Re: It’s not you, it’s us

A LOVE LETTER TO MOTHER EARTH

photo credit CanStock Photo 

March 29, 2016

Dearest Mother Earth,

Re: It’s not you, it’s us

I’ve been thinking a lot about you lately because I am worried about us.  Ok,  I admit I am terrified about what the future holds for you and by extension, the whole of our human civilization.

I agree that the signs of trouble have been there for some time.  But I thought that if I ignored them, I could pretend it didn't exist. After all we still have more sunny days than bad ones.

I remember the first sign something was wrong. At the time, it seemed inconsequential, but in fact it set off a chain of events, from which it appears there is no turning back.

I noticed that where I lived, water levels began to drop and land that was once covered by water, now was left exposed. That was not your fault, but instead the fault of a BC hydro dam that we humans built upstream .

The result was the livelihood of First Nations was dramatically impacted. Hunting and gathering, where we only took what we needed and in turn took great care to give back to you, was a thing of the past. We like to think of ourselves as protectors of you, our Mother Earth. But for the most part, based on our actions, this is just lip service. We have been grossly negligent.

Our relationship changed. It was no longer a reciprocal relationship because our needs, we felt, were greater than yours. Ironically, we called this progress. Honestly, could we have done any differently?

Do I dare mention the “C” word, climate change? The impact of climate change is real. Many remain in denial, still naively believing that climate change is a fabrication. Believe me denial does not mean it does not exist. And you know as well as I that it is inevitable that we are heading to a tipping point and you don’t have to look too far for the signs.

Indeed, with the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, our relationship continues to be impacted. It is changing faster than we can comprehend or prepare for, and more importantly it is changing faster than you can fix what we humans have done.

The process we humans have put in motion is nonlinear, in other words climate change effects climate change in a feedback loop out of our control. And it is cumulative and at some point in time, there will be a breaking point. It will be dramatic and sadly we will be powerless to stop it.

It’s complicated, right? We need you, yet our actions betray that notion. I am sorry it took me this long to notice that our relationship was on the rocks.

I realize our collective actions caused irreparable damage and to talk about reconciliation is almost a moot point at this juncture. But is it too late? Do we still have a chance? What can we do to fix it?

Love,

I can’t live without you

PS (PENNED BY HUBBY) might you be working on your own solution to the problem, which is to kill us off and wait for some other and more intelligent beings to appear.  I hope it doesn’t come to this, but after what we have done to you I couldn’t really blame you!

Key for Living

Ajahn Brahn’s interpretation of Leo Tolstoy’s the Emperor’s Three Questions

When is the most important moment?

Now is the most important moment.  Enjoy it.  Be present. Don’t rush it.

Who is the most important person?

The person in front of you is the most important person in your world.  Be totally present with the person you're with at that moment.  Believe me they feel it. They will feel valued. They will feel the connection.

Mama, great granddaughter and great great grandchild. 

What is the most important thing to do?

The most important thing to do is to care, which is the halfway to being caring and to being cared for.   Have compassion. Have empathy. 

The answers are simple but you’ll find if you follow them in your life, you'll be making a positive change.  

Gratitude Gets Easier

DaYS 49-55 of 100 DaYS oF GRaTiTUdE

 

On January 15, 2016, I challenged myself to write about being grateful over 100 days. This past week I have reached my halfway point in this challenge. At this juncture, I have learned that no matter what the circumstances in your life, there is constantly things showing up in your life that are awesome and it doesn't have to be a big thing. Having gratitude will increase this awareness and simply make your life more enjoyable.  

 

Each day I become more aware of the positive in my life. But I’ve also noticed, especially on social media, that many people focus on the negative rather than on the positive around them.  I think, since it takes just as much energy to be positive, why do not give it a go, and take this challenge too. 

 

"Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic."  John Henry Jowett

Day 55

I am grateful for all the teachings regarding healthy raw livin'. Sometimes I find it a challenge to eat raw,

especially in the winter. Therefore, in the winter I am more inclined to be 60/40 raw.  Opting for a warm cooked meal for dinner.

What I am particularly grateful for is learning about raw healthy foods. There is a wealth of information online to make wonderful delicious meals. 

This morning, I am having almond coconut yogurt that I made a couple of days ago. I added bananas, dates and coconut shavings. It is tangy and sweet at the same time. Main thing to remember is use 'raw' unprocessed nuts, which are soaked 24 hours before using. ‪#‎healthy ‪#‎raw ‪#‎milkalternative ‪#‎tasty

Day 56

I am forever grateful for delicious Green juice! I admit, it is more work than buying it. but it is so worth the effort to make your own juices. 

This time I made juice using Granny Smith apples, ginger, parsley, cilantro, cucumber, and kale. So yummy but more importantly it is also very good for me. :)

Bluejay 

Day 57

I am grateful to be living in the country. There are so many benefits to living in the country, but one I absolutely appreciate is the silence.  No traffic and no emergency vehicle sounds.

In the country, all I hear are the birds and the odd dog barking. #stressfree #silence #countrylife

Day 58

My physiotherapist James, from Kanata North Physiotherapy is extremely knowledgeable about sport injuries and other muscle problems.  I am grateful for his patience and ability to make me feel at ease and comfortable in his care. 

Noticing Stuff

DaYS 42-48 of 100 DaYS oF GRaTiTUdE

Created by my friend Carol Omer 

On January 15, 2016, I challenged myself to write about being grateful over 100 days. These past few days has been about noticing the small things and really appreciating what I have in my life. I am eternally grateful for the many blessings I have daily.  

 

Day 42

I am grateful to have a friend who is a Registered Massage Therapist, and even more grateful that she will come to my house to give me a massage. Feeling grateful and fully relaxed. Thank you Karen you're the very best.

Did you know your body has memory, and my body, remembers Karen and relaxes as soon as she lays her hands on me. 

I look up at Karen after my massage from the massage table too woozy to sit up. Lol She is radiant and full of positive energy. 

Day 43

I am grateful for this challenge because it helps me focus on my attitude towards feeling gratitude.

One thing I took for granted was being able to sleep well. As soon as I close my eyes I fall quickly to sleep and sleep like a baby throughout the night. Many people with sleep apnea don't experience that. What helps me is meditation. Learn to quiet your mind by paying attention to your breath. Practice it everyday and if you can do 20 minutes twice a day, you’ll find you too will sleep like a baby. 

Day 44

concentrated

"Golden Milk"

Golden Milk

I am grateful for the knowledge of using Turmeric and Ginger. Today I used cashew milk because I didn't have any soaked almonds. 5 turmeric roots, 2-inch ginger root, 2 green apples, which I juiced in my juicer first. Then added a pinch of pink salt, 1 tbsp. of coconut oil, pinch of cayenne and black pepper. This is a concentrated blend, which you can store in the fridge to use over several days.

Then in a small saucepan I put in 2 cups of cashew milk with an ounce of the concentrated turmeric and ginger. Slowly bring to boil. Heating it takes away the bitterness of the turmeric and ginger. You can add honey to taste. Enjoy.

Turmeric is great for fighting colds but it is also helps combat depression. Check online for its many benefits. You can drink the concentrated turmeric in a shot glass but I prefer to sip it slowly as golden milk.

Day 45

I found that noticing the simple things in my life will always make me smile. I enjoy looking at my world

with awareness and appreciation.

For example, my brother Rossi called me at 2 am the other morning! But how could I be angry with him for wanting to talk to me? He said he would pay attention to the time difference next time. lol

I just settled nice and comfy ready to read and noticed my ipad was almost dead. So I picked up a "real book", which was a nice experience reading and not having to worrying that my book was going to die. lol

It is the simple things that deserve appreciation and gratitude. Stop and notice your surroundings, you’ll be surprise at what you’ll see.

Day 46

I am forever grateful for the women in my life. My five sisters and all my women friends enrich my life. Each and everyone has given me something unique, a teaching, a smile, encouragement, and even a shared joke. Even when we disagree, I still feel their respect and friendship. I honour and support the women in my life with loving kindness as we walk together on this journey.

Happy International Women's Day!

Day 47

Just when I think I might run out of gratitude, I get a free cup of tea. Have you noticed that when you get something for free, or when someone cooks for you, it tastes so amazing? If you can pay it forward today, do it, make someone's day!

Always see the positive around you and smile because you're an amazing person living an amazing life no matter your circumstances.

Day 48

It is one month since my mom passed away. It is difficult to accept she is gone forever because she was such a big force in my life. I am grateful to have a mom who was so dedicated to her children, grandchildren, and great grand children.

I am also grateful for her teachings and her strength.

If you’re fortunate enough to still have your mom with you, remember she is only human. If you take one advice from me, it is to love your mom unconditionally. It does not matter how crazy she makes you. Don’t expect her to change but I guarantee your relationship will change if you see her as the one person who will always love you unconditionally. She is not perfect but neither are you.

Call your mom and tell her you love her. Don't get into any heavy conversation. Just say you love her.