3.3 "Broadening the Ecovillage Movement"

What I valued most about these readings was the running vain of acceptance and awareness of interrelationship between groups and ideologies that may at first glance seem to drastically different to relate. I have at times been turned off by the adversarial attitudes of 'movements' that claim to be the soul guardians of truth and therefor superior and more worthy then those who do not share their surface ideals. I found what I read in these sections about the broadening ecovillage movement refreshingly free of this self-contradicting hindrance to accessing the abundance necessary for real growth and change. This attitude of valuing interrelationship was especial evident in knowledge shared by Robert Gilman and Helena Norberg-Hodge.

In response to the question, "How can we mainstream the ecovillage-experience, the idea of sustainable living in community?", Gilman responded that, "The essential first step is to see ourselves in a complementary, rather than a superior, relationship with those who are leading ‘mainstream’ lives." Taking this attitude of mutual valuing seems like setting one's self, or one's movement, up for success in that if you would like to be heard and have your point of view valued it seems wise to hear and to value were the other is comming from.

Helena Norberg-Hodge talked about a movement to help to counteract the adverse effects of media that portray the "Western" way of life as unrealistically glamorous and desirable. This false portrayal of desirability is ultimately damaging in that is encourages people living native values to disavow their own cultural wisdom and instead seek to emulate the unsustainable cultural practices. this is unfortunate because globally we need leaders from indigenous cultures to hold strong and speak native wisdom. Native wisdom often leads to a lifestyle that is more sustainable and in harmony with natural rhythms then the consumerist striving of western culture. In order to fulfill this goal of healing the false pretense of media portrayals this movement takes members of indigenous cultures ans gives them tours that expose the reality of western lifestyles. This exposure to rality gives individuals a chance to come to their own conclusions and become catalysts for deeper understanding and creativity in regard to furthuring ecovillage ideals of sustainability and honoring of diversity.

3.2: A Virtual Visit to an Ecovillage/Green Education

I would love to visit Findhorn.I have heard a lot about this community and even read a book based on the gardening that was developed there. Also, I have Scottish ancestry and have always wanted to see Scotland. Visiting Findhorn would be xciting on several levels!

After visiting, I wouldn't be surprised if I wanted to move there. I am very interested in living in sustainable community. I would love to have a lifestyle that is more in line with my values. I also enjoy working and living in collaboration with others. I have had some hairy experiences in community in the past but Findhorn dwelers seem like they have been around long enough to have worked out some of the kinks!

As far as Green Education, getting a second BA in Interior and Green Designe sounds pretty awesome. I love making a space beautiful and cozy. Learning how to do this in a way that reflects values of sustainability sounds perfect for me.

Being a bit ambitious however, getting my MA in Environmental Management may be a more likely step after I complete my BA in Communication.But you never know! ;)

Anon's Beyond You and Me: Reading Respose One

I was captivated by the essay about vision quests by Geseko von Lupke called "Feeling Connected Through Being Alone".

I liked the metaphor of the medicine wheel linking the stages of personal development to archetypal stages of maturity. To see the wisdom of how these stages coincide with the seasons ans well as to compass directions, elements and colors adds layers of meaning that are fascinating to me.

I liked that this essay talked about that in order to be a wholehearted contributor in relationship to others it is important to know yourself. When we make space to get to know and value and our mythology we can become a conscious contributor to creating shared meaning with others. Also when we see the ebb and flow of our own rhythms and patterns we can have more detachment and wisdom in the face of the ebb and flow of the energies of others and the group. With this wisdom comes the ability to hold ones seat in the face of change and become an open channel for wisdom and guidance to contribute to the community.

A Little Sustainability Q & A by Anon

1. T or F the purpose of the Awakening the Dreamer symposium is to encourage the Dreamer to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence on this planet… T
Sustainability Sourcebook

2. T or F If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes in you closet, a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head you are better off then 75% of the population… T
Sustainability Sourcebook

3. T or F there are 1.2 million Organizations globally that a cohesive movement toward sustainability… F
Sustainability Sourcebook

4. We need to consciously reinvent cooperative and harmonious ways of living together because…
a) Peace is an important aspect of global sustainability
b) People raised in our currently hyperindividualized paradigm may find it difficult to learn the subtlties of constructive and mutually beneficial interaction that are personal contributions to peace.
c) Only b
d) Both a and b... d)
Gaiaeducation.org pp xi

Kanu Hawaii Eat Local Challenge (Extra Credit)

I Love Kanu! This is an awesome site for connecting to and staying active in the community moving toward sustainability!

My Company, Down to Earth ALL VEGETARIAN Organic & Natural, is affiliated with Kanu and a part of the eat local challenge. if you are participating, head our way for some localy grown favorites.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, our food want us to eat it local. When it is local we can trust that it is at its nutrient peak and that is will provide us with its healthful potential. There is also less of a drain on the environment and our natural resources because the pollution and fuel it takes to transport goods over long distances is cut out of the picture.

I am a little spoiled in this department because my boyfriend's parents own and operate a successful organic farm in Opihikau. You may have seen them at the farmers markets selling the most delicious lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green beans, greens and, oh yeah, egg-free doughnuts you have ever seen! Needles to say it will not be difficult for us to participate in the eat local challenge this week and every week to fallow :)

Anon's Assignment 4: After the Crash

For this semester, realistically, I will have to stick with the behavior changes that I mentioned previously. However, I really would like to be a part of a sustainable community at some point. I was watching a documentary about rural India were people live in small farming communities. They do not have a lot of access to technology but as they put it, they are "...accident proof men." It would be cool to see what would happen if we in advanced societies, with the benefit of our wealth and elaborate technology, chose to live in these type of communities. At this point the false sense of security perpetuated by our intricate and unsustainable social practices pale in comparison to living simply and more in harmony with nature.

Anon's Assignment 3: Behavior Change

I'm a vegetarian, I grow a lot of my own veggies (with the help of the people who work on my familie's organic farm) I reduce, reuse and recycle, use biodegradable houshold products and avoid over packaged, disposable goods and it would still take 3.6 planet's to support my lifestyle! Behaviours I am looking to change include cutting down more on my imported food intake, driving less and car-pooling more. I also tend to buy more clothes then I really need. This is a habit that I am feeling really ready to break.