Hello Everyone
I was interested to hear a number of my friends commenting on how healthy I looked after returning from India. This really intrigued me, as the extremes of air conditioning and summer heat gave me a mild asthma attack. The lack of mosquito netting had me covered in mozzie bites, some of which became quite irritated – thank goodness for those malaria tablets! What on earth could I have been doing to make me appear so healthy?
Chennai in India is a strongly vegetarian area where rice and other flours are used in preference to wheat. Also, women, do not usually drink alcohol, men sometimes drink spirits and beer. My diet was therefore heavily based on curried rice, curried lentils and curried vegetables – for breakfast, lunch and dinner! One of the most memorable meals presented to me after a workshop at one of the universities was of very spicy, green, spinach rice dish, accompanied by less spicy yellow, saffron rice with a side dish of rice porridge!
Even the odd omelette I ordered was curried! I was not too fussed on Indian coffee or tea as they were made with condensed milk and very sweet, so my main drink was water. Who would have thought that all of this wheat-free, alcohol-free, caffeine-free diet would have had such an impact in such a short time?
Then in Malaysia we saw the Muslim attitude to food. Although we did not observe Ramadan I enjoyed eating the Halal meat. And like the fact that the animal was blessed before it was slaughtered.
But it did get me thinking...what if we became more vegetarian? What would it do for our own individual health and that of the planet? Certainly all the research suggests that a more vegetarian diet would be one of the easiest ways to have a more sustainable planet.
The movies on the plane got me thinking too. There is a scene in Avatar where meat is blessed before it is eaten and the animal acknowledged for giving up its life to feed us.
How many of us really consider the origin of the food we eat? And the life that has been sacrificed to sate our hunger? As a farmer’s daughter I remember well the number of animals my Dad killed to feed our family in fact I was quite adept at preparing chicken and turkeys from his training. But I never once stopped to acknowledge that animal and thank it for giving up its life to feed us. If you have ever seen the film “The Gods Must Be Crazy” you will recall that the tribesman always thanked his prey for the food that it would give his family.
It seems that we are very disconnected from our food supply. Once upon a time every family had their own vegetable garden usually accompanied with a chook yard too. Children got to plant vegetables, in my case the first experience was radish as it was foolproof. Community gardens are a way that we can contribute to reconnecting to the land. In using permaculture principles conserving our resources and applying sustainability techniques we can all share our knowledge and produce with the community.
Live! Love! Laugh! ...and Share!
Till next time
Roz Townsend http://www.roztownsend.com/
Monday, September 6, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Facebook, Mental Health and Spirituality
Hello Everyone
Last week was a big week for me. I received a phone call one evening from a dear friend of mine and it was obvious she was very distressed. Early the next morning I received another call from the hospital to say that she was ill. As my sister suicided 10 years ago, I am now acutely aware of the mental anguish some people experience and how difficult it can be for them to ask for help.
I changed my plans for the week and flew across the country to be with her and help her in any way I could. It seemed that one of the best things I could do for her was to take her away to a quiet piece of the countryside. I was lucky that the beach was only 30 minutes away and we found an isolated spot to soak up the sun, listen to the waves gently lapping the shoreline and watch the birds. She fell asleep swaddled by the beauty and therapy that only nature can offer. Later she awoke feeling far more peaceful.
What is it about nature that is so soothing and nourishing to the spirit? Not that I do know the answer but, I suppose in some way it touches the inner core of who we are and our deep connectedness to this planet.
My relationship and commitment to this dear friend is something I cherish. So it is with some detachment that I read about the great social media of Facebook having reached its 500 millionth ‘friend’. There is no doubt that the internet and all it offers is going to be a significant part of the future. It IS another world and one that we will need to understand.
We have the internet and while it is the future, what is equally clear is that we need to remember our connectedness with the planet and the intimate friendships that go well beyond anything that Facebook could ever offer.
At its deepest level, our commitment to spiritual fulfilment, social justice and environmental sustainability are not likely to be achieved by superficial relationships on the net. We need not only a balance but a real desire to highlight the importance of nature. What were the words of that famous song? Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens... wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings these are a few of my favourite things!
Yes we have technology and it can be wonderful, we just need a balance.
Live! love! Laugh!
Roz Townsend visit www.roztownsend.com
Last week was a big week for me. I received a phone call one evening from a dear friend of mine and it was obvious she was very distressed. Early the next morning I received another call from the hospital to say that she was ill. As my sister suicided 10 years ago, I am now acutely aware of the mental anguish some people experience and how difficult it can be for them to ask for help.
I changed my plans for the week and flew across the country to be with her and help her in any way I could. It seemed that one of the best things I could do for her was to take her away to a quiet piece of the countryside. I was lucky that the beach was only 30 minutes away and we found an isolated spot to soak up the sun, listen to the waves gently lapping the shoreline and watch the birds. She fell asleep swaddled by the beauty and therapy that only nature can offer. Later she awoke feeling far more peaceful.
What is it about nature that is so soothing and nourishing to the spirit? Not that I do know the answer but, I suppose in some way it touches the inner core of who we are and our deep connectedness to this planet.
My relationship and commitment to this dear friend is something I cherish. So it is with some detachment that I read about the great social media of Facebook having reached its 500 millionth ‘friend’. There is no doubt that the internet and all it offers is going to be a significant part of the future. It IS another world and one that we will need to understand.
We have the internet and while it is the future, what is equally clear is that we need to remember our connectedness with the planet and the intimate friendships that go well beyond anything that Facebook could ever offer.
At its deepest level, our commitment to spiritual fulfilment, social justice and environmental sustainability are not likely to be achieved by superficial relationships on the net. We need not only a balance but a real desire to highlight the importance of nature. What were the words of that famous song? Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens... wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings these are a few of my favourite things!
Yes we have technology and it can be wonderful, we just need a balance.
Live! love! Laugh!
Roz Townsend visit www.roztownsend.com
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Technology and Spiritual Nourishment
Hello Everyone
Can you remember the first time you saw a mobile phone? Can you remember the first time you saw a television? Can you remember the first time you saw your mother? These are some of the questions that Dr Bruce Fell from Charles Sturt university challenged us with recently. For those of you reading this article you probably do remember the ‘first time’ you saw these things – except for your mother of course.
Dr Fell pointed out that for most of his students, they have no first memory of the mobile phone and many other items of technology. This level of technology has always been with them.
And recently I met the father of a two year old. The father woke up thinking that a stranger had entered his house and was talking to his son. When he went to investigate he found that the two year old had already mastered his latest piece of technology. The two year old had turned on his father’s iphone, then found one of his favourite stories and tapped on the icon to have the story read to him as he turned the pages! This from a two year old. What on earth will he be like as a twenty year old!
It is as though there is another planet that many young people are living on and it is the virtual world. A world where people do not ‘go’ online they are ‘living’ online; they are ‘being’ online.
It was also interesting when Dr Fell recounted an assignment he gave his students where they had to go outside into nature and observe. For many students this was their ‘first’ time in nature. Scary isn’t it?
This is one of the main reasons why the work done by organisations like Rahamim Ecological Learning Community is so important. It offers a space in Bathurst where people committed to living the spiritual values of mercy and justice might find kindred spirits. It also provides a gathering place where people can explore what it means to be good planetary citizens in the third millennium.
To lead healthy lives, people need the space and programs nourish their spirit. IA time and space where they can be connected to other people, the planet and their spirit. This in turn leads to a greater sense of well-being and purpose.
We need to acknowledge the place of consumerism and technology and then find a balance with real human values.
Live1 love Laugh!
Roz
http://www.roztownsend.com/
Can you remember the first time you saw a mobile phone? Can you remember the first time you saw a television? Can you remember the first time you saw your mother? These are some of the questions that Dr Bruce Fell from Charles Sturt university challenged us with recently. For those of you reading this article you probably do remember the ‘first time’ you saw these things – except for your mother of course.
Dr Fell pointed out that for most of his students, they have no first memory of the mobile phone and many other items of technology. This level of technology has always been with them.
And recently I met the father of a two year old. The father woke up thinking that a stranger had entered his house and was talking to his son. When he went to investigate he found that the two year old had already mastered his latest piece of technology. The two year old had turned on his father’s iphone, then found one of his favourite stories and tapped on the icon to have the story read to him as he turned the pages! This from a two year old. What on earth will he be like as a twenty year old!
It is as though there is another planet that many young people are living on and it is the virtual world. A world where people do not ‘go’ online they are ‘living’ online; they are ‘being’ online.
It was also interesting when Dr Fell recounted an assignment he gave his students where they had to go outside into nature and observe. For many students this was their ‘first’ time in nature. Scary isn’t it?
This is one of the main reasons why the work done by organisations like Rahamim Ecological Learning Community is so important. It offers a space in Bathurst where people committed to living the spiritual values of mercy and justice might find kindred spirits. It also provides a gathering place where people can explore what it means to be good planetary citizens in the third millennium.
To lead healthy lives, people need the space and programs nourish their spirit. IA time and space where they can be connected to other people, the planet and their spirit. This in turn leads to a greater sense of well-being and purpose.
We need to acknowledge the place of consumerism and technology and then find a balance with real human values.
Live1 love Laugh!
Roz
http://www.roztownsend.com/
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Importance of Family - at every level
Hello Everyone
Many of us in Bathurst, my country town in Australia are being challenged by the impact on the importance of ‘family’ and how disruptive any changes can be.
For those of us who recently attended the funeral this much loved young man in Bathurst we see how his death at the young age of 31 has so profoundly impacted his family and the community generally.
And yet other changes are on the horizon as one of the spiritual leaders of so many in Bathurst has announced that his journey in life will have him leaving Bathurst. Similarly, those of us who take a political interest have reacted in amazement that the Australian political ‘father’ ie Kevin Rudd has been replaced.
Many of our leaders and global parents are under considerable pressure. We expect so much of them. And we easily lose our willingness to support them when they err.
Have you ever thought that you create the people around you? That the way you react and treat people, creates who they are? It is an interesting thought isn’t it. It means that we can become proactive in supporting and loving those around us and helping them become all that they can be.
So how have you been creating the important people in your world? Remeber: in the end all that matters is who you have loved and how well you have loved.
Till we meet again
Roz
Many of us in Bathurst, my country town in Australia are being challenged by the impact on the importance of ‘family’ and how disruptive any changes can be.
For those of us who recently attended the funeral this much loved young man in Bathurst we see how his death at the young age of 31 has so profoundly impacted his family and the community generally.
And yet other changes are on the horizon as one of the spiritual leaders of so many in Bathurst has announced that his journey in life will have him leaving Bathurst. Similarly, those of us who take a political interest have reacted in amazement that the Australian political ‘father’ ie Kevin Rudd has been replaced.
Many of our leaders and global parents are under considerable pressure. We expect so much of them. And we easily lose our willingness to support them when they err.
Have you ever thought that you create the people around you? That the way you react and treat people, creates who they are? It is an interesting thought isn’t it. It means that we can become proactive in supporting and loving those around us and helping them become all that they can be.
So how have you been creating the important people in your world? Remeber: in the end all that matters is who you have loved and how well you have loved.
Till we meet again
Roz
Monday, May 31, 2010
Foods that rot
Hello Everyone
Have you ever thought about eating rotten food? Well to be more precise, I should say ‘have you thought about the importance of eating food that rots? That was certainly running through my mind last weekend when I did my grocery shopping. One the one hand I was delighted to see a father doing the grocery shopping with his two young children. On the other hand I thought ‘he has bought nothing that rots’.
I watched him go through the checkout with numerous boxes of muffins, muesli bars, loaves of white bread, packages of sausages, containers of ice-cream and various other boxes. It occurred to me that he has nothing that rots! All the food stuffs had an incredibly long shelf life. There was nothing fresh, no fruit, no vegetables not even any frozen vegetables.
I guess we have all heard stories of the hamburger that has been left for months without any signs of deterioration. How does this occur? Obviously with large amounts of preservatives – things that stop the natural breakdown of matter. Nanoparticles are one of the key ways that bacteria is killed. It is bacteria which encourages the natural rotting process.
Nanoparticles are thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair. And nanotechnology has been hailed as a new wonder technology. Accordin to the developers ‘it is able to make stronger and more lightweight materials, better cosmetics and tastier or healthier foods’. But the risks and research on it are sadly lacking.
Stephen Holgate, a clinical professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton, says "Most of the research so far... has shown that these particles can penetrate barriers and get into the system. They can find their way into the liver, into the kidney and even into the brain."
A Friends of the Earth‘s report found that untested nanotechnology is being used in more than 100 food products, food packaging and contact materials currently on the shelf, without warning or testing. Tomato sauce for example is one of the 100s of common food items containing these nanoparticles.
Nanomaterials can be used as more potent food colorings, flavorings and nutritional additives, antibacterial ingredients for food packaging, and more potent agrochemicals and fertilizers. Nanomaterials can be in the packaging around biscuits, provide the color for meat, and supply added nutrients in shakes given to toddlers.
Nanoparticles have been shown in preliminary studies to be chemically reactive and when they find their way into our bodies, they can potentially wreak havoc. We also don’t know how much we can safely ingest without harm, but we do know that some studies have already shown that nanomaterials can adversely affect our immune system.
Why I am sticking my neck out to tell you about this rather scientific new technology? Because the best foods for our bodies are the ones that do rot if not consumed fresh.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family? You could consider taking part in a community garden project or developing your own vegetable garden. Consider learning about the benefits of permaculture. Consciously choose the foods that nourish you and the planet.
Have you ever thought about eating rotten food? Well to be more precise, I should say ‘have you thought about the importance of eating food that rots? That was certainly running through my mind last weekend when I did my grocery shopping. One the one hand I was delighted to see a father doing the grocery shopping with his two young children. On the other hand I thought ‘he has bought nothing that rots’.
I watched him go through the checkout with numerous boxes of muffins, muesli bars, loaves of white bread, packages of sausages, containers of ice-cream and various other boxes. It occurred to me that he has nothing that rots! All the food stuffs had an incredibly long shelf life. There was nothing fresh, no fruit, no vegetables not even any frozen vegetables.
I guess we have all heard stories of the hamburger that has been left for months without any signs of deterioration. How does this occur? Obviously with large amounts of preservatives – things that stop the natural breakdown of matter. Nanoparticles are one of the key ways that bacteria is killed. It is bacteria which encourages the natural rotting process.
Nanoparticles are thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair. And nanotechnology has been hailed as a new wonder technology. Accordin to the developers ‘it is able to make stronger and more lightweight materials, better cosmetics and tastier or healthier foods’. But the risks and research on it are sadly lacking.
Stephen Holgate, a clinical professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton, says "Most of the research so far... has shown that these particles can penetrate barriers and get into the system. They can find their way into the liver, into the kidney and even into the brain."
A Friends of the Earth‘s report found that untested nanotechnology is being used in more than 100 food products, food packaging and contact materials currently on the shelf, without warning or testing. Tomato sauce for example is one of the 100s of common food items containing these nanoparticles.
Nanomaterials can be used as more potent food colorings, flavorings and nutritional additives, antibacterial ingredients for food packaging, and more potent agrochemicals and fertilizers. Nanomaterials can be in the packaging around biscuits, provide the color for meat, and supply added nutrients in shakes given to toddlers.
Nanoparticles have been shown in preliminary studies to be chemically reactive and when they find their way into our bodies, they can potentially wreak havoc. We also don’t know how much we can safely ingest without harm, but we do know that some studies have already shown that nanomaterials can adversely affect our immune system.
Why I am sticking my neck out to tell you about this rather scientific new technology? Because the best foods for our bodies are the ones that do rot if not consumed fresh.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family? You could consider taking part in a community garden project or developing your own vegetable garden. Consider learning about the benefits of permaculture. Consciously choose the foods that nourish you and the planet.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Communication as a way forward for the planet.
Hello Everyone
Two weeks ago I was asked to be the mediator for a workplace conflict that had been festering for over three years. The impact of this was low morale and very low productivity for not just the two people directly involved but the whole workplace. Something had to change otherwise court proceedings were clearly on the agenda.
It was obvious to me that both parties had no idea what was happening to the other. Nor could they see how they were responsible for the situation – not to blame but rather, how they may have contributed in some way. Using the skills of conflict coaching and mediation the situation was resolved and peace and workability now reign.
This conflict again made me realise how lucky we are to have moved forward in our thinking. Once upon a time the only way to resolve conflict was to fight but now mediation and communication are seen as far more beneficial. There is a new belief – everything can be resolved in communication. Actually even when wars are over the communication has to start. So why not communicate before things get out of control? Thank goodness this is also happening at the global level too.
Even though we live on the other side of the world, we are so connected via technology that we do know what is happening around the globe. No doubt you are aware of the financial crisis that is gripping a number of European countries, especially Greece. Lindsay Tanner our federal Finance Minister has recently made some very exciting comments to make me think that peace on the planet is possible.
Australian Federal Minister Tanner pointed out that traditionally European economies in such a mess would usually lead to a situation of war and conquest. But through communication, agreements, negotiation, the euro and the European Union, there is now a high level of connectedness and international co-operation. Although in Australia we tend to only hear about the terrible things that are happening around the world in fact this incredible level of co-operation should be acknowledged as a landmark event for humanity.
Our thinking about conflict has transformed. The present events in Europe a couple of generations ago would have been handled very differently and military conflict would have been a feature. Co-operation and communication are now the cornerstones of civilised societies.
At present throughout the world is a group of professionals who are committed to developing their skills in this area - they are called facilitators. A facilitator is an individual whose job is to help incorporate all voices in problem solving. For it is when everyone feels truly heard and their opinions respected that a resolution is possible and lasting. And this surely is the way forward for the planet!
Two weeks ago I was asked to be the mediator for a workplace conflict that had been festering for over three years. The impact of this was low morale and very low productivity for not just the two people directly involved but the whole workplace. Something had to change otherwise court proceedings were clearly on the agenda.
It was obvious to me that both parties had no idea what was happening to the other. Nor could they see how they were responsible for the situation – not to blame but rather, how they may have contributed in some way. Using the skills of conflict coaching and mediation the situation was resolved and peace and workability now reign.
This conflict again made me realise how lucky we are to have moved forward in our thinking. Once upon a time the only way to resolve conflict was to fight but now mediation and communication are seen as far more beneficial. There is a new belief – everything can be resolved in communication. Actually even when wars are over the communication has to start. So why not communicate before things get out of control? Thank goodness this is also happening at the global level too.
Even though we live on the other side of the world, we are so connected via technology that we do know what is happening around the globe. No doubt you are aware of the financial crisis that is gripping a number of European countries, especially Greece. Lindsay Tanner our federal Finance Minister has recently made some very exciting comments to make me think that peace on the planet is possible.
Australian Federal Minister Tanner pointed out that traditionally European economies in such a mess would usually lead to a situation of war and conquest. But through communication, agreements, negotiation, the euro and the European Union, there is now a high level of connectedness and international co-operation. Although in Australia we tend to only hear about the terrible things that are happening around the world in fact this incredible level of co-operation should be acknowledged as a landmark event for humanity.
Our thinking about conflict has transformed. The present events in Europe a couple of generations ago would have been handled very differently and military conflict would have been a feature. Co-operation and communication are now the cornerstones of civilised societies.
At present throughout the world is a group of professionals who are committed to developing their skills in this area - they are called facilitators. A facilitator is an individual whose job is to help incorporate all voices in problem solving. For it is when everyone feels truly heard and their opinions respected that a resolution is possible and lasting. And this surely is the way forward for the planet!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The Interconnectedness of Species
Hello Everyone
I was a bit taken aback during the week. I was walking along enjoying the beautiful warm autumn day with my friend Chris when another friend caught up to us and said ‘Great weather, isn’t it?’
Chris replied ‘Yes we can all be grateful to global warming for this!’ I detected a strong note of sarcasm and frustration in Chris’s voice. Chris went on to say that every time someone commented on the warm weather then the reply offered would be along the lines of ‘ let’s be thankful to global warming’. This was Chris’s one person’s crusade to wake people up to what is happening on the planet.
Yes the weather is beautifully warm and there are consequences.
According to Professor David Chapple of Monash University many people are not aware of the high extinction rates occurring right now.
About 130 species become extinct each day. This is up to 1000 times greater than the natural extinction rate. Those under threat according to the United Nations are 12% of birds; 21% of mammals; 28% of reptiles; 30% of amphibians; 35% of invertebrates; 37% of freshwater fish and 70% of plants.
In our own ‘backyard’, 20% of the lizard species are at high risk of extinction. On the one hand you might think that we could live without these cute little reptiles but what we may not be able to live without is their importance in the food chain and their interconnectedness with other species. Lizards are important food for birds and snakes and the lizards themselves eat insects.
The importance and interconnectedness of all life forms is one of the key principles developed in permaculture. Perhaps you might like to take up the challenge and learn how you can live more sustainably with permaculture principles.
visit http://www.roztownsend.com/
I was a bit taken aback during the week. I was walking along enjoying the beautiful warm autumn day with my friend Chris when another friend caught up to us and said ‘Great weather, isn’t it?’
Chris replied ‘Yes we can all be grateful to global warming for this!’ I detected a strong note of sarcasm and frustration in Chris’s voice. Chris went on to say that every time someone commented on the warm weather then the reply offered would be along the lines of ‘ let’s be thankful to global warming’. This was Chris’s one person’s crusade to wake people up to what is happening on the planet.
Yes the weather is beautifully warm and there are consequences.
According to Professor David Chapple of Monash University many people are not aware of the high extinction rates occurring right now.
About 130 species become extinct each day. This is up to 1000 times greater than the natural extinction rate. Those under threat according to the United Nations are 12% of birds; 21% of mammals; 28% of reptiles; 30% of amphibians; 35% of invertebrates; 37% of freshwater fish and 70% of plants.
In our own ‘backyard’, 20% of the lizard species are at high risk of extinction. On the one hand you might think that we could live without these cute little reptiles but what we may not be able to live without is their importance in the food chain and their interconnectedness with other species. Lizards are important food for birds and snakes and the lizards themselves eat insects.
The importance and interconnectedness of all life forms is one of the key principles developed in permaculture. Perhaps you might like to take up the challenge and learn how you can live more sustainably with permaculture principles.
visit http://www.roztownsend.com/
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Poetise the Planet
Hello Everyone
It is an interesting time in the world right now. Politicians are in disarray as to how we wish to leave the planet for future generations. Around the world we experience hope and disappointment with The Copenhagen Talks being one such example.
Yet there is a ground swell of ecology poetry that is having a huge impact on people’s thoughts and actions. Who else but poets can so eloquently put into words the love and beauty that so many of us feel for nature? Their observations of the world and their love of beauty make them highly qualified to lead a new revolution in sustainability.
The crisis that the planet faces now has given poets the opportunity to speak in a new voice. They can express our basic humanity, our connectedness, our need to conserve resources and our responsibility to cherish diversity.
Consider the following:
It is the opening question from Don McKay’s Strike/Slip
"Who are you?" and concluding,
"You are the momentary mind of rock"
McKay puts the temporary nature of humans on the planet into the wider geological perspective of the earth on which we tread. As these two lines hint, the poem discusses the erosion and self destructive behaviour on the planet. The poem then considers that this is slowly being replaced by a greater understanding of our connectedness to the sacred story of planet earth.
As humans we have developed an incredible ability to think and bring a level of consciousness to our actions and their impact on the planet. It is the elevation of these skills accompanied with ecological poetry which will determine our future.
So it might be appropriate that we visit part of the thought provoking poem Hieroglyphic Stairway by Drew Dillinger. Just suppose we could get the politicians and power brokers to consider its message too… just suppose ecological poets were as highly valued in our society as plastic surgeons, media magnates and TV stars.
it's 3:23 in the morning
and I'm awake
because my great great grandchildren
won't let me sleep
my great great grandchildren
ask me in dreams
what did you do while the planet was plundered?
what did you do when the earth was unraveling?
surely you did something
when the seasons started failing?
as the mammals, reptiles, birds were all dying?
did you fill the streets with protest
when democracy was stolen?
what did you do
once
you
knew?
The power and challenge with which this poem confronts the reader is only surpassed by that of hearing the poem read by Drew Dellinger himself. He describes himself as a spoken word poet and as a recent member of the audience when he visited Australia last year I can state that his own reading is even more challenging and beautiful.
A somewhat less confronting piece of poetry comes from Kathy Sherman:
Touch the earth with gentleness
Touch the earth with love
Touch her with a future
By the way you live today.
Drew Dellinger has a car sticker which he distributes at his workshops it says ‘Planetize the Movement’. Perhaps with the creativity and power that ecological poets present a new car sticker should be distributed ‘Poetise the Planet’!
Works Cited
Dellinger D 2007 love letter to the moon Poets for Global Justice Press
McKay D 2006 Strike/Slip McClelland & Stewart
DVD
Sherman K 2008 Touch the Earth with Gentleness New Zealand Sisters of Mercy
It is an interesting time in the world right now. Politicians are in disarray as to how we wish to leave the planet for future generations. Around the world we experience hope and disappointment with The Copenhagen Talks being one such example.
Yet there is a ground swell of ecology poetry that is having a huge impact on people’s thoughts and actions. Who else but poets can so eloquently put into words the love and beauty that so many of us feel for nature? Their observations of the world and their love of beauty make them highly qualified to lead a new revolution in sustainability.
The crisis that the planet faces now has given poets the opportunity to speak in a new voice. They can express our basic humanity, our connectedness, our need to conserve resources and our responsibility to cherish diversity.
Consider the following:
It is the opening question from Don McKay’s Strike/Slip
"Who are you?" and concluding,
"You are the momentary mind of rock"
McKay puts the temporary nature of humans on the planet into the wider geological perspective of the earth on which we tread. As these two lines hint, the poem discusses the erosion and self destructive behaviour on the planet. The poem then considers that this is slowly being replaced by a greater understanding of our connectedness to the sacred story of planet earth.
As humans we have developed an incredible ability to think and bring a level of consciousness to our actions and their impact on the planet. It is the elevation of these skills accompanied with ecological poetry which will determine our future.
So it might be appropriate that we visit part of the thought provoking poem Hieroglyphic Stairway by Drew Dillinger. Just suppose we could get the politicians and power brokers to consider its message too… just suppose ecological poets were as highly valued in our society as plastic surgeons, media magnates and TV stars.
it's 3:23 in the morning
and I'm awake
because my great great grandchildren
won't let me sleep
my great great grandchildren
ask me in dreams
what did you do while the planet was plundered?
what did you do when the earth was unraveling?
surely you did something
when the seasons started failing?
as the mammals, reptiles, birds were all dying?
did you fill the streets with protest
when democracy was stolen?
what did you do
once
you
knew?
The power and challenge with which this poem confronts the reader is only surpassed by that of hearing the poem read by Drew Dellinger himself. He describes himself as a spoken word poet and as a recent member of the audience when he visited Australia last year I can state that his own reading is even more challenging and beautiful.
A somewhat less confronting piece of poetry comes from Kathy Sherman:
Touch the earth with gentleness
Touch the earth with love
Touch her with a future
By the way you live today.
Drew Dellinger has a car sticker which he distributes at his workshops it says ‘Planetize the Movement’. Perhaps with the creativity and power that ecological poets present a new car sticker should be distributed ‘Poetise the Planet’!
Works Cited
Dellinger D 2007 love letter to the moon Poets for Global Justice Press
McKay D 2006 Strike/Slip McClelland & Stewart
DVD
Sherman K 2008 Touch the Earth with Gentleness New Zealand Sisters of Mercy
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