I have started listening to a podcast called Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik. He interviews folks with expertise in understanding the relationship between {the anatomical brain} and {food, memory, creativity, curiosity, gratitude, sleep, focus, organization, age, thinking, resilience, habits, burnout, fatigue, etc}. One aspect that is relevant to the field of sustainability is gratitude. I didn’t know that feeling grateful can rewire your brain and may open a pathway to happiness. Gratitude is appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to you. It’s a general state of thankfulness. It is possible to train your mind to be thankful for not only the big events and the shiny objects, but the little things in life. I would like to create a weekly digest with outfits, objects, moments and reading that I am thankful for. Monday seems to be the right day to do it.
Moments :
- I wrote some code for a friend as a favor. He thanked me by saying “I don’t know how to pay you back for this. I promise that I will do something good for the environment”. I am starting to see my friends accept the environmentalist in me. A bunch of us went to get a bite. One of the guys says “Please ask for no straw. Or else, she will die.” It was funny, but endearing too.
- I saw a dozen raccoons fighting it out in my yard and Cinco hiding behind a pot while watching the proceedings. It was terrifying. I was standing by the door with a cast iron skillet in hand ready to step in. He knew how to navigate the situation. I am in awe of his survival skills. Having an outdoor pet is a joy and a pain. He is the wilderness in our lives – always doing the exact opposite of what we want him to do. I don’t know what he does all day and if he is safe. Every morning, when I see him return home for his food, I am thankful that he is alive.
- We got summoned by a friend to help with assembly of a new bed. They cooked us a lovely meal after – chicken braised in coconut milk that we ate as we watched Game of Thrones. To have this intimacy, felt good.
- The next tenant of our home is a forest ranger, a zero waste householder and a gardener. We speak the same language. Knowing that the plants will be taken care of has given me a faith in the mission : stewardship of this piece of land.
- I got to spend an afternoon in a house of books. Sitting on a bench and having a poet read to you from all the pages she bookmarked, is an under rated life’s pleasure.
- European nations are starting to declaring climate crisis, a national emergency. Thank you Greta Thunberg for your activism.
- Finished reading The Secret Life of Trees. I don’t think life will ever be the same, with this knowledge. Consumers, under no circumstances, should be allowed to access the existing ancient growth forests without being tried for crimes against humanity. [ Please note that the book contains pseudo science mixed with science mixed with story telling and is aimed at non-scientists. ]
- I got a New York Times subscription. Democracy only works if the people are informed. I finally made the commitment.
- This cover of the New Yorker. I finally found art that I want adorning my walls.
- I walk among giants. Here are my colleagues in sustainability blogging, walking the walk, at a significant personal cost. Buy Erin and Andrea a cup of coffee. Ladies, we got your back !
Misc :
Toilet brushes. ( I will need one after I move. )
The forgotten woman who unlocked the green house effect.
Environmental literacy on the food we eat.
“Make me your dal and I’ll tell you who you are.”
The hidden Life of trees- I read it last year, such an eye-opener! Every politicain should read it ! Every teacher, forrest worker, child,adult should read it!