6.30.2010

I don't like the progress. I don't like the highways. I don't like the heat. I sat at a friend's under trees and returned home to an oven. Do we really need the comfort of an air conditioner? It seemed easier before.

I don't like the mindless work. I don't like the waste. I don't like the artificial light. I walk outside and feel fresh, alive and well. Do we need the money, the cars, the phones, the garbage? I'm never fresh in a warehouse.

I like to walk. I like to breathe. I like to move where I wish when I wish. It seems pure and natural to be outside. Do we need the trees, the rivers, the air? I'm sick and weak and disconnected from all that I was meant to do and be.

I'm waking up slowly.

6.23.2010

Ignitable Drinking Water in Candor, NY, Above Marcellus Shale


I came upon a similar clip the other day and was shocked. I have since been doing research and came upon a growing battle between natural gas drilling companies and residents of small towns who list serious complaints about the effects of drilling. Living in PA it struck me that I should be concerned because a large number of new gas wells are being dug throughout the region. The new documentary Gasland is coming out and directly confronts the controversy. I haven't seen it, but think it should be important for anyone concerned with the safety of basic living to learn more about natural gas drilling and the effects it has on the local communities and environment. Hydro-fracturing is the method of gas extraction being used and is a good place to start to learn about the process. I think this a big deal, and so I would be silly not to share it.

6.21.2010

I really want to share the joy of recaptured imagination. The freedom of seeing the world as a kid again. The world is our playground. We can get hurt, but we get back up and learn from our mistakes. For so long I've struggled with the idea of private property. I cannot cross this fence for fear of my neighbors anger and litigation. Who owns a blade of grass? We can play. I truly believe that play is something we should never lose. Why climb a wall? Why not? I won't answer the hypothetical, I will answer the real. We live in too many boxes, so that we eventually have no room to breathe.

Give me back the openness
Or I will take it
So that I can offer it to you
Play with me
Or I will play alone
Why should I work
When I have all I need
I'll carry my load
When it's time to move
We used to move in amazing ways
I think I still can
Mind, body, heart

6.09.2010

You'll notice I'm starting to write more, and it's mostly out of enthusiasm for the things I'm doing and coming to an understanding of.
Generally, I feel a stronger presence of awareness in my day to day living. I notice that this right here is my life. There is no future or past that is as relevant as being where I am here and now. Mindfulness is a term I came across originally through the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh. In my own understanding, it is a practice of cultivating a mind and heart that lie anchored to the present moment. So there is no future to worry about or past to regret or be pained by when you can find yourself in the present. It would seem simple enough, but for me at least often proves very difficult. Meditation is a tool that helps me to come back to this mind and live more frequently in it. It's been a big part of my own evolution the past several years. Hopefully I'll find myself here more frequently. The Anthony De Mello link on the right is a great place to learn more if this sparks your interest. He is an amazing communicator.

6.08.2010

Barefoot Running

You could say that generally I have started to become more active. I bike, run and practice Parkour throughout the week. I find that the extended time outdoors in activity is helping me to be more relaxed and present throughout the day.
Running is now a barefoot activity for me. I have been building up the pads on feet for the past month or so and am advised that it is likely to be another two before I my feet are fully at ease. For resources on why one might want to run barefoot see below.
http://barefootkenbob.com
Born to Run
Christopher McDougall
The basic idea behind it all is that I want to run injury free for a long time(hours and decades) and I want running to be activity that I enjoy as a movement: to see it not as a means to an end but as an end in itself.

6.06.2010

Parkour

I've recently been getting into Parkour. I came across a local Harrsiburg Parkour club and that was all I needed. It is a lot of fun. And I've discovered that there is a lot more going on with Parkour than just an awesome way to move.