Thursday, June 18, 2009

What is soul? A little Needed?

Soul is a word to describe the central or integral part of something: it is the vital core! In its most profound sense, it also describes the essence of every human being. It is that place within each of us that is infinite, eternal and universal. The soul is an enigma; it is a source that gives rise to form, yet is unknowable. It is illusive by its very nature, yet it also requires nurturing and caring. (maybe found in nature, true beauty, spiritual places, conversations, stories...) We can intuitively understand what its needs are, yet never fathom its depths. It is the substance within us that links our body and spirit to the greater forces of the cosmos.

What are the "soul needs"? Or, what does the soul need? Firstly, it needs a sense of belonging, to feel truly connected to the land, to your roots, to your spirit. Secondly, a soul needs to feel safe so that you can be yourself, be creative and bring forth the deeper aspects of who you are, without fear. Thirdly, it yearns for harmony with the rhythm of life. Finally, it needs sacred space of some sort.

Friday, June 5, 2009

10 Visionaries Building the Market for Green Consumers

I am always interested in folks who are advancing things.

Here are some that are bridging the gap of economy and sustainability.

go to this link:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/heart-of-green-business-47041004

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Green Reflection: It isn't easy being green

It isn't easy being green: Reflections on becoming a recycler

The McDaniel Free Press
Cindy Sordo
Staff Reporter

It isn’t easy being green, especially when everyone else around you is far from it. Coming from a state where practically no one recycles made it difficult for me to grasp the concept of being green.


I’m from a small city in Texas where most people believe that diesel trucks are the only automobiles worthy of driving and where recycling should only be done when needing a few extra dollars. You had to commit to driving miles away to a recycling compound, which is far too much trouble for us lazy Texans.

When I came to McDaniel I knew that the campus would be full of liberals who were gung-ho about recycling. I thought that being surrounded by activists would immediately encourage me to become a regular recycler, but it did not happen that quickly.

It wasn’t until the end of my freshman year that I really started recycling. I attribute this great turn-around to one nagging liberal who constantly reminded me to recycle, recycle, recycle! Sunita Pathik was one determined activist I regularly spent time with who constantly reminded me to recycle. If Sunita hadn’t been my friendly, everyday reminder, I never would have become green.

This year I can honestly say that I have been a dedicated recycler on my own without Sunita’s persistent reminders. When I went home for the summer, I actually felt like I had become her; as a result of my forceful nagging, my parents now recycle. I have also become aware of Greenpeace, an international non-governmental organization for the protection and conservation of the environment that Sunita worked for over the summer in Washington, D.C. I was intrigued by her stories and have been inspired to support the organization.

So, you see, it really IS easy being green; anyone can become a recycler. I admit, it does take time and influence, but if more people take the energy to enforce recycling on a regular basis, like Pathik and now myself, who knows how many people will be transformed for the better.

13 Nov, 2008

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Soulfully Sustainable

My name is Greg Martin and I live in Portland, OR. I have been involved in Sustainable concerns for over 10 years as a green builder and years prior in community organizing around community food...but I am looking for more. I am looking to feel in real tangible ways what it means to be sustainable from People all over this world.

I feel the heart of living a more sustainable life is the art of taking one step at a time ....to living a more connected and deeper spiritual awareness...in all that we buy, eat, do or support...

I want to help facilitate a community of folks who are spiritually minded (religious or not) that want to talk about Sustainability and maybe help stimulate some movement in our hearts, heads and hands. Having been involved in some many different things I have learned that living a "soulful sustainable life" is a lot of work, failings, honesty, but most importantly being open to new things. I felt the wind blowing and here I am blogging for the 1st time.

4 Years ago I helped organize with many others a Festival called the Muddy Boot Organic Festival at our Catholic parish in SE Portland. MuddyBoot.org. I learned much from organizing such a large event and interested in hearing more of what people are dreaming and doing.

To begin I am interested in to hearing more about why people care about living more simply or sustainably? What is the story that began your road into sustainability? Post or email me and I will post a few soon.