by Judith | May 30, 2014 | Gardens, Holistic Health, nature, sustainable landscapes, The North: our elders, wisdom
I was browsing through Quora the other day and came upon a question that reflected a feeling I get from time to time. We have created so many problems on this earth it can be overwhelming and even depressing. It seems like big business wins. We lose homes, salaries and no matter what environmental efforts we make as individuals it feels as if we are peddling nowhere. Kind of like the mice we see spinning in endless circles. Reports flood us constantly about water pollution, storms, financial unsteadiness. I think we feel an underlying anxiety about our daily life. And even if we sign petitions, it seems practical, easy solutions take a back burner to legislative jams. The person asking the question was in environmental studies and felt such sadness over these problems.
What’s my answer? For me, I look to the innovative solutions happening around the world. I have written about one woman’s vision to save seeds in her country and the seed banks she has created : Vandana Shiva and her Navdanya project.
1. I look to the poets and the mystics who recognize that we must take responsibility for our actions. Remember Ghandi said we must be the change we wish to see in the world. We lost an incredible voice this week. Maya Angelou died but her message and her Spirit will inspire us through the coming times.
2. If I buy a product that contains GMO’s such as corn ( most of our corn is GMO either Bt or roundup ready seed) chips then I am not walking my talk. Every item I purchase today goes into a data base that determines the type and quality of food I buy ( as a consumer) and therefore contributes to perpetuating the growing and manufacture of those foods.
3. Popular Science magazine has great articles on the latest innovations: the possible and the futuristic.
4. Inc. magazine features innovative business ideas and the people who implement them. I remember one issue where a successful restaurant owner ( of one physical restaurant) decided to open a second one. He quickly learned he did not like being torn for a number of reasons. The message I got is that he did not let the seduction of more money interfere with a decision that was right for him.
5. I care about the children. I raised my sons on as much organic as I could afford and alternative medicine. The edible 
schoolyard, for example, began as a way to get quality food into schools and teach the children about the food they were eating. It’s spreading. One teacher in Mississippi has literally changed the menu. Kids in Harlem hip hop to well being.
6. Bette Midler has picked up tons of garbage and replanted areas of NYC. Many folks who do not have her measure of success continue to help everyday in areas of Manhattan picking up garbage one piece at a time.
7. Politics: Marianne Williamson is changing the voice of politics. She speaks from wisdom, compassion and is a leader in the true sense of the word. I encourage you to listen to her message.
Today I was sent an article about folks building solar roadways. They work long hours creating a template. They use recycled materials and they have a great model and proto types in development. Their videos area amazing.
The antidote to being depressed about these problems is to take some kind of action: grow a vegetable; buy a rain barrel and conserve water, stop buying water in plastic, bring reusable bags to the supermarket, make mindful choices : how much packaging? can I reuse it? how long does it last in the landfill? can I give it away? do I really need it? adopt a pet and if you can’t, contribute towards the people who rehab one; sign a petition about whatever bothers you? We have so many opportunities before us and I like to remember that the time of adversity gets us off the couch and doing something. The road before us is lit with opportunity and choice. What will yours be today?
Share your ideas: what one thing have you undertaken recently to contribute to helping the planet in some way? Together we make a difference. In the meantime, worry, depression do not help create our future. Together lets hold a vision of pure water, clean air, healthy, vibrant organic food and more….a bountiful, beautiful planet.
Enjoy.
Judith
by Judith | Feb 14, 2014 | gratitude, gratitude, poetry, The North: our elders, wisdom
All the Hemispheres by Hafiz
Leave the familiar for a while.
Let your senses and bodies stretch out
Like a welcomed season
Onto the meadow and shores and hills.
Open up to the Roof.
Make a new watermark on your excitement
And love.
Like a blooming night flower,
Bestow your vital fragrance of happiness
And giving
Upon our intimate assembly.
Change rooms in your mind for a day.
All the hemispheres in existence
Lie beside an equator
In your heart.
Greet Yourself
In your thousand other forms
As you mount the hidden tide and travel
Back home.
All the hemispheres in heaven
Are sitting around a fire
Chatting
While stitching themselves together
Into the Great Circle inside of
You.
Dear Family, Friends, Readers, I send love and blessings this Happy Valentines Day to all of you.
Judith
___
by Judith | Jul 2, 2013 | Cooking, Gardens, gratitude, Herbs, The North: our elders, wild edibles, wisdom
My first interview for this month took me to the Baltimore MD area where I met Rick Hueston.
Rick started a Facebook presence last year and soon a web blog called Primitive Cafe, one I tend to follow. I “like” many of his photos showcasing the delicious recipes he makes using wild edibles. I emailed him and asked him if I could come up and interview him for my blog. Obviously he said yes.
My purpose is to visit the “grass root” level of innovators out there in the garden arena. We are drastically losing our wildlife habitats. Over 4500+ species are in danger today of being lost soon. When I visit or hear about gardeners going organic, reclaiming lawn, setting aside land for vernal pool or habitat such as a butterfly garden, creating a bee sanctuary, it simply renews my hopes and dreams that somehow we are making a difference. So what can I do to help? My life is shifting into writing and teaching more strongly. I enjoy meeting people and seeing first hand their creative ideas manifest into garden forms or in the landscapes. Last week I showcased a Master Gardener’s beautiful raised bed backyard that provides so much food in place of lawn. This week I would like to take you to meet Rick Hueston.
Rick’s journey into the world of wild edibles began at the edge of seven. Like many of us at a tender young age there can be times when the urge to runaway is overpowering. Rick tried it and realized he did not know what he could eat. He spoke with a teacher at school who gave him a copy of the book My Side of the Mountain. I thought it was pretty nice of that teacher to give him something that in a way fed (pun intended) him, sparked an interest that has become a life’s passion. No matter where he was stationed or lived (Army) he explored the local population 
of plants and learned what is edible. Rick also through synchronistic circumstances met and worked with a Native American teacher. In my own journey with Native American elders the circles, the walk on the medicine wheel of life seems to deepen us and remind us we are all related, we are all connected.
I asked Rick what is the most important concept he would like to convey to my readers. He replied edible plants exist all around us. They are free and somewhat convenient. When one is taught to collect in season, collect mindfully in relation to other plants, habitat, toxicity and/or contamination, one can gather a delightful array of flowers and other plant parts and create easy delicious dishes. Obviously we need to be careful of poisonous plants. Sometimes they can be easily confused with non toxic varieties. However so many, literally beneath our feet, are edible.
“He wants to bring wildfood to your table,” in easy practical ways. Friday we’ll continue with Rick and his backyard treats. In the meantime check out his website and recipes.
Enjoy your day. Judith
by Judith | Feb 7, 2013 | Herbs, Holistic Health, Meditation, The East: new concepts, The North: our elders, The South: lets get physical, The West: the land of dreams, wisdom
I am pleased to announce a new workshop titled: Creating Our New Story that I am developing and presenting with Bruce Winkle in Leesburg, VA.
We are in a new time, a new vibrational pattern of viewing and living on this planet. Tremendous changes have occurred and we can make a difference.
We invite you to join us as we take a journey towards creating our new story We offer specific meditation work and understandings that are relevant to all of us as we listen more deeply to the call of our passion. What is our heart telling us? What stories can we create filled with respect, integrity and hope for the good of this world no matter where we work and live. What dreams do we want to manifest? How can we work together creating a more stable community where we feel honored again?
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 9-5:30pm
To register: (703) 771- 7755 or via email: bruce@elementsofhealingLLC.com
Tuition: $79.00/person Please bring lunch; tea and snack will be provided.
Location: Elements of Healing, 116 Edwards Ferry Rd, Unit M, Leesburg, VA 20176
If you would like more information please leave your name and contact information and send to the above.
I am excited to be creating and sharing at this time. Its as if we have a palette of possibilities before us unlike any time in the last millennium. I hope you will join us.
Have a great day. Judith
by Judith | Jan 7, 2013 | The North: our elders, wisdom
“Our goal while on this earth is to transcend our illusions and discover the innate power of our spirit. We are responsible for what we create, and we must therefore learn to act and think with love and wisdom and live in service to others and all life.”
~ Caroline Myss ~
I ask you what are your visions for 2013? What are your dreams? What are your intentions? Caroline Myss reminds me that “intentions without action are useless.” I hope we can truly support each other this 2013 in taking right action to solve some of the pressing issues we face. Take up the reins and create the world we desire not only for self but for future generations.
Sending Blessings to all of you for a terrific 2013.
Namaste. Judith
by Judith | Dec 7, 2012 | Gardens, Herbs, The North: our elders, wild edibles
As you many of you know I picked Elderberry as the focus for November’s blog. In doing research for December’s herb I came across the International Herb Association’s pick for 2013…yes Elderberry was selected!
This organization will have articles and related information concerning the uses and research on elderberry.
“Elder: Herb of the Year™ 2013 is brimming with facts on every facet of this plant including fragrance and flavor, botany and cultivation, lore and history, fun facts, poetry, crafts, medicinal information, and more. Sprinkled throughout the book are photographs and illustrations and there are recipes for the kitchen, bath and boudoir, and apothecary! This compilation contains 25 articles from 20 contributors–experts, members, and friends of the IHA, as well as photographs and illustrations from a dozen artists, all inspired by Elder: Herb of the Year™ 2013.”
Respect our Elders: what a great reminder and theme for 2013.
Enjoy your day. Judith
Judith Dreyer, MS, BSN, Writer, Speaker, and Workshop Presenter, Master Gardener.
