I am currently working on a documentary on slow clothes and have been in contemplation on how hand made items can deeply enrich our lives, how it is a necessity for us to make more of our own goods with 7 billion people cohabiting on the planet with a limited amount of natural resources. It is a fact that the majority of people in our society have no connection to the items they possess other than selecting them at a store.
During the winter holidays, when daylight is scarce and our schedules are full, it can be hard to maintain our bliss. I am coming out of a very busy spell with a schedule that kept me at school working on projects until 1-2 AM several days a week, and sometimes at school 7 days a week. Now that I have a few weeks off my first instinct is to sleep. My second instinct is to spend as little time as possible shopping for obligatory gifts and to spend quality time with friends and family, the people who fuel me. Taking the time for the subtle joys.
bright
The first thing I did with my free time was to buy materials in which I can create with. For the next few weeks, aside from quality time with loved ones, I am developing skills pertaining to hand crafted textiles. I am slowing down this season and that does not mean that I will be hibernating. Aside from catching up on sleep I am going to be less spread thin and more intentional with my time. As the winter solstice envelopes us with darkness I find my equilibrium, I engage in activities that recharge and inspire rather than distract and deplete. Moving forward with clarity and focus on what the holidays really represent and not so caught up in the superficial aspects of the winter holidays in North America.
drop spindle
I hope to create more of what we normally consume, always contemplating how to reduce my footprint. I look at all of the stores selling stuff and I wonder how much of it ends up in a land fill within a few years, barely making a lasting impact on the person who acquires it. I dream of a society that spends more time with peers creating rather than shopping for useless distractions that are depleting our Earth’s resources. I dream of people learning more traditional skills and combining them with our modern technology and wisdom to truly innovate and revolutionize how we be.
I slow down this holiday season and my mind feels anything but slow. I feel sharp and inspired. My heart is full and ready to give.
Truly sustainable textiles consider the land that grows the materials spun then woven into cloth. It is a human art deeply connected to the Earth.
It seems that the keleptocrats are getting their asses kicked and rightfully so. The unethical practices conducted by Wall Street have griped me for many years. My ex-husband transitioned from a sensitive software developer to a bond trader for Citibank a decade ago and my marriage went downhill from there. He became volatile and corrupt, he lost interest in his children as he fully subscribed to the world of finance which he described as ‘sexy’. He has been in touch lately telling me that the world’s economy is on life support again with a state of anxiety in his tone.
Our youth have become distracted by media; Facebook and iPods keep them distracted and unaware of what is really happening on the planet. I am so thrilled to see a revolution, to see that people are standing up for their futures, for their freedom. Revolutions are a healthy part of any society and there has been a lack of revolution in America since Vietnam. Corporate America has done a great job at keeping the masses somewhat sedated but now the corruption on Wall Street seems to have left many in a position that they can no longer be passive. I am thrilled to see people expressing their views in a peaceful way.
Major media conglomerates have not been covering the Occupy Wallstreet protests though you may want to keep one eye on what is happening, this is the boldest and bravest event I have ever seen by the American People, David is taking on Goliath. There is plenty independent coverage.
I have been feeling intensity boiling in my veins, I have been unable to tolerate situations or people who violate my freedom or the freedom of others and have been feeling bolder than ever. The feelings within me mirror the energy collectively being acted upon. I feel a balance in power is on its way and I am excited at this prospect though I must admit to feeling somewhat terrified by the process. Ready or not I think things may eventually get ugly before they improve. Brace yourselves.
For the first time I watched a feature film on my iPhone, fully embracing the convenient technology. It is a noteworthy project, the Zeitgeist Movement a documentary that is brilliantly leveraging the viral video phenomenon and also is ‘non-commercial’.
If you have ever wondered what the world would look like without money then it is worth checking out, it goes into detail on how a resource-based economy would impact the Earth. I think that it is healthy to envision the future of this planet through different lenses in different scenarios to our current socioeconomic model in which we work so hard to transcend. What I like about the ideas presented in this documentary is that they are discussed along with an understanding of human needs, the first section reveals our needs in utero and in the developmental years. It is grounded in a thorough understanding of one of the key components to the critical situation on this planet: PEOPLE.
It is a common thread in many of the documentaries I have watched in the past year; revolutions are a necessary component in world history, they bring about justice and allow us to move forward in our development in a healthier trajectory. In the west we have such a comfortable lifestyle and are bombarded with personal entertainment and consumerism that it does appear that the masses pour their energy into sustaining their lifestyle rather than look deeper for solutions to global concerns. We have become passive and complacent. Sustainability is such a poignant issue it seems alarming that the revolution has been so ineffective. It seems we are all going green though global emissions are still on the rise.
Check out this documentary that has almost 4 million views in just over a month and let me know what you think.
I have returned after a two month absence and it seems ironic that my last posting discussed my need to unplug from the every day bustle and create the space to travel inwards on a regular basis. That is what I was forced to do during the past two months. When life throws you curve balls it can be secretly providing you with a gift as well, it is important to uncover the message in these circumstances to ensure our development is not curtailed by our own self pity or by sweeping these events under the rug.
On a completely ordinary day I was stopped in traffic, absorbed by my own thoughts, when I was hit by a car with a driver who was not present behind the wheel. Luckily I am not physically deformed or suffering life threatening injuries though I have been unable to perform my daily activities up until this point at the same capacity as before the accident. I am not bothered by it though. I am tenaciously pursuing my own rehabilitation and leveraging this experience as an opportunity to travel deep with during the darkest period of the year. I am not totally certain what my lessons are, I have some ideas but more time is needed to weigh this through.
I find the solstices a time of heightened sensation and always enjoy celebrating the light, both in inner and outer manifestations. Today this day was amplified by the full moon lunar eclipse which left me unable to sleep and full of blissful sensations reverberating through my body which was a welcomed change. I have been surrounded by the most amazing people which leaves me with a deep gratitude and awareness for the magic that keeps us filled with light during the sun’s absence this time of year in the northern atmosphere. As I dive deep within while holding an awareness of my surroundings I do feel an innate sense of renewed faith in humankind. I genuinely feel that we are all shifting, together, at an ever accelerating rate. I believe in our ability to transform and drastically improve living conditions on this ever so sacred planet. The most receptive leading the way and inspiring others, who in turn put pressure on the masses to follow suit. Bravo, domino effect!
tree of light
I have been craving India since my accident as I have been pursuing health and comfort, it is a magical place for me. I need the energetic support of the ashram, the transformation that is resultant of panchakarma which is Ayurvedic treatment based on natural principles towards healing and balancing the body. I have been advised that the injuries I suffered from this accident could take up to a year and a half to recover from. I am going to prove them wrong. I have found western medicines to be more debilitating than restorative and find the holistic approach to health my only legitimate option. To all who have been a part of my support network during this dynamic healing period, I am deeply grateful. My doctors have given me their encouragement to pursue meditation for my healing so I am creating an environment where I can properly pursue this.
Stay tuned for postings from India as I dive deeply into alchemy. If you are curious about Ayurvedic treatment than this will be the place to check out a raw interpretation of it. I have lost my ability to hold myself back. I am listening deeply to the subtle sensations that arise from within, to the subtle phenomena that we are surrounded by. With a strong grounding in the light I dance in the deepest darkness.
Last night I exploded into bliss at a RAVE. The Great Bear Rainforest RAVE (Rapid Assessment Visual Expedition) premiered at the MOV and showcased the photographic works of 9 of the world’s top conservation photographers who partook on an expedition around BC’s pristine Hartley Bay and the mighty Great Bear Rainforest, an ecosystem completely intact with indigenous villagers still harvesting off the land.
Enbridge Inc. wants to pipe oil from Alberta’s very controversial Tar Sands to this precious coastal land at great risk to the biodiversity of the world’s largest coastal temperate rainforest. The images captured by the lenses of the iLPC photographers on display last night were unreal. This project is a lens which can create a real connection to to the Great Bear Rainforest for all of us that don’t have the opportunity to travel to this remote location along BC’s bountiful coast. The images and video produced by this project moved me deeply, I crave a connection to the delicate creatures that live on our coast and to the intense perfection that presents itself in the natural world. I feel that if we can’t use our current technologies to connect ourselves to the natural and magnificent world that is still intact to cultivate our reverence then we need to re-focus ourselves.
If a pipeline was pumping crude oil to these lands then there would be a risk of an oil spill, they do happen. I met a man that biked, hiked, and kayaked from the Tar Sands to the coast along the proposed route of the pipeline. They traversed terrain so remote that it would not be immediately accessible if there was a pipeline rupture. And with all of the tankers coming through the rugged passages it would be certain to disrupt the habitat for so many species, without even an oil spill. That expedition will be made into a documentary, check out their website HERE.
The most moving part of the evening was to hear stories from some of the photographers and their experiences in this special place. Gerald Amos, from Hartley Bay, moved many in the crowd to tears with his heart felt talk. He passed along his belief that our most important right is the right to be responsible. It is not rocket science: our way of life is at stake and we need to talk about it and do something about it.
In his tribe it is a law to welcome anyone who enters their land hospitably and take care of them. He welcomed us all aboard his magic canoe. His canoe can fit as many people who want to come on board. I have been waiting for a magic canoe, an embodiment of inclusiveness, my whole life. The wisdom from the BC Native communities has got my attention, every thing I hear moves me deeply and strikes a chord that this view and this wisdom needs to be heard, this wisdom can correct our societies perversion which has created conditions on our planet to get funky.
This land and its inhabitants have survived many storms, but it surely would not survive an oil spill. The question to get to the root of is: WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC ALTERNATIVES TO OIL? This is our challenge and I know we can find them.
This summer, for the first time since I moved back to Vancouver with young children, I took my car off the road for 6 weeks. I fully embraced cycling in the beautiful city of Vancouver and it brought experiences I would otherwise not have had. I felt so much healthier for it. As I accustom my children to relying on pedaling themselves around the city rather than me driving them, I plan to take my car off the road on a regular basis. It was a rewarding experience.
The pinnacle of last nights RAVE was the Gerald Amos saying that he was filled with hope for the future. I too have moments where I am flooded with hope that we can achieve a more sustainable and harmonious existence on this planet. To hear this wise man share his hope fortified mine. I am not afraid to change. Bravo to everyone who was involved with the creation of this inspiring project, and bravo to all of the people out there finding solutions to conserve and restore nature and for discovering economic alternatives to oil. You are my heroes.
I had been feeling a little less centered in my heart than usual, a direct effect from facing many challenges in a short period of time. We all go through difficult periods, though navigating our way through them with grace and ease can be slippery. Luckily for me I had the great fortune to be in the presence of the Dalai Lama, once again. Since his inaugural visit to Vancouver in 2004 then again in 2007 my life has gained great inspiration from attending events and talks with H.H. This year I attended Educating the Heart: Creativity and Well-Being and Heart-Mind Education, a part of the Vancouver Peace Summit.
Inspiration
I navigated my way through the morning crowds and the rain Tuesday morning super focused to get to the Orpheum on time and to be receptive to the forum and energy. After being on the verge of having my heart shut down once again it is sufficient to say that all traces of my angst have been dissolved into bliss. Enlightenment is infectious after all.
The morning forum on Creativity and Well-Being started with a half hour presentation by the Blue Man Group. Having gone to one of their inspiring and immensely entertaining performances in NYC I was thrilled to have them present on creativity at this event. Creativity and spirituality are two of my biggest passions that I relentlessly pursue. The Blue Man Group proposed the question worthy of some consideration: What is creativity? Is it a mystery or can some parts of it be understood? The Blue Man Group comically demonstrated how creativity is where we focus our mindset.
Maintaining and connecting to our innocence balances our ever evident hero mentality, they got the entire sold out Orpheum to go back to childhood, and re-connect with the feelings of insecurity, awkwardness, and irrelevance and encouraged us all to focus that awareness on red clown noses handed out to us when we arrived at the venue. With all of those feelings rekindled then channeled on to those clown noses protruding from our faces, we were encouraged to connect and interact with the people around us with their noses on representing that vulnerability. That state can be frequented easily, with or without a clown nose. Don’t suppress it!
As the forum on Creativity and Well-Being progressed I couldn’t help but swell up with warmth and fondness for the Dalai Lama. His presence seems to evoke a spiritual growth spurt every time I see him live. Some key points from the forum for me were in discussing education systems, the emphasis is on reading, writing and arithmetic. The delegates discussed the importance to expand the schools’ focus to adapt 3 other arms: reflection -a skill that enables the brain to keep growing beyond childhood, a skill required to train the mind and to liberate creativity, relationships – a necessary skill to develop in order for there to truly be peace on this planet, and resilience.
…Compassion and creativity are the ultimate in keeping the brain healthy…
Ekhart Tolle was an engaging speaker, as always. He shared a humorous story of a soccer statistic he read in the paper that morning. During a kickoff the player that pauses after the whistle is blown before kicking has a higher likelihood of scoring than the kicker that goes for it right away. This process fortifies the creative process, it redirects our attention to deeper levels of our being, where all power resides. Conceptual elements dissolve and we join forces with the power of stillness. From stillness comes universal power that can be put into form. Stillness was defined as non-conceptual intelligence. Though, relying on tuning into the stillness is not enough, it was noted that it takes 10,000 hours to master something… To get the humorous version, you have to hear Ekhart tell the story, you are not getting it here!
To cultivate creative power you need to ‘do’ something, this enables our imagination to work. Collaboration in schools is commonly considered ‘cheating’. Does this raise an issue of human rights? Has education become de-personalized? In problem formation creative thinking evolves. The school does this for the children, leaving them with an academic focus to solve problems that gives little or no opportunity to develop creativity or strengthen collaborative skills.
So what does teaching to the whole child look like? The Blue Men Group have started a school in NYC, the Blue School, that teaches to the whole child with an emphasis on creativity and compassion. With these conditions in place then the child is empowered to learn and has an innate curiosity that comes from deep within. A world with children that have been raised in this environment would be harmonious and sustainable I am sure.
The Dalai Lama said that the 20th century was a century of bloodshed and violence, millions of people were killed. May the 21st century be the century of peace. Intelligence is a source of conflict as we all fight to defend our views. I am down with focusing my awareness towards my heart rather than my intellect. Are you?
People who are the happiest are the ones who make others happy. Accept children exactly where the are at, do not be controlling and demand that the be successful in the world. To be happy human beings how do we deal with emotions inside such as desperation, fear and anxiety? We all have these emotions and for me I have a mediation practice that keeps that all in check. How do we educate our children to develop these skills? I feel relieved that H.H. addressed 16,000 students after the forum and discussed tolerance. Our children are our future, and they are receiving the empowerment needed to take charge and make this century the century of peace. He talks about how war is outdated. If we all had this message when we were young from a role model such as H.H. how would our planet look now?
By no means am I developing curriculum though the forum gave me renewed energy, motivation, and insights that I can bring home and integrate into my family. My heart is feeling nourished, swollen with inspiration and holds a feeling of gratitude to have had such an inspiring morning.
Fueled by tea and inspired by good conversation, I throw my thoughts into the vast element of world wide web. The man made creation that binds us together, that aids the acceleration that we all experience, that recently has me feeling amazed as I bow down no longer thinking of it as a modern annoyance. I am embracing social media. I am also drinking tea each and every day… lately during the cold dark days of winter I have been making one or two matcha lattes with rice milk with several cups of home made lemon ginger or other herbal concoctions daily. I can’t remember a day when I didn’t drink tea in the past several years. Tea fortifies the body and soul.
I am exploring my inner and outer conversations and inspirations through starting this blog. I have been working with such amazing people and projects that it is only natural to want to bring everyone together. My intention here is to embrace current forms of media and communication to support and inspire all in living a fulfilling life on our sacred planet that contributes to the healing of the human collective. To live a life centered in the heart, where the divine can be felt in every moment. Where holding a mug and drinking tea can be an ecstatic moment. The beauty in the craftsmanship of the mug, the appreciation and connection to the herbs steeped in hot water, the appreciation for the ritual all point you towards finding that inner light that spreads to all that cross your path. Tea and conversation.
Having just passed the darkest day of the year and living in the northern latitude of Vancouver, I am surrounded by an abundance of darkness. I am seeing people become unstable and irritable, unable to cope with daily stress, reacting to disaster after disaster. I see many caught up in the busyness of the holidays, struggling to find the balance between finding the joy of the holiday and the pressure to please. I find myself cultivating inner light by seeing the beauty that surrounds us all, it fortifies an inner sense of peace of love. light. It makes me capable of lifting up my beloveds with support, fueling me. I have not lived a sheltered life, I am fully qualified to comment on suffering and overcoming suffering. It is natural in these conditions to want to connect to your roots, make contact with the moist dark earth that sustains us, and find that force that makes us feel safe and supported. Learning to dance on the sticky web…
check out Vancouver covered in snow on winter solstice
