Living on this planet creates many challenges. Not the least of which is taking care of the world in which we live in to preserve the natural balance. It never ceases to amaze me how much the majority of people living on this Earth take for granted. How can one possibly believe that our fleeting existence on this ancient planet is more important than the rest of the creatures placed here to keep this world in balance? Every action has a reaction, and we are all responsible for the footprints we leave behind.

The one reality which stands out most in my mind, is how much wisdom went into the process of creating this world, and how much attention to detail our Creator (and the Creators helpers) put into creating such a wonderful and (to my thinking) magical balance. It is not all pretty, or very friendly, in the natural world, yet I get a feeling of wild wonder in viewing all that occurs without the interference of mankind. I do love to adventure out on my own, yet when I am not able to I like to hit the local library, or pop in a DVD. I am getting ready to check out Mother Earth Blu-ray 5-Pack (IMAX) [Blu-ray] from Amazon.

This is something I have had my eyes on, and so I figure I had better take the time to satisfy my Earth loving nature and soak up some nature scenes. According to the data I have collected, the Mother Earth Blue Ray Edition will take you on an amazing journey of beauty and wonder as never experienced before. Each title is independently produced to provide viewers with an up close and personal experience with our Mother Earth. Providing an understanding of our beautiful planet and the need to preserve it.

Titles included in this 10-Disc collection

Africa, The Serengeti
Alaska, Spirit of the Wild
Antarctica, An Adventure of a Different Nature
Ocean Oasis
Australia, Land Beyond Time

I will be sure to comment on my experience with these amazing DVD’s. I welcome all thoughts and comments from those who have had the pleasure of watching these as well. Nature deserves our courteous observance, and the little bit of energy it takes to walk softly and respectfully. Our Mother Earth is ancient, and we are not truly part of the Great Balance in nature. We are very lucky to have such a paradise to live in, and it is a shame how much damage humans have caused on this giant and wondrous garden we call Planet Earth. Let’s remember to create a space which enhances the natural world, instead of tearing apart and polluting that which gives us Life.

To find more places of beauty and wonder, you may wish to take a look at Planet Earth – The Complete BBC Series [Blu-ray]

Our fight to save the wild places, and those that inhabit the lands all around us, is still in full swing. We have much to do to turn around the devestation caused through neglect and natural disasters. Our future depends upon how well we Steward this planet, whether people are aware of this or not. Education is as important as bringing about awareness of our surroundings and the plights of the Animal Kingdom. Here is some news that I feel is vital to pass along…

As soon as tomorrow, President-elect Obama will give what is being billed as a major address on creating jobs and stimulating America’s economy.

Here’s a forward-looking, wildlife-friendly way that he and Congress can create tens of thousands of green jobs: Saving wolves, river otters and other imperiled wildlife and safeguarding our public lands.

Urge President-elect Obama and your U.S. Representative and Senators to support smart investment in wildlife conservation to create green jobs to protect endangered wildlife, habitat and public lands.

Investing in America’s conservation infrastructure could help…

• Keep local construction, electrical, landscape and other companies working throughout 2009;
• Provide the next generation of workers with the skills they need to lead a green revolution in our economy; and
• Support vital efforts to safeguard river otters, other imperiled wildlife, habitat and our national wildlife refuges, forests, monuments and other public lands.

In fact, America could put nearly 60,000 people to work within 90 to 180 days… all while protecting the wildlife, habitat and public lands that help make our country so special.

These projects are especially important in places like Louisiana’s Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, which was devastated by Hurricane Rita and is currently closed to the public.

The Refuge once hosted more than 280,000 visitors each year and is home to wildlife like river otters, American alligators, pelicans and egrets. But now Sabine is in dire need of repair. Clean-up and restoration efforts could create good local jobs that help Sabine’s wildlife.

And that’s just one example. Across the country, many national wildlife refuges and other public lands have been effectively shuttered as essential projects have been left unfunded and vital wildlife conservation staff positions left vacant.

Transportation projects can also provide great benefits to wildlife and local economies. Done properly, they can create jobs and reconnect wildlife habitat across highways to allow safe passage and help animals migrate in response to climate change and other pressures. 

For instance, building wildlife crossings like those proposed in Washington State’s Snoqualmie Pass would help animals like wolves, grizzly bears, cougar, elk and bobcats move safely through their habitat without endangering their lives — and those of motorists — by crossing the highway.

Take action to put Americans to work restoring essential wildlife habitat and our national wildlife refuges, forests, monuments and other public lands.

Projects to restore wetlands, reconnect habitat across highways, combat harmful invasive species, repair damaged watersheds, rehabilitate native forests and prairies, make facilities and buildings more energy efficient, and install alternative energy systems would have tangible benefits for imperiled wildlife and local communities. Many of these projects also would help wildlife adapt to climate change and reduce global warming pollution by making America more energy efficient.

Together, we can protect the natural legacy we’ll leave our children and grandchildren and put Americans to work. Please take action now to help put America on the right path forward.

For the Wild Ones,

Rodger Schlickeisen President Defenders of Wildlife

Well then, Happy New Year! It always gives me a sense of starting upon a new Journey when the Seasons change, and when the days start to become longer. Although we are having many real Winter moments of snow mixed with rain (we usually get mostly rain here in Oregon), I feel a freshness in my Spirit and am looking forward to each new moment with a spring in my step. I have a strong feeling that this year will bring many new changes around the Earth, and some will not be so good. Yet I am ready to walk forth with courage and am up to the sometimes overwhelming challenges we will need to face, and I shall keep my faith that we can save the wild places and creatures that the creator has placed beside and around us. I wish to explore this planet, and it is my goal to travel to new and beautiful places, enjoying many new adventures.

As I look back I am reminded of how far I have come in the past year, and this serves to encourage me to set new goals. Although I am still young, I am the Matron of my family and my actions serve to create a certain positive energy which flows to all of my family members. This is a great responsibility, yet there are so many teachings yet to evolve, and in these uncertain times we need to all be aware of what is at stake on this planet as a result from our actions. We cannot sit back and let fate just take its course… it is up to each of us to put forth our intentions in a good way and follow through. My warrior spirit guides me to honour and protect those around me, and I can do no less.

Human beings tend to fall into the trap of focusing inward, which is good at times to keep our bodies and spirits in balance, yet we need to focus on the world and happenings around us in order to help create the positive changes which will help us grow and develop as human beings. We all have choices to make as our path unfolds, and sometimes it is vital to take the harder path in order to encourage others to follow suit in honoring this planet and all her gifts. There is much peril and danger unfolding for humans as well as all the living beings that inhabit this world. Keeping our eyes open and our senses aware of the changes around us may spell the difference between life and death, or circumstances which are totally unacceptable to live with.

I will, as always, keep my thoughts and actions positive. In doing so I will be doing my own small part in creating a world in which Life on this planet is worth living. I will be aware of my surroundings and that which I am called forth to do in helping to restore the Balance. There will always be the good and the bad, the Ying and the Yang, as this is what the Balance means. Yet I am hopeful in bringing back the balance on this beautiful Mother Earth, as the balance has become distorted and there is more bad than good at this time. I do not wish to see this planet as only bad to help the Balance elsewhere in the Universe, as this is home to many billions of creatures who need to survive in a good way. We can all do our part if we set our minds and hearts to this task, as honourable stewards of this planet, before it is too late and the Earth decides to take matters fully into her own actions of cleansing.

So today I wish to set forth my intentions of staying alert to the changes around me, and stepping forth on my path with a good heart. I shall honour the true friends I meet as they help to Light my Path. May we each honour the Earth and walk softly on this wondrous and Sacred gift of a planet we have been placed upon to call home for such a short time. May each moment create a new feeling of Love for our fellow beings, and let us walk forth with excitement for just being alive!

Pilamaye,

Teri
~

I love walking barefoot as often as possible. And when I gather energy with Qigong, I practice outside in my bare feet. When we are at our Sundance ceremony we enter the shade arbor which surrounds the Tree, either in our bare feet or in natural leather moccasins, so we can connect to and feel the Earth’s energy as we sing and pray for the Earth and the People. It is no small wonder that indigenous people are so in tune with the Earth and the animals, as they understand how to utilize nature to be as one with their surroundings.

Little did I realize that wearing shoes with rubber soles contributes to the illnesses which plaque our bodies. Instinctively I have always understood how to connect with the Earth and her wonderful healing and protective energy, and this is perhaps one of the reasons I am so healthy. I truly must touch the Earth with my feet, or with my hands in my love of growing things. Have you ever wondered why you feel so good after soaking your feet in a cool stream or playing out in nature? I am always soothed after a walk through the woods, and generally we take our shoes off every chance we get.

You may wish to check out the following video to learn the shocking truth about how we are closing out the powerfully protective and healing energies of the Earth, just by putting on our shoes every time we go outside…

You may wish to take off your shoes and join the healthy people who know how to harness the power of the Earth and the energy which abounds all around us. Take a look at Eight Simple Qigong Exercises For Health – The Eight (8) Pieces of Brocade (YMAA) DVD

Essence of Mother Earth

*Note – Please do not copy without the express permision from the Author.

When I think of the American plains, I imagine the sweet grasses blowing in the wind, and the wild Buffalo roaming with their herds. The Buffalo are most Sacred to my people. They were placed here for some very good reasons, as they spread the seeds and fertilized the land. Once they provided food and materials for shelter and clothing for the peoples of this land. It is amazing to imagine how brilliantly the Creator of this world set things in motion so very long ago. From the tiniest microbe to the mightiest predator. Each living creature having a purpose, and given the chance to evolve in a natural way. To think that the beings who believe themselves most intelligent cannot see the widsom behind this, and are the ones destroying the balance so painstakingly created to maintain Life on this Earth. Such folly can be credited to a foolish, yet supposed intelligent race, when we should be providing good stewardship in caring for the environment. Nature knows how to do her job… why is it so hard to do ours?

Alas, it tears at my heart when I try to find good news to pass along to my readers. I mean, shouldn’t there be a Balance of as much good as bad? I know the saying goes ‘it is always darkest before the dawn’, yet must so much be destroyed before the Balance can be restored? Our songs and traditions speak of such a Beautiful and Bountiful land, yet when we look around, where has the bounty gone? And what are we doing to all the Beautiful places? What legacy are we truly leaving our children and future generations? Wow… I am feeling depressed about this walk, and that is not good. I am usually so optimistic in feeling I can make a difference, and days like this cause me to feel so helpless and small in the scheme of things. How can one small being such as myself even hope to make a dent in this daunting task?

Well then, I suppose I must pass along the news which prompted my sadness in this moment…

For years, BioGems Defenders have fought to halt the U.S. government’s systematic capture and killing of Yellowstone’s bison — better known as American buffalo — as they roam beyond the boundaries of the park in search of food during the harsh winter months. But this year the rate of slaughter has reached unprecedented proportions with more than 1,400 buffalo dead — fully 30 percent of the buffalo population. In response, the NRDC Action Fund, our partner organization, is mobilizing a massive outcry to stop the killing.

» Tell the National Park Service to stop the slaughter of Yellowstone’s wild buffalo.

I would like to think we can make a difference if we put our minds to it and work together. I truly would like to spread some good news in letting people know there is a safe, bountiful and beautiful place in which the remaining Buffalo may roam and grow plentiful once again.

Although I am mindful of this wonderful and beautiful Earth each and every day, today is as fine as any to create awareness. As folks celebrate world-wide, I send out my heartfelt prayers for the healing and preservation of this Sacred planet.

We lost a Great and Ancient tree to the machinations of modernization, just recently. My daughter and I have loved to walk a path through the trees near a river by our home. Along this path lived a beautiful Cottonwood tree, the largest I have ever seen, standing watch over all the smaller plants and trees nearby. Each time we passed this Ancient Spirit we would stop and touch it, giving a prayer of thanks for the air we breathe and the wonderful shade provided during hot days. Although we love all that is green and natural, this Ancient One held a special place in our hearts. It had been here for much longer than the ugliness of some places nearby, and brought a timeless beauty to this place.

Last week we were walking across the river from this favourite tree, and I stumbled when I looked to see this tree. I could not seem to catch my breath and tears came to my eyes. My daughter grew concerned and asked me what was wrong. When I could speak I pointed across the river with a heavy heart. Our dear and beautiful tree still stood, yet all of it’s branches had been cut off. This still-living tree was about to be cut down, for no reason that I could see. It was still healthy and strong! I felt the pain of this quite deeply, and was so sad!

We crossed the river the next day. I truly dreaded approaching the part of the path where this Great tree had lived for so long. It still stood, and I swear I could feel the pain of this poor tree as it stood, with all of its branches full of new life, lying in piles around it. My daughter was very sad as well and asked me why. Why had they done this to a tree in a place where nothing was to be built and the tree represented Life, and was no danger to folks walking? I do not know why… so I approached the tree and offered tobacco to the spirit of this Ancient One. I cried and prayed and asked forgiveness for man’s folly. We said goodbye to this wonderful tree that had given us such pleasure and comfort on our many walks. This place no longer brought me pleasure, and I am not certain we shall return. I prefer to stroll in the wild places that man has not touched.

Each day it is good to take time to honor Life, and all living things. We do not own this planet… we are just here for a little while. The Earth is Ancient, and generous in her gifts. It is only right to be thankful for what we have been blessed with, and to teach our children to be caring and thankful as well. This is part of the great Balance. So each day, let us promote Life by planting seeds, and nurturing our gardens and forests. Let us care for each other as well.

Here are a few helpful tips to get started…

Reduce – Reuse – Recycle; bring your reusable grocery totes. If you must buy disposables, buy paper products rather than plastic or Styrofoam. The manufacture of Styrofoam depletes the ozone layer.

Conserve water, waste not and fix leaks.

Use fewer harmful chemicals and pollutants, and dispose of them properly.

Try to use phosphate-free laundry and dish soaps.

Don’t use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand.

Save your kitchen scraps for the compost pile.

Boycott tuna or buy only “dolphin-safe”

Use Seafood Watch to choose seafood that’s good for you, and good for the oceans.

Volunteer your time to conservation projects.

Participate in stream and beach cleaning programs.

Become more involved in marine environmental issues.

Vote for candidates that share your sentiments.

Write your legislators when you have an opinion about pending legislation on environmental, land use and other issues.

Plant native, insect resistant, trees and shrubs in your backyard to provide food and shelter for birds and other creatures.

Pull weeds instead of using herbicides.. Learn about natural insect controls as alternatives to pesticides.

Use public transit.. Ride your bike or walk instead.. Drive a more gas efficient car.

As a woman, I am proud and honored to do what I may to present what it is to be a female in the World we live in today. We must remember to embrace that which makes up the essence of a woman, and bring about our full potential. As stewards of this planet we play many roles.

Every day, all over the world, women make countless choices that affect the environment. In their hands lie many decisions about the use of community resources – water for the household, land for agriculture, wood for heating and cooking, plants and animals for food and sale.

Yet women often lack the education to make responsible conservation decisions and are denied the resources and opportunities to control their own economic destinies. Without intervention, the cycle of poverty and inequality is repeated from mother to daughter.

Recognizing the different roles of women and men in natural resource management, WWF works with both groups to enhance their stewardship of the environment and improve livelihoods. Successful women’s programs include small business development, access to health services like family planning and maternal and child health, efficient and sustainable agriculture techniques and literacy programs.

WWF empowers women and girls – building a future where human needs are met in harmony with nature. Here are their stories…

~Today’s Girls – Tomorrow’s Leaders

~Biogas is Better – Jari Leads the Way

~Meet Shushma and Zahra 

Enjoy!

There is nothing like a delicious and highly nutritious cup of tea. Amongst my favourite herbal delights, drinking tea has got to be my top form of consuming natures finest. Not only for the wonderful aroma, which brings it’s own pleasure, yet the feeling tea gives me when I truly need a few moments of relaxation. Of course I have my own personal preferences, which include the lovely flavors of peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, chamomile, lemon grass, tila flowers, catnip, and hops, just to name a few. My daughter also has her own favourite… Madagascar Vanilla Red, which is made with rooibos and vanilla bean.

My family knows that I am quite enthusiastic when I recieve tea gift baskets. This is a form of giving that shows how much one cares, as it is a gift meant to pamper the person recieving the gift.

So, whether tea is offered and consumed in the form of ceremony or for the simple pleasure, remember that special person with a wonderful and lovely selection of tea gift baskets available for our own choosing.