December 2007 Newsletter
"You know it is a dark time for tree huggers, here's your opportunity to make a difference." My brother wrote asking for a Holiday writing that would bring some cheer into the hearts of the Uintah Mountain Club members. ("You inta' mountains? We're inta' mountains!) And, of course, the Manitou Springs Garden Club newsletter always wants glowing Holiday warmth-around-the-hearth pieces, as well. So, here I sit, pen poised, and ready to write the good news. Harrumph! What is the good news in what's happening today?
Asking a gardener friend, she chimed in with her thoughts. "This time of man represents the end of an era (oil?) and the beginning of a spiritual awakening for mankind." We can use the beautiful days and long starry nights of the Winter Solstice to erase our undesired life patterns and begin to write new life stories for next year and beyond. Growing more food, reaching out beyond our circle of friends, conserving energy and water, teaching more earth-friendly programs, reducing our consumption and reducing the need for fossil fuels and caring about our neighbors, our town, will cultivate a new life for us. That is good news!
The planet needs the green-hearted among us to find joy in working for positive change in out society. We will live long enough to see results of our actions. Or of our inaction. Activists are raising the consciousness of their fellow man with their personal efforts and energy. Consciousness is rising. "Green hearts" must continue the call for others to join in living in harmony with nature, not consuming her. This is very spiritual work and it is not easy. Green-hearts, heeding the call, can draw strength from the land they seek to protect, from witnessing spring fawns and the return of hummingbirds, year-round chickadees, fall harvests, conifer forests standing silently and the ceaseless crash of waves upon the shore; all of nature sends gratitude to the passionate activists for positive change.
Permaculture says that "self-care" is
primary for all of us to continue to do the work of the planet. So take care
of yourself… Work hard, but take the time for hikes on the land you love, stargazing,
bird watching or a trip to the hot springs. Vote with your green-hearted dollars
and support your personal wellbeing at the same time. Give yourself the freedom
to enjoy a massage, support local food and farmers; sign up for a new class.
You work hard, so give yourself some of that green benefit. Take to the dance
floor. Sing. Bake for your friends and the neighborhood shut ins. Teach your
children to love nature and take them into nature. Let them play there. My husband
says "Think Zen." Bring your own special meaning into what life is bringing
to your front door. Determine where your best soldier stance is made and make
it proudly. No one person can bring about change by himself or herself. Look
around to appreciate who is joining you in the protection of Planet Earth and
celebrate the cause. Comfort each other, family and friends, and embrace that
loving comfort. Peace and Happy Solstice!
Becky Elder © 12-2007
"Everything gardens."
Peter Bane, Permaculture teacher
Blue Planet Earthscapes P O Box 861 Manitou Spgs, CO 80829 (719) 685 - 0290