Notice Quiet Nature

Book Review: Orange Moon and the Grandmother Tree

2012-01-26T18:07:00.002-08:00

How exciting, this is one of my favorite author/illustrators with an amazingly beautiful and insightful story of Orange Moon with the magic of nature at her fingertips and a heart full of wonder and joy!

Rich hues of orange-red with a hint of umber contrast with brilliantwildflowers of summer, to set the stage for a vibrant story that warmed myheart and imagination!

At bedtime I sat down to read Orange Moon and the GrandmotherTree.
Elloise, otherwise known as Orange Moon loves to play outsideanytime of the year, but especially summer. Reading the story aloud to myself brought to life thehealing power of love.

Orange Moon (Elloise) shares her love and joywith a new friend. She hasexperienced grief and empathizes easily with the loss herfriend feels. So Orange Moon shares what she compassionately believesto be true and gratefully celebrates this with her Grandmother Tree and her newfriend too.

Gently Orange Moon models how to open our hearts warmly withlove to discover more about nature, our relationships and our selves.

I noticed myself pausing to gaze at the beautiful pictures. AsI reflected, they reminded me of my own childhood innocence spent in naturalspaces relaxing and playing during timeless days.

I realized the power of these beautiful pictures caninvite a young child also to pause and gaze at the nature surrounding OrangeMoon. The pictures can invite the readers to talk and warmly open our own heartsto share just like Orange Moon.

This story eloquently expresses the healing potential of seeking outnature and noticing how infinitely connected we all are to each other andeverything on our world.

This book is a treasure, a keeper, and one that will enrich a veryyoung child as a picture book and last right through the school age years!

The story can enrich our adult lives too, as Orange Moonencourages all of us to open our hearts, to noticethe beauty and healing potential within nature!There is a lifetime of wisdom to discover within this story, to grow withyour child and within us adults too.

The morning after reading Orange Moon, the sunlight shone alittle brighter as it melted the snow in my backyard. The warm winds that nighthad blown the coldest winter chill away.

The sunlight barely enters my kitchen and only in the winter.So on this warmer day, I opened the kitchen door and encouraged my cat Lila toit lay upon a chair in the sunshine. I sat in the sunshine too and together we absorbed thebrilliant and warm solar energy for a half hour before it slipped behind acloud.

During this quiet sit, I realized that Orange Moon was with metoo at that moment. With my eyesclosed, face tilted into the sunshine, I could see the soothing colorful huesof orange and red with a hint of umber. In this warm space, I too reflected onthe teachings of Orange Moon.

In the afternoon, the sun returned and so I drove up to higherhills to go for a walk, just so I could linger in the sun and stretch the daylight a little longer.

Marghanita Hughes is sucha talented Storyteller, Illustrator, and Photographer! She is truly able to spark a child’ssense of wonder or with the active child within your adult heart!

Orange Moon is part of abook series based upon a child’s wonder of the natural world.

So the fun will continue!

To purchase this Ebook or illustrations
and view other products visit
Orangemoontribe.com

*Choose some crafts at the end of the story toinspire

your play outdoors and notice the magic and wonder in nature!

Educators, Counsellors etc. would also
appreciate this book as an excellent therapeutic tool
for discussion of death/dying.

As well, MarghanitaHughes is the award winning creator of,

“TheLittle Humbugs”.

She is also Founder ofthe non-profit organization,

Let’s GoOutside

whose mission is; to inspire to change the way children spend theirtime.

As Marghanita Hughes states,

“ We Are Nature - WeAre All Connected!”

www.marghanita.com

Decorating For Christmas Naturally 2011

2011-12-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you for revisiting!

In amongst this article you will find several juxtaposed photos of most of the

fun decorations and gifts that I have created over the past two years!
They are not for commercial sale in stores!

I hope they inspire you too!

There is so much interest from peoplearound the world searching for inspiration to creatively decorate with natural ororganic materials and objects! Now that is the spirit of Creativity!!
I know this, as I can see by all the visits on mylittle Blog. I am graciously proud that this Blog has been used as reference andinspiration!

Dried Forest Bulbs of Milkweed Fluff, Juniper, Saskatoon berries,
Rosehips, Aspen cones, Sagebrush

I think we may admit, at this time of year we do like a bit of glitz and glamour to make holidays sparkle with magic and spirituality.

Dried floral Bulbs to hang on the tree
Hydrangea, Lilac, Rose,
Geranium, Phlox & Tulip

Heart Shaped Christmas Bulbs with
Baby's Breath, Rosehips Wild Grass
Lichen, Juniper, Milkweed Fluff

However many of us are beginning to question thematerials used to create beautiful decorations marketed to us in ourfavorite stores.

Angelic Milkweed Pod Fluff

Some of us may even question who~ is actuallyproducing these pretty ornaments in foreign countries and at what cost to thefactory workers own health and well being? Is it really worth it to payfor these sometimes glitzy, toxic and future garbage producing decorativethings!

Slowly more and more of us consumers are becoming aware ofjust what is actually happening way before decorations and toys actually fillstore shelves.

We continue to justify that buying theavailable decorative products is okay, because well they are already here. Sometimesit feels easier to look the other way or just numb out and not pay attention tothe images or documentaries that can make us aware of what is actually going on inthe factory worker lives!

Heart shaped Door Entrance Ornament
Lichen, Fir cones, Rosehips, Oregon Grape berries

It is just way too easy to choose these convenientand amusing products that give us immediate or short term pleasure, only to bethrown away in the very near future because they are cheap or break down. Heck we are busy, financially stressed and overwhelmed with life too! But these purchases never really 'go away'!

5" Lichen Wreath with fir cones,
Rosehips and Oregon Grape berries

14" Lichen Tree with Aspen cones,
Rosehips & Saskatoon Berries

What if we consumers began to think about howthese products not only impact the people of today's world, but also indefinitely impact our future generations! That means people in our ownfamilies? It can be difficult to envision the world for our futuregrandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and so on.

Mixed seeds from my garden labelled with inspiring attributes to Bloom!

Wooden hearts stamped and then stained
with natural ochre rock and linseed oil

Rose water made from roses from my garden with Witch Hazel

What if warnings were on all the labels of decorations, presents and all this stuff that we buy reminded us thatthey could not be decomposed in a landfill or ocean? Just like with healthwarnings on cigarette packages and products that list the potential long-termeffects of that product.

Rosy Bead Meditation Bracelet made from cooking fresh rose petals from my garden
for a very long time and then rolled into beads like ancient Rosary beads!

Maybe it would be helpful to display TV monitors instore isles with videos of landfills, ocean gyres full of plastic garbage,animals trapped in man made garbage, and plastic garbage contents in thebellies of birds.

Homemade Bird Food Ornament to hang on a branch

Takeout Bird Food Ornaments!

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Or what if we posted photos with factory workers names in the shop isles showing the harm caused to them by working long hours with toxic paints, fumes and dysfunctional machinery.

These people are the ones to be acknowledged, as they created all this commercial decorative and celebratory stuff that amuses us and we partly buy due to society's peer pressure!

Bee Mindful Beeswax Candles with a stamped and painted box

Maybe most of you visiting this Blog post,

have not even read this far into the article.

Too wordy.... Too much detail ..... Too much time..... Too overwhelming.....Too busy......
Too boring....... and so on.

Trinket containers decoupaged with Wasp Nest Paper

Yeah...we like things easy, convenient, on demandand perfectly appealing that we can be buy as needed or obliged.

A mirror decoupaged with Wasp Nest Paper and a stamped and painted box

I am not trying to shame and guilt us people! Nor I am not suggesting that we should harvest large amounts of unsustainable organic material from our natural habitats and ship it somewhere to be made into products!!
I am hopefully inspiring or provoking more of us tosee the natural resources in our own backyards so to speak and harvest onlyenough material to make some decomposable adorable decorations!

Candles slid into empty slips of birch bark
and a candle holder decoupaged with River sand with Mica

It is up to us to introduce our children or learn ourselves and teachothers what we can pick in nature. As well, what to protect in a sustainable way. Or inspire people to re-create from our garbage! This is an opportunity to explore and learn more about our local ecosystems!

Boy holding an Owl Pellet Discovery Kit

So today this is a shout out for a creativechallenge to rethink consumerism and shift us globally into a new sustainableeconomy!

An Owl Pellet Discovery Kit to dissect an Owl Pellet for bones!
Just like a Scientist with dissection tools!

Help share the accountability and support needed toreduce the harmful impacts on our very land or sea,

for the lives of other people and our future families too!

My Christmas wish is to give ourselves the gift ofsimplicity and encourage all generations to remember all the natural sourcesand objects around them. To see natural beauty and simplicity with neweyes!

A Make Gratitude Bundles Kit
A family/group activity/ritual to share thankfulness
and grateful appreciation for each other and Nature!

By learning to how to see the simple and naturalbeauty that surrounds us, we help each other stay connected to nature and learnto identify and remember our natural surroundings.

This naturally leads to an understanding of Gratitude!

Being thankful and grateful for what we do have!

An Apron for crafting and cooking!

Now~ I am already cooking and crafting up ideas for next year!!

The Creativity pot is boiling over!

Season's Greetings Everyone!

Make Merry In All Celebrations This Season!

Photo credits for half of these photos goes to Coreena McBurnie!

Be sure to visit her Blog of Book Reviews and Creative Adventures!

http://coreenamcburnie.blogspot.com/

Lemony Lilac Jelly for Fairies, Picnics and Teas

2011-05-24T12:41:00.005-07:00

Long ago in childhood on warm spring days, we sat near the Lilac trees maybe for shade but also for taste testing the Lilac blossoms!

Have you ever pulled off a blossom and sucked on it to taste a wee bit of sweetness? Then you can blow into them like little trumpets and pretend you are tiny Fairies!

Well I still do that and I have an enormous Lilac tree in my yard. The tree is so old there is lichen growing on her limbs.

This year a nasty virus seems to have awaken the Allergy trickster within me.

So what to do? You know the saying, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade! Right?

So I decided to make Lilac Jelly. I was not even sure such a delight existed~ But nowadays you can Google anything~ and that was just the beginning!

Have you ever just sat/stood and plucked Lilac blossoms for a couple hours? It ‘s not for everyone~ I just happen to have some Hunter/Gatherer genes and skills so I quite like it!

After they were plucked and I had a whopping eight cups of Lilac Blossoms and it was time to steep them in a glass bowl with 8 cups of boiling water with a plate on top and overnight on the counter.

My Lilac infusion was brown and cloudy. I remembered seeing that I could filter the infusion with coffee filters. This was interesting as it removed all the yellow and cloudy pollen. (But maybe pollen is not such a bad thing, as I see Bee Pollen for sale at the Farmers Market)

I ended up with 7 cups of Lilac liquid/infusion.

Now came the messy and rather challenging art of making jelly, sterilizing jars and filling and canning. I was out of practice.

My cat Lila came into the kitchen to look at me with the, ‘What the hell are you doing in here?’ look. Maybe it was because I was licking hot burning jelly off my fingers and maybe my screams sounded like a catfight!

Okay so she felt ignored and it was her suppertime. She does not do drama.

My brown infusion lightened in color when boiled. After all the fiddly work of jarring and canning, my lovely jelly is a beautiful golden yellow color! Sunshine for my toast!

I imagine this would be very good with some Camembert soft cheese and some unsalted crackers or tiny toasts!! Maybe some Champagne and Orange Juice or a hot cup of tea! Perhaps best served on a spring picnic amongst Flowers and Field Fairies.

Well now I am so proud of my Lemony Lilac Jelly and it tastes a bit tart like Marmalade, but it is sweet and good. I did have crackers and jelly for supper as I worked.

When I tasted it later in the evening on a piece of toast, it had a rather floral impact! Maybe you think Garlic breath bothers you try going to bed with Lilac breath!!

If you don't like it, I am sure it will make a lovely chemical free room deodorizer!

Lilac Jelly Recipe makes 8- 4 oz jars
*I only used this recipe and others as a guideline..because I am a rebel cook!

2 c. packed lilac flowers
2 1/2 c. boiling water

1. Pour the boiling water over the lilac flowers, cover and allow to cool. Allow the infusion to sit 8 hours, or overnight.

2. Strain the flowers from the liquid using a coffee filter, you should have about 2 1/4 c. liquid.

2 c. lilac infusion
4 T lemon juice
1 box Sure-Jell powdered pectin
4 c. sugar

3. Place the lilac infusion, lemon juice and pectin in a large pot. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4. Add all of the sugar at once, and stir to dissolve. Bring the jelly back up to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
5. Remove the jelly from the heat, skim the foam from the top (I got a lot of foam from this recipe) and ladle into hot, sterilized jars. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
From the Blog at http://the3foragers.blogspot.com/2011/05/lilac-recipe-lilac-jelly.html

*I fiddled with the Lilac Jelly recipe proportions. I read on the blog that it was too sweet and then I noticed it called for a lot of pectin and a lot of lemon juice. Oh whatever, I was working with a triple recipe!

*I also reduced the amount of sugar. I used my one package of pectin. I researched that I could use apple peelings to create pectin for thickening. So I added the large peelings of two Granny Smith apples. I also reduced the amount of Lemon Juice. My jelly may be more condensed and aromatic, as I boiled it longer than 1 minute.

Perhaps you can dream of where you would like to have a spring picnic~

Close your eyes and listen to The Scone Fairies maybe the music will guide you too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3vH01YIrAE&feature=player_embedded

Have you ever heard of Kitchen Fairies? They often go to clean up or help out in a friend or relatives kitchen when help is needed. It seems the only helpful Fairies I had this day were lazy ones on standby. Oh well….

Lila in the Lilac Tree

I think I have garden fairies under the lilac tree. So maybe they would like to have a Fairy Picnic and taste my yummy jelly. Maybe I will make toast fingers just like my Grandma would make for me. Then leave them out under the tree as an offering to the Garden Fairies!

Freeing The Body ~ Freeing The Mind

2011-03-23T00:45:00.007-07:00

I laid for hours sleeping, dozing, and not feeling well. It pushed the barriers of my reality into claustrophobic boredom and I ended up craving some outdoor nature.

So I bundled up and went for a car ride into one of my favourite rural areas that are so close to town. It ended up that I drove even further than expected as I felt excited and urged on by the sightings of Hawk and Eagles hunting, feeding, and preening.

You see, for me there are wonderful times when driving in my car feeling comforted in my seat, in silence or with music and I feel freed of some of the chronic pain that can affect my day.

This past winter I have being reading from the book, Freeing The Body, Freeing The Mind ~ Writings on the connection between Yoga and Buddhism by Michael Stone 2010 published by Shambhala Publications.

Michael Stone brings together several essays by intriguing Buddhist writers intersecting Yoga and Buddhism to offer timeless guidance and inspiration from ancient wisdom that can inspire us today to come alive on the path of awakening at this time in our western culture.

The following quote in the introduction attracted my attention.

"There is a fundamental affinity between mind practices and body practices because they are both simply curves in a grand concentric circle that continually spirals in, on, and through itself with no beginning or end. Work deeply with the mind and you give attention to body processes from breathing to listening or seeing. Likewise, when you study the intricate holding patterns in the web of the body (called kosas in Sanskrit), you end up seeing where the mind sticks, where it can’t focus, where it gets caught in refrains of old tape loops. What you thought was “body” is mostly mental, not “the body in the body” that the Buddha says to direct mindfulness toward. When the Buddha teaches mindfulness practices, he begins with the body.” Intro pg. xvii

The electric charge for me was the metaphorical reference to the ‘curves of concentric circles that continually spiral’.

You see, last fall I had the pleasure to walk an ancient path into a pristine valley. My psychic senses were on fire as I walked past historical areas sacred to ancient First Nation people. Everything has a presence, a story, and a knowing. I feel the pull and pay deep attention to what I see and what shifts and attracts my attention further.

One of the last places to pull me was a faded pathway that led up to a visioning lookout used by ancient youth. Silently I understood why as I gazed at a rainbow further down a turn in the valley.

I chose to follow the path onward down the other side of the lookout. The next pull came from what at first I thought was a circle of stones. However upon gazing for a longer time, I realised it was a spiral shape outlined by rocks. Therefore, I chose a rock and slowly walked the spiral inward until I arrived at the centre feeling the gravitational pull that tested my balance. After a quiet time I retraced my steps out of the spiral and laid the stone down at the end of the spiral.

The spiral symbol is a comforting metaphor that has provided guidance several times in my life and it helps me to rebalance.

I finished the book, Freeing the Body~ Freeing the Mind by Michael Stone at the very end of winter when the ice is still on the lakes. During my drive that day, I witnessed the immature eagles feeding on a carcass. It reminded me how the dead bodies of Buddhist monks in Tibet are set on top of a mountain top in what is called a sky burial to naturally decompose and the raptors can feed upon those bodies. So, the following quote in Michael's book spiralled in my thoughts.

“Where does the mind end and the body begin? Where does the body end and the world begin? Just as the naturalist moves through the forest with its vast array of trees and animal life, Yoga practices teach us to move deeply into the subtle mind states and energies that make up what we call “the Body”. With such an attitude mind and body practices become one. Pg 226

Michael Stone will be presenting a retreat workshop at Hollyhock on Cortes Island, BC in July 2011.
For more information visit:
http://www.hollyhock.ca/cms/index.cfm?Group_ID=4671

For information about Michael Stone and his other books visit:
http://www.centreofgravity.org/book.htm

For more books published by Shambhala:
http://www.shambhala.com/

Yoga For A World Out Of Balance

2010-09-21T10:05:00.007-07:00

Photo taken by Sherry Robinson - Notice Quiet Nature Photography 2010
Vidette Gold Mine-Resort, Deadman Valley, Savona, BC

Sporadic yellow leaves dangle on the trees as if painted mysteriously, hinting that inevitable change is coming. As the sweet aroma of ripening fruit waifs in the air, birds collectively call out to gather and forage in the neighbourhood. I have to keep an eye out for all these visitors not only to keep them away from the fruit, but soon it will be time to hang up the bird feeder under the maple tree.

Over eight years, I have watched the young Maple tree spread her limbs higher and canopy over the yard outside my studio window. She too hints that autumn is here. I can see one red leaf on the flaming Maple tree hinting that soon, she too will be ablaze of brilliant color and reflecting her light inside my studio.

We mainly focus on the leaves of trees to notice the passage of seasons, although trees are also a symbol of balance. Trees remain balanced because of its roots hidden beneath the ground. Despite continual changes or life threatening events, the roots hold and draw nutrients from the earth. Beneath the trees lie layers of geological history in the earth like stacked pages part of a larger story.

Therefore, like a tree, we too can remain rooted by deepening our awareness of ancient wisdom, the interdependence of human and nonhuman life and the new shoots of modern psychology. We too can send out roots and shoots to strengthen our relationships and experience balance not only in our daily lives, yet for the world as well.

With the end of the summer season, I also came to the end of a great book. Its pages are curled; there are insights scribbled throughout and sticky notes popping out for future reflection. I close and rub its bright yellow cover that reminds me of an autumn leaf and with a sigh noting how I love contemplative books. This excellent book is, Yoga For A World Out Of Balance-Teachings on Ethics and Social Action by Michael Stone 2009 Shambhala Publications Inc.

Photo taken by Sherry Robinson- Notice Quiet Nature Photography 2010
This is an excellent book for Book Clubs or small groups

In Michael Stone’s book, he introduces the ancient teachings taught in the ancient Yoga Sutra by Patanjali and considered by Patanjali as universal ethical disciplines. Michael applies them with modern psychology and ecology to our everyday lives. These five principles or yamas are ethical suggestions that can increase awareness of the relationship between our actions and effects to help us respond and root us with clarity to live in a sustainable and respectful way in our current world out of balance. As Yoga is a system of education more than a religion. This is an excellent book for book clubs and small discussion groups.

Yoga can be more than just an hour on the mat a couple times a week. An exploration of Yoga can take us deeper and show us the interconnectedness of all life, which includes the elements, the breath, the body, and the mind. To balance our own lives, is to balance the world.

Overlooking Schiedam Flats near Kamloops, BC ~ Photo by Audrey Meuse 2010
It really does not matter that you can hold the poses perfectly. Breathe and hold the pose even for a couple of seconds. Feel the focused balance. Feel the momentary stillness and clarity.

“Look into the nature of any one thing and you begin to see where it stretches out,

what sustains it, and how it interacts with other things. There is no separation.”

~Yoga For a World Out Of Balance pg 158 by Michael Stone 2009

Michael Stone will lead a retreat workshop, Yoga For A World Out Of Balance at Hollyhock on Cortes Island, BC in July 20-24 2011. I highly recommend this retreat destination.
For more information visit: http://www.hollyhock.ca/

For more information on Michael Stone, his books and his teaching schedule
visit: www.centreofgravity.org

For more information about Shambhala Publications:
http://www.shambhala.com

Sustainability

2010-04-22T00:40:00.006-07:00

"Sustainability means living in a way that allows future generations to prosper." ~ Raffi Cavoukian, famous Childrens Performer and World Leader for Child Honouring and Sustainability

I invite you to take time to do two things today, no maybe three!

1. Listen to Raffi's wonderful song:

SustainABILITY

(Click on this)

2. Visit his website to learn more about his committed work for the global
Child Honouring movement!

http://www.raffinews .com/sustainability/child-honouring

(Click on this)

3. Share these resources with your friends, family and community!

Happy Earth Day Everybody!

Seeing With New Eyes ~ Insights from a Deeper Time

2010-03-21T12:13:00.008-07:00

Travelling a familiar road along the Thompson River last year I noticed a white line in the eroding benchland. Long ago the road was cut into this benchland and exposed some geographical layers. These are some of the earliest chapters that carved out the history of this Thompson River valley in British Columbia.

I assumed that the white line was the Volcanic Ash layer from the ancient Mount Mazama in Oregon some 6700 years ago. I like to look at layers of dirt deposits as it is like pages in a storybook. I pay attention to stuff like this because my Father introduced me to Geology as a child.

So this spring I stopped to look at that white layer. But this was not ash because ash does not sparkle in the sunlight! What I discovered was a layer of ancient mussel shells embedded between the clay silt dirt and smoothly rolled bedrock. These shells were preserved in the layers of mud and silt that built up due to recurrent flooding and receding waters of glacial lakes to form the Thompson River benchlands.

Now it does seem absurd to see mussel shells in a semi arid desert terrain. I admired my un-fossilized discovery as I gazed far away at the Volcanic cliffs to the north where a famous fossil bed contains layers and layers of leaf, bug and fish fossils.

People had obviously picked away at this fragile layer as I noticed sparkles glimmering in the dirt, which in fact were strewn shards from the ancient iridescent fresh water mussel shells. They shimmered and I picked them up to inspect closer and noticed they were fragile and quickly flaked like glimmering fish scales in my hand. I collected some of the loose shells bound to be pulverized by being exposed to the elements.

Researching on the Internet I was able to read a SFU Masters Thesis by Shauna Huculak January 2004 and another SFU Masters Thesis by Corene T. Lindsay December 2003. Both made references to Freshwater Mollusks on the Interior Plateau of British Columbia around 4200 to 5700 years ago during what is referred to as the Early Nesikep or Lehman Phase. These Mollusks or Mussels were a last resort food source for natives who primarily depended on Salmon, Elk and Deer. It is also noted Natives at this time were migrant and preceded life in Pit houses until much later in history. Cool hey!

The purpose of my writing and photography is to notice and pay attention in nature and allow these experiences to inspire and stretch my creativity. For when we experience a deeper connection to something in the natural world, it strengthens our attachment to the interdependent web of life. It is from these moments that we can be inspired by past and future generations and other life forms. This enables us to to respond to the present condition of our world and meet the challenges to create sustainable societies.

~
“INSIGHTS INTO THE BASIC MIRACLE OF OUR EXISTENCE - be they from generational living systems theory, Buddhist teachings, or other ancient voices- have broken upon us in the very century that has brought us to the brink of destroying our planet as a home for conscious life. They are fundamental and far-reaching enough to help us liberate a Life-sustaining Society. If we can let these insights shape our own life purposes, they can enable the Great Turning.”

From Pg 57, Chapter 4 THE WORK THAT RECONNECTS In the book, COMING BACK TO LIFE- Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, our World by Joanna Macy & Molly Young Brown 1998.

For more information about Joanna Macy or The Great Turning please visit Joanna Macy’s website which has abundant and inspiring information.

www.joannamacy.net

Kamloops, BC Opposes A Gasification/Incinerator Plants Plan To Burn Creosote Treated Railway Ties

2010-01-30T21:23:00.011-08:00

Update on March 19, 2010

A plan to process waste railway ties in Kamloops

at the Aborigional Cogeneration plant is dead.

Way to go Kamloopsians!!

Keepin' it Clean

SOMETIMES IT IS MY NATURE TO NOT BE QUIET!

Video~ The Dodo bird metaphor

Today I participated in an important Rally opposed to the new business Aboriginal Cogeneration Corporation operating a Creosote Gasification Plant burning Railway Ties here in Kamloops, BC, Canada.

Somehow British Columbia's Ministry of the Environment approved a permit application for this business to gasify railway ties. The plant is intended to create a synthetic gas which can then be put through two small engines to create electricity.

Kamloops is a city of 85,000 people situated beside an important salmon river, the Thompson River that flows into Kamloops Lake. Kamloopsians are opposed to this company with no track record pilot-testing a toxic waste burning facility in our community!

The body responsible for funding this gasification project is called the Sustainable Development Technology Canada which is a Not For Profit agency reporting to the Minister of Natural Resources of Canada. Protesting Kamloopsians believe funding should not have been approved for this initiative that does not have local government and civilian support.

Can you imagine burning decades of old creosote soaked railway ties from all over Canada here in Kamloops? This decision affects not only Kamloops BC, but all of Canada!!!

Please visit the following link for more information:

http://savekamloops.ca/

Decorating for Christmas Naturally (2009)

2009-12-22T23:48:00.005-08:00

December 9th, 2011

Since 2009, I have created more new natural decorating ideas and gifts that I posted in a new & current article! Just click on the link below!

http://noticequietnature.blogspot.com/

Thank you to everyone around the world who has come to visit this article. I do hope that it inspires you to create and enjoy the nature that surrounds you! ~Sherry

I admit it! I have had an artificial Christmas tree since finding out many years ago that my youngest son was allergic to trees and mould. For most of my adult life, decorating the tree was more about my need to artfully decorate the tree according to the popular trends in magazines. Although I have gone through several themes and complementary colors, there has always been a cherished collection of ornaments that decorate our tree every year.

With high expectations and a full time work schedule, it typically took about 3 days to get that tree up with branches poised and with the lights balanced. (I used to have a thing about the lights being properly positioned on the tree). Then on another day I’d decorate with the main theme. Only then could I enjoy watching the boys decorate and finish the tree with our special ornaments.

A couple years back I got tired of struggling with that whole procedure of setting up this massive artificial tree in a small living room. Teenagers are not much help either! Therefore we graduated to a much smaller tree. You know, small enough to sit on a table. I donated that huge tree to our neighborhood school where hopefully it could be decorated to the satisfaction of young children.

After last Christmas in 2008, I challenged myself for the New Year to create some interesting Christmas decorations inspired by Nature and without duplicating the more familiar Old Fashioned or common 1970’s homemade craft ornaments. Nowadays I suppose we can call it, An Organically Decorated Christmas Tree Theme.

My most relaxing creative time has always appeared between Boxing Day and New Years Eve. I work rather slowly so this goal may keep me going for a couple years too. I’d like to share these ideas, although I readily admit the sources of my materials are not really sustainably practical.

These are some samples of decorations that I created this past spring!

I created various styles using Poppy seedpod lids! The smaller one on the right was decoupaged with Hydrangea flowerets. The bulb on the right is decoupaged Wasp nest paper!

Below is a container that I decoupaged using Wasp Nest paper.

Yes, that's right.. Wasp Nest paper!

How do Wasps do that you ask?

Social Wasps use wood pulp etc. to construct their nests. They collect wood fiber or particles with their mandibles by scraping it from worn fences or buildings or even cardboard boxes. They chew this wood and mix it with saliva and after a period of time they add the paste to the nest structure and spread it out. When it is dry, it is a tough durable paper!!

I was so pleased with the results that I used a little wasp nest to decoupage this bulb ornament! Take a good look and you will see a blue line and some yellow lines! I find this fascinating because the blue comes from the old blue paint on my window frames! Yes! It's true! The yellow comes from the old yellow paint on my neighbours house siding!

I love the subtle beauty of the tops of miniature

Poppy seeds that remind me of French Parasols!

These larger Poppy seed Parasols have a subtle contrast with green and beautiful designs.

Below I decorated some bulbs with dried wild Lupines that I bought in an antique glass canning jar at a farm yard sale! The periwinkle blue colored flowers easily separated into three parts which I sorted and decoupaged into three complementary ornaments.

Surrounding the ornaments is a garland of dried Rosehip berries strung on some fine wire that adds a natural punch of contrasting color.

Beneath the ornament work you may be able to see my tabletop design that is a clear epoxy encasing objects from the forest floor such as leaves, peeled bark and feathers etc.

Hanging outside are larger globe ornaments decorated with moss, feathers, poppy pods, bark curls etc.

Below are some wild Rosehips after the frost.

Happy Solstice

Merry Christmas

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!

May you wander outdoors and take time to discover

natural treasures to admire or spark your imagination!

Land of the Singing Clams

2009-11-09T12:36:00.017-08:00

I am re posting this Blog article because right now, I wish I was on a holiday at the ocean!!

(This article was first posted in November 2009)

Recently I travelled to Cortes Island which is located in the Strait of Georgia across from Campbell River, Vancouver Island and Quadra Island, BC. When I got off the ferry I had some extra time before checking into my retreat, so I chose to go explore Manson’s Landing.

I noticed a young woman wandering around an almost empty cove perhaps picking up Oysters and placing them in her bucket. This reassured me that I too could go out there with my camera and find some treasures of my own! So I wandered out onto the wet sand tiptoeing around and over various shells and jellyfish.

The sunlight made the water and dry sand sparkle. The air and ocean was still and quiet except the only sound I could hear was tiny high pitch squeals that seem to surround me. This was new to my ears.

Whether I wandered into the clear water or on the wet sand and squatted to curiously peer at things, this squeaky chorus remained the same.

There was an abundance of empty clam shells, which were contrasted by live Oysters. I wondered if the sound came from the million tiny holes in the wet sands.

At times I had to step cautiously to avoid the glimmering rubbery jellyfish patiently waiting for the waters to return. I wished to walk out to a small rocky island that was surrounded by a channel of water.

However, I looked back to dry shore and sensed the tide was coming back in and that I needed to retreat or I’d be wading in waters creeping up to my knees or thighs.

It was not the best time to get stranded with the camera. I have little experience with the timing of tides. I noticed the water current creep up and it floated empty clam shell boats, air bubbles and curled pieces of bark etc. All the tiny discoveries were exciting photograph.

I wondered if this could be called, the land of the singing clams?

Beside myself, there was one young family relaxing on the beach. It struck me that the children did not appear bored as they sat together in the sandy grass. This was such a tranquil and clean island beach. It was serenity!

It made me wish that all children of the world could experience moments such as this out in nature. Especially for children that face economic and urban barriers to playing in nature based unstructured natural environments free from the electronic stimulation that tends to be the norm these days.

During my brief time on Cortes Island, I did learn more about some of the interesting community projects and lifestyle choices. Someone mentioned knowing a 3 year old who knows over 25 plants and their important medicinal uses. I thought this was interesting as many preschoolers that I have known over the past had memorized the names of Dinosaurs!

As well, someone mentioned that children from the inner city of Seattle come to camp on the island and have been led barefoot on a walk through the forest up to Easter Bluff lookout. Wow! What a great experience that would be to walk on forest moss and rocky steps in bare feet!

There is even a small independent parent participating school located on the Linnaea Farm Land Trust. One of its primary goals is to create appreciation, respect and responsibility for the natural world. One of their assets is a ‘Farm Life’ class as the school is located on a working organic farm!

I witnessed that young children can sit in one spot entertaining themselves for an extended period of time while the adults relax in solitude comfortably right beside them.

Perhaps if we could choose to turn off our cell phones and IPods more often, we even might hear more natural and magical sounds like Singing Clams!

How might childhood be different if young children were influenced to attach and identify themselves with natural elements from earth, air, water and fire and learn how to create and combine them in innovative ways that enhanced their pretend play?

How might childhood be different for young children if they were not influenced to attach and identify themselves with commercials, products and brands?

Instead, perhaps they could learn that happiness does not primarily come from purchases that promise to entertain them or make them cool or attractive.

Perhaps we could also teach them not to believe that they need these items just because media tries to persuade them with these consumer beliefs.

What might be different is their connection to nature. Young children may suffer less from over-stimulation, anxiety, and boredom.

http://www.linnaeafarm.org/

http://www.evergreen.ca/en/

http://www.childnature.ca/

http://www.commercialexploitation.org/events/consumingkids.html

(documentaryon commercial exploitation of children)
http://www.raffinews.com/download/audio/sustainability.mp3

(music)

Over The Moon With Gratitude and Composting my Dreams

2009-10-19T19:42:00.024-07:00

What would it be like if you chose to live your life as you may have dreamed about for several years?
What stops you right now from living that way?
If you could let go of something that no longer serves you, would that be easy or difficult?
If it is not realistic to actually be fully within your dreams and you had to break it down into small pieces, what would be the first step?
And the second step?

Writing down all the things you have dreamed about is a great way to start noticing what excites your creativity. Perhaps your ideas just do not seem practical, or professional, or they are so far out people would think you are from another planet!

Writing them down or drawing them out is a good way to get the creative juices flowing. Listen to the silliness, the seriousness and feel for when they seem to come from a deep place within your chest. The ideas from your head must be anchored with the weight of your heart. You'll feel it when you put it down on paper this way.

I recently took a few steps to towards something I wish I had more energy, time and money for. What I discovered were opportunities and possibilities. Now I still have some serious parts of my life that do not allow me to just follow my bliss. However, these small steps I experienced renewed my hope and creativity to create some more smaller steps that I can follow towards the bigger dream of what I wish I could do.

I have actively entered my dream as if I am on a journey. I'll have to lean on my creativity and honour my insatiable curiosity. I know well enough to keep my eyes open and be on the lookout for signs confirming that I am going in the right directions. As well, I forever will be grateful for the teachers, friends and allies whose paths have crossed mine.

So I encourage you to dream big and let the ideas flow. Sometimes it is appropriate to share your dreams with other people too. Or sometimes it is best to keep them in a special container within your heart. You will know when is the best time to share, as your confidence will allow you to do so.

Recently I spent some time with a wonderful group of people all gathered together to share in the wisdom and leadership of a global woman known as Starhawk. We shared our visions and built our confidence to take meaningful action in our lives and all for the wellbeing of the planet.

As well, I bought a book by Starhawk and the first thing I read was a Compost Blessing. (So here was another sign for me, that I am not from another planet.)

COMPOST BLESSING:
"We offer gratitude to the great cycles of birth, growth, death, decay and regeneration. We are grateful to all the beings who have made the great transformation, leaving the remains of their bodies here. We are grateful to all the hungry mouths that consume the dead. Blessings on the termite, the beetle, the ant, the spider, the worm. Blessings on the fungi and the bacteria, those that need the air and those that avoid it. Blessings on all the life in this pile that will transform decay to fertility, death to life. May I always remember that the cycle of life is a miracle. May I continue to feel a sense of wonder and joy in the presence of death and life. May I remember that waste is food, and may my eyes be open to opportunities to close the circle and create abundance and life."

page 168, THE EARTH PATH - Grounding your spirit in the rhythms of nature
by Starhawk, 2004.

For many years now I have had a strong spiritual experience when I go to empty my household compost into the outdoor compost bin when it is dark outside. It began to happen one summer as the full moon lit up my backyard and I could see all my pumpkins and their vines and leaves in the dark. Perhaps I was sensing plants growing to the pull of the moons magnetic force. Perhaps it was the subtle heat I felt coming from the compost. Somehow it all felt connected under that moon as I stood there. I could walk back into my home with a sense of peace feeling more connected to something larger than just what was going on in the smallness of my house.

If you are interested, Starhawk even has a few ideas for compost rituals in her book mentioned above! Or visit her website for more information and training opportunities at www.starhawk.org

Or feel free to try or adapt my compost ritual :

This past year I learned of a Peruvian ritual to express or celebrate Gratitude. In fact little kits are sold at markets or stores to prepare these Gratitude Bundles. Apparently they burn these bundles or bury them in the earth while saying prayers to Pachamama.

My concern was for the possible toxic substances burned or buried as the objects used have moved away from the old organic to more modern processed foods or industry produced products. Therefore I adapted the ritual in my own way to use a coffee filter or Rhubarb leaf as the wrapping for the contents inside the bundle. For inside the bundle I prefer to use offerings such as; flower seeds, seed pods, leaves, shells, pebbles, hair etc. Anything that can naturally break down and decompose.

The activity of filling the Gratitude bundle is one of mindfullness, as each offering represents something or the events, or people that you are grateful for.

* Leave enough room so that you can fold over the edges of your filter paper or leaf to hold the contents snug inside. Tie the Gratitude bundle up with some twine.

* Then say a prayer or a few words and place your gratitude bundle in a hole in your compost bin. Perhaps you will even try this during a full moon too!

Well..having written this..I see it is time to celebrate some Gratitude for all that I have recently experienced and all the new friends and allies that I have met. The moon is already into its new cycle, a time to visualize my goals and take new action for the cycle ahead!

The Full Moon October 3rd, 2009. Photo taken over the ocean at Campbell River, BC, Vancouver Island, Canada.

Connecting To Nature Within The Ecological Age

2009-09-29T12:21:00.006-07:00

This is a repost from 2009

* I made this mask back in 2009.

Bill left a comment on the post "A Journey Through Presence" from Feb 2009 :

"I have been a life long naturalist- in the oldest and most holistic sense, and I feel most connected these days when I am splitting wood or hunting wild mushrooms. I've made a career of natural science and conservation, and now after 35 years of managing, protecting, studying, writing, and teaching about nature; I've begun to think a lot about the meaning of separation. I would like you to ponder this-doesn't a true communion with nature require foraging of some sort? If we are born of nature and part of it, and everything in nature both feeds and is fed by everything else, then why should we be different? Doesn't it make sense that gathering, even including respectful hunting, making things of natural materials, and perhaps even modifying the landscape that you live in in a sustainable way is essential to real communion? Naturalists often abhor or discourage gathering, and I understand the implications of overharvesting, but it seems to me that one needs to make a shelter and eat the fruits of the forest and the fishes of the stream, learn to identify and harvest wild mushrooms and herbs, and come to understand which is which and why they occur where they do to be fully immersed and connected. No one understands nature in more depth than a traditional hunter/gatherer. Just "experiencing" or "pondering" nature in an intellectual sense, or leaving only footprints and taking only photographs without participating directly in the flow of life seems to me to a form of separation in and of itself. I'd like to hear your feelings about this, and sorry for the long post. "
Posted by Bill to Quiet Nature at September 28, 2009 1:48 PM

My response to Bill's comment on the Post, "A Journey Through Presence"from Feb 2009:
Thanks Bill for your thoughtful comments and questions. I agree in that, connecting with nature deepens when we are engaging more than one sensory function. Such as smell, vision, hearing, touching on and on.When I am outdoors engaged in my Photography, it is very much like foraging, gathering, and hunting for me. The experience of time is altered as I am fully engaged in what I am noticing or focusing on. It may be my footsteps delicately avoiding a wild flower, mindful breathing to steady the camera, smelling the Sage as the wind blows, and peripheral vision noticing an approaching Eagle, the changing hues of colors as the sun moves.
There are many people disconnected from nature in society, whether that is emotionally, unconsciously, ethically, or even just playfully. As environmental degradation continues, it could be important to encourage people to pause, observe, and notice what they sense within the natural world. Even if that is water at the beach, a plant in a hospital room, or a Bee on a plant.
By consciously becoming aware, experiencing the brief stillness, and experiencing sensory input, we tend to choose or seek out more in the natural world. Rather than caught in focusing on our worries, our technology etc., we may move beyond staring out a window, to stepping outside for air, or sitting on the grass to stare up into a tree.
If people are so fortunate, they may cross paths with someone like you. Someone who can mentor, teach, and share an experience of further depth to connect within nature! Thanks again for your important comment and questions!
Posted by Sherry to Quiet Nature at September 28, 2009 8:41 PM

Following is a quote from Thomas Berry, one of the leading environmental thinkers in North America.

"The ecological age fosters the deep awareness of the sacred presence within each reality of the universe. There is an awe and reverence due to the stars in the heavens, the sun, and all heavenly bodies; to the seas and the continents; to all living forms of trees and flowers; to the myriad expressions of life in the sea; to the animals of the forests and the birds of the air. To wantonly destroy a living species is to silence forever a divine voice. Our primary need for the various life forms of the planet is a psychic, rather than a physical, need. The ecological age seeks to establish and maintain this subjective identity, this authenticity at the heart of every being. If this is so of the prehuman phase of life, it is surely true of the human also."

Pg 46 ~ ‘The Dream of the Earth’, by Thomas Berry 1988

An Interconnected Life

2009-09-20T19:52:00.009-07:00

During a Shamanism workshop this past winter, we had a meditative mask making session. While the mask was created on my face and it hardened, I focused on the encasement and the sound of the rain dripping in a nature sound recording. I became a tree in a wet dark forest. I continued to merge with this consciousness the next morning. I intuitively knew I was to cover the plaster mask with the peeled bark I discovered on the forest floor. I had accepted this gift of bark and left an offering last Fall. This September, I returned to this place in the forest and blessed the mask, tree and forest. I brought the mask home with me as the plaster base is not organic.

One of Joanna Macy's Theoretical Foundations in 'The Work That Reconnects' is:

"2.Our true nature is far more ancient and encompassing than the separate self defined by habit and society.We are as intrinsic to our living world as the rivers and trees, woven of the same intricate flows of matter/energy and mind. Having evolved us into self-reflexive consciousness, the world can now know itself through us, behold its own majesty, tell its own stories- and also respond to its own suffering. "

pg 59 'Coming Back to Life ~ Practices to Reconnect our Lives, Our World by Joanna Macy-Molly Young Brown 1998

Scott Kelby's 2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk ~ Kamloops, BC

2009-07-20T13:00:00.012-07:00

Blog Header ~ Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos - Kamloops, BC 2009

DSC_4776
Originally uploaded by Notice Quiet Nature ( Flickr on Yahoo)
You can view the photos 2 ways.
Click on the link above or~ click on the Slideshow on the sidebar to the right.

These are some photos from the Scott Kelby's '2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk' this past Saturday. Apparently there were over 900 groups around the world snapping photos on this day!

For more information on this Photo Walk click on the following link,
http://worldwidephotowalk.com/

I really enjoyed the meandering walk downtown and bumping into friends that I have not seen in awhile. As well, meeting so many friendly people! I am proud to live in such a family friendly and fun filled community!

Death of a Storyteller

2009-07-06T19:31:00.009-07:00

Blog Header ~ Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos - Kamloops, BC 2009

Michael Jackson was a modern day Storyteller. When he performed, he had that magnetic attraction that draws people’s attention. Like many great artists, he had talent, studied famous dancers, and entertainers and perfected this creative energy in his modern performances.

However, he also experienced enough pain emotionally and physically that exposed his vulnerabilities. As a result, his sensitivities were so deep he could no longer tolerate day-to-day reality.

Alright..alright.. perhaps you have had enough of MJ!

I am not about to negate any of his Sins. I am merely focusing on some of his human attributes!

He was still human with Autoimmune disease and chronic pain and likely predisposed to manic depression, anxiety and so on that led to drug abuse. No wonder he was unable to contain the energy of modern day stardom, scrutiny, and expectation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This week I learned of a man named Antonio Lopez, a self-proclaimed Mediacologist. In his Blog, he bridges media literacy with ecoliteracy, and encourages us to think differently. As well, this is where I found the link to Michael Jackson’s video, ‘Earth Song’ on You Tube.

http://mediacology.com/

The concept of Mediacology really intrigues my curiosity, as this is precisely what is needed to hold the tension of our rapidly changing world. It takes the values of Ecopsychology and Deep Ecology to ‘a whole ‘nuther level’!!

I definitely will be ordering his book!
'Mediacology- A Multicultural Approach to Media Literacy in the Twenty First Century' 2008
By Antonio Lopez

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you seriously want to read more about Eco-Anxiety and some therapeutic tools,

then I recommend visiting the following Blog by Sarah Anne Edwards, PhD, LCSW

an ecopsychologist and author of the recently released book,

'Middle-Class Lifeboat, Careers, and Life Choices for Navigating a Changing Economy'.

http://eco-anxiety.blogspot.com/

The Transforming Energy of Deadman Falls

2009-06-24T15:59:00.004-07:00

For years, I have wanted to return and visit Deadman Falls. Finally, a Location Scouting assignment had me venture back up the beautiful Deadman Valley, past wondrous Hoodoos within a colourful landscape.

Listening to the constant noise of water pouring over the cliff while sitting grounded on a rock, I could sense something energizing. I could sense the electricity in the air from the hydro energy of suspended water particles descending rapidly into the chasm. I had this same sensation a few times before when under or very near waterfalls. It is very energizing! Therefore, I decided to rename Deadman Falls to Women Alive Falls!

A friend and I enjoyed the magic and energy of the Waterfall. We found we could easily walk out in low water to sit on a large rock directly above the 200 ft drop of water.

We discussed the shifting of perceptions: such as the duality of danger~anxiety to beauty~peace and the connectedness~separateness (from nature) as we sat on our daring perch. The lessons from observing Dualities teach us and reveal conflicts and struggles within.

Synchronising ourselves within the present moment of any environment can reveal personal myths and allow us to tap into the Power of the Universe! All we need to do is be centred and feel the energy!

No exaggeration~ the Deadman Falls viewing area is rustic and dangerous. The parking areas have tire grooves from 4x4 vehicles. Therefore, I can just imagine the huge mucky mud puddle during wet seasons! Presently the surrounding forest is tinder dry and there are lots of dead wind fallen trees. It is a hazardous time for forest fires.

When we are able to Trust, we can tap into our intuition and experience intimacy with nature. These experiences enhance our Depth Perception by consciously choosing to be 'in the moment’.

Shapes shift, our perceptions are enhanced, and we notice our senses are acutely aware of

colors, sounds, temperature, smells, and other small nuances.

Do you focus or react?

Can you feel the physiological reactions within your own body?

This Wisdom of Nature in the external landscape can have a healing or harmful impact on our inner landscape depending on how we choose to perceive. In many situations in life, we can become conscious of the multiple dimensions or choices of how we react to the situations or experiences that we are facing.

We can become aware of our patterns of interaction depending on whether we feel connected or separate from the natural environment that we find ourselves within. (This could even be just a patch of grass or a plant in the room).

My friend Janet Whitehead and I made an Offering of Gratitude to the Nature Spirits of the Chasm.

Janet is a certified Life and Business Coach Extraordinaire.

Her Coaching is available by phone, Skype or in person.

In addition, she is a Creative Muse Group Facilitator.

She has recently published, "The Demise of Noshud Hafta" 2009

- an empowering storybook illustrated in clay.

As well, her excellent Work (Play) books are for sale and much more!

Janet L. Whitehead http://www.musingsandmud.com/

Janets Blog: http://www.musingalong.wordpress.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“When we look at water in nature it is certainly an element that integrates a lot of things. It is artist, it is landscape architect, it is also in a certain way, engineer. Always water has enough space and time in nature. No matter where we look, our landscapes_ the shapes and forms – are very much influenced by water. Water is the ultimate landscape architect. We always see the borderlands between air and water and the shapes that the water leaves behind such as the wave patterns in sand after the tides have gone out. There is potential creativity in this water. No one snowflake is equal to another. Varied and dynamic, water is always changing. It lives in the beauty and artistry of little details such as a falling raindrop. And when we look at close-ups of water, we see that it is so magic and full of surprises. The magnified structure of water even resembles the early forms of life itself.

-Herbert Dreiseitl Pg xxi, ‘Waterworks’ a Foreword in the book,

‘Deep Immersion~ The Experience of Water’ by Robert Lawrence France PhD 2003.

Apparently, people hike up Deadman’s Creek down from the Valley road. I was told you have to scramble over boulders and watch for falling objects too. However, there are Pictographs at the base of Deadman Falls and other discoveries too!

This photo looks back at the main viewing ledge. The cliff edge is eroding and there is evidence some trees have been removed. (This must have been a rather precarious feat!) The ledge slopes towards the edge, which could trigger Vertigo for some people.It is magnificent to view the Falls despite the limited view without crouching down or clinging to a tree to peer further over the edge. However, this is what keeps British Columbia wild!

Directions: From Kamloops, BC take Hwy 1 west. Just past Savona and up the hill is the turnoff to the right onto Deadman Valley Road. It is mainly well maintained unpaved graded road. The waterfalls are 59.2 kms from the highway. The Deadman Waterfalls are up and beyond the turn off sign to the Vidette Lake Resort and about 5 km and a wee bit. Look for the Orange Pylons on the right hand side of the road.

If you are interested in exploring this beautiful area, follow the link to the Vidette Lake Resort. I have stayed here in the past and certainly enjoyed the quietude and the discovery of the ‘Centre of the Universe’. http://www.videttelake.com. A great fishing resort, for families or individuals looking for nature adventures!

Most of all respect the people and fragile nature of the landscape in the area.

SLOW DOWN ~ We Are Moving Too Fast

2009-04-30T14:39:00.000-07:00

(HWY 5A Nicola Valley to Kamloops, BC Sept 2008)
~ I'm back!! I needed to take time to take care of little things in my life~

Recently Chief Shane Gottfriedson stated,

"What’s happening is our ancestors are telling us something”, he said. “By them revealing themselves, they‘re telling us that we have to slow down.".. It’s a fast world we live in and we have to be respectful of things that are happening all around us. “With how fast the world is developing, it’s time that we slow things down and we take care of all the little things in our lives.” (As reported in the Kamloops This Week newspaper in April 2009)

Presently in my region, an expansion of the Trans Canada Highway has come to a standstill. The particular section in question is near Shuswap Lake and locally known as a killer highway. As required, the provincial government must do an archaeological assessment on the land. As a result, remains were discovered of a first nation’s ancestor along with her tools from an estimated 2500 years ago. After First Nation communities discussed the circumstances, it was decided that her remains would be ceremoniously reburied to be left undisturbed.
The ignoring of territorial boundaries, degradation of culture, insults as well as the damage done to First Nation families’ way of life has been deplorable. Sadly, such acts of dominance will possibly continue to play out throughout our Global Community. It may well increase as we live in a rapidly changing world where change and convenience tend to be experienced as a given right, in the name of progress now that we are bumping into each other. Redefining our boundaries will be ongoing and conflict is inevitable since many dominant stories happen to co-exist in various cultures and societies on this planet. Pathetically our lack of understanding, gives way to disrespect. As a Global community, we need to cultivate Tolerance and Curiosity to help us to observe differences respectfully.
I hold deep compassion for the impact past and present societies have imposed on First Nations people and as well as other minorities. So In respect of the wisdom from local native elders, they say, ‘it is time to slow down, be respectful of the things happening around us and take care of the little things in our lives.’ Hhhmm.. maybe this could be a helpful reminder to all drivers on the road.
Therefore, wherever your personal road leads you today, perhaps you will notice times when you are quick to react or judge.
Or perhaps you will slow down with a refreshed sense of curiosity and see things in a new way.
Perhaps just like the river in our valley that has etched out a path of least resistance over thousands of years, maybe we too can find our way in the ever changing landscape as erosion and discovery continues to reveal connections to the past.
Perhaps we may rediscover how to reflect with a sense of curiosity and become inspired by the little things in life as to how to live sustainably with mutual respect for the planet and all our people.
Perhaps you may put yourself in another other person’s shoes or err... moccasins and walk a mile (Km) or two.
This updated music video celebrates life with a sense of ‘funny’ and lightens my day even more. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Feelin' Groovy~ HAPPY SPRING PEOPLE!

Where’s The Beef?

2009-03-25T10:14:00.001-07:00

If you are able, look into the dark eyes of this Cow.
Can you imagine how it would feel to gently touch and pet this cow on the bridge of her nose? Can you sense the softness of her hair? Click on the photo for a closer look. She was just as curious about me, as I was about her. Many of her kind are destined to be herded into feedlots and meet a stressful death for our ultimate consumption. What struck me the day I met her, was how peaceful all the cows were.

Consumption of ‘meat products’ removes us from the source of supply. Consider if you will, how many cultures sacredly respect all living beings. Consider the spiritual practices that bless the animal and thank the creator before killing the animal. As well, consider how detached some humans become from killing animals for consumption or trophy.

There is discussion about the impact on our bodies from eating the meat of stressed animals. Such as the amount of hormones etc that circulate through the muscle tissue we call meat. Eating meat is not unnatural.. Mass slaughter is. Spiritually, it is considered negative to take more than you can consume or give away.

Since I met this cow in the above photo a year ago, I do find I have more compassion for my sources of meat and try to choose wisely. I am challenged by the high costs for organic meat. Consuming less really means more to me and really, the output cost is a good investment in the local economy. A few great regional ranches advertise ‘healthy practices’. However, there are also some regional political rules that hinder small operations from processing their own meat products etc. .

Back to connecting with animals ~

I have another video from Liz Mitten Ryan and her relationship to her newest friend on her ranch. I loved watching her Bull run playfully around her and soak up the loving attention of a good brushing!

Wooly Bully from Liz Mitten Ryan on Vimeo

“ We as humans suffer from an insidious malaise that is growing like a cancer throughout our species and our world. Natural System Dysfunction (NSD) is a direct result of our alienation from our natural, life-giving relationship to our source—the source of all creation and the sustenance that feeds all life. The more we distance ourselves from our natural state, the more dangerous and fragile our tenuous hold on life becomes. To avoid sounding as unintelligent as the average human being who says “Speak louder, I don’t understand your language,” the solution to NSD lies in our ability to listen to the language of nature—a language beyond words. It speaks softly, but with wisdom, instantly remembered as absolute truth, both for the individual and for the whole as one united symbiotic system and greater being. This is what the animals call the ALL (God).
Pg 23 from Sabbatical. . . resting in the power of “isness -Liz Mitten Ryan 2008
(A sabbatical is usually defined as a break or a rest from work.)

I continue to eat meat and this is not a platform to reform meat eaters. I am choosing to include a link to a graphic video that may be offensive to some members of your family. Viewer discretion is advised.

Before you choose to watch this video or any similar videos, I encourage you to consider a mindfulness activity in your choice of spiritual practise or worship. If nothing else, one idea can be to preplan a soothing activity that blesses the animals, their spirits and yourself. As well, possibly express forgiveness for the people who carry out these practises without compassion.

Maybe you will choose to light a candle and say a few words to simply release the disturbing images from your mind. Or, open the door and/or turn on the ceiling fan and let the wind in to clear the negative energy.

The healing intention of Ecopsychology is to consider spending time focused on something in nature. Such as a plant, a tree, your pet, a sunset, step outside and listen to the wind, rain, and Breathe. The point is to notice what happens for you as you do this. It may be subtle or quite profound. Notice... feel... sense

~ After that moment or experience of focusing on something that attracts your attention from nature, notice the difference in your surroundings, or the feel within your body and what is happening in your conscious brain. Perhaps you can describe it simply. However, the point is not to intellectualize the experience.

Warning: The following video may be offensive to some members of your family. Viewer discretion is advised. The PETA website is a great animal advocate website. The videos contain graphic images of the treatment of animals.

Follow the link to the Peta website and look for the ‘Meet your Meat‘ video at the bottom of the webpage. http://www.petatv.com/

Disturbing energy needs to be released in a healing way. Indifference leads to apathy and is destructive. Listen to your intuition and channel the energy into some action or ritual that brings healing and spreads compassion.

Having said all that, if you are not the least bit attracted to view the video..just follow what you are naturally attracted to follow!! ;0)

Feel free to leave your comments about your experiences or reactions.

Seeing Our Reflection In Nature

2009-03-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Last year I had the opportunity to watch the same Flicker Woodpecker (I believe) repeatedly perch on the school windowsill and peer at the tree as seen in the reflection of the tinted window. (Is the grass greener on the other side?) The Flickers compete with the Starlings for nesting space in the trees along the school. By October, I really wondered if he had figured it out?

The population of Flickers has increased in my neighbourhood as the Pine forests surrounding my area of town have been removed or no longer contain food. The forests in the Interior of British Columbia have changed dramatically due to Pine Beetle killing off the grand Pine Trees. Apparently,Pine Trees can live to be up to 700 years old. The older trees are more resilient. It is the trees under 100 years old that are most vulnerable. The trees affected by Pine Beetles rot quickly at the base and become a hazard and snap off quickly. This year the Spruce Bud Worm is a threat attacking the Spruce Trees. As well our forests are tinder dry and this increases the risk for wild fires.

Perhaps you have heard the Flicker Wake Up call on top of your home

Below David Attenborough presents the amazing Lyre bird, which mimics the calls of other birds - and chainsaws and camera shutters -in this video clip from The Life of Birds from BBC

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Some words to reflect upon~

"When the perception of time is altered using the body's own processes, there is nearly always an increase in environmental awareness. We slow down enough to notice the space between leaves, to become poetic, lyrical, and multidimensional in our comprehension of the world around us. If we limit the availability of this quality time we engender a speediness of mind that can turn against and destroy its own world."
pg 67 Navigating The Tides Of Change ~ Stories From Science, The Sacred, and a Wise Planet, 2001 by David LaChapelle

How would you invite periods of timelessness into daily life?

The Intrinsic Value of All Species and Nature

2009-03-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

(Overlooking Kamloops to the left, which continues to decend into the valley)

A few years ago, I met a horse that intrigued me and I never forgot the experience. I sensed this horse spent quality time with people and was very healthy. But it was more than that. I just sensed a deeper connection with this horse. The horse was interested in me, but not looking for handouts. At that point, I started talking to the horse, or more questioning what she trying to communicate silently to me. You probably know the sense, when eye contact is comfortable, gazes are suspended, and words are not needed. The experience is something that words cannot describe adequately.

Fast forward a few years to when I was out Christmas shopping in a country living store that sold everything from salt licks to expensive art. I was there to see Robert Bateman and his nature artwork. However, a video and the artist promoting her new book about her horses magnetically drew me. It was lovely to meet her and realise she lived in the Nicola Valley close to Kamloops. In fact, the horse I met a few summers ago was probably one of hers! Therefore, I bought two books, one for a friend, and one for myself.

Liz Mitten Ryan is an artist and caretaker for a herd of horses based on a relationship of trust and respect. Therefore, with great pleasure I encourage you to view her video and visit her website for a gentle message celebrating the intrinsic value of all living creatures.

www.lizmittenryan.com

for more information, videos and workshops being held this summer.

“I think the strongest bond we share is the total absence of fear. We love and accept each other, and there is a solid trust in that relationship. There are many exciting things to explore, but I think that the anchor of the relationship is that we are learning together. I know that there is a need to guide and to educate a young horse, but I like to regard that need as flexible, and mutually rewarding. After all, we are journeying together as one in the family of spirit."
Pg 43- Liz Mitten Ryan, One With The Herd ~ A Spiritual Journey 2007

Satish Kumar on Deep Ecology -The Intrinsic Value...

"We have come a long way my friend, through uncertainty, confusion, misinterpretation; carried by the wings of love to a far greater understanding than we could ever have believed. Imagine a world where all minds are joined in the quest for greater understanding. You and I can change the world, one mind at a time. Imagine!"
- Prima (Premiere Edition) Speaking for the herd pg 205

Perhaps you have felt a deep connection to an animal or bird, pet or the land.

How would you describe that feeling?

Are there special ways that you express gratitude for these deepened relationships?

Sustainable Communities For All

2009-03-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

I went for a drive one morning as the fog burned off, searching for signs of Spring. I drove along the South Thompson River near Kamloops. The snow is melting faster along the valley bottom where the southern Sun touches down. I saw several Ravens, Eagles, Crows, and Swans. The Cows were calving and the Mountain Sheep were sunning on the cliffs of the Benchlands.

Thomas Berry in his book ‘The Dream of the Earth’ from 1988 discusses:
“The most difficult transition to make is from an anthropocentric (human chauvinism) to a biocentric norm of progress. If there is to be any true progress, then the entire life community must progress. Any progress of the human at the expense of the larger life community must ultimately lead to a diminishment of human life itself. A degraded habitat will produce degraded humans. An enhanced habitat supports an elevated mode of the human. This is evident not only in the economic order, but also throughout the entire range of human affairs. The splendor of the earth is in the variety of its land and its seas, its life forms and its atmospheric phenomena; these constitute in color and sound and movement that great symphonic context which has inspired our sense of the divine, given us our emotional and imaginative powers, and evoked from us those entrancing insights that have governed our more sublime moments.” Pg 165

"The solution is simply for us as humans to join the earth community as participating members to foster the progress and prosperity of the bioregional communities to which we belong. A bioregion is an identifiable geographical area of interacting life systems that is relatively self- sustaining in the ever-renewing processes of nature. The full diversity of life functions is carried out, not as individuals or as species, or even as organic beings, but as a community that includes the physical as well as the organic components of the region. Such a bioregion is a self-propagating, self-nurturing, self-educating, self-governing, self-healing, and self-fulfilling community. Each of the component life systems must integrate its own functioning within this community to survive in any effective manner." pg 166

Can you see the herd of Sheep above on the hillside and Cows below?

Thomas Berry states,

“Of primary importance in North America is identifying the various bioregions. To do that requires sensitivity akin to that of the shamanic personality of tribal peoples. While bioregions have certain geographic boundaries, they also have certain mythic and historical modes of self-identification. This identification depends on ourselves as we participate in this process, which only now we begin to understand and appreciate.” pg 170

The local Bighorn Sheep come from herds reintroduced from California. They cross the road to get down to the river. As well, their old calving ravines along the hillside are now groomed into a Golf Course and Lifestyle Resort.

Global human chauvinism continues to be politically overlooked

at this crucial time as our economy is in crisis.

What more can we do to not allow this to perpetuate

for the sake of the current economy?

If we can raise the social consciousness towards equality of gender or race of human beings such as in the past 50 years, how can we raise the social consciousness for equality all species and bioregions as we struggle to overcome economic instability?

Can we afford not to?

A Journey Through Presence

2009-02-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

A Journey Through Presence

For a week in January, I travelled the same country road in the Kamloops area. It is called Rose Hill Road, and it wanders through grasslands, and then through forests before it descends into river valley. I like this road for its quietude, wildlife and landscape. My awareness becomes acute to the subtleties of nature and I relax and revel in simple discoveries.

My journey is a great way to let go and “become presence” as described by David Abram in his book, ‘The Spell of the Sensuous’. David Abram explores the research of time and space by past phenomenologists and the lack of distinction of time and space according to indigenous cultures.

David Abram wrote,
“When I allow the past and future to dissolve, imaginatively, into the immediacy of the present moment, then the “present” itself expands to become an enveloping field of presence. And this presence, vibrant and alive, spontaneously assumes the precise shape and contour of the enveloping sensory landscape, as though this were its native shape! It is this remarkable fit between temporal concept (the “present”) and spatial precept ( the enveloping presence of the land) that accounts, I believe, for the relatively stable and solid nature of this experience, and that prompts me to wonder whether “time “and “space” are really as distinct as I was taught to believe? " pg 203- 204

Abram states,

“The sensorial landscape, in other words, not only opens onto that distant future waiting beyond the horizon but also onto a near future, onto an imminent field of possibilities waiting behind each tree, behind each stone, behind each leaf from whence a spider may at any moment come crawling into our awareness. And this living terrain is supported not only by that more settled or sedimented past under the ground, but by an imminent past resting inside each tree, within each blade of grass, within the very muscles and cells of our own bodies. " Pg 215

As well,

“It is evident, however, that when our awareness of time is joined with our awareness of space, space itself is transformed. Space is no longer experienced as a homogeneous void, but reveals itself as this vast and richly textured field in which we are corporeally immersed, this vibrant expanse structured by both a ground and a horizon. It is precisely the ground and the horizon that transform abstract space into space-time. And these characteristics—the ground and the horizon—are granted to us only by the earth. Thus, when we let time and space blend into a unified space-time, we rediscover the enveloping earth. " Pg 216

“It would seem, then, that the conceptual separation of time and space—the literate distinction between a linear, progressive time and a homogeneous, featureless space- functions to eclipse the enveloping earth from human awareness. As long as we structure our lives according to assumed parameters of a static space and a rectilinear time, we will be able to ignore, or overlook, our thorough dependence upon the earth around us. Only when space and time are reconciled into a single, unified field of phenomena does the encompassing earth become evident, once again, in all its power and its depth, as the very ground and horizon of all our knowing.” Pg217

The Spell Of The Sensuous by David Abram 1996

In what ways can we mindfully blend or integrate

“presence” wherever we may be or doing today

in the office, car, housework or while just waiting?

When you experience “presence” what do, you notice?

The Reciprocity of Nature

2009-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

The Reciprocity of Nature

I walked in darkness towards the waning full moon. As every morning except Sundays, I wake and must get out the door by 6:30 am to deliver newspapers on my street. I choose to do this for exercise, as it is only 21 papers, except for 40 twice a week.

In the winter darkness, my thoughts are more of a slumbering trance. This morning my worries were spewing out and I walked right by one of my customers and I would have to stop there on my way back. When the slumbering trance persists, I have to become a conscious witness to my train of thought and pull myself back into the present moment. First for safety to notice the icy patches and as well as to make sure I deliver the papers properly. I slipped into the slumber trance again, so I decided to give myself until the end of the block to release my concerns in the moonlight.

Then as I turned around to head back home, I decided to do a mindfulness activity with my physical surroundings. The quickest way to begin is to focus on my breathing as I notice whatever attracts my attention in nature. The silhouette of the mountains and hills promised a clear sky in the east as the stars dimmed.

I decided to focus on the neighbourhood tree silhouettes and sense their aliveness despite their dormancy. I imagined their root systems to complete my awareness of their growing and lively energy. This mindfulness vision is interesting because it somehow excites my brain and then I have to turn off the mind chatter and stay focused on just the visual sense of the root systems. This makes me sense gravity and I feel grounded and connected to my neighbourhood. Sensing the roots feels mysterious and makes me aware that the shape of tree above and below is balanced. I feel more connected to the moment and the slumbering thoughts have shifted and left.

Soon I will be done with these dark insular winter walks. Then as the daylight comes earlier, I look forward to the sun rising and spilling glorious sunshine into my eyes! With this, the earth seems to awaken and there is visible growth to notice.

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Two of Eight principles of Ecopsychology

as described by Theodore Roszak are ;

3.“Just as it has been the goal of previous therapies to recover the repressed contents of the unconscious, so the goal of ecopsychology is to awaken the inherent sense of environmental reciprocity that lies within the ecological unconscious. Other therapies seek to heal the alienation between person and person, person and family, person and society. Ecopsychology seeks to heal the more fundamental alienation between the person and the natural environment.”

Another principal is;

8.“Ecopsychology holds that there is a synergistic interplay between planetary and personal well-being. The term”synergy” is chosen deliberately for its traditional theological connotation, which once taught that the human and divine are cooperatively linked in the quest for salvation. The contemporary ecological translation of the term might be: the needs of the planet are the needs of the person, the rights of the person are the rights of the planet.”

Pg320 &321 by Theodore Roszak in his book, ‘The Voice Of The Earth’ 1992 &2001

Hidden Harmony ~ The Sacredness of the Forest

2009-02-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

“The mind is more comfortable in a landscaped park because it has been planned through thought; it has not grown organically. There is an order here that the mind can understand. In the forest, there is an incomprehensible order that to the mind looks like chaos. It is beyond the mental categories of good and bad. You cannot understand it through thought, but you can sense it when you let go of thought become still and alert and don’t try to understand or explain. Only then can you be aware of the sacredness of the forest. As soon as you sense that hidden harmony, that sacredness, you realize you are not separate from it, and when you realize that, you become a conscious participant in it. In this way, nature can help you become realigned with the wholeness of life.”

Eckhart Tolle ~ Oneness With All Life Treasury Edition – Inspirational Selections from A New Earth 2008

Is there a special place where you can let go

and become still and alert to feel

a sense of connection to nature?

Perhaps it is not a forest.

Perhaps it that same sense of stillness

and heightened awareness

when you pause to look at flowers or rocks.

What are you naturally attracted to?

Seeing Through the Fog

2009-01-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

"Although by now the twenty-first-century mind should be well aware of the interdependent links between earth degradation and widespread depression, our behavior has not yet caught up to our awareness. In a fog, in a hurry, and apparently in a hungry search for purpose, we continue to consume dwindling resources in the form of plastic paraphernalia, marketplace fashion, and endless other artificial and personal prescriptions for life. This is psychic numbing, denial, alienation, and depression wrapped into a single package, a single pattern of unintentional and unconscious misbehavior~ a pattern we might call overconsumption or addiction. Most insidious, this effect is cumulative, leaving us increasingly blind, autistic, and misguided in a self-perpetuating geography of human invention, a shiny and seductive world of mirrors. Saddest of all, we have forgotten that we have forgotten. We are too far from the richness of sensory, sensual experience to remember, much less taste, what it means to be fully awakened and engaged. We no longer know what a depth of sensory awareness is. The outcome of our forgetting is a sleepy, comfortable denial of our loss."

- Pg 70 from 'Sight and Sensibility - The Ecopsychology of Perception',by Laura Sewall,Ph.D. 1999

"To limit our faith to the visible facts is to call our world a done deal- no mysteries left, no revelations to be discovered. Our recovery must weave the unseen realm of psyche into the material moment, restoring our faith in the embodied irrational, the blush and subtlety of maybe, the meaning of mythic. The mystery of mind must be called into the light of day, unabashedly rejoined with the visible world- which without our gift of imagination is too easily reduced to stuff, nonrelational and ultimately uninteresting. Recovery must begin with noticing what's truly there, with looking into and between, with revealing what has been left unseen, and with an offering of wonder and imagination."

-Pg 93-94 'Sight and Sensibility - The Ecopsychology of Perception',by Laura Sewall,Ph.D. 1999

What if all levels of our Governments created a 'Ministry for Sensory Awareness', how might this impact our Local and Global Economies?

Consumption

2009-01-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

CONSUMPTION

In 1990, my environmental awareness was motivated by fear for my childs’ future global home and playground. That year the New Year headlines focused on the environmental trash problems.

Living in a small farming community in southwestern Ontario, environmental values such as mine were a rarity. I started saving recyclable garbage first to reuse in art projects with preschool and school aged children. Then word travelled about a small recycling effort on the outskirts of town. The solidarity I felt at this makeshift depot was a silent and a solitary task. The sight of the amount of potential reusable or useless packaging was thought provoking and concerning since the local waste disposal was not economically geared to recycling. I stuck to my values and knew that society first has to get uncomfortable with ideas and needs concrete evidence before making the choice to change behaviours.

One thing I knew I could control was the Styrofoam used in my potential purchases. It was easy to boycott MacDonald’s hamburgers contained in Styrofoam boxes. My young son and I unwrapped vegetables on Styrofoam trays in the grocery stores. I spoke out at the Nursery School Board Meeting about the use of Styrofoam cups used at snack time. It challenged me to make constant decisions when purchasing products.

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It is known that personal action is merely a drop in the bucket. It takes society putting social pressure on corporate business to entrepreneurships to adapt and create new ways in our economy’s’ supply of basic needs, recreation and comforts.

So how far have we come personally or as a North American society in 20 years? In 2009, I see we still need to focus on the impact of our consumer behaviour. We buy stuff, throw it out, then buy stuff, and throw it out.

The Story of Stuff

Have you ever visited a Garbage Dump just to notice what is there?

A dump is literally an archaeological deposit recording the culture of the society. This spring I made a visit to my local dump. Through the eye of my camera, I captured sombre looking photos. Finally I ended up shooting mainly interesting abstract patterns within the recyclable metal heap which constisted of everything from broken stoves to childrens bicycles.

I am far more excited about Artist Chris Jordan who really captures the essence of STUFF. So therefore I would much rather refer you to his Art as he has mastered the art of making garbage visually interesting. Chris expresses hope for his photographs to stimulate a kind of cultural self-inquiry into our pervasive consumerism.

The link to his collection of fascinating photographic art http://www.chrisjordan.com/

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A 'PLASTIC SOUP' OF WASTE FLOATING IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN?

"A 'plastic soup' of waste floating in the Pacific Ocean is growing at an alarming rate and now covers an area twice the size of the continental United States, scientists have said. The vast expanse of debris - in effect the world's largest rubbish dump - is held in place by swirling underwater currents. This drifting "soup" stretches from about 500 nautical miles off the Californian coast, across the northern Pacific, past Hawaii and almost as far as Japan.

Charles Moore, an American oceanographer who discovered the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" or "trash vortex", believes that about 100 million tons of flotsam are circulating in the region. Marcus Eriksen, a research director of the US-based Algalita Marine Research Foundation, which Mr Moore founded, said yesterday: "The original idea that people had was that it was an island of plastic garbage that you could almost walk on. It is not quite like that. It is almost like a plastic soup. It is endless for an area that is maybe twice the e size as continental United States."
-Published on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 by The Independent/UK -The World's Rubbish Dump: A Garbage Tip That Stretches From Hawaii to Japan' by Kathy Marks and Daniel Howden

Human Impact: Synthetic Sea "Plastic In The Open Ocean"

OCEANS OF PLASTIC - FROM 'TURNING THE TIDES'

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I have held a strong admiration for Children’s Entertainer and Child Advocate, Raffi Cavoukian since 1990 when I needed to create an Early Childhood Curriculum as a course requirement. It was Raffi’s music from ‘Evergreen Everblue’ that kept me focused on my choice of assignment and deepened my passion for conscious environmental awareness.

The core value at the heart of Raffi’s musical career and child honouring has been respect for the child as a whole person. He does not accept offers to do commercial endorsements believing it is wrong to use ones popularity to sell products to a vulnerable audience.

Raffi poses the question,

“Do we lack the imagination to conceive of a society that respects its young, one that would therefore embrace an honourable protocol for commerce?

Raffi stated in his news article in 200o titled,

‘Yes, We Have No Advertising’ –
"We live in a time that many of the world's brightest minds regard as "condition critical" for the Earth and the life-support systems that sustain us. Now is the hour to put children first, to safeguard their lives (and ours) by creating a new code for commerce, and to fundamentally redesign relations between society's public and private sectors. It's a time for corporate humility and compassion. Corporate shareholders and CEOs must realize that all of us hold shares in a much greater venture -- our collective future on Earth -- and that the economic values we choose to support will largely determine the legacy we leave for generations to come. "
- The Globe and Mail Toronto, Ont--Friday, June 9, 2000

The following link to Raffi’s site contains two songs that speak to my heart from a Sustainability and Humanitarian perspective, since the news currently focuses on the War in Gaza with photos of injured children and adults as well injury to the environment . How can this not affect our connection to home, the land and environment?

http://www.raffinews.com/news/2006-08-01-songs-for-peace

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What has come to light is that ‘fear based’ motivation has only led to society toward pointing the finger elsewhere, raising anxieties that end up in exhausting indifferences, apathy and general disconnection from nature itself. When we have a healthy attachment/connection to our homes, communities, land and country, we as a society are more likely to make choices based on love, respect, and attachment for our environments.

Ecophilospher, Joanna Macy reminds us that when times are dark and filled with suffering and uncertainty, it is natural to feel the trauma of the world. So do not be afraid of our anguish, or our anger or fear, as these feelings come from the depth of our caring. Remember we are all interconnected and to suffer with, is the literal meaning of compassion. Denial of these emotions lead to apathy and disempowerment.
~Breathe ~

So back to a simple action in daily life to reduce consumption as a consumer ...what can I do?

For years, I have avoided my cloth grocery bags. In 2008 I discovered how much easier it is with cloth bags to pack my groceries into the car and house. Habits die-hard ...sometimes!
This year I will consciously decide how much ‘packaging’ I will ’buy into’. So now, if I need to enter a department store, I will tie my cloth bag to my purse and search for products with minimal packaging.

This is my 2009 challenge. Care to join me?

I also want to mention a story that was on the front page of my city newspaper this morning. Called ‘A Year of Nothing New’ and it highlights Amber Westfall’s Blog named, ‘Unstuffed’. Amber just spent the past year blogging about her challenge to not to buy anything new a whole year – nothing new, except for necessities, with some used items allowed.

Check out her challenges and success! You may find some ideas to inspire you!

http://www.unstuff.blogspot.com/

Water- The Essential Source For All Life On Earth

2008-12-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

Ice Waves on Nicola Lake near Merritt, BC

This was a fascinating natural event to witness in February of 2008. This photo captures the ice wave phenomenons that were as high as my hips. Peering inside the frozen wave is like seeing the inside of a Geode with crystals. I reached the shores of the lake as noon peaked, after 45 minutes a few of the ice waves began to crash as they melted under the warm sun.

The lake moaned and heaved, and it sounded like distant thunder from across the lake despite the beautiful blue sky . There were even cracks in the ice that looked like lightning bolts. As I listened to the lake continue to moan and heave, I wondered about the awakening of native spirits under the ice. I imagined the stories the Secwepemc First Nations people would tell during the long winter nights inside their Kekulis (semi underground earth pit shelter). The empty pit marks can still be seen along some shores of Nicola Lake where they once wintered long long ago. I even remember a story of how the women were buried with their drinking straws, that were made from the Heron birds' leg bones.

A SOLSTICE REFLECTION ON WATER~

As Martha Stewart would say, "It’s a good thing” a few nights ago I saw on the evening news how some people were melting snow for water to flush their toilets. I was going to wash my hands but the taps were dry! I was thirsty too. It was so cold -25C (-13F) during the night, the water line froze. Therefore, the first thing I did in the morning was fill up my buckets with snow. It is amazing how a huge pot of fluffy snow only melts down to maybe an inch of water. I knew then this could be a long day. All my neighbours had water, so that meant the issue was my pipes. The morning had been planned for baking and making some gifts with my youngest son and his girlfriend. My son immediately stated he was very thirsty. So he melted ice cubes in the microwave for a drink. Then, he willingly hauled drinking water home from the neighbours.

Something primal seems to kick in to every action when we are required to use conscious decision-making. Such as ; to rinse off a knife, to wipe out a bowl, to place dishes in the dishwasher, to melt snow for dishwater or not, and to flush the toilet or not. By 10 am with our body needs considered, my attention turned to whether or not to pay for a plumber, whether or not to warm up the coldest place in the house and to thaw out the pipes or not. Despite noticing the problem at 6 am, I was still contemplating my situation in the afternoon. Friends had offered their advice and support. So all I had to do was follow my intuition and the advice given. I even had plumbing support offered all the way from Alaska!! (Peggy is so sweet) The action most likely required, would be to cut a hole in the drywall where the pipes likely were frozen.

I chose to do my Yoga exercises while I weighed out the pros and cons. My intuitive primal nudge to follow through, was stalled by the hesitation of my modern attachment to comfort and materialism. We had just renovated the basement a little over a year ago. I thought everything had been prepared, if not over prepared. However, despite the decisions we made at that area surrounding the main water pipe, it was not insulated enough. I was reluctant to cut into my wall. The woman in me did not want to damage the aesthetics of home. (Geez... the arguments that override common sense...)

After the consultation with the plumber (who by the way was run off his feet by frozen crisis all over town), I settled into contemplation and reflection. I realised my quietude was a reflective act typically experienced during the dark hours of winter solstice. It used to be at the darkest time of the year when primal societies could only sit, tell stories and reflect inwardly. My need for running water dissipated as I remembered my primal mothering instincts during a lengthy rustic camping experience in a forestry campsite when my boys were younger.

The simplicity of that camping trip centred on the daily use of water. Such as retrieving water from the lake for washing bodies and dishes and heating the water over campfire for bathing at night. Heating water to wash my hair during the day to be sure it dried thoroughly before bedtime. Conserving grey dishwater and disposing of it in the forest.The boys learned that the lake was connected to a watershed lake that provided drinking water for the city way down in the valley below. As well they witnessed the wildlife of Bears and Deer depending on the lake too.

Water was also a threat to getting wet at times when we needed to keep dry, and stay warm as the temperature dipped cold at night in the mountains. As well, maintaining the tarps to keep the tent dry from rainstorms despite the forests being tinder dry and forest fires causing danger and crisis in neighbouring valleys that summer.

The lake water was our main source of entertainment that kept us cool during the day. The boys were happy and kept busy exploring tadpoles in the warm pools of water near the marsh, or floating on rubber boats while I pulled them with a rope along shore or hauled them in if they went out too far. When the fish would n't bite, they got excited when a neighbour camper told them how to catch Crayfish with meat! So the boys huddled on the rocky shore and lured the crayfish out with strips of Cappacoli deli meat! When about to boil up our catch, a violent Thunderstorm threatened our shelter as we hid inside the vehicle for safety.

Cocooned in a fleece blanket on the couch this evening, my reflections turned towards the stories of a woman named Chris Czajkowski who has lived for several years independently in the wilderness in Central British Columbia. I attended her slideshow and book presentation recently and left with awe and respect for her ingenuity and resourcefulness. I thought of Chris going out daily to cut the hole into the lake ice and sometimes wielding a rather large looking chainsaw. As well relying on an outhouse all year round, she conserves her grey water from household to use in her garden. In circumstances like that, life is a daily chore. (From a Buddhism view, it’s literally a ‘Chop wood, Carry water’ life.) Chris has written several books and runs an ecotourism business in the summer at her remote wilderness location near Nimpo Lake. For more information about The Nuk Tessli Alpine Experience, visit http://www.nuktessli.ca/

Chris's lifestyle intrigues me, as I would love to have a rural lifestyle but I keep thinking of all the challenges of which I would not want to be isolated with alone. My future lifestyle choice definitely would be with community or partnership in mind. I reflected on issues of interdependence and that I would not choose to be in a relationship for convenience or dependency. As we age, life partner choices can become quite defined or limited, depending on how one views the situation.

Around 6 pm, my neighbour knocked at the door. He had a hot air gun in his hand looking very much like ‘Tim the Tool Man'. With a sincere look in his eyes he said, “I’m here to thaw your pipes.” We discussed and concluded that a hole or two would be necessary to access pipe(s) that needed to be thawed. Interestingly, we discovered an area that was exposed to a freezing draft. It was obviously due to lack of proper insulation along an outside wall. Funny how all I needed was the prompt to cut the holes and fix the problem. With that, he apologised for making a mess and needed to leave.

Lila my cat sat on the basement stairs and supervised as I continued my work and mess. I stuffed Roxul insulation into the cavity and in and around the pipes. Amazing how there was an immediate difference of temperature. I reflected on the renovation process and the advice suggested at that time for that particular section. (I should have gone with my intuition when I questioned the need for more insulation and the contractor advised it would be fine) HA Ha Ha! I was almost done when I felt a vibration and the combination of copper and pex piping shuddered. It had only been a matter of maybe 5 minutes and the pipe thawed! I could hear water flowing upstairs in the kitchen sink, the bathtub and bathroom sink. It was a beautiful sound as it flowed through the pipe and out the taps.

I noticed that I had a big smile that remained for a long time as I focused on just listening to the flow of water for 5 to 10 minutes. I let out a relaxed sigh, as I felt very grateful for the luxury of flowing water, when millions of people on earth do not have this luxury. I reflected on my sons’ thirst this morning, and that I still had buckets of snow in my tub and dirty snow water on my stove. As well, I now could have a hot shower after installing some itchy insulation to keep the cold out of my home. I was still smiling and sighing long afterwards too. I was so content.

In Chris’s book, ‘NUK TESSLI- The Life of a Wilderness Dweller’, she reflects on the convenient lifestyles of city dwellers and how the lack of knowledge about wilderness and the interconnectedness of living systems, has led to city dwellers considering themselves as separate entities from nature. Chris highlights the necessity for the value of ‘nature immersion’ in our education system. This is just as important as the current language, spiritual or cultural immersion that is in our present public and private systems here in Canada. Chris raises a vital point that Environmental education has become a separate subject that is studied or played with in theme related materials and the shelved.

On page 176, Chris states,

" People who question leaving the city while their kids are still in school, worried that they might "miss out on something" should think again. To teach a child that he belongs in an interdependent ecosystem that deserves respect is surely the greatest,

almost the only, inheritance that he or she needs."

DIVINE WATER MOVIE TRAILER

Water is essential for life and not always readily

available to millions of people on Earth.

Perhaps the next time you are thirsty,

listen deeply to the sound of the water being poured.

Perhaps the next time you are near a natural or manmade source of water,

sit quietly to listen to the sound of water.

How do you look at water?

Do you focus on the surface of the water or do you look deeper?

Perhaps the next time you drink from your glass of water and taste it,

consider looking outdoors into your environment.

Living Deeply

2008-12-13T09:36:00.000-08:00

LIVING DEEPLY

“If you go out in the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise...for every bear that ever there was, will gather there for certain because, today’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic!” (Teddy Bears Picnic)

This is what I was singing in my head, while wandering around to see deeply through the woods, as my friend Lori laid down on the forest floor to peer through her camera up into the treetops. It is so special to share adventures with a friend who has similar interests.

I am feeling the holiday rush of timelines. However, I am also feeling creative and I want to make some decorations. Last Sunday I purchased Cedar, Pine and Boxwood sprigs for my planters. Yet I still need to go for a walk along the river in a peaceful place to cut some Red Willow. Now the trail is covered in snow drifts and there is a wind chill which feels like polar temperatures along the river.

After looking into the photo above, I was inspired to make some ‘earthy’ looking decorations. You see, when I am outdoors I often find little treasures that inspire me to create something. Often these treasures end up in my Studio tucked away until that special moment. Sometimes those special moments are years away! However, I will always consider why it is, I would like to take home something from nature. As a moral practise, such as native cultures do, I will ask the natural object permission to bring them home with me. As well, leave behind a simple offering of gratitude. Be it thankful words, a penny, or some other exchange. There are times when my conscience or intuition stops me in my tracks.

So.... I wanted to make some decorations....Well all it took was my awesome artist friend Jan phoning me from another city to ask if I still had some Wasp nest paper left over and possibly enough to cover a fireplace mantle. I did not. But that led into a creative brainstorm session that inspired her with more ideas and I rediscovered all these gems. Such as dried Rosehips on a wire, Birch tree bark curls, Lichen, Poppy pod stars, Milkweed pods (great little Fairy Boats Janet!), wasp nest paper (great for decoupage) and Pumpkin and Squash stems of various sizes (you can never have enough, or maybe I am too soft hearted to throw them in the compost bin!). So now, what I need are some glue sticks, and I am into some serious fun!

My creative treasures have accumulated because photography has become a more important aspect of my life than ever before. Since buying new cameras in the past 2 years, I came to discover a renewed love for photography. I find when I am out doing Macro photography especially, I become very grounded, calm, and focused. It gives moments of respite from chronic pain. Time slows down and the colors and textures around me enrich my senses. It is fascinating to find tiny treasures like Wild Strawberries with bite marks from Mice nibbling away or ugly Fungi puffing out small clouds of tiny spores. When these magical moments occur, the small simple pleasures become cherished memories of the times we ‘connect to nature’. I must add that I have these same wonderful experiences in my back yard and garden.

We typically think of our first teachers as our parents, caregivers, community, culture, and country. However, what often tends to be overlooked is our connection to nature. From a ‘Deep Ecology’ view, the natural world is our first teacher. It is a gift waiting for us to discover its simplicity and beauty.

What if we took ourselves, or our children/grandchildren, or our family/ friends, and just go outside for a walk or a breath of fresh air to notice some simple and natural pleasures! On the other hand, bring something from nature outdoors, to someone indoors. Or open the curtains, take your coffee outside, and stare at the snowflakes (Well that is for us who live in the snow areas).

You know we have all been there, stressed out because we blew our budgets, or never got the Christmas cards out on time, or a relative arrived with the main gift being, “A Cold!”. You might disagree with me but, I believe getting outdoors is far more healthy than ‘numbing out’ with a few drinks to ease the performance stress during the holidays or the indifferences because we have to endure time with the relations that we perceive rock our boat. Sometimes we may feel unable to meet the social pressures at this celebratory time due to loss, grief, or loneliness for people we cherished, loved, or let us down. At times of great loneliness, doubt, or overwhelm, we can all feel connected by witnessing something magical or intriguing in nature. Ask a pressing question, or say a prayer and then let it go. You may even get a natural answer or inspiration to help you through.

______________________________

What is Deep Ecology ?

Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess, was the first to coin the term Deep Ecology in 1973. He believes the core principal of deep ecology is, that like humanity, the living environment as a whole, has the same right to live and flourish. It is a deep subject with simple answers which invites a person to ask deeper questions concerning the “why” and “how” regarding the impacts of human life as one part of the ecosphere.

I have discovered a pleasant inspiring man on You Tube named, Satish Kumar. He teaches, lectures and runs workshops internationally in ecology, holistic education, and voluntary simplicity. He has a very interesting life story and someday I would like to read his books.

I like how he briefly describes Deep Ecology:

"In 2008, Satish Kumar presented a 50-minute documentary on the BBC as part of the 'Natural World' series. In the programme, Satish introduced the Dartmoor scenes and sights that most inspire him and contemplated the lessons they hold for humanity. A highly acclaimed documentary that mixed eastern philosophy with the western landscape of Dartmoor;

the programme was watched by over 3.6 million people"

As quoted from Satish Kumar's magazine website. www.resurgence.org

(Apparently this DVD is not available in North America yet, I hope it is soon!)

However we can watch it on You Tube

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=6de9FjR40g0

Earth Pilgrim – Satish Kumar 1-6

Do you remember finding special treasures in nature and felt as if they were a gift that came at a time when you were seeking guidance or answers during challenging times?

Have you ever noticed an increase in creativity when you were out in nature or thinking of times in nature?

A simple gift during the season can be to invite someone out for a walk, or drive, or bring something from the outdoors inside. Notice the natural smell, color and textures. Describe what attracts your attention and perhaps how it makes you feel!

Seasons Greetings Everyone!

The Great Turning - Crisis or Opportunity

2008-12-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

I call this, the Cloud Machine. It travels up the side of the hill from the Domtar mill, which is down along the shores of the Thompson River, not far from where to two rivers converge. The mighty North Thompson River and the South Thompson River merge and this is how the Shuswap people named Kamloops, BC, Canada. T’Kumloops (Kamloops) means, meeting of the waters. This convergence of the rivers is also known as a sacred channel of great energy.

The ‘Cloud Machine’ is said to emit 80% condensation and 20% pollutants. On certain days in Kamloops, you can smell the mill, if the wind is blowing your way. However, the emissions are far less than what was emitted almost 20 years ago. With a sense of curiosity, I like to pause and watch the cloud formations. Perhaps because when I was a youth, I loved to admire the shapes of Popcorn. Each fluffy and exploded kernel seemed a worthy creation to be photographed. In my early twenties, ‘National Geographic for Kids’ beat me to it! So presently in adulthood, the emissions of the Cloud Machine continue to intrigue my imagination and as well sadden me.

Currently, our global community is acknowledging the impact of the Economic Crisis. However, that crisis is not separate from the ongoing Environmental Crisis. As we watch the news, headlines and statements affect us such as:

“The Greatest Economic Challenge of our time” – Barak Obama“
"Global Meltdown” - George W. Bush
“Tighten our Purse strings” - Conservative Party of Canada
“Weathering the Storm” - Kamloops Daily News

Other strong words referring to the economic crisis used are; Cuts, Loss, Collapse, Breakdown, Plunged, Declined, Deficit, Depression, and Recession ...OMG

Alright.. ~Breathe ~ Did you notice how these words can physiologically affect you? What happened to your body? Did your chest feel tight? Did your mood seem down? Did it seem like you would rather not read on about this kind of stuff?

If you can, gaze out a window into the landscape or if not, close your eyes and visualize a beautiful place ~Breathe~

It is more common for our Global Community to be sucked into a vortex of Fear-based thinking as the current Economic and Environmental Crisis sinks into our Collective Consciousness. As this happens, it causes emotional reactions in our people, such as an increase in anxiety and depression and /or numbing and apathy.

Now consider the following words that can affect our perceptions or perspectives:
Crisis .......................Opportunity
Consumption ..............Simplicity
Profitable .................Sustainable

"When you change the way you look at things,

the things you look at change."

-Wayne Dyer

The economic collapse is naturally connected to consumption and abuse of our planet’s resources. Therefore, consciously reconnecting to nature will inspire our creativity to see opportunities to sustain the Earth’s resources and simply provide for our future generations.

Through the past few decades and currently, Canada’s famous environmentalist David Suzuki has continually spoken about ‘renewable energy’ and that we need to ‘change our mindset’.

If you listen carefully to the Media, you may currently hear only a few comments or stories in the news that mention,

‘We need to think creatively and work collaboratively...’

This is what we need to focus on, so our global community feels energized and motivated to shift from the, Industrial Growth Society to a Life Sustaining Society. The name for this transition is, ‘The Great Turning’’. 4

Joanna Macy 4 is a deeply respected Ecophilosopher grounded in Buddhism and Systems theory. She has created a groundbreaking theoretical framework for personal and social change, as well as a powerful workshop methodology for its’ application. Her group methods are known as the ‘The Work That Reconnects’. Her work helps people transform despair and apathy in the face of overwhelming social and ecological crises to constructive, collaborative action. It brings new ways of seeing the world, as our larger living body, freeing us from assumptions and attitudes that now threaten the continuity of life on Earth.

Joanna Macy states,

“The most remarkable feature of this historical moment on Earth is not that we are on the way to destroying the world-we've actually been on the way for quite a while. It is that we are beginning to wake up, as from a millennia-long sleep, to a whole new
relationship to our world, to ourselves and each other."

http://www.turntowardlife.tv/streamingmedia/10_joanna_macy_brief_interview/index.htm
Joanna Macy on ‘Embracing Pain’ of the world (3 min)_____________________________________

The stories from Dr. Seuss captures the imaginations of young and old people. His books for older children contain great teachings about the ‘Industrial Growth Society’ and the effects of consumerism, consumption, and depletion of our environmental resources.

Such as in the story, ‘The Lorax’, that is about the cutting down of the Truffala trees to make sneethds and ‘anything else that anyone needs’. The story ends with a child holding the last seed of the Truffala trees.

So go get a cup of Tea

and watch this amusing and thought provoking video
with the heart of a child, and the mind of an adult! :0)

Perhaps you will find a seed or two to inspire you!

The Lorax -by Dr. Suess (Theodore Suess Geisel)

(To be viewed in 6 segments)

We are all in the same boat

floating on the stream of consciousness.

It is time to go with the flow

and enter ‘The Great Turning’.

It is the essential adventure of our time!

But..Don't jump into De-nile Without De Lifejacket! ;0)

Life as a dream and dreams as life

2008-11-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

"Row row row your boat, gently down the stream.

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream...”

A creek ran through the middle of my friends hay farm, which happened to be in the middle of residential development in our small hometown. It was our dreamland, a special place that set stage for our imaginations to grow as fast as the hay, as tall as the Cottonwood trees and to run wild with the wind.

This is where my deep connection to nature grew. The creek side was a place where we noticed the passage of the seasons. We had private swimming and fishing holes, and skating in the winter. Most importantly, we learned to respect the risky dangers of thin ice and high waters. Our special place had not changed, like the subdivisions that surrounded it.

However, I remember the conscious awareness that something in the creek was changing. Not only were there less fish to catch, but there appeared to be more water moss growing, making the creek more slippery to walk in. As young children, we analysed why this was happening, as we had learned about Pollution in school. We wondered if perhaps it was the housing development up the creek and across from our school. Sadly, one spring, I also remember the shock of seeing a large Turtle shell the size of a platter, as well as garbage in and along the creek. The emotional awareness of pollution in my environment settled into my life.

One spring we enthusiastically worked to free a pallet that was stuck along the creek side, due to the high waters from the early spring melt. We had a dream to build a raft and sail away to float down the creek, maybe even right out of town! We gathered nails, hammers and more scrap wood. All the while, we imagined the story, developed our characters, and played out the variations within the storyline. Unknowingly, the pallet was water sodden and no matter how much wood we hammered on top, we could not get the structure to float. We worked on this for possibly days, if not a few weeks. The dream was only surrendered after trial and error. That was okay, because there were always other adventures to take its place.

I took my boys back to my special place and shared with them, some stories of the place where I grew up and played. The old Victorian house was gone. All that was left of my friends’ property was the outline of the circular driveway with the hedge and Cottonwood trees still present in the middle. New houses lined up on what was once the hay field. As my boys ran ahead, my mind was swept away to visions of the past, sensing 2 young girls riding rickety saw horses at sunset, pretending we were galloping over the field far, far, away.
~
This weekend my Grandfather passed away independently in his home, while I was writing this story in rough draft. I found myself crying as my memories had ventured off to the stories he told about himself and my Grandma growing up along the same creek. In their childhood, the creek water level was much higher. Once he skipped out from school with his friends and went skinny-dipping in the creek. They were surprised the schoolteacher found and caught them! My Grandpa's stories told me it really was possible to float away down the creek and out of town! The fish were bigger too!

My point in sharing his passing, is to acknowledge we are all inter-connected in universal consciousness. Therefore, it does not surprise me that I was reviewing life, near the same time as he probably was this weekend. He has been waiting for this opportunity for a few years now, since Grandma passed on. I am glad he was in my thoughts, as he floated away in the stream of consciousness beyond what we know to be certain.
________________________________________________

One of the newest parenting books to be out in the limelight is Richard Louv's,

'Last Child in the Woods -Saving Our Children from Nature -Deficit Disorder'

He states,

“ Children need nature for the healthy development of their senses, and, therefore, for learning and creativity. This need is revealed in two ways: by an examination of what happens to the senses of the young when they lose connection with nature; and by witnessing the sensory magic that occurs when young people- even those beyond childhood- are exposed to even the smallest direct experience of a natural setting.” 3. Pg 54

Refill your coffee mug and sit down to watch these brief videos.

Then get outside and play!!

No Child Left Inside Coalition 2008-11-25

Nature Deficit Disorder

The discovery of the last child in the woods-Netherlands2007

Cat Stevens singing,’Where Do The Children Play’
and scenes from , ‘The Lorax’, Dr Suess

What did you dream of doing in your childhood?

In what ways have you fulfilled or explored those ideas,

dreams or aspirations in your lifetime?

"Reality consists of the experiences we believe are real.

What is real may or may not be the same for everyone."

- Harry Palmer

The Wonder of Waterfalls- Reconnecting With Nature

2008-11-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray, BC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5i4EMtHSLY (14 seconds)

Listen to the waterfalls

The Wonder of Waterfalls -
Reconnecting With Nature

It was the longest and dreariest trip over the Coquillhala (Hwy 5) mountain pass that I had ever had to endure. The windshield wipers constantly had to keep up with the rain. The boys slept for some of the trip from Kamloops on our way to Vancouver (BC, Canada). My youngest son, who was around four at the time, became very restless as we descended the mountain pass probably due to ear pressure and the claustrophobic feeling of the car in dense rain.

This was beginning to affect me as I needed to focus on the road and there was nowhere to stop on the side of the road। I needed 20-30 more minutes of driving, before I could safely stop and let the boys out. My son began to cry. As a last ditch effort, I put some music by Yanni into the stereo, and turned up the volume so that the dramatic melody may distract his irritability. It did and he focused on some books on the back seat.

Further, down the road, I pointed out a small waterfall gushing over the cliff walls where usually a fine stream of water trickled. Both sons became intrigued as we passed by several little waterfalls with abundant water cascading down the valley hills and into the ditch. When Yanni’s music, ’After The Sunrise’, exploded in dramatic keys, the boys shrieked and laughed, ooooh –ing and awing as if they were on a roller coaster ride! Serendipitously, Yanni’s music was synchronized with the continual displays of waterfalls!

As the rain subsided in the valley, even the sun briefly peeked out, giving us hope that we could stop at Bridal Veil Falls west of Hope, BC. Sure enough, I was able to let the boys out to stretch and walk the rainforest path up to the Falls. The boys were full of enthusiasm with a renewed interest in waterfalls.

That car trip was never forgotten. Every time we descended the Coqillhalla (Hwy 5), the boys anticipated the waterfalls and requested the Yanni’s Waterfall music be played. They experienced pure Joy watching the wonders of Mother Earth. Frequently from then on, instrumental music became a car activity, as we searched for background music to match the environments that we travelled. However, Yanni always maintained the strongest emotional connection to the environment।

Sadly, this reminds me that some newer vehicles now have video screens on the back of passenger seats, so that kids in the backseat can watch movies. How sad that this activity can deprive children from discovering the wonders of the world outside from their car windows. Most importantly, it reduces their connection to their environment।

(Synaesthesia is profound sensory awareness. Good memories come from a sharpened awareness in the present moment.)

____________________________________________________

In 1999, I discovered the awe inspiring website, 'Project NatureConnect'. It captured my full attention with its’ beautiful nature photography. It was the very first time I had heard of Ecopsychology. The website seemed to go on for eternity as it was difficult to grasp where it began and where it ended.

Excitedly, I joined the Online Ecopsychology training course. I struggled to do the activities in front of the computer, as in those days computers were quite noisy. I printed out the assignment and went out to the backyard to sit on the grass. To be quite honest, its content somewhat frustrated me, and my thinking demanded a linear format.

However, outside it finally dawned on me what Michael Cohen of ‘Project Nature Connect’ was trying to convey! I remembered that Nature is interconnected and we are part of nature. Michael Cohen’s teachings about the ‘Natural Systems Thinking’, reconnects people to nature! From applying the assignment and choosing to focus on a blade of grass in my backyard, to then remembering my son’s experience of waterfalls during a past car trip, I understood the profound relationship. Everything began to appear more vivid and alive, as I sat there on the grass.
I continued to use this focusing activity during my early morning routine of delivering newspapers. It drew me out of a sleepy, self absorbed, dreamlike state that one experiences upon waking up. I also learned that some people unknowingly are in a self-absorbed state for most of their lives! Cohen’s ‘Natural Systems Thinking Process’ awakened the curiosity and wonder that is natural in childhood. (Synaesthesia ~ profound sensory awareness! )

'Natural Systems Thinking' occurs in many different forms, in all cultures, in all religions, or spiritual practises. Modern societies often become disconnected from its’ simplicity.

"Project NatureConnect provides alternative, holistic, sensory tools that help our psyche genuinely connect with nature. Our personal and environmental well-being improves through sustainable education and counselling techniques that enable us to thoughtfully tap into nature's balance, grace, and restorative powers."
-Michael J. Cohen

“Moment by moment, natural systems and their grace, balance and restorative powers flow through all of life. This includes flowing through our mind and spirit, through the life of our thoughts feelings and perceptions.

–Michael Cohen

His book:

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE 2 : Counteracts the amazing lie and disconnection that underlies our great troubles. Readily access a critical but missing natural systems component of psychology, therapy and education. Powerfully increase well being in yourself, others and the environment. Learn to use and share new tools for hope.

Michael Cohen -From Project Nature Connect

Satish Kumar on Elegant Simplicity

As a child, was there a special place outdoors

that you liked to visit?

What made it special for you?

Are there places in nature that you connect to now,

because of those early experiences?

Seeing With Your Senses

2008-11-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Seeing With Your Senses

This past September, I experienced my first bout of ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’. As both sons had moved on from home and I was alone. For the past few years, I had yearned to arrive at this place in my life. Now it was here. The house felt huge and empty with just me and the cat, Lila. What am I going to do?

Well, here had arrived the time to do interesting activities that I wanted to do! So, I downloaded Janet Whitehead’s free ‘Tiddley Bits’ -Self Coaching Booklet (From Musings and Mud Coaching Studio). The workbook is fun and helps people explore, dream, and discover your unique ways of being empowered as you move forward to where you want to be. The workbooks are really...Playbooks!

So I drove out to Shuswap Lake, to sit on the beach during one of the last hottest days of the summer. I enjoyed the fact that the holiday crowds had disappeared. I nestled against a huge log and gazed over the beach and the lake. I had peace and quiet with no motorized watercrafts! The Workbook was fun and my imagination had gone wild. I was prompted to write a story related to an issue that I might like coaching on. I chose ‘How to Earn A Living’, as I am in midlife transition. Kinda sounds boring, but not from the viewpoint of a little girl !

Halfway through my story, I got the urge to go in the lake. As I entered the water, it took my breath away. I worried my muscles may defy me and cramp up as my heart beat wildly. I restrained any screams that wanted freedom, as I merged forward up to my neck. I stayed focused with deep breaths. Because, it would be really weird or silly to see a woman whooping and shrieking all by herself in the lake. Soon enough I fluttered in the water enjoying the hot sun casting sparkles over the water, as it rhythmically rocked me back and forth. It was cool to be at eye level with the lake. This reminded me of a poem I wrote during a camping trip a few years ago. The poem ended,

“...When thoughts are still, where does earth or sky separate, and water begin?”

Memories drifted me back to a time when I could manage the cadence of canoeing along to the trance of,

“Reach, dip, pull- Reach, dip, pull- Reach, dip, pull...”

I was curious as to why a lady had to sit right next to my blanket, when the whole beach was available? I left the lake with the weight of gravity grounding me on the beach. We chatted as I dried off in the sun and of course she had to ask,”What kind of work do you do?” As it happened, we were both ‘in the same boat’ in our lives. We acknowleged each other’s challenges and agreed how certain services could be more helpful than stressful, to support rather than hinder rehabilitation.

She carried on her journey and I thought back to my workbook story, wondering how to give it a, ‘Happily Ever After’ ending. Gazing back at the lake, the sparkles had me wonder, where was the sparkle in my life... right here..right now?

______________________________

The experience of Synaesthesia is profound sensory awareness. Good memories come from a sharpened awareness in the present moment.

As Laura Sewall says in her book,

“We remember the moments when our attention is fully drawn to a particular color, form, or whisper, to the sounds we hear and the scent of a place entering into us –

the moments when our focus sharpens.” 1. Pg 60

Sewall continues on to say,

“The revelation born of seeing and feeling in one seamless synaesthetic moment is that nothing in this world is unrelated, not a single thing. The boundaries blend as if a heightened awareness has begun to reveal permeable membranes between the things of the world, and between ourselves and the world. Distinctions blur and relationships emerge, shimmering and shining like light on the water. Where does water end and light begin, anyway? We see the glitter, the relationship itself. Each thing of the world becomes more than it once appeared to be. And all of it quivers, dense with possibility.” 1. Pg61

Where is the sparkle or glitter in your life today?

Where have you felt most connected to the environment?

Seeing Beyond The Color Brown

2008-11-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

Seeing Beyond The Color Brown

I sat on the porch step waiting for my eyes to adjust to the light of the late afternoon sun. I scouted out distant plants in my flower garden. My quick judgement was , “ Awwh, everything is just brown, this is boring.” “Or is it?” I wondered.

I continued to peer out into the backyard with my new camera using a 70-300 mm lens . Soon I noticed the color purple in the Aster flowers. Most of the blossoms were curled up due frost damage, yet one or two was still in good form. Then the hardy Marigolds in yellow and orange caught my eye. This simple attraction caused me to get up and walk closer. Experimenting with various camera settings, I was absorbed into the world of rich textures and colors in the frost-damaged garden.

However, Lila’s constant meowing insisted I detach from my camera and turn to look at her. How is it that my cat knows, when she is not the center of my attention? Lila continued to meow at me and look up into the Peach tree. Perhaps she remembered this summer when I focused my camera on her, as she proudly perched on the branches. Such as a parent would do, I realised that I would have to include her in my activity. I gestured for her to jump up into the tree. If she feels like it, she will follow my invitation. However, it appeared more that she just wanted me to watch her. Her meowing stopped and off she wandered, checking back to ensure I was paying attention to what she was exploring.

Lila wandered over to the Strawberry patch. I was attracted to the brilliant red hues of the strawberry leaves. Seeing Lila attracted to a blade of grass, reminded me of my new Blog. Like a child, she toyed with the grass, smelled it, looked at me and then chewed it.

I crouched down and witnessed her connection to the nature of grass.

Perhaps you have read a book that has stayed with you for a long time. I have a few books that I like to reread. One such book is, Sight and Sensibility – the ecopsychology of perception, by Laura Sewall Ph.D. 1999.

David Abram describes in the Forward to Sewall’s book ,

“Sewall sets out to provide in these pages: an
invitation to genuinely see in new ways.” 1. pgxiv

Further into the Forward, David Abram states,

"The eyes are not autonomous organs and the way we see things is profoundly influenced by what we hear or even taste of those things, by the way we imagine their textures would feel to our fingers or against our skin. Indeed vision may well be the most synaesthetic of the senses – the sense most thoroughly infiltrated and altered by the participation of the other senses.” 1. pgxvii

Abram ends by stating,

“In order to think deeply about vision, then, we must learn

to think not only with our eyes but our entire body.” 1. pgxvii

Perhaps you have had an experience of,

'Seeing with your Senses'.

Ta Ta For Now !