Wednesday, August 22, 2012

lost time (not!)


"Don't think that you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is the right time." ~~post by a friend on facebook

Feeling a little lost and frustrated, seeing no way the dreams I have for my life can be brought to reality, the quote above -- in a rather synchronystic manner -- was one of a flurry of things that appeared on facebook, emails, and random reading I have been doing. As Doctorow suggested about writing a novel, I am stepping into my life the way one drives a car at night, seeing only as far as the headlights, "but you can make the whole trip that way."

I am continuing my journey by taking a course towards a Permaculture Design Certificate with Delvin Solkinson of Gaiacraft. The first class will be on the Sunshine Coast at the Heart Gardens in downtown Roberts Creek gathering at the Elfinhome Eco-education center behind the back door to the Gumboot Cafe.

Roberts Creek is only a short distance up the road from the town of Gibsons, where the television series The Beachcombers was set.

I have read a little about Permaculture and seen some fantastic videos on YouTube, of course. But really, I don't know what to expect from the course, besides being told by locals that Roberts Creek is considered a hippie haven from way back. I think that bodes well -- at least for the location!

editorial note, December 15, 2012: We celebrate the 40th anniversary of the show, the Beachcombers! Weird to see the actor Jackson Davies on local television in honour of the occasion.


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

jumping off (aka falling)


"The way of love is not
a subtle argument.

The door there
is devastation.

Birds make great sky-circles
of their freedom.
How do they learn it?

They fall, and falling,
they're given wings."
~~Rumi


Emotions close to the surface, my first day of the Permaculture Design course was difficult. From time to time, however, I did forget my fears and rise above the naggings of my fragile ego!

I savoured the smell of the sea, the warmth of the sun, touched smooth drift wood, walked on shattered shells and smooth tumbled pebbles on the beach.
A dying beach bonfire breathed ash and hinted of smoke.

In the forest, I stood on a spongy bed of life and death, smelled the sharp tang of cedar and lichen, in the middle of a fairy ring.

Stepping off a ledge, I met the firm shoulder of a co-traveller in the course, willing to lend support and a steadying touch.

What a gift I have managed to give myself! I am regaining my balance, my equilibrium. There is goodness, abundance and wildness left in the world, despite all the indoctrination I have resisted and rebeled against that would have had me believe otherwise.

Returning home, tired, I despaired over the state of the world again, only to be reminded by my friend Rolf, that it is not my job to carry the whole world on my shoulders, that the world is beautiful, and I am supported by the Universe.