Micro of the Macro

Spirit Traditions

Looking back, this year feels like it’s lasted for eons. But from a different perspective, it also seems to have flown by. Do you know what I mean? Does it seem possible that the little ones, at least in some areas, will be trick-or-treating next weekend? I find it hard to believe.

There have been times that I haven’t celebrated the autumn and winter holidays. For years, I was hung up on the over-commercialization and materialism of it all, and therefore, I had no desire to take part. But one of the things covid has taught me is that time with friends and family should not be taken for granted. Traditions should be celebrated and relationships should be cherished.

According to Frank Sonnenberg, an award-winning author who was recently named one of America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders, Traditions represent a critical piece of our culture. They help form the structure and foundation of our families and our society. They remind us that we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become. He goes on to say that traditions reinforce values such as selflessness and responsibility, provide a sense of belonging, and give us an opportunity for reflection while making memories with loved ones.

The American Halloween tradition originated with our Celtic ancestors about 2000 years ago. Their new year began on November 1, and they believed the ghosts of the dead returned to earth the night before. To commemorate, the Celts built sacred bonfires, wore costumes, and engaged in fortune-telling. Over the centuries, the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church both played roles in changing some of the meaning and customs of the celebration. In the US, due in part to religious beliefs, Halloween did not become popular nationally until late in the 19th century, when millions of Irish migrated to this country to flee the potato famine.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an annual holiday celebrated on November 1 & 2 by those of Mexican heritage. (It is, however, gaining popularity in this country, as I’ve taken part in its celebration in 3 states over the years.) I’ve read there is no crossover between Dia de los Muertos and Halloween, but there are many similarities. In the Mexican holiday, it is believed that spirits of the dead are allowed to return to their homes for 24 hours, and it is celebrated with parades, special foods, costumes, and lovingly designed altars filled with skulls, flowers, and pictures of the deceased. According to the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Dia de los Muertos is a day set aside for families and communities to honor ancestors and loved ones, while celebrating the cycle of life.

Ah, yes, the cycle of life. Like every living thing on Earth, we have a life cycle. Each stage in the human life cycle presents specific challenges for experiencing, learning, and loving, in preparation for the next stage. This ties in with Sonnenberg’s statement, (Traditions) remind us that we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become. Traditions are an important part of our life cycles.

Don’t let covid take away your traditions. Make modifications as necessary for safety, ignore the commercialization as best you can, and make happy memories with family and friends. The visiting spirits of your deceased loved ones will appreciate it.

Blessings for Halloween & Dia de los Muertos,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

Southwestern Stuffed Peppers with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce

If you’ve tried stuffing bell peppers and found the process tedious, or the peppers get too soft or not soft enough, this recipe is for you. Until I ran across the precursor for the recipe below, I had stopped making them. Too much effort yielding a so-so result is not a good formula for me. I want (relatively) easy and super yummy!

My stuffed peppers are of course made without meat or cheese, and to be honest, I can’t remember how the meat- & cheese-filled peppers taste. I am willing to bet that you will absolutely love this recipe, though, if you are a fan of Southwestern cuisine.

Are they healthy? You bet. The bells are loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C, with good amounts of Vitamin A, B6, folate, fiber, and potassium. According to The World’s Healthiest Foods website, the nutrients in bell peppers are shown to reduce oxidative stress, and can thereby reduce your risk for heart disease and blood sugar issues.

As for quinoa, according to Dr. Josh Axe, a functional medicine practitioner & clinical nutritionist, it is considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It also has a mother load of nutrients, including protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, tons of minerals, and antioxidants. It has been shown to support bone health, staving off osteoporosis, which is so common among older adults (especially women.)

What’s more, both bell peppers and quinoa support weight loss. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get to cooking!

The inspiration for this dish came from a recipe by Jordan Cord at thefitchen.com. Thanks, Jordan!

Yield: 5-6 servings

Ingredients (Use all organic and/or non-GMO if possible)
2 cups water
1 cup uncooked red or tri-colored quinoa, rinsed well
1 medium onion, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 green chilis, seeds removed & diced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chipotle powder
1 cup frozen corn, defrosted by running under cold water a bit, drained
1 cup small-diced zucchini
5-6 bell peppers, various colors, tops removed & reserved; seeds &
ribs removed & discarded
A little avocado oil for the baking pan (or line with aluminum foil)
1/2 avocado
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves & stems
1 small garlic clove, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1/8 tsp salt, or to taste
3 tbsp water, or as needed for sauce consistency

Directions

Place the first 8 ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer for about 12 minutes. Stir in corn & zucchini. Replace lid & cook another 8 – 10 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. (If after 25 minutes the water is not fully absorbed, you can drain it.) Remove from heat and set aside.

Heat the oven to 415 F. After removing the stems, small-dice the bell pepper tops reserved earlier. Stir into the quinoa mixture. Stuff each pepper with the mixture and place upright on a lightly-oiled baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes.

In a small blender or food processor, add the final 7 ingredients. Whirl into a smooth sauce, adding more water and salt to desired consistency & taste.

After removing the baked peppers from the oven, top with the sauce, squeezed through the snipped corner of a plastic food storage bag to make it really pretty!

I like to serve these with thickly-sliced cremini mushrooms that have been sautéed for a few short minutes in olive oil & fresh garlic, with a sprinkling of chili powder, salt, & crushed red pepper. Enjoy!

Forgive? Why Should I?

It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself . . . Forgive everybody. ~Maya Angelou

Valerie Kauer is a civil rights lawyer, author of SEE NO STRANGER: A Memoir & Manifesto of Revolutionary Love, and an award-winning filmmaker. In a very popular TED Talk, Valerie tells a heart-wrenching story about the first post-September 11 hate crime, the murder of a Sikh family friend whom she called Uncle, by a man who called himself Patriot. Years after the crime, Valerie accompanied the brother of the deceased to the prison where Patriot was detained. They spoke with the murderer, who expressed sorrow, saying when he gets to Heaven to be judged by God, he will ask to see the man he killed, hug him, and ask his forgiveness. To this, the brother responds, “We’ve already forgiven you.” Hearing those words melts me. I don’t believe there could be a more loving, generous, empathic statement he could make to the murderer of his brother. Valerie concludes the story with the idea, “Forgiveness is not forgetting. Forgiveness is freedom from hate.” And, freedom from hate, she continues, grants us the ability to see those that harm us not as monsters, but as wounded, threatened, and insecure, with their own sad stories.

Forgiveness is a practice that doesn’t come easy. It can take incredible effort to let go of hard feelings toward someone who has wronged us, especially if they have taken someone or something away from us. I was intrigued when I first learned that the process of forgiveness benefits me (the forgiver) more than the person that I need to forgive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. ~Francis of Assisi

The Aramaic meaning of the term forgiveness is to let go, to cut loose (as in a tied animal), to release, to leave physically & psychologically. So you see, going through this challenging practice allows you to let go of – to cut loose – the hardness of heart, resentment, and darkness you’ve been harboring, sometimes for years.

Forgiveness results in many benefits that affect us (the forgivers) mentally, physically, & spiritually, within families, communities, and nations, according to The New Science of Forgiveness, from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine. In addition to diminishing negative emotions in general, the act of forgiving has been found to reduce stress, blood pressure & heart rate, improve immune function, and lessen or eliminate feelings of being out of control. In middle-agers, it has also been reported to reduce feelings of nervousness and restlessness.

An article from Mayo Clinic, Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness clearly states, “. . . If you don’t practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays . . . By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.” The article goes on to say that the act of forgiving is not the equivalent of excusing or forgetting, nor does it mean reconciliation is required.

Reconciliation doesn’t even need to be considered. In a PDF entitled Forgiveness Counseling Guide, created by Dallas Baptist University’s Counseling Center, it is suggested, “If the person who has hurt you is unsafe (such as an individual who is emotionally, verbally, or physically abusive) or contributes to unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in your life then reconciliation may not be wise . . .” As a matter of fact, the other person doesn’t need to know you’ve forgiven him/her, and frankly might not care. Again, the process is one to benefit you.

Forgiveness is (practiced) for yourself because it frees you. It lets you out of that prison you put yourself in. ~Louise L. Hay

Long ago, I read a quote that went something like this: Not forgiving is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Recently, when I went online to find the source, I found many variations on the statement from writers, celebrities, activists, and others. After searching a little longer, I found information that the idea may have originated with the great Religious Science leader and writer Emmet Fox during the early part of the last century. This idea resonates strongly with me. I’ve realized in retrospect that some of the hardest times I’ve gone through with an individual were made more difficult for me by feelings of resentment toward that person that I had been holding on to, sometimes for decades. By forgiving and releasing those hurts, they become a part of my past, and therefore don’t find their way into new situations.

I want to gift you with a simple tool that I shared with my workshop participants years ago. We’ve all heard that journaling is a great tool for personal release and mental health in general. That also applies to the process of writing a letter (that you’ll never send) to someone who wounded you. Here’s the format:

In the first paragraph, BLAST THEM! Curse them, let them know how deeply they hurt you, how angry you are, etc. Don’t hold back! This first paragraph can be as long as you need it to be – even pages.
After that big purge, close your eyes, breathe deeply for a couple minutes, and imagine exhaling all the residual sludge from the experience.
In the next paragraph, write about the lessons you have learned as a result of your suffering, as well as your desire to let go and forgive. (This part can be directed to yourself if necessary, remembering that the practice is for your benefit.)
When the letter is complete, read it from beginning to end. Take some time to appreciate the progress you have made/are making in such a difficult situation.
Lastly, when you’re ready, either rip the letter into tiny pieces or burn it (carefully!) as you repeat to yourself, I am letting this go: it will no longer have a hold on me. I am grateful.

Before closing, I’d like to mention the idea of forgiving yourself. Personally, I’ve found that forgiving myself along with those that hurt me is often a necessary component for truly letting go. (We often play some part in our trials with others, right? Of course, this doesn’t always apply: abused children and elders, for example, may be helpless and blameless.) If you go through the letter process above and don’t feel any relief, consider forgiving yourself, which may in fact be the most difficult part of the process. (I forgive myself for my role in this situation, and I let go of all hard feelings. Repeat, dozens of times if necessary, until you feel a shift.)

The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world. ~Marianne Williamson

In a world divided by race, class, religion, and other walls, forgiveness and its resulting empathy can be very useful tonics. Applying the practice to our own lives can result in increased love & understanding, better physical & mental health, and improved interactions within families & communities. Applying our forgiveness practice out in the world can serve us all in ways yet unimagined.

Blessings for Forgiveness,

Lisa

10 Little-Known Coping Strategies for Depression

You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the world there is no (one) exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed, there has never been a (person) like you . . . You have the capacity for anything. ~Pablo Casals

Every time I see the above quote I first read in a book by the inspiring Pam Grout, I can’t move on without reading the quote a second, and sometimes a third time. It speaks a truth so often forgotten: each of us is one-of-a-kind with tremendous potential. Nobody else will ever be able to share your specific gifts the way you can. And the world needs your special gifts, now more than ever. Rather than celebrating the benefits of individuality, however, media and society downplay its merits and mandate that we act and think like everyone else. What a pity our self perception has become so twisted. Reading the Casals quote opens my heart and lifts my spirits. Every cell in my body seems to shout in unison, that describes us perfectly! Let’s read it again and bathe in this delicious Truth a little longer!

The words of that quote are a go-to for me when I’m feeling down. Since the start of the covid outbreak, I’ve found it necessary to keep my thoughts on the present moment and focus on my blessings more than usual. (Hopefully, these are habits I’ll maintain after our covid reality disappears!) From the many articles and social media posts I’ve read related to depression, anxiety, and suicide, I believe a lot of us are struggling daily. Although I’ve never been clinically depressed, I socially isolated and subsisted for the better part of a year on red wine and Haagen Dazs while witnessing the end of the world I had known. (Read my story here.) I have great empathy for those who struggle with feelings of darkness, and I’d like to offer a few coping tips, from both my personal experience as well as scientific findings on Nature. If you are working with a doctor and taking meds, please don’t stop. Just give some of these ideas a whirl in addition. (Oh, and a tip: I find that when starting something new or doing something tough, scheduling it on my daily planner helps me remember and be more consistent.)

Savor the feeling of each compliment you receive and the pleasure associated with admiring beauty for at least 20 seconds. According to Marci Shimoff, NYT bestselling author of Happy for No Reason, this creates new neural pathways, making it a little easier to access and experience those feelings regularly.

Do a news fast. If you’re like me, you react to the news of our horrific state of affairs with a furrowed brow & an overwhelming sense of fear, and that heaviness follows you around all day, affecting your thinking and conversations. Go for a few days or weeks without exposing your heart and mind to news reporting. You will be amazed at how much lighter you’ll feel!

Listen to music that you enjoyed at a time when you felt really good about yourself and thought you had the world by the tail! Music has the ability to take us back to a totally different mindset. For me, that music includes Stevie B, TKA, Lisa Lisa, Prince, Janet Jackson, Boston, The Scorpions, Toto, and REO Speedwagon. What is some of your world-by-the-tail music?

Seek out a reason to laugh every day – watch a funny movie, relish in playtime with your pet, listen to a stand-up comic, play a socially-distanced game with friends. Christiane Northrup, MD, author of The Power of Joy – How the Deliberate Pursuit of Pleasure Can Heal Your Life, says that our very design predisposes us to seek pleasure, and the experience of joy makes us healthier, smarter, and even younger.

Spend some time outdoors. Many of us are now spending more time inside our homes than ever before. The human body has evolved over the past 5 million years in an environment nothing like our homes, offices, or cars. According to the author of Brain Food, Lisa Mosconi, who has PhDs in both neuroscience and nuclear medicine, 99% of the time humans have spent on earth have been as hunter-gatherers, therefore, outside, active, and in relation to others. (By the way, take a guess where I was when I had an epiphany that would end my wine and ice cream habit & totally change my life? I was outside.)

Get some exercise. In the article Exercise and Mental Health: Many Reasons to Move, from the journal Neuropsychobiology, it is suggested that overwhelmingly, scientific findings are linking successful brain function with regular exercise. And successful brain function can mean less lethargy, fewer dark thoughts, and decreased anxiety.

Eat more colorful, non-GMO fruits & vegetables. According to Dr. Zach Bush, an internationally-recognized physician specializing in internal medicine, endocrinology and hospice care, genetically-modified gluten (found in grains like wheat, rye, & barley) opens the tight junctions in our guts, resulting in tiny particles of food escaping. These escaped particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation, which leads to depression, dementia, and other brain issues. On another note, eating more real food and less processed food upgrades the microbiome, which can manipulate the brain’s reward center and our mood. For more on the critical importance of the microbiome, check out this article.

Check in with yourself constantly regarding your hydration needs. According to Gina Bria, coauthor of Quench: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through the New Science of Optimum Hydration even a 1.4% rate of dehydration results in brain shrinkage, which leads to memory loss and other cognitive issues. Shrunken brain, it turns out, is a common condition in Alzheimer’s patients. (For more on hydration, go here.)

Read something that you find inspirational, even if it’s one page a day. Filling your thoughts with good stuff is super important! Want suggestions? How about poetry by Rumi, a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, a Gregg Braden book, or the writing of the author who first introduced me to the quote at the start of this article, Pam Grout?

Learn something new. It will give you a sense of pride, as well as something new to think and talk about!

It’s easy to get carried away by the dark, gloomy current of this covid reality, especially if your mood and mindset were challenged by depression before the virus appeared. Finding little ways to better cope can make a huge difference. I do hope you’ll give some of these suggestions a go. And of course, I’d love to hear in the comments if you do!

Blessings for Love & Light,

Lisa

Sunshine Blogger Award Nomination

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to bloggers who inspire positivity and creativity while spreading sunshine in the blogging community. Nonso the Writer has graciously nominated me for this award. Thank you, Nonso! If you’re unfamiliar with him, this is how Nonso describes his pursuits: “Writing is art, an expression of oneself. This art I intend to share with the world through the creation of evergreen write-ups, fuelled by quantified and qualified research facts. By this, I express myself wholeheartedly.” And write from the heart he does, primarily on social issues. Check him out – you will like what you read!

Update: Benjamin Grossman also nominated me for this award in July of 2021. If you’re not familiar with his work, he is a lovingly hopeless romantic that specializes in writing poetry. Thanks, Benjamin!

The Sunshine Blogger Award Rules:

Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated you.
Nominate 11 people, notify them, & ask 11 new questions.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award photo in your post.

Questions from Nonso

When was your toughest time blogging?

Getting started was tough because setting up the blog site was all new to me and sometimes frustrating.

2. If you look back to the beginning, would you say you’ve achieved a lot?

I have made new friends and shared writings and photos that others appreciate, so yes, I am happy with what I’ve achieved.

3. Any obstacles faced by blogging? If yes, explain.

I sometimes work on a post (or 2 or 4!) for the week, only to discover that it doesn’t feel right to share at that time, so at the last hour, I’m faced with starting anew.

4. How does your inspiration come?

I am inspired by witnessing natural beauty and acts of lovingkindness, as well as learning about scientific findings that prove Nature is our best healer: mind, body, and soul.

5. Asides blogging, what else do you do (leisure or business)?

I love to learn, travel, cook, hike, bike, climb, do yoga, photograph Nature, & watch wildlife.

6. Who’s your favorite blogger and why?

I am inspired by many bloggers who share incredible photos, quotes, poetry, travel info, short stories, & thought-provoking articles.

7. The country with the most views on your blog?

On most days, the US leads, but at least once a week, India.

8. Are you more creative at night or during the day? Or you’re fluid?

Hmmmmm, I’m not really sure. I reserve time for writing first thing in the morning. But at night, I sometimes come up with important ideas, or I’ll have a realization of something I feel is crucial to an ongoing post, project or personal situation.

9. What’s blogging like to you?

To me, blogging is an opportunity to share the ideas I feel are important, as well as my travel photos. In the process, I’ve connected with many other bloggers around the world whose friendship & support inspires me!

10. Do you ever go back to your previous posts? How do you feel about them?

I do occasionally review older posts, and most of the time, I feel they’re ok. Although, sometimes, I feel I could have done better!

11. What’s your opinion about life?

Life is a big, beautiful, mysterious experience that is often taken for granted when we get bogged down in a less-than-delightful routine. (It is so much more than working, acquiring, and paying bills, although that narrow mindset seems to be prevalent.) Life is an opportunity to become rich in spirit, knowledge, experiences, relationships, and connection with Nature. It is a gift for which we should assume a sacred responsibility.

My Nominees

Over the past month, out of the 23 bloggers I’ve nominated for the Liebster Award, the Small Joys Tag, and the Great Achiever Mahasiddhi Blogger Award, only 4 have acknowledged my nomination, and 2 of those respectfully declined. Therefore, I nominate all inspiring members of the blogging community, contingent upon acceptance!

Questions to Those Accepting my Nomination

Outside of your family/home, name 1 thing you do to demonstrate lovingkindness.
Do you spend time admiring Nature?
Do you have pets? Name 1 funny thing they do.
When were you last generous with your words and/or resources?

Do you feel forgiveness is important for peace and happiness?
How often do you laugh?
What is your favorite vegetable? Fruit?
Are you aware that the health of your gut & its microbes determines your ability to lose weight? (It also has a strong influence on your mood, motivational level, and the health of your organs, including your brain.)
In addition to blogging, what are your other creative pursuits?
What is one of your favorite Nature scenes?
In your opinion, what is the most important thing brought to light by the pandemic?

Again, Nonso, I appreciate your kindness. This award is sweet!

Blessings for Sunshine,

Lisa 🌞

Great Achiever Mahasiddhi Blogger Award Nomination

I am happy to share that I have been nominated for the Great Achiever Mahasiddhi Blogger Award by the award’s designer, Kamal Shrestha! From his post describing the award, “I am from a birthplace of Gautam Buddha who enlightened many parts of the world in his lifetime by his wisdom and knowledge of equanimity, or peace of mind which is achieved by detaching oneself from the cycle of craving that produces trouble.” I am delighted to have been chosen to share in an award that continues the work of this spiritual leader by helping bring peace and environmental concerns front and center. Thank you, Kamal – I am honored by your nomination!

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. ~Mahatma Gandhi

In addition to the idea of animal treatment in Gandhi’s quote above, my feeling is that the treatment of all living things could be included. The ideas of peace and caring for the environment are inseparable in my estimation. By taking care of the earth and all the life that She supports, including humans, other animals, trees, flowers, etc., we:

1. Position ourselves & our vibrations (which show up in all aspects of our personal creations) on the side of love, empathy, & responsibility for that which sustains us

2. Reciprocate the benefits gifted us (usually without our awareness) by plants and animals (for more on this, please check out my posts on Trees, Wildflowers, and Animals)

3. Set the stage for more peaceful weather patterns, rather than the ravages of the last few decades.

Rules & Regulations

1. Thank the person who nominated you and share a link to their blog.

2. Create a post of the award with a statement on the concept of peace & environment.

3. Tag your post with #greatachiever.

4. Share the rules and regulations.

5. Ask 7 questions of your choice. Your questions must include the concepts of peace and environment.

6. Nominate 7 or more fellow bloggers and notify them.

7. Visit & follow @kamalsbloggingcafe (https://kamalsbloggingcafe.wordpress.com) for more details and to secure a badge for certification of GAMBA WORDPRESS SHINING STAR AWARD for PEACE & SAVE ENVIRONMENT.

Kamal’s Questions

How can you be a good blogger as a member of WordPress Global Village?

I believe writing from the heart results in good content, and respectfully networking with other bloggers creates a true sense of community.

2. Could you please define a word “PEACE” from your point of view?

My definition of peace is a state of mind attained by following your heart in all decision-making to help you become the best version of yourself, thereby avoiding the need to constantly compete, compare, and grasp for material things, power, and addictive substances/activities. (And when you slip & make a bad decision, forgive yourself quickly and continue on with your heart-centered life!)

3. How can we save a tree?

Recycle, reuse, repurpose. In my house, when we print something in error, we save the paper and use the back for grocery lists, to do lists, etc. We save (lightly-used) gift bags to use again. We utilize reusable grocery bags. And at Christmas, to avoid cutting down a tree, we will decorate a pine tree just outside our window. (Our neighbors do this lovely gesture each year!)

4. Do you think human trafficking is still a crosscutting issues?

Absolutely. There are signs in post offices in the Northeastern US warning about human trafficking.

5. What thing do you sacrifice to make a happy family environment?

Time and energy; but I wouldn’t call it sacrificing as much as sharing, which all members do (or might consider doing!) to contribute to a happy family unit.

6. Which animal do you like most? Why?

I am a lover of all animals!

7. What do you think about the journalist or YouTubers?

I enjoy a lot of journalists and Youtubers. When reporting “news,” I believe they have a responsibility to either present the truth, or make it obvious that their presentations are fictional.

8. Is a movie-star play a vital role to aware most of the people around the world or just they present their performance to earn money?

Celebrities have a great platform from which to encourage kindness to our fellow man, responsibility for the Earth, and other positive endeavors, and so many of them are doing just that.

My Nominees

Questions to my Nominees

Do you believe the intensity of recent wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters have anything to do with the rate at which the Earth is being raped and pillaged for profit?

Is it your opinion that humans can have meaningful communication with other animals?

Do you plant or care for trees or flowers?

How do you define inner peace?

What small actions do you take to help improve the crisis we are currently living due to environmental degradation?

Do you think traveling is important to the planet & human race? Why?

Do you feel it is important to spend time outside? Why?

Congratulations to my nominees, and I look forward to reading your posts! Thank you again, Kamal, this nomination means a lot to me!

Blessings for Peace & Environmental Love,

Lisa

Small Joys Tag Nomination

I am pleased to share with you that my friend Noorien Misbha has nominated me for the Small Joys Tag. It’s an honor to be recognized by this young, beautiful soul who displays wisdom beyond her years. If you’re not familiar with Noorien’s blog, Gowriteandexplore, please pay her a visit! She composes thought-provoking poetry and shares opinions, a little silliness, and other heartfelt musings. In addition to showcasing her talent on her blog, Noorien shares sweet comments on my posts. I truly appreciate you, Noorien!

Rules of this Tag

Thank the blogger who nominated you.
List fifteen of your small joys.
Nominate Five other Blogger Friends who bring you joy. (And notify them of the nomination.)

*A friend made alongside a hiking trail in Wyoming*

My Small Joys (in no particular order)

Sunshine on my face & fresh air in my lungs
Viewing animals in their natural habitat
Monsoon sunsets & star-filled night skies of the Southwestern US

Wildflowers & blooming trees
Breathtaking landscapes & seascapes
Walking barefoot on a beach
Nature photography
Exploring (on foot, online & in books)

*Aspens getting ready for fall, Inner Basin Trail, Northern Arizona*

Writing & sharing my nature photos
Learning
Listening to music
Chatting with friends (including bloggers) & family
Getting things organized
The smell of roasting coffee beans
Preparing and eating fresh, delicious, nutritious vegan meals

My Nominees
Per the tag rules, I could choose only 5. If permitted, I would have chosen 100 fellow bloggers, because so many of you bring me joy! Please show some love to the following. They are most joyful!

Again, I am so appreciative of you, Noorien!

Blessings for Joy,

Lisa

Liebster Award Nomination

I am very happy to share that I have been nominated for the Liebster Award by tkbrownwriter. Our blogging community is vast, composed of good folks producing lots of great content. I feel blessed to be a part of it. It is heartwarming to be recognized by a fellow blogger for my efforts. Thank you, TK, for this honor.

TK is a great writer of poetry, devotionals, and interesting articles. From TK’s About Page: “I started writing poetry when I was five years old. I had gone to Sunday School and learned about Jesus. I wrote a poem of five or six lines. I do not remember what I wrote, only that I wrote. . . . I continued to write as I traveled through life. Three children and seven grandchildren later, I am finally becoming a published poet.” A fabulous accomplishment, TK! If you haven’t already, please check out tkbrownwriter. You’ll enjoy what you read.

*Balloons, balloons, everywhere balloons! At the annual festival in Albuquerque, NM.*

The Liebster Award is a way for someone in our community to bring attention to relatively new bloggers who create content deemed worthy of a broader audience. The meaning of the German word Liebster includes these concepts: kind, lovely, pleasant, valued, endearing, and welcome.

Rules for the Liebster Blogger Award:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and give a link to her or his blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions asked of you.
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers.
4. Ask your nominees 11 questions.
5. Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your post.

TK’s Questions:

What is your favorite genre to read and why?

I’m primarily a non-fiction reader because I enjoy learning about the bridge of science & spirituality, foods, travel, and human & planetary health.

What color best describes you as a person and why?

Green. All shades. Environmental concerns are of utmost importance to me.

If travel into outer space were as simple as traveling around the world, where would you go and why?

To Venus, because she’s my ruling planet.

Is the statement, “Black Lives Matter” racist?

No.

Is the statement, “All Lives Matter” racist?

No.

Why did you answer questions 4 and 5 as you did?

Bringing attention to the marginalization of black communities with the Black Lives Matter statement is not racist; it is bluntly informative. In the United States, there has never been a doubt that white lives matter, as the attitude of white privilege has prevailed since the country was “discovered” by Europeans. In my opinion, the statement All Lives Matter was formed as a response to the BLM statement by whites who are simply unaware of the depths of inequity, negligence, and disenfranchisement suffered by the majority of black communities at the hands of white power from the time of colonization. The current BLM movement provides us with a tremendous opportunity for education and setting things right.

Whom have you considered your most important role model and why?

I can’t say that I have a single role model. I am in awe of prophets, civil rights leaders, animal rights advocates, and those who work on behalf of the planet. I admire ministers who promote love more than dogma, regenerative farmers, medical workers who are not afraid to go against protocol to help a patient, and folks who assist with disaster relief. I have an appreciation for the parents, teachers, policy makers, and community organizers who work from a sense of moral compass with a genuine desire to do good. Generally, I hold in highest esteem those who lovingly engage in doing the right thing for themselves and the collective.

Why do we have parents?

Parents create space for us and bring us into this reality. Our interactions with them, both aligning and resisting, inform us in life-long guidance. Oftentimes, parents present us with opportunities to experience unconditional love as well as forgiveness, the importance of which cannot be overestimated.

What is most important: to have peace of mind or to have a million dollars?

Peace of mind, undoubtedly.

What does writing do for you personally?

Writing allows me to share information that might inspire others to act on behalf of the greater good (which can mean helping oneself feel better by eating healthier, planting a tree, traveling to new lands, etc.) Using my gifts with an intention of contributing to a better world is uplifting to me.

Do you engage in the visual arts (i.e., painting, sketching, sculpting)? If so, which?

Nature photography

My Liebster Award Nominees:

I encourage each of you reading this post to check out these blogsites. They are truly outstanding!

Questions to My Nominees:

Which do you do more: listen to music or watch tv?
Does climate change concern you? Why or why not?
How much time do you spend in nature?
Do you believe our pets understand us?
How often do you have a meat-free & dairy-free meal?
How often do you cook?
Do you plant or care for trees or flowers?
How important do you feel travel is, and why?
Name one thing the pandemic has taken away that you look forward to resuming.
Do you engage in forgiveness, for yourself and for others?
Do you believe that your thoughts help create your reality?

Congratulations to all of my nominees! Of course, feel free to elaborate on any of these questions!

Again, I extend my deepest gratitude to you, tkbrownwriter, for my nomination!

Community Blessings,

Lisa

Wildflowers: Resilience, Beauty and Grace

*On The Mesa in northern New Mexico, with the foothills of the Rocky Mountains & a Buddhist temple in the background*

I must have flowers, always, and always. ~Claude Monet

I first fell in love with wildflowers on a trip to Taos, NM. The first couple times I visited, drought conditions prevailed, and I remember hand-written signs hanging all over the little hostel encouraging water conservation. But a couple years later, the drought ended (unbeknownst to me) and I returned to discover incredible displays of wildflowers all over the northern part of the state. It was unlike anything I’d ever witnessed, and my deep appreciation for these beauties was born.

*Just outside Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado*

Since that time, I have become a seeker of wildflowers. Anywhere I travel now, I look for them, even if they can be found only in small patches. I believe their resilience and willingness to tenderly reveal themselves after years of enduring drought is a spiritual act, one that we humans can reflect on and learn from.

Where flowers bloom so does hope. ~Lady Bird Johnson

*On a hiking trail inside Joshua Tree National Park in California*

Not only do wildflowers delight our senses, but they serve practical purposes as well. According to an article from the US Dept of Agriculture’s US Forest website, wildflowers support entire ecosystems for pollinators, birds, and small animals on a micro scale. Butterflies and other insects, small birds, and animals depend on seeds, nectar, and pollen for their food supply and life support system.

*Lupine among the aspens, alongside Kachina Trail in Northern Arizona*

Like many parts of the Southwest, Northern Arizona is often strewn with wildflowers, especially during monsoon season. I went to buy some native seeds to plant around my house earlier this year, but the nursery was sold out! It seems a lot of us are planting seeds during this pandemic. An article from Mother Earth News, The Benefits of Growing Wildflowers, says Wildflowers are as much the heartbeat of our planet as the oceans. All living creatures interact with wildflowers whether they know it or not. For 130 million years, wildflowers have blessed the earth with their amazing skill sets and stunning beauty . . . They freely bestow upon us a grace that helps sustain all of life. Therefore, planting native species, the article goes on to say, is most advantageous. I’ll be sure to get to the nursery earlier next year!

*In the Mojave Desert, Southern California*

The Amen of nature is always a flower. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

What are your favorite wildflowers? Have you planted any native species? I’d love to learn the names of the ones unlabeled in the pictures of this article. If you’re familiar with them, please don’t be shy – share your knowledge!

Wildflowers are beautiful and beneficial creations. They help ensure the survival of pollinators, and therefore, humans. What a debt of gratitude we owe them for their willingness to reveal their tender beauty, sometimes after years of drought, in an effort to help sustain life!

*On the coast of Big Sur, California, with a very vocal little bird!*

People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy . . . to have such things about us. ~Iris Murdoch

Blessings for Wildflower Love,

Lisa

For the Love of Animals

We are born into this world with a love for animals. As babies, we share the same innocence and many similar vulnerabilities. As we grow, we often have animal playmates that grow alongside us. I’ve met many service dogs who regularly visit nursing home residents. I’ve known cats living in a hospice facility that won’t leave the room of a patient who is very sick or dying. I have witnessed horses who adore their owners and caregivers. And, as a small child, I felt a loving kinship with our cows, pigs, and chickens, and sensed that love returned. Animals seem to embody a spirit of loving oneness with us.

In a study done in 2012, researchers at the University of London found that dogs are more likely to approach an individual who is weeping than one who is simply talking. The submissiveness they display in these situations indicates that they have a primitive understanding of human distress, according to the study. I have experienced this sort of behavior first-hand, but from a cat, surprisingly! Have you witnessed this type of behavior from an animal?

Compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character, and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man. ~ Arthur Schopenhauer

As mentioned in my first post on animals, 69 scientific studies on human-animal interaction reviewed by The National Center for Biotechnology Information show that interacting with animals can be quite therapeutic. Some of the benefits shown in these studies include improved mood & behavior; reduced stress, fear & anxiety; improved heart health & immune function; and reduced aggression. Over the past month, I have set up both a hummingbird feeder and a regular seeded feeder in our front yard. These precious (but sometimes possessive!) little birds have touched my heart in a way that brings back the sweetness of childhood. Watching them feed, I’m overcome with tenderness and exhilaration.

Is this a common effect of the pandemic, do you think? Have you made a deeper commitment to animals, or Nature in general, since the onset of the virus? Or do you know anyone who has?

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

What about eating animals: do you find that you’re eating fewer meats these days? I have seen many news articles over the past several months about how the popularity of fake meat items has boomed. According to the meat paradox, as discussed in an article from Current Directions in Psychological Science entitled The Psychology of Eating Animals, most people care about animals and do not want to see them harmed but engage in a diet that requires them to be killed and, usually, to suffer. What thoughts or feelings surface when you read that statement?

Before covid-19, I can’t remember ever hearing the word zoonotic. Now I’m seeing it used repeatedly. The term refers to diseases, like covid-19, that are spread from animals. According to Wikipedia, there is increasing evidence . . . that measles, smallpox, influenza, HIV, and diphtheria came to humans this way. Tuberculosis and even strains of the common cold, the article goes on to say, originated in animals. I’ve read information from several sources suggesting that the sad state of factory farming practices in this country could lead to more frequent outbreaks of zoonotic diseases. Can policy makers do nothing to protect us from these looming threats? In light of the many sacrifices we’ve made due to the pandemic (and who knows how much longer it will continue), shouldn’t this be a priority?

I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being. ~ Abraham Lincoln

We come into this world treasuring animals, but learning to disregard that love, at least for farm animals, often seems part and parcel to growing up. With all the benefits animals confer on us when they are loved and treated well, perhaps an examination of our current belief system is in order. Learning to embody the same sense of loving oneness they often display may very well contribute to not only our happiness but also our health and longevity.

Blessings for Animal Love,

Lisa

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