Yoga For A World Out Of Balance

 

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

 "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

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

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)

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/2011/12/decorating-for-christmas-naturally-2011.html

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

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

• 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.