Some discuss the existence of a universal hum, the first sound vibration from which the world was created. With the heat wave that is persisting in the Northeast right now, there is an earthly hum, a sound vibration created by machines.

As it gets hotter and hotter outside, we are retreating further and further into our man created zones. Air conditioners are creating a hum in our neighborhood. It is quiet outside, no one walking unless it is an animal that needs some relief. No one is sitting on a porch, on steps, on a deck. Last night when my husband and I sat outside talking, he remarked that there was no concern of anyone overhearing our conversation. Everyone was locked safely away! Everyone is scuttling from the AC in the home to the AC in the car. Even when someone drives by who I know, there is only a wave, windows are tightly sealed.

When I am asked, "How do you remember to take your bags to the store?" I have to draw within and ask the question of myself. Perfection does not exist here, and there is much room for continued growth of awareness in my connection with Mother Nature. It is in the little moments, in the little actions, that I cultivate a connection. "Rome wasn't built in a day," give us all time and space to evolve. 


So, when the heat is on outside, switch the thinking. Instead of running and retreating from Mother Nature, embrace and experience. With the heat outside, allow yourself to slow down, wear light clothing, take frequent cold water rinses, sweat, rest, eat lightly. The Mother is speaking to us, are we listening, are we turning away, are we running away?


The ease with which the shopping bags are in your arms as you walk into the store will be a reflection of your moment to moment actions. Mother Nature is beautiful when we have her on our terms, can we find some beauty in all experiences? As we sat outside last night, at the front of our home where it was cooler, with just a candle burning, we invited a universal moment into our being, talking freely, looking at the stars, and feeling the slightly cooler evening air. Invite, invoke, enjoy!

Namaste,

Sydney

Transitiontown, USA

It doesn't take a scientist to realize that our planet is changing. Globalization has brought the world together with trade, transportation, and diplomacy. While this projects the image of a unified, accessible world, what is the true cost? Modern western society has lost a connectivity with the land that our ancestors once experienced. To us, food comes from a grocery store, a drive-thru, or a factory.  Local food is practically a novelty. This mindset is understandable because the majority of food we consume comes from another region, another country, or even another continent. There is a definite disconnect when it comes to consumption, not only with food, but with resources as well. If we don't see the effects of our impact immediately, we believe it doesn't exist. Out of sight, out of mind! The emissions from our vehicles end up as acid rain in the Amazon, or the plastic bags we get at the grocery store find their way to the stomachs of seabirds. Not only have these "forgotten" impacts contributed to climate and wildlife change, but also they have perpetuated our addiction to petroleum and propelled us towards reaching, or, at this point, even surpassing Peak Oil. Peak Oil is the concept that we are running out of the cheap oil that our world runs on. Peak Oil is the point of no return, after which the rate of petroleum production enters terminal decline because the method used to extract the distant oil supply will be too expensive. In response to the recent BP oil leak, President Obama addressed the nation. He spoke of the need for a transition to alternative energy, not only as a preventative method against future atrocities like the one in the Gulf, but as a realistic and necessary progression towards a sustainable way of life. Beginning in the United Kingdom, the "Transition Movement", has begun to make its way into American communities. It is a "vibrant, international movement that builds community resilience in response to the challenges of Peak Oil, climate change, and the economic crisis" (transitionus.org). Recognizing that these challenges stem from unsustainable practices, the Transition Movement seeks to revolutionize and localize modern living. The main goal behind the Transition Movement is to initiate a downward slope of energy use from the peak at which we as modern society have adopted. Through our own creativity we can create ways to live in harmony with the Earth. Furthermore, deep Earth stewardship can assuage the plaguing environmental predicament by creating an understanding that all life is equally respected. Establishing a community with food, water, transportation, government, energy, art, and recreation on a much smaller, communal scale can reinstate the homegrown essence that is lacking today. Food from a neighbor's farm and energy from a windmill are balanced out by another's intellect and keen problem solving skills as a part of the local government. It's a more communal way of life. If we are directly active in our community, we are more likely to care about the impact of our actions and of our neighbors' as well. There are currently over 70 Transition Towns in the US, and even more internationally. A transition is a process, and an extremely gradual one. The first step to curing an addiction is acceptance. Accept that oil will not be around forever, and there is no time better than now to skip out at the gas pump and hop on a more viable form of transit - a Transition. For more information please look to transitionus.org

Two Wheels to Freedom

Summer is a great time to escape the vehicular four-wheel holding cell in your garage. Find yourself there more often than not? Next time, make your one phone call from the "car prison" to your bicycle. She will be more than happy to bail you out. For those able, a bike is a great companion when the weather is sunny and your errands are minimal. A trip to the grocery store, park, or beach is a great opportunity to get outside and be active. Also, there are great accessories that can make your bike trips both fun and productive. Try attaching a rack and milk crate above the back wheel to carry cargo acquired from a quick shopping trip. The back of the bike is more suitable to carry weight. Or, for those who want a fun new way to exercise with your pooch, check out attachments that clip onto your dog's leash so he can run alongside you as you ride. Not only are these fun ways to enjoy nature, but they also minimize your carbon emissions and eliminate your need to hit the gym!

Homegrown Goodness

Even if you are not up for tending to your own vegetable garden this summer, there are ways to harvest edible fauna from the outdoors. Edible flowers and weeds are a great way to spice up any salad or picnic. That is not to say that you can just go munching on anything with a leaf or blossom. It's important to know which are okay to eat, and it is also important to know which are the tastiest! For flowers, nasturtium, violets, and marigolds work well in salads, providing great bursts of color atop a sea of green. The flavors range from tangy to peppery, and marigolds can also be used as a more carbon friendly and economical substitute for saffron. How about those pesky weeds? How about eating them out of the garden?!  Dandelion greens are quite bitter in taste and have great medicinal value. They can be cooked down like spinach or eaten raw. Purslane is a succulent herb that contains a great deal of Omega-3 fatty acid. It can be eaten raw or cooked and has a nice peppery flavor. Searching for edible flowers and weeds in the outdoors can be fun and the reward can be yummy and fresh! Be careful not to eat plants that have been exposed to car exhaust fumes like those on the side of the road, or that have had pesticide exposure. mothering Mother cotton bags are great accessories for picking these plants. Take advantage of these gifts Mother Earth provides. No cost, no trip to the store, and not to mention locally grown! Namaste, Sydney

mothering Mother Pesto Sauce

Ingredients 2 cups basil leaves, densely packed 3 cloves garlic, sliced 3 T walnuts 1/4 cup olive oil Juice of 1 lemon Salt, freshly ground black pepper T=Tablespoon Separate the leaves from the stems. Rinse in a sink of cold water and then spin to remove most of the water.    Prepare the garlic by removing the skins, and slicing in half lengthwise. Carefully pull out the center core and then slice the garlic clove. Squeeze 1 lemon and remove seeds. Keep pulp if you like.   Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend to puree, about 30-60 seconds. Taste for seasoning and adjust.   Immediately pour the pesto into a jar and cover with a lid, to preserve the vibrant flavors. The pesto will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 days, and will stay fresh in the freezer up to 1 year.  We recommend letting go of the pasta with the cow! Try breaking from the traditional pasta combination and trying one or more of the suggestions below: add to grilled vegetables as a topping, especially zucchini serve the pesto as a dip with fresh raw vegetables accompany sliced baguette with pesto dipping bowls use as a tasty filling for celery (careful not to drip any pesto on your shirt!) add to tofu  jazz up salad with pesto sauce, olive oil and balsamic vinegar Enjoy the bounty of the Summer harvest!

A couple of months ago I discussed the overwhelmingly feeling that I had regarding the vegetable garden. I knew that it was the right thing to do but all that I could see was a mass of weeds...

 

I could not see the potential and as a result could not find the energy to overcome inertia! A neighbor became my garden mentor, my garden guide although I did not tell her that she was playing this role. Over the last two months I have cleared little areas of weeds, and spread seeds. I would check in with "my guide" as to technique, placement, watering... pretty much everything.

 

Slowly the seeds have taken root and grown! It is a beautiful sight. As I watched the arugala and Red Russian kale grow, I was inspired to weed a little more, plant a little more. Just bite size pieces of gardening, a little nibble here and there.

 

Each day as I am preparing my lunch salad I head out to the garden with a pair of scissors and clip the freshest of greens for my salad. And then I stop on the deck to decide on what direction the salad will take, depending on the herb that I clip and add. Will it be mint, or basil, or thyme, or rosemary? Yes, rosemary! The herb chosen will influence that oil used, and on it goes. This creation fills my body and soul! More green in the garden and more green on the plate!

Namaste,

Sydney