Using water with care and awareness for the ammount and not let it run for nothing; bring the vegetable leftovers of organic unprocessed food to the compost, say a silent warm hello to the tree in front of my window when opening the blinds.
I follow RI nature conservation fb page almost daily and have met the director going on nature hikes years ago. I have my friend Mike taking photos (volunteer work) for them to promote green spaces and donations.
I also hinted to my son to go to college for Environmental studies and he did. We both love to find some neat things to do in the area regarding the Environment . One year we volunteered to count fish at a fish ladder at a local river.
For years
I tortured myself regarding Christmas gifts
for both my family and my husband’s . . .
I barely knew my sister-in-law and her daughter,
also very little about his two brothers and two sisters,
let alone his parents.
I didn’t believe in the commercialization of Christmas,
and wanted to give thoughtful gifts.
My husband was no help.
I made afghans,
crocheted towels,
framed drawings,
beverage coasters,
and dried herbs from the garden.
We would receive endless Whitman’s samplers,
cocoa kits with mugs, powders and marshmallows,
and Hickory Farms processed meats and cheeses,
none of which we needed.
About ten years ago
I received a catalogue from ‘Heifer International’,
which is an organization dedicated to helping people in third world countries.
I could buy anything from a flock of chickens,
a hive of honeybees,
to goats, sheep, and even heifers that would be given to families
living in rural communities in 19 countries around the world.
I asked my husband what he thought about the idea,
but he was not enthusiastic,
saying he didn’t think his side of the family would appreciate the gesture.
This year
I’m putting my foot down . . .
the thought of doing this
has been festering in my brain for too long now
and it has to come out.
So this year
some indigenous people
somewhere
are going to receive something from the Natural world
to lighten their burdens,
and brighten their lives. ā„
Thank you for this link,
dear Michele . . .
I never am sure
how to check out the validity to charity sites,
but this one has been around for awhile,
so I was pretty sure it was legit. ā„
It has been a while since I have heard this program mentioned. Glad to know it is still a thing. A helping hand for folks to gain a bit of sustainability through animal husbandry (why not wifery?) is good. Much to learn from caring for other beings.
Love this idea and thank you for the website info! One year my friend Nan sent info at Xmas time to my kids to adopt a manatee. It was cute, they had names.
I’m so pleased to be using it this year,
dear Robin Ann . . .
it makes so much more sense,
especially in places that have more than enough . . .
giving back
to those that don’t. ā„
I try to pick up litter whenever I can. I am mindful of excess plastic when buying groceries. I reuse and repurpose as much as I can. Also, has anyone had issues with typing their response on here and it not showing up after hitting post comment? This has happened several times and itās a bit frustrating
Yes it has Jenifer. I kept on reflecting and reading others reflections in the evenings while waiting for the “team” to get back to me. Something to do with the filter to avoid horrible things that the site uses. A bit frustrating but what about the digital age is not?
I approach this through self, home, community, nation, world.
I will give the world around me my full attention when I go on a walk.
I already compost, recycle, reduce consumption, bike for most of my transportation or take transit, shop at thrift stores, and do other things to decrease my personal footprint.
I will donate to my local land trust that’s working to preserve forests and other natural settings.
My work contributes to care for the natural world by making it safer and more enjoyable and convenient for people to bike or walk for transportation. I’ll remind myself that’s the outcome I’m working toward–easy to get lost in meetings and email.
Likely there’s some national issue that I could email my members of Congress about to take civic action. Given the oversized carbon footprint of the US, any improvements here help the whole globe, although that’s a long shot for Congress right now.
Sharing a couple of links I’ve encountered recently:
A study course by Robert Gilman, father of one of my staff, about systems thinking and other skills needed for us to co-evolve toward a better world: https://co-evolving.context.org/
I will get outside and go for a walk, and I will try to be present. Also, I will try to be conscientious about my impact on this little blue and green ball.
Prune and tend to the plants in the yard with care and gratitude. Think of them as giving to me as I tend to them. As Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote: āKnowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.ā
First of all, I will notice the natural world. Today is my work -from-home day, and sometimes I don’t even get outside on those days. It’s gray and cloudy- no excuse. I will go out and notice, observe, breathe with the trees and appreciate the fresh air.
This morning I have appreciated a pear, banana and avocado, and each person who had a part in bringing me these delicious fruits for my smoothie. Amazing!
Iām going to rest and recover today, not feeling well, and itās raining here this morning. But Iām going to appreciate the rain, letting it fill my cup because I know I need that today. Hopefully another day I can care for Godās creation more directly.
Kelly, it’s raining where I am in the Twin Cities too. We’re about to get hit with a snowstorm up here in the cities with 3-5 inches expected tonight into tomorrow morning.
I will tread lightly, as I always try to do. I recycle, reuse everything possible, and try not to waste anything. Humans can be so wasteful, especially in the Western world. In my yoga classes this week, I have been sharing about Aparigraha, the 5th Yama, which translates to non-attachment, non-possessiveness, and how it relates to being grateful and free. I was reading a little more on it before my meditation this morning, and I want to share what Nischala Joy Devi said in her book, The Secret Power of Yoga, a commentary on the Yoga Sutras:
“Our habit of waste runs contrary to Aparigraha. If we really believed that this was our *last* meal, would we not savor the food we have on our plate? In our fear of not getting enough, we often take too much on our plates, only to throw away the leftovers. As a nation, we are great consumers and also great wasters. We may buy a dress for one occasion and never wear it again but keep it ‘just in case’. Or every few years we might buy a new car that is bigger than the last, with an engine that consumes greater quantities of fossil fuels. How much does this affect us?”
This hits home. I’m clearing out the house of my friend who passed away, and there were just so many “just in case” items. It leads to a sense of stagnation and stifling.
That must be a difficult thing to do, Drea. Makes us think about our own “just in case” items. I think I’ll do a deep clean of my house again and see what I can donate.
I was just thinking about this very thing this morning. My friend is buying a variety of foods for her family gathering. I will join them for dinner but will very conscious of the amount I take and consume.
I’m glad you’re joining friends for the holiday, YRAM. We’re going to a potluck with my husband’s cousin, and I plan to be very conscious of how much food I put on my plate tomorrow.
At this time, people in my home country, Vietnam, especially in Central Vietnam, are experiencing a lack of basic needs due to historic floods. Iām fortunate to not have to worry about what to eat today. So, Iām choosing not to waste any food on my table, not just today but every day. May the people in Central Vietnam stay strong and find peace.
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
Using water with care and awareness for the ammount and not let it run for nothing; bring the vegetable leftovers of organic unprocessed food to the compost, say a silent warm hello to the tree in front of my window when opening the blinds.
I follow RI nature conservation fb page almost daily and have met the director going on nature hikes years ago. I have my friend Mike taking photos (volunteer work) for them to promote green spaces and donations.
I also hinted to my son to go to college for Environmental studies and he did. We both love to find some neat things to do in the area regarding the Environment . One year we volunteered to count fish at a fish ladder at a local river.
For years
I tortured myself regarding Christmas gifts
for both my family and my husband’s . . .
I barely knew my sister-in-law and her daughter,
also very little about his two brothers and two sisters,
let alone his parents.
I didn’t believe in the commercialization of Christmas,
and wanted to give thoughtful gifts.
My husband was no help.
I made afghans,
crocheted towels,
framed drawings,
beverage coasters,
and dried herbs from the garden.
We would receive endless Whitman’s samplers,
cocoa kits with mugs, powders and marshmallows,
and Hickory Farms processed meats and cheeses,
none of which we needed.
About ten years ago
I received a catalogue from ‘Heifer International’,
which is an organization dedicated to helping people in third world countries.
I could buy anything from a flock of chickens,
a hive of honeybees,
to goats, sheep, and even heifers that would be given to families
living in rural communities in 19 countries around the world.
I asked my husband what he thought about the idea,
but he was not enthusiastic,
saying he didn’t think his side of the family would appreciate the gesture.
This year
I’m putting my foot down . . .
the thought of doing this
has been festering in my brain for too long now
and it has to come out.
So this year
some indigenous people
somewhere
are going to receive something from the Natural world
to lighten their burdens,
and brighten their lives. ā„
ps. If you are interested,
their website is:
https://www.heifer.org/
I looked them up on Charity Navigator – great rating 98%
https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/351019477?donateNow=true&source=searchAutocomplete
Thank you for this link,
dear Michele . . .
I never am sure
how to check out the validity to charity sites,
but this one has been around for awhile,
so I was pretty sure it was legit. ā„
What a great organization! I love what they do and am happy they are still around.
Me too,
dear SunnyPatti . . . ā„
It has been a while since I have heard this program mentioned. Glad to know it is still a thing. A helping hand for folks to gain a bit of sustainability through animal husbandry (why not wifery?) is good. Much to learn from caring for other beings.
I don’t know,
‘why not wifery’,
dear Joseph. š
Love this idea and thank you for the website info! One year my friend Nan sent info at Xmas time to my kids to adopt a manatee. It was cute, they had names.
I’m so pleased to be using it this year,
dear Robin Ann . . .
it makes so much more sense,
especially in places that have more than enough . . .
giving back
to those that don’t. ā„
I try to pick up litter whenever I can. I am mindful of excess plastic when buying groceries. I reuse and repurpose as much as I can. Also, has anyone had issues with typing their response on here and it not showing up after hitting post comment? This has happened several times and itās a bit frustrating
I’ve gotten in the habit of doing a copy/paste before I hit Submit because this has happened to me every so often.
Yes it has Jenifer. I kept on reflecting and reading others reflections in the evenings while waiting for the “team” to get back to me. Something to do with the filter to avoid horrible things that the site uses. A bit frustrating but what about the digital age is not?
This has happened to me,
dear Jenifer,
and to a couple of other people as well.
I sent the Gratefulness team an email,
and they posted it for me. ā„
I approach this through self, home, community, nation, world.
I will give the world around me my full attention when I go on a walk.
I already compost, recycle, reduce consumption, bike for most of my transportation or take transit, shop at thrift stores, and do other things to decrease my personal footprint.
I will donate to my local land trust that’s working to preserve forests and other natural settings.
My work contributes to care for the natural world by making it safer and more enjoyable and convenient for people to bike or walk for transportation. I’ll remind myself that’s the outcome I’m working toward–easy to get lost in meetings and email.
Likely there’s some national issue that I could email my members of Congress about to take civic action. Given the oversized carbon footprint of the US, any improvements here help the whole globe, although that’s a long shot for Congress right now.
Sharing a couple of links I’ve encountered recently:
Thrutopian resilience, based on the work of Joanna Macy and others: https://collegeofwellbeing.com/thrutopian-resilience-offers-something-new/
(possibly shared by someone here? or I found it following links from something–I’ve forgotten)
A study course by Robert Gilman, father of one of my staff, about systems thinking and other skills needed for us to co-evolve toward a better world: https://co-evolving.context.org/
Every little bit we do for the Natural world,
dear Barb,
counts.
Thank you . . . ā„
I will get outside and go for a walk, and I will try to be present. Also, I will try to be conscientious about my impact on this little blue and green ball.
. . . for our little blue and green ball,
dear Charlie . . . ā„
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJcq8oDZU9A
Prune and tend to the plants in the yard with care and gratitude. Think of them as giving to me as I tend to them. As Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote: āKnowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.ā
ā¤ļø
This is a beautiful quote from Robin Wall Kimmerer,
dear Drea . . .
thank you for posting it here. ā„
I will make sure the bird bath have water.
I am big on recycle, reduce, reuse.
I would like to eliminate plastic as much as possible.
First of all, I will notice the natural world. Today is my work -from-home day, and sometimes I don’t even get outside on those days. It’s gray and cloudy- no excuse. I will go out and notice, observe, breathe with the trees and appreciate the fresh air.
This morning I have appreciated a pear, banana and avocado, and each person who had a part in bringing me these delicious fruits for my smoothie. Amazing!
Iām going to rest and recover today, not feeling well, and itās raining here this morning. But Iām going to appreciate the rain, letting it fill my cup because I know I need that today. Hopefully another day I can care for Godās creation more directly.
May improved health return Kelli Lynn.
I hope you are feeling better soon,
dear Kelli Lynn. ā„
Kelly, it’s raining where I am in the Twin Cities too. We’re about to get hit with a snowstorm up here in the cities with 3-5 inches expected tonight into tomorrow morning.
I will tread lightly, as I always try to do. I recycle, reuse everything possible, and try not to waste anything. Humans can be so wasteful, especially in the Western world. In my yoga classes this week, I have been sharing about Aparigraha, the 5th Yama, which translates to non-attachment, non-possessiveness, and how it relates to being grateful and free. I was reading a little more on it before my meditation this morning, and I want to share what Nischala Joy Devi said in her book, The Secret Power of Yoga, a commentary on the Yoga Sutras:
“Our habit of waste runs contrary to Aparigraha. If we really believed that this was our *last* meal, would we not savor the food we have on our plate? In our fear of not getting enough, we often take too much on our plates, only to throw away the leftovers. As a nation, we are great consumers and also great wasters. We may buy a dress for one occasion and never wear it again but keep it ‘just in case’. Or every few years we might buy a new car that is bigger than the last, with an engine that consumes greater quantities of fossil fuels. How much does this affect us?”
The conditioning of the collective mind by the purveyors. . . . M&M’s . . . . Me and More.
It is conditioning for sure, and it’s amazing to me how many people just fall right into it.
I despise consumerism,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
a subject that I can easily drag my soapbox out for. ā„
Got room for two on that soapbox? š
This hits home. I’m clearing out the house of my friend who passed away, and there were just so many “just in case” items. It leads to a sense of stagnation and stifling.
That must be a difficult thing to do, Drea. Makes us think about our own “just in case” items. I think I’ll do a deep clean of my house again and see what I can donate.
I was just thinking about this very thing this morning. My friend is buying a variety of foods for her family gathering. I will join them for dinner but will very conscious of the amount I take and consume.
I’m glad you’re joining friends for the holiday, YRAM. We’re going to a potluck with my husband’s cousin, and I plan to be very conscious of how much food I put on my plate tomorrow.
I reduce the use of plastic – I use canvas tote bags to grocery shop with
The state of Colorado has banned the plastic bag and paper sacks are available for 10 cents. I carry some reusable bags in my truck.
I’m frankly amazed that not all States have banned them… glad to hear yours has though:)
New York has banned them too . . .
I’ve been using reusable bags
for years now,
dear Michele. ā„
š
To just stop and think.
Breathe
Look
Sniff
Stand up and sit down
Listen, don’t just hear
Taste
Let your heart beat
Above all, notice
At this time, people in my home country, Vietnam, especially in Central Vietnam, are experiencing a lack of basic needs due to historic floods. Iām fortunate to not have to worry about what to eat today. So, Iām choosing not to waste any food on my table, not just today but every day. May the people in Central Vietnam stay strong and find peace.
My Ngoc, I’m with you as someone who tries to eat everything on his plate. Wasting food really makes me uncomfortable.
Preparing and eating a meal, provided by our home earth , with toil, care and love of my essence to fuel my form. Peace & Love.
Me too,
dear Joseph . . .
Peace & Love to you as well. ā„