is to raise awareness of non-profit organizations that are creating positive changes in the world. Our “soul” intention is to promote “Spiritual Activism” – aligning one’s thoughts and words, with action.

…Be the example!

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

~Antoine de Saint Exupery

The heart is the center where the mind, body and spirit unite. When we open the door to our hearts, we discover the storehouse of treasures just waiting to be recognized. Within our hearts lie a great capacity for “heart-centered” feelings including understanding, acceptance, compassion, gratitude and kindness.

Experiencing heart-centered feelings strengthens our heart muscle and contributes to a healthier body, a clearer mind and a more vibrant spirit.

When we give these gifts to ourselves we have more to give to others.

…BE the example! was created as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the intention to provide opportunities to inspire and empower others to recognize their unlimited potential by living through their hearts and to then pay it forward to others.

We began this mission by helping other organizations. Our event, A Taste of Giving raised enough funds to help the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) serve 500 hungry Long Islanders a hot, five course Thanksgiving meal in November 2008.

We brought peace and comfort to patients at Nassau University Medical Center Oncology Unit by providing a tea station for chemo patients with delicious tea donated by SerendipiTea of Manhasset. Anonymously donated cashmere scarves were passed along to mothers and their children at Safe Harbor through Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence to offer warmth and the reminder that they are not alone.

Our 2009 event, The Magic of Giving celebrated the efforts of a group of East Harlem students in the G.O.A.L. (Giving Open Access to Learning) after school enrichment program as they were empowered to practice philanthropy and get a well, funded and built for a village in Uganda, with Busoga Trust America. Through our collective efforts the well was built and dedicated to G.O.A.L. and (to our surprise) …BE the example!

In January 2010, we responded to the crisis in Haiti and raised over $10,000 through emails and Facebook to provide relief through Partners in Health.

When we reflected on all that we have done we recognized that it was time for us to focus and practice our greatest joy…. inspiring and empowering others more fully. This was the time for …BE the example! to do more; to provide tools and opportunities that would serve to inspire and empower individuals toward their highest potential through the heart in a bigger way.

In 2011, things began to change. We have several interns working with us from Nassau Community College who are learning about business, the world of non-profit and how to be the example. We screened a beautiful film called For the Next 7 Generations that got rave reviews from those who attended. The film tells an inspirational story of 13 indigenous grandmothers from around the globe who formed an alliance to “weave a world that works” for generations to come.

Dr. Joe Dispenza (Evolve Your Brain) asked us to host an East Coast Level 2 weekend workshop. It was empowering to learn about the science of “changing your mind” and reminded us that we each have the power to change our brain chemistry, our perspective and invite more peace and happiness into our lives.

We were honored when asked by Dan Millman (Peaceful Warrior) to host a NY lecture/book signing of his new book THE FOUR PURPOSES OF LIFE: Finding Meaning and Direction in a Changing World. Dan’s teachings of living life with a peaceful heart and warrior spirit is a perfect way to be the example!

These opportunities remind us that it is time for us to roll up our sleeves and get ourselves focused on our vision; a Long Island Resource Center. We intend to create a serene, peaceful space for all the integrity based programs and events we will be offering. Our vision includes an administrative office, a complementary healing center, a resource library (body/ mind/spirit), an experiencebased referral service, a venue for movies, programs, workshops, guest speakers, spiritual book clubs, giving circles, classes and various events.

The more one receives, the more one has to give. That is our mission: to increase the compassion, the kindness, the understanding and to be grateful for all the treasures we hold in our hearts. Now is the time to exercise that heart muscle, increase our love quotient knowing that when we do, the giving follows.

Please visit our website and see how you can be the example! www.bethexample.org.