This weekend I discovered that I'm at a tipping point in terms of my attempts to live an environmental lifestyle. All the reading and listening I've been doing; news reports on environmental issues; having taught a course on environmental issues; and watching the encouraging actions of friends and family are all coming together to push me over the edge from moderate environmentalist to eco-freak.
While I used to just carry bags for shopping, now I want to refuse to buy things if I don't have a bag.
While before I'd use disposable products when I ate out, I'm getting to the point where I will not buy food or eat it if I need to use a disposable plate, cup, etc. I carry my water bottle and mug with me almost anywhere, have a set of chopsticks and a stirring spoon in my purse, and am starting to carry tupperware with me for take-out food.
I'm really looking around at what I own and thinking of ways to purge all plastic (or most) plastics from my possessions. Not sure what to do about carrying around food containers yet.
When shopping, I'm starting to pass up food that has been shipped from a great distance and to generally always choose the organic or local option.
The majority of my clothing is now second-hand. I'm developing an aversion to buying clothes new (with the exception of shoes - I must admit). I am consciously mending holes in my socks rather than throwing them away.
I'm starting to want to make suggestions to people about environmental options
I may become obnoxious. But I also hope that I start to live a lifestyle that feels fully integrated - that I can feel happy and fulfilled by consciously, consistently making choices I can believe in.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Dangerous diversions
I feel I must own up to a pasttime that is rather ... on the edge. Not completely socially acceptable. Potentially illegal, definitely adrenalin-filled, and absolutely not responsible.
I love to dodge traffic.
As a fairly kinaesthetic individual, I've always enjoyed activities that get your whole body involved. Give me gymnastics or rock climbing or even charades over computer games any day (almost any day. Except when very tired). With this dangerous predisposition I moved to Russia, where dodging traffic is a way of life. There is no other way to cross those busy roads. And if I thought it was bad in Siberia, it's worse in Moscow. Dashing my way across 4 or more rows of moving cars - coming close enough to touch - well, for a busy woman on the move, it's just a way of life. Not to mention the mental and physical challenge of eluding these moving obstacles! It's a real-life video games.
I was on my way to meet a friend the other night and found myself blithely jay-walking through multiple lanes of traffic. And I must confess: the adrenalin and confidence I felt from successfully negotiating those vehicles put a spring in my step for the rest of the evening.
I love to dodge traffic.
As a fairly kinaesthetic individual, I've always enjoyed activities that get your whole body involved. Give me gymnastics or rock climbing or even charades over computer games any day (almost any day. Except when very tired). With this dangerous predisposition I moved to Russia, where dodging traffic is a way of life. There is no other way to cross those busy roads. And if I thought it was bad in Siberia, it's worse in Moscow. Dashing my way across 4 or more rows of moving cars - coming close enough to touch - well, for a busy woman on the move, it's just a way of life. Not to mention the mental and physical challenge of eluding these moving obstacles! It's a real-life video games.
I was on my way to meet a friend the other night and found myself blithely jay-walking through multiple lanes of traffic. And I must confess: the adrenalin and confidence I felt from successfully negotiating those vehicles put a spring in my step for the rest of the evening.
Monday, April 14, 2008
How to talk like an academic
Say you want to sound educated. Here are a few tips I've picked up from my latest round of participant observation in an academic environment.
#1: Switch up your prepositions. It's not just for second language learners anymore.
A normal person would say, "I want to talk about racism."
Someone giving a talk might up this with "I want to talk on racism."
Someone fully embedded in an academic environment, however, would let you know, "I want to talk to racism," thus emphasizing the dialectic nature of their interaction, showing how they engage with racism as a concept.
And finally, someone who wishes to emphasize not only her academic mind but also her identity as someone who has real life experience might offer, "I want to talk from inside racism."
You can see how tossing in a new preposition makes people stop and take notice!
#2: Break simple concepts apart into more complex parameters.
Let's say your newest hobby is cooking. Merely being into cooking isn't quite enough. Try talking about the distinction between the preparation for cooking; the cooking process; waiting while food cooks; serving; reflection on the meal. Consider your different modes of being in these different phases. Then talk about each as a separate, exclusive and vital form of the cooking process.
Repeat.
#3: Ask questions. Lots of them.
In fact, use statements only if you can follow them with a question. Add in phrases such as, "This is a very interesting perspective and it raises many questions for me." Or, "I wonder how this might apply in XYZ situation?"
#4: Choose your big word of the week and bring all discussion back around to it.
Choose a word like "critical," "inquiry," "marked," "intersubjectivity," or "inter-anything." This perspective will be very helpful in defining your particular niche perspective on the issue. And having a perspective is vital.
With these tips, you are guaranteed to ease into academic circles or simply friendly chat at academic parties.
Good luck to you!
#1: Switch up your prepositions. It's not just for second language learners anymore.
A normal person would say, "I want to talk about racism."
Someone giving a talk might up this with "I want to talk on racism."
Someone fully embedded in an academic environment, however, would let you know, "I want to talk to racism," thus emphasizing the dialectic nature of their interaction, showing how they engage with racism as a concept.
And finally, someone who wishes to emphasize not only her academic mind but also her identity as someone who has real life experience might offer, "I want to talk from inside racism."
You can see how tossing in a new preposition makes people stop and take notice!
#2: Break simple concepts apart into more complex parameters.
Let's say your newest hobby is cooking. Merely being into cooking isn't quite enough. Try talking about the distinction between the preparation for cooking; the cooking process; waiting while food cooks; serving; reflection on the meal. Consider your different modes of being in these different phases. Then talk about each as a separate, exclusive and vital form of the cooking process.
Repeat.
#3: Ask questions. Lots of them.
In fact, use statements only if you can follow them with a question. Add in phrases such as, "This is a very interesting perspective and it raises many questions for me." Or, "I wonder how this might apply in XYZ situation?"
#4: Choose your big word of the week and bring all discussion back around to it.
Choose a word like "critical," "inquiry," "marked," "intersubjectivity," or "inter-anything." This perspective will be very helpful in defining your particular niche perspective on the issue. And having a perspective is vital.
With these tips, you are guaranteed to ease into academic circles or simply friendly chat at academic parties.
Good luck to you!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Relationship
I think I'm moving into a new phase of emotional maturity. This one seems to be marked with increased appreciation of and attention to the diverse relationships in my life. While I still would be happy to find a great "relationship," of equal interest to me is growing and learning from all the forms of relationship in my life. After deciding to stay in Kelowna I have grown to appreciate more and more the people around me. My days are made delightful and rich through relationship with others. Connecting with old friends and new energizes me. Figuring out how to give back, and build those connections into something deeper, and see how it all coalesces into community is intensely exciting. Each person I can meet and love brings me joy. I feel blessed to be able to know and appreciate so many amazing people.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Hypermiling
I remembered! Last fall I came across a piece about a man who could get insane gas mileage on his car. Unfortunately, I couldn't for the life of me find the article again. But just two days ago, suddenly this phrase entered my head: "hypermiling." I googled it, and this article was the third hit:
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2007/01/king_of_
the_hypermilers.html
(sorry. still can't make those links work. Copy & paste those two together w/o a space in between. Argh.)
First, amazing that the brain can mull something over for months or longer and suddenly emerge with the exact right word. What is that? Magic!
Second, I'm back to hypermiling. Basically, the idea is to use the momentum you generate in your car to go as far as you can. This involves reducing stand-still time (stops at red lights, in traffic, etc.); and reducing the use of the brakes, which converts the kinetic energy generated by the use of fuel into heat energy, which doesn't contribute anything to your mpg. I am, however, considering getting one of their bumper stickers so that people driving behind me will understand why I am coasting up to stop signs, etc. I hope it might buy me some good-will.
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2007/01/king_of_
the_hypermilers.html
(sorry. still can't make those links work. Copy & paste those two together w/o a space in between. Argh.)
First, amazing that the brain can mull something over for months or longer and suddenly emerge with the exact right word. What is that? Magic!
Second, I'm back to hypermiling. Basically, the idea is to use the momentum you generate in your car to go as far as you can. This involves reducing stand-still time (stops at red lights, in traffic, etc.); and reducing the use of the brakes, which converts the kinetic energy generated by the use of fuel into heat energy, which doesn't contribute anything to your mpg. I am, however, considering getting one of their bumper stickers so that people driving behind me will understand why I am coasting up to stop signs, etc. I hope it might buy me some good-will.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Workmanship and transcendence
I went out dancing last night again with two groups of people: my partner-dance friends and my jump-around friends. Jumping around was great. It doesn't take me long anymore to get into it, and I just do it, feel the music and dance. Then I danced some partner dances. Jive, more jive and a west coast swing. They were very conscious dances for me. I'm still working on my form, and trying to be a good follow. My brain is still very much engaged. It was only on the second dance that I experienced a few moments of actual freedom where I was just dancing, not thinking about dancing. Those moments brought me back to dancing with Alon and his brother, how with them it was so easy to simply DANCE. To forget about the moves and just let yourself feel it. Those were the moments of pure joy - of transcendence, rather than a rigorous workmanship of "step, step, step."
However, getting there takes some time and effort. In order to transcend in regular dancing, I've taken 10+ years of dance class and danced since I was a child. I've worked to overcome inhibitions on the dance floor and to learn how to feel and work with the music. And with partner dances, I really only have a year of technique under my belt. When the moves become part of my subconscious, then I believe I'll be able to transcend more than work.
This reminds me of some theory from sports and education. In gymnastics coaching we learned about "overlearning": where you practice a certain move or response until it becomes instinctual. In partner dances, I still need to over-learn some of the basics so that I fall into step no matter what. And from education, I recall the idea of automating intellectual processes. When we first learn a new mental technique it takes effort to use it. We use conscious mental powers to apply it. After some time and effort, however, it becomes an automatic process. Our subconscious takes care of it, freeing our mental power to concentrate on other activities - in this case, experiencing the sheer joy of dance.
However, getting there takes some time and effort. In order to transcend in regular dancing, I've taken 10+ years of dance class and danced since I was a child. I've worked to overcome inhibitions on the dance floor and to learn how to feel and work with the music. And with partner dances, I really only have a year of technique under my belt. When the moves become part of my subconscious, then I believe I'll be able to transcend more than work.
This reminds me of some theory from sports and education. In gymnastics coaching we learned about "overlearning": where you practice a certain move or response until it becomes instinctual. In partner dances, I still need to over-learn some of the basics so that I fall into step no matter what. And from education, I recall the idea of automating intellectual processes. When we first learn a new mental technique it takes effort to use it. We use conscious mental powers to apply it. After some time and effort, however, it becomes an automatic process. Our subconscious takes care of it, freeing our mental power to concentrate on other activities - in this case, experiencing the sheer joy of dance.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
An exemplar of the genre
Last night I re-watched one of my absolute favorite movies: "Something New." While I was initially drawn to it for its combination of romance and social commentary (black woman, white man, society ... what will happen???), the movie transcends these because it is simply so good. It has a story line. It has actual romantic tension (not sarcastic quips). It has character development. Acting you can actually believe. Characters you root for. Dialogue that makes you smile. It's a gem of a film, and I recommend it to all.
Technocrap
I went out dancing on Friday night with quite a group of friends. We had planned on the Gator with its great live music and grimy ambiance. However, the Gator was mysteriously shut down for 4 days, so we had to go elsewhere. Our gathering-place was Flashbacks, a club I'd successfully avoided so far. However, the dance floor was empty so we were able to enjoy ourselves. Almost. It was techno night, so all the songs had - yes - a techno beat. I don't know quite what it is about the electronic pulse of techno that I find so soul-destroying, but I am now committed in my intense dislike of it. Because in spite of what people say, the "beat" of techno does not make me want to dance. Its boring, repetitive omnipresence actually kills my creativity. My body forgets how to move. It carries absolutely no inspiration for me. So I danced, because I wanted to, but not because the music facilitated it.
Next time: do not go on techno night!!!
Next time: do not go on techno night!!!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Antidote to sad
This is something written by Bahiyyih Khanum, a Baha'i woman who was head of the worldwide Baha'i community at one time. Her wisdom and perspective are so incredible, and a wonderful reminder to me of how to look at the world in the truest possible way.
Portion of a Tablet by Bahiyyih Khanum:
“We ought to show something greater than forgiveness in meeting the cruelties and stricture in our lives. To be hurt and to forgive is saintly, but far beyond this is the power to comprehend and not be hurt. This power we may have—acceptance without complaint—and it should become associated with our name. We ought never to be known to complain or lament. It is not that we make the best of things, but that we may find in everything, even in calamity itself, the germ of enduring wisdom. We ought not to resist the shocks and upheavals of life, nor run counter to obstacles, we ought never to be impatient. We ought to be as incapable of impatience as we would to revolt. This not being so much ‘long suffering’ as a quiet awareness of the forces that operate in the hours, days or years of waiting and inactivity. Always we ought to move with the larger rhythm, the wider sweep towards our ultimate goal, in that complete acquiescence, that perfect accord which underlies the spirit of the Faith itself.”
Portion of a Tablet by Bahiyyih Khanum:
“We ought to show something greater than forgiveness in meeting the cruelties and stricture in our lives. To be hurt and to forgive is saintly, but far beyond this is the power to comprehend and not be hurt. This power we may have—acceptance without complaint—and it should become associated with our name. We ought never to be known to complain or lament. It is not that we make the best of things, but that we may find in everything, even in calamity itself, the germ of enduring wisdom. We ought not to resist the shocks and upheavals of life, nor run counter to obstacles, we ought never to be impatient. We ought to be as incapable of impatience as we would to revolt. This not being so much ‘long suffering’ as a quiet awareness of the forces that operate in the hours, days or years of waiting and inactivity. Always we ought to move with the larger rhythm, the wider sweep towards our ultimate goal, in that complete acquiescence, that perfect accord which underlies the spirit of the Faith itself.”
Toxins in organic care products
Some more ingredients to add to my "do not purchase" list:
"A new study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) found that many leading "natural" and "organic" brand shampoos, body washes, and lotions contain the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane.
"1,4-Dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer.” It is a byproduct of the cancer-causing petrochemical Ethylene Oxide, which is used as part of a short-cut process called Ethoxylation, which makes harsh ingredients milder.
"1,4-Dioxane is also suspected of being a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant, among others, according to the California EPA. It is also a leading groundwater contaminant.
"Some of the leading organic and natural brands found to contain 1,4-Dioxane include:
* JASON Pure Natural & Organics
* Giovanni Organic Cosmetics
* Kiss My Face
* Nature’s Gate Organics
"To avoid 1,4-dioxane, OCA recommends reading ingredient labels and avoiding products with indications of ethoxylation, which include: "myreth," "oleth," "laureth," "ceteareth," any other "eth," "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," or "oxynol," in ingredient names."
Sources:
* Organic Consumers Association March 14, 2008
"A new study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) found that many leading "natural" and "organic" brand shampoos, body washes, and lotions contain the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane.
"1,4-Dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer.” It is a byproduct of the cancer-causing petrochemical Ethylene Oxide, which is used as part of a short-cut process called Ethoxylation, which makes harsh ingredients milder.
"1,4-Dioxane is also suspected of being a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant, among others, according to the California EPA. It is also a leading groundwater contaminant.
"Some of the leading organic and natural brands found to contain 1,4-Dioxane include:
* JASON Pure Natural & Organics
* Giovanni Organic Cosmetics
* Kiss My Face
* Nature’s Gate Organics
"To avoid 1,4-dioxane, OCA recommends reading ingredient labels and avoiding products with indications of ethoxylation, which include: "myreth," "oleth," "laureth," "ceteareth," any other "eth," "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," or "oxynol," in ingredient names."
Sources:
* Organic Consumers Association March 14, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Joy
Getting back into teaching this semester has been a big challenge. Not only did I have to confront all my latent fears of failure, I had to prep for a brand new course with very little time. Fortunately, there has been one big, bright spot that has made this semester a pleasure: the students. I really really like them. They are intelligent and caring. They take geography because they are interested in it and want to make the world better. And they treat me like a person, affording me common respect.
I got to talk with a lot of them today, including about some of my favorite topics: lifestyle, purchasing choices, vegetarianism. I love that they're interested in these things too, and that they are willing to talk with me about them. Thank you, students, for making this experience so good for me.
I got to talk with a lot of them today, including about some of my favorite topics: lifestyle, purchasing choices, vegetarianism. I love that they're interested in these things too, and that they are willing to talk with me about them. Thank you, students, for making this experience so good for me.
Sadness
Okay, I had to take this post down. Because I realized it is not helpful. But I hope to move through sadness to perspective.
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