There are so many glaring signs and symbols for those who are awakened to the reality of spaceship earth.  We encounter them every day and they tug and pull at our spirit.  They urge our hands into action.  There is no amount of work that any one of us can do in our lifetime to change the status quo and this leads us to dark places, particularly in the winter.  The tide of helplessness rises up and it\’s waves beat upon our shores.

I invite everyone (especially myself) to try to concoct a list of positive changes in the winter.  I am thinking about things I can do to change my inner landscape, my surroundings and finally, the world.  Keep in mind that the first two which are easier to attain contribute to the last.  They load the last goal with nourishment and power.  You will notice with each element of your inner landscape and your own backyard that the world gets attended to quite often.

I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

-Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909)

My Inner Landscape

Spirit: Do you feel free, benevolent, blessed and empowered?  Have you taken the time to meditate lately?

Health: Are you eating from the ground, whole and clean foods with fewer exceptions?  Do everyday choices such as elevator or stairs, car or walk turn out the way you would have liked?

Personal Practices: Are you flexible and energetic, are you practicing good hygiene and other forms of self-care?

My Surroundings

Home Interior: Is your home environment organized in such a way that cures you of frequent frustrations and inefficient common tasks?

Home Garden: Whatever time of year, is your outer space in such a way that is preparing itself for succession?  Is it safe, is your outside empowered to develop some things on it\’s own beyond your control?

Relationships: Do others see me as a positive and healing force in their life?  Is there wisdom I should share or withhold? Should I speak or be silent? Am I reactionary or strategic in my response to comments, conversation or other happenings?

Community:  Do your neighbors know who you are?  Do you offer your service to others in such a way that preserves your spirit and family life?  Would you say you live in a home on a street or that you are part of a community?

The World

Let\’s use all of the above to create the world we do want. Many from our camp including David Holmgren and Joel Salatin suggests that doing good things that we benefit from is appealing to others and makes them want to get on board.  Of course, there is so much more we can do.  Write a blog, record a podcast, make a film, get more education.  But remember, start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.

If you\’re reading, feel free to add to the conversation and suggest your own favorite therapies for the above questions by posting a comment!