Archive for October, 2008

Baltimore’s great peacemaker, Lauren Abramson , sent this to me. It’s by Clarissa Pinkola Estes Ph.D, author of the best seller "Women Who Run with the Wolves ." I was especially moved by the last two lines, which are now on a post-it right in front of my face at my desk.

My friends, do not lose heart. We were made for these times. I have heard from so many recently who are deeply and properly bewildered. They are concerned about the state of affairs in our world now. Ours is a time of almost daily astonishment and often righteous rage over the latest degradations of what matters most to civilized, visionary people.

You are right in your assessments. The lustre and hubris some have aspired to while endorsing acts so heinous against children, elders, everyday people, the poor, the unguarded, the helpless, is breathtaking. Yet, I urge you, ask you, gentle you, to please not spend your spirit dry by bewailing these difficult times. Especially do not lose hope. Most particularly because, the fact is that we were made for these times. Yes. For years, we have been learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this exact plain of engagement.

I grew up on the Great Lakes and recognize a seaworthy vessel when I see one. Regarding awakened souls, there have never been more able vessels in the waters than there are right now across the world. And they are fully provisioned and able to signal one another as never before in the history of humankind. Look out over the prow; there are millions of boats of righteous souls on the waters with you. Even though your veneers may shiver from every wave in this stormy roil, I assure you that the long timbers composing your prow and rudder come from a greater forest. That long-grained lumber is known to withstand storms, to hold together, to hold its own, and to advance, regardless. Continued

Cleaner Greener Baltimore is part of a new initiative by Mayor Sheila Dixon that seeks to educate the citizens of Baltimore on how to keep the city cleaner and greener. The website informs the public on what steps the city has taken and plans to take regarding keeping Baltimore clean, including; recycling measures, trash removal, tree plantings, etc. It also speaks to residents, businesses, students, and commuters and visitors on what steps they can take as well.

The Perennial Nursery Program is a project created by Civic Works and is located at 600 N Port Street, behind the Amazing Grace Church. Since 2001. "Its mission is to provide annual and perennial flowers, vegetable plants, shrubs and trees free of charge to community groups involved in urban greening initiatives." To date, over 35,000 plants have been distributed. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated! Contact Staff.

Founded in 1986, and the oldest urban outward bound program in the U.S., the Baltimore Outward Bound Center teaches kids how to be community leaders and learn important life skills from our natural environment, whether out in the wilderness or at the heart of an urban center. The programs focus on helping kids cultivate personal and community leadership skills through physical fitness, self-reliance, craftsmanship, and service.

Beyond Postures is a Baltimore-based yoga and meditation center offering private sessions in multiple categories, including thai yoga massage, ayurvedic services, marma point therapy, and now phoenix rising yoga therapy. Each class is suitable for any level of experience, as they operate in a safe way that allows one to be in charge of their own posture and limits, as opposed to expecting one to meet a certain ideal. Beyond Postures is run by Dianne Mekelburg, an Experienced (E-RYT) and nationally Registered Yoga Teacher with The Yoga Alliance, a member of the International Yoga Therapy Association, the International Yoga Association, and The Himalayan Institute. Visit the website for articles and books or information on workshops and retreats.

Worried about the economy? Perhaps the Sustainable Business Network of DC can help connect you to the right business owners, managers, community leaders, and others to increase your base of clients and customers. If you join the network as an individual consumer they can help you find a job, eco-friendly products, or connect with a local community of like-minded individuals. The office at SB NOW is filled with a staff of directors and eco-minded business professionals with LEED accreditations, experience with Department of Environment, UK, managing and marketing non-profits as well as working for businesses like LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability).

Earth Party tries to inspire people to be aware of our environment and cognizant of local programs that preserve our local ecology and encourage global responsibility for our planet. The Earth Party offers numerous sustainability initiatives and ways of offsetting carbon principally focusing on community based solutions that lead to social, environmental, and economic stability. They choose the groups they work with based on their commitment to these values and our natural ecology, hoping to bring people together who are motivated to preserve the life systems that preserve us. Also, through The Carbon Store they sell products to offset carbon and lessen your carbon footprint.