A Wisdom Tree and me

 A Wisdom Tree  

An old maple tree grows at the edge of a property I walk past daily.

Her limbs offer a home to birds, butterflies, and bees.

Each spring her leaves unfold.

Her seedlings grow, then the wind carries them away.

 

She witnesses events that happen at her base.

She endures storms, heat, and cold.

Her roots run deep.

She is wisdom personified.

 

I identify with that remarkable tree.

I've embraced many different people.

I thrive in the spring and huddle down during the cold.

My experiences continually make me stronger.

I possess wisdom to my core.

Why I became a vegetarian

 Why I became a vegetarian:

I have followed a vegetarian diet for more than 20 years, during which time I have gained valuable insight into the fact that what I eat affects my health.

After learning about the health challenges in my family,  I adopted a healthier diet and exercise routine to reduce my own risks. I stopped eating meat upon reading reports about its consumption.

After a couple years, I came to learn that the key is to be aware of your nutritional needs and to plan your diet to address those needs. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/vegetarian-diet/art-20046446)

I learned more about nutritional differences between a meat diet and a vegetarian diet

•         Diets high in red meat are associated with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases.
•          Vegetarian diets are rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, leading to better overall health and reduced risk of chronic diseases

Then I read a book titled “Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy” by Matthew Scully

I was stunned to learn about how “meat” reaches our plates. The facts about factory farms stunned me and pretty much clinched my decision. There is an environmental impact as well.

•      Raising livestock contributes significantly to environmental issues, including deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and methane. 
•      By avoiding meat, vegetarian diets significantly reduce an individual's carbon footprint, help conserve water, and decrease the destruction of natural habitats. 

After over 20 years, I've learned my body's needs evolve, so I keep adapting. However, I am certain I'll never eat meat again! 

Bring Back Random Acts of Kindness!

 

Bring Back Random Acts of Kindness!

Morgan Freeman is quoted as saying, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

It is common for people to discuss various aspects of daily life. Many individuals express concern about public discourse and the frequency of strong opinions. Topics such as the economy, politics, health, and sports are often sources of heated discussion and differing viewpoints.

I, too, fall into that “rabbit hole”. At the same time, I value hope and optimism, which help me rise above negativity. Although some dismiss it, I find it worthwhile. Recently, I've been reflecting on the Random Acts of Kindness movement from the late 1990s.

The movement known as Random Acts of Kindness started in 1982 when writer Anne Herbert wrote the phrase "practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a restaurant placemat, which was later published in her article in the CoEvolution Quarterly journal. This phrase inspired a kindness movement that began to spread in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Random acts of kindness are actions carried out for a stranger or acquaintance without expecting anything in return.

       ·Examples include paying for someone's coffee, leaving notes, or helping with tasks such as shoveling snow for a neighbor. These actions are intended to promote positive interactions and contribute to a sense of community.

 

 Pay It Forward is a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, released in 1999. It was adapted into the motion picture Pay It Forward which released theatrically and to DVD in 2000–2001. The novel and film brought the acts of generosity to the forefront again. It was very inspiring. People talked about it. People did acts of kindness.

In recent years, however, it seems the emphasis on such spontaneous kindness has faded from public view. With busy lives and digital distractions, we may overlook simple opportunities to brighten someone’s day. Yet even the smallest gesture can make a lasting impact, reminding us of our shared humanity and the good that exists in the world.

 

Sir Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

I, for one, am inspired to make a concerted effort again. Let’s bring it back!

Can you share kind acts that you have seen or done? Share, please!

 

Mama Raccoon

There were some hot days in the Pacific Northwest this summer! I don't do well when the temperature gets over 90 and we have had consecutive days when it has been in 100's!

I came home a couple nights ago and gazed out my kitchen window. A raccoon who inhabits a few wooded acres bordering my back yard appeared under the bird feeder. I was surprised to see two new babies with her. As soon as she was sure they were busy eating sunflower seeds she lowered herself into the pan of water I keep for the animals. Poor thing had reached her limit, just like me!

We set up a small pool with water and the next afternoon they were back. She cooled herself and then made sure each baby was soaked. She just grabbed them and rolled them while they squealed.

It was endearing and life affirming. Parents take care of themselves so that they can take care of their little ones. We have to do our best with what is offered when we are at the mercy of weather and elements. Basic survival can be as simple as cooling off.

I look forward to witnessing the growing and training those cuties are in for. They already have personalities. One is adventurous and a risk taker, the other stays close to Mom.

not all problems are meant to be solved

It has been suggested to me: 

that not all problems are meant to be solved,

that we can walk around obstacles obstructing our way rather than moving the obstacle itself,

that troubles are often the product of behavior over time.

So I need to give this some thought. In earlier years I had the energy and determination and belief that I had to "do something" in order to overcome my troubles. 

• What if I had simply looked for a path that would circumvent that mountain?  
• How different would my circumstance be had I "taken the road less traveled"? 
•  Would I or my circumstance be better, improved?

Can I embrace this philosophy today? 

For example: my house is a mess and I keep thinking all I need is a block of time and energy to get it cleaned up. The thought literally sees it as a mountain to be moved...one boulder at a time. But boulders break, rocks crumble and then there is the sand to deal with.

What if I step to the right of Mt Calamity? 

Will there be a road sign pointing me in the direction of avoiding future piles of paper. The challenge calls out "change the habit or accept it"!

I am thinking I want to try this if for no other reason than I worry and fret too much. I would rather meet the day with eagerness instead of dread or regret. It could lead me into a wilderness but that would mean I needed an adventure, right?

Am I true to my purpose?

Every once in a while I have to do an inventory and ask myself if I am staying true to the purpose of this blog. Are the posts pointing back to a reverence of life ?

My original goal was to share my own life in my chosen path of loving and respecting the world I walk in. I will have to let my few readers determine my score since I can't see the forest for the trees I love so much.

Can one take her convictions too far? Have I become blind in my commitment to "practice what I preach", "to think and do" ?

I will share two instances in recent days that may confirm that I have gone over the edge.

• I was sitting in traffic, to my right over a small bridge a construction crew was pushing an Alder tree 🌳  over. When it cracked and fell, I felt a pain in my heart as if a part of me snapped with it.

• A feather 🪶  floated down from above, right in front of me as I was walking and contemplating life. Fresh from its giver, soft downy gray. As I held it I felt hopefully connected to this tough yet fragile world.

I have hit the ? key often in this post. While I do not doubt myself, I question if I go too far. And just as importantly, I question if I touch anyone with the words and thoughts that I throw into the ether.

quiet yourself

"It does not matter what you do. What matters is whether your soul is harmed by what you do." Albert Schweitzer

Your soul suffers if you live at the surface without diving into your depth. As soon as you notice that you are indifferent or easily irritated, feed your soul. We all need a time to focus on our inmost self.

• Find a quiet place.
• Allow your thoughts to settle.
• Listen to your own breath.
• Hear the still small voice that brings peace.
• Your soul will tell you exactly what you need.
• Rest in that place of peace.
• Take as much time as you need.

Enter life once more. Is there hope in your thoughts? Are you more gentle?