Marching in the streets, and signing online petitions, are easy responses. Speaking out in the community, attempting to bridge ideological divides through dialogue, organizing and participating in public actions which spring from mindfulness and love, informed by a long term vision of sustainability, with awareness of our interdependence – these are the more difficult challenges of this time we live in.
Employ non-violent direct action to disrupt business as usual and raise awareness of the need to shift away from unsustainable and unethical practices and policies, but do so without feeding the demons – your own or that of others.
Technology is a tool. Intention and mindfulness determines how it is used.
My mom’s aimless wandering through our house, wondering how to get home, are almost daily now. But we are there for her, reminding her again and again, in calm tones, that she is home, that she doesn’t need to perform any tasks or prove her usefulness.
But the wildness of such places offers a unique opportunity in our face paced lives to slow down and look within. To live one moment at a time without being glued to our devices and schedules. To feel connected with all living and inanimate things. Such an experience enriches one’s life. On my last day, I thought of how much I loved my family, of ways that I could live more authentically, with greater love and awareness. This is why we need to protect wild places like ONP, and visit them from time to time.
Sometimes we just need a little time – either alone or with a trusted friend – to sort out our feelings, to remember what it is like to touch the earth and be touched by it, with wonder and amazement. Have you ever noticed how bees carry their nectar on their hind legs? How rhythmically they move from one flower to the next. That’s what I am talking about.
