The Absence of Soil ©
by Imani
Table of Contents
Introduction: One Mother’s Plea My Personal Story Vision of The Absence of Soil Ten Steps & Opposing Behaviors in the Spectrum of Change
Chapter One: The Real Deal The Plan The Garden The Gardeners
Chapter Two: Acceptance & Accountability The Truth The Shopping Mall The Shoppers
Chapter Three: Integrity & Intention The Future The Earth The Healers
Chapter Four: Consciousness & Clarity The Crop The World of Science The Visionaries
Chapter Five: Courage & Commitment The Fertilizer The Chemical Revolution The Leaders
Chapter Six: Passion & Power The Compost The Organic Lifestyle The Farmer
Chapter Seven: Freedom & Form The Wilderness The Power of Nature The Organizer
Chapter Eight: Trust & Truth The Mess The Danger of Deception The Planners
Chapter Nine: Magic & Mystery The Enchantment The World of Illusion The Luminaries
Chapter Ten: Wisdom & Wealth The Harvest The New World Order The Futurists
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have been writing this book most of my life yet it is only recently that I have had the physical support to manifest it into material form. My Beloved Soul Mate, John, has often regretted his generosity as the “book” has consumed our lives for the past two years. It has taken a toll on our relationship as many a night has been spent (with me at the “blue screen” as he refers to it) while he sleeps by my side. My virtual office, including my laptop and numerous journals, has traveled with me everywhere – across country and around the corner. Many a conversation has added content and clarity to these pages. Relentless hours have reluctantly been spent editing and rewriting sections of this book to provide the most updated, relevant information we came across. Our lives are centered on the information presented here and our days are filled with discovering additional pieces of the puzzle. Our businesses offer ways for us to educate and empower others we encounter. John leads our weekly free film series at the co-op followed by a community conversation. I facilitate trainings for mothers to become “sustainable lifestyle specialists” so they can grow businesses they can believe in. Together, we teach raw food classes weekly and offer a personalized food delivery service through our café & co-op. Our family spends every day together working side by side - sharing dialog about the concerns expressed in these pages with others in our community. This book would not even exist if it were not for my daughters: Kailah, Malaika, Kierah, Concordia and Cassandra and their unending support of me and the overall vision. Their willingness to not only share their mother with the rest of the world but to spread the knowledge in their unique, individual ways is commendable. They are the essence that keeps me rooted on the earth and the force that magnifies my mission. Know that there are increasing numbers of us seeing the big picture I describe. I am indebted to each and every dialogue, exchange and revelation. The information presented here has not come from me, but rather through me. It is a compilation of everything that has presented itself to me to be included. And although it is a never ending journey, both John and I sigh in relief as I finalize the last details and the personal stories to be included before the first print in my 40th year. This is a significant milestone in my life. Although their may be aspects of my message that seem harsh and unfathomable, ultimately it is a message of hope. It is our dream to leave a world where our children can flourish and be free. Hartford, CT March 28, 2009
One Mother’s Plea
Time is running out. Mother Earth is calling. Can you hear her prayers? I hear her cries rippling in the cracking glaciers, rising waters to wash away her wounds, purging the poison we have inflicted upon her. I wonder why so few of us, mothers ourselves, are deaf to
her plea. Is it because we have been trained to ignore our own feminine wisdom? We birth our babies in hospitals while numbing ourselves, and them, to the experience of birth itself. We separate ourselves from our children and then seem confused by the detached, self absorbed culture that manifests as a result. Those of us with lots of “stuff” are leading contributors to the changing climate. We enjoy the benefits of modern conveniences to an excess - feeding our kids fast food because we have no time - rationalizing and justifying our behaviors to avoid feeling guilty. We know deep down that genetically modified foods, synthetic additives and artificial flavorings aren’t healthy. We feel it in our bones and see the toxic residue on the body of Mother Earth. If only we would listen to those inner voices. If only we could hear her pleas. Instead, we numb ourselves with caffeine, sugar, and medications. Our ignorance, greed and
apathy have led to global devastation in a mere 100 years. In our ignore–ance we search for bliss at any cost regardless of the enormity of the problem at large. What momentum has the women’s rights movement gained during this past century if the result has been a society that is consumed with consuming,
distracted by calculated marketing tactics and manipulated by distorted realities? Have we simply chosen to minimize the power of the Feminine for the “idea” of something other than what it actually is? Not to say all women buy into this picture… Some of us are rebels - birthing and schooling our babies at home, breastfeeding them past the age of four, refusing vaccinations, buying clean energy and carbon offsets, running our vehicles on bio-fuels or driving a hybrid and eating organic food. We know we have the ability to shape our reality with just our thoughts. But, what reality are we buying into exactly? The emerging “green” movement is lacking a feminine voice. Many of the solutions being presented are reminiscent of the hidden agendas of days past. Nuclear energy and “clean” coal are being positioned as actual alternatives next to wind, solar, hydro, landfill gas and bio-fuels. Billions of dollars are being invested in nuclear and clean coal to develop these markets to ensure the false economy. We are caught in a vicious cycle where corporations are dependent on consumers to keep buying so they come up with new ways to convince us to buy. Green or not, we as consumers need to use less! We can buy carbon offsets, switch to renewable energy, buy sustainable products and shop locally but that is no longer enough. We have to do all of these things and more. We have to actually change the rate at which we consume. We have to use less stuff. We have to begin to think about where all of the stuff we consume comes from and the impact it has on the planet and the people all along the way. We have to discover new ways of living on the planet that are less dependent on Corporate America, our government and the products we think we need. Harder yet, we have to teach our children to use less stuff and change the ways they live their lives. If we don’t gain control over simple things like our diets and our
spending habits, then we are equally to blame for the mess we are headed for. There is no other choice but to look at what we are doing today to secure a tomorrow. What happens when it all collapses and we aren’t prepared? How do we help our children adjust to a world completely different than any of their previous life experiences? How will we look into their eyes and explain to them that we are sorry when it is too late? Let’s start exploring how we are contributing to this existence we are creating for our children and future generations right now. The patriarchal prototypes of the past are outdated and obsolete. We need new ways of looking at the world so that we can salvage what is left. Let’s take the little bit of time we have and prepare our children for the re-building of our fragile planet. Let’s teach them the skills and knowledge they will need to survive. In what ways are we personally willing to make lifestyle changes necessary for the survival of our planet? The challenges of today are a call to mothers everywhere! It is time to tap into our feminine intuition and save the day! Those of us raising children during this critical time have a responsibility and an obligation to teach them new ways of living. We can teach our children how to adapt, to be flexible and to be strong in body, mind and spirit. We must teach them to conserve, share and prepare. We can develop a willingness to look at our personal “footprints” and begin to live our lives differently. It is essential to stay open to all possible solutions and try new things. We can start with simple stuff like growing a garden, buying whole foods instead of packaged foods, using reusable water bottles instead of plastic water bottles, using reusable bags instead of plastic bags to bigger things like running our homes on clean energy or buying a hybrid car.
Move through the fear to the other side without becoming paralyzed, immobilized or tranquilized. Show your children you are powerful! Use your voice. Demand change from political leaders and use your consumer dollars to only support businesses that are ethically and environmentally sound. Research the companies you buy from and don’t be afraid to boycott large corporations. Demand products that are earth friendly. Money speaks. Companies will listen. Every time we buy something we cast a vote. Do not compromise your values for comfort. Choose to live your life from a place of integrity. Share your insights, inspiration and information with everyone around you. Everyday is an opportunity to discover, uncover and try something new. We are the voices for Mother Earth. An Earth that is abundant, life-giving and sustainable – not scarce, depriving and elite. Share your hope, your passion and your visions for a sustainable future. Be pro-active right now, right here in this moment. Define what is important to you. It’s about going within to find answers and not following others. We are leaderless leaders seeking solutions to the multitude of problems we face. The point is: Do something! One simple change ripples out into the world and inspires others to likewise take risks. This book serves as a guide to inspire, motivate and activate! Mother Earth is about to give birth to a new way of living on this planet. Let’s dream the possible together and take action to turn it into the new reality. Women, mothers themselves, are the ones with the power to shape the consciousness of future generations. We CAN take the time to make this a priority. It’s up to you, me - mothers everywhere. *****
How can one mom like me make a difference? Over the past few years, I have spent numerous hours reading and researching what I know in my heart to be the biggest issue of our time. The more aware I became, the more clearly I was able to see emerging patterns that coincided with decisions I had made prior in my life without really knowing why. As I unraveled the mystery, I was able to successfully design my interests, passions and responsibilities into my world of family. I surprise most people when I tell them I have six kids in addition to being a business owner, wife, raw chef, writer, educator, activist…... Writing this book while tending to the needs of my children and the challenges we have faced in the past year has been one of the most difficult tasks I have taken on in my life. The lesson only reinforced my determination and necessity to follow my own path of truth. The choice to maintain mothering as my priority in all the work I do serves as the impetus for this book. We can have it all. It just looks different than what we have been led to believe. This book is a compilation of all the books I have read, conversations I have had and visions that move through me. It is about my personal journey as a mother during a time when our species is facing the greatest dilemma we have yet to encounter. My hope in writing this book is to inspire other moms to take steps towards living a more sustainable life by sharing some of what works for me. The purpose is not to frighten but rather dispel the myths and tell it like it is. When our eyes and minds are opened to new levels of consciousness we are no longer able to willingly participate. The media perpetuates a distorted reality that we have come to believe to be real. By empowering women to make informed choices we can shatter the illusions that hold us prisoners.
Right now it seems that dishonesty is at an all time high. Money hungry corporations, reeling from the impossible task of unending profits, are trying to squeeze every possible dollar they can from the market. And it’s not that they don’t know what I am telling you. It’s just that they are not telling you what they know. How many moms really sit around at play groups and discuss the corruption of politics and elite few scheming for a one-world government? I want other moms to know that it is possible to affect change simply from a willingness to hear the facts. Even if current living circumstances aren’t ideal, we can collectively tap into our instinctual, intuitive wise woman selves and listen to what is true. My quest for the truth has influenced my forty years on this planet. During this time I have asked many questions, explored many paths and collaborated with like-minded dreamers. Some questions remain unanswered, many friends and ideas have come and gone yet a deeper understanding has revealed itself as the connections have begun to shed light on the expansiveness of the vision. A surprise, even to my self, was the mothering instinct within that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Over the years I have mothered many
children – some were my own and others found their way to me. The birth of my first child ignited a passion deep within me. I became driven to ask questions and seek answers and as a result birthed my four biological children all naturally at home. The other two arrived in my life seven years ago when I found my beloved. Prior to having children I put very little thought into the idea of someday having my own. I never wanted them to experience what I did growing up.
My early childhood was colored by alcoholism, abuse and betrayal. My parents divorced when I was ten and we moved cross country from Ohio to Texas after my mother remarried. My mother was young and required much mothering herself. Her imbalanced, self-absorbed state perpetuated much of my tumultuous adolescence. At fifteen, she determined I was out of control and sent me to live with my father in Virginia. A few months later, on my sixteenth birthday, they concluded that the best thing for me was a nine month stay in a psychiatric hospital. I never returned home upon my release and remain out of contact with both of my biological parents. I left home for a life of danger and disaster on the streets of LA. During this time my instinct to survive was sparked and continued to deepen over the years as I found my way to solid ground. As I became acutely aware of the fragility of the human spirit, I surrounded myself with children as a way to heal myself. I founded after school art programs for inner city children. Many were motherless children as I considered myself to be. In the years that followed I re-parented my own inner child with the children that infiltrated my world. I began to not only rely on my intuition, but trust it as well. From this place I re-trained myself to listen to my instincts. At twenty four, as I was completing my Masters in Early Childhood Education, I began feeling more confident and competent about being a mother and made preparations to bring a child into this world. It was this choice that marked the beginning of my journey. The physical birth of my first daughter restored my physical body back to wholeness and gave me a sense of direction and purpose. Somehow I was able to tap into some age-old wisdom deep within. My pregnancy became a sacred time and even in-utero I considered my child as my teacher and guide. During my
pregnancies I tuned into what each of my children was communicating to me on a soul level during their passage into the physical realm. I view my parental role as being a facilitator to my children’s personal process while providing the most ideal circumstances for them to blossom. I hold high expectations for them without projecting my personal dreams upon them. I believe in freedom with form. Consistency and structure establish a sense of safety and values from which they are then able to safely explore the world around them as their individual needs change over the years. This is where multiple children with a range in ages between 5 and 17 can become interesting and a bit exhausting! I learn from children and they learn from me. We are all unique parts of a whole. I would give anything (and have given up much) for any of my children to further their development, fulfill their passions and succeed in the world in whatever way they envision. In return for my unending devotion, I expect respect, appreciation and gratitude in return. Granted, children are not always thankful for this level of commitment in a culture that promotes the separation of families. There are challenges when you stray away from mainstream ideology. Over the years I have put in the extra time and effort to justify my position with visible results apparent to my children and those around them. My choice to homeschool my first three daughters was the premise behind my idea for an organic juice bar. I wanted a place where I could generate an income as a single mom of three (1, 3 and 5 at the time) while keeping them with me. I was intent on maintaining the choices around how I envisioned raising them - even on a very limited income. I wasn’t going to put them in daycare for a full time job just because their daddy wasn’t interested in sticking around.
I can’t say that the path I have chosen has been easy or even fun every step of the way. But fifteen years after the birth of my first child, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I have no regrets and am beginning to see the fruits of my labor. I would not trade our family life for anything. Not having had a real family of my own, the quest for community was ignited within me during my first pregnancy. I sought out others sharing like-minded parenting styles and organized educational events. I am so grateful to have finally found a life partner that matched my family centered ideals. The blending of our new family satisfied my personal craving for community as we worked through the issues related to living “The Brady Bunch” in real life. In the recent past we have become more interested in spreading our wings and interacting with others. Our organic café and newly established community co-op has provided the perfect steppingstone for us to move forward on our path. We are now at yet another juncture on the journey where we are exploring the art of “practicing community” – sharing and living with others outside our immediate family circle. It is from this place that I am called to reach out and build a network of moms like you that can truly affect change in our world. In my numerous conversations with other mothers, I hear the mounting fear and panic in their voices. I receive frequent inquiries as well as disbelief about the way I live in the world with my children. Mothers confide with me that they too desire to live in ways that are more in balance with Mother Earth. They lament decisions of the past and lay blame upon themselves. I find myself empathizing with their mounting confusion and states of overwhelm. My heart goes out to those whose voices are quieted, whose hearts are broken, whose guilt torments them and whose grief is inconsolable.
My own feelings of alarm and dread have intermittently crept in over the past year as I began to grasp the entirety of the crisis we are facing – a vision that came to me outlined in Chapter One of where we are headed – The Absence of Soil where we are totally disconnected from Mother Earth – if we don’t make some serious changes. This book is the result of my own process to comprehend how we arrived at this place historically and to figure out a plan of action by making different and better choices. Decoding this mystery does not come without challenges. It is essential that we find points of balance that don’t deteriorate our marriages and take us away from our children. This book is my desperate attempt to save our world. It is as much for me as it is for you. It is not my intention to come across as harsh and judgmental even though the realities of our circumstances are not pretty. My goal, rather, is to state the facts and then come up with solutions that don’t merely tip-toe around the issue. Chapters one through five outline the problems while chapters six through ten offer viable solutions. My objective is to reach out to mothers of all ages, socio-economic backgrounds and beliefs in order to form a united front that truly does have the ability to alter our course and get us back on track. It is not based on the idea that any of us need to be one-woman superwoman shows, but rather by sheer numbers alone we just might be the change we wish to see in the world. Together, we can re-shape the future of the world. This book is a call to busy moms who are multi-tasking maniacs maxed out to the extreme but are capable of handling the multi-dimensional aspect of our existence. It is for moms who want to make difference but don’t know where to start. And although the book is not exclusive to women, it recognizes the value of feminine leadership in today’s world. Meditations throughout the book encourage reflection as well as
opportunities to apply the practice of living more mindfully. Stories from moms from all walks of life share personal struggles and accomplishments while demonstrating the commonalities between us. Each chapter ends with interactive exercises and favorite recipes from our cafe. Ten themes provide a template for implementing new behaviors while offering insight and direction at any stage on the journey and The Opposing Behaviors in the Spectrum of Change helps assess areas where we get stuck. The Ten Themes (or steps) to Empowerment (aka changing our lives in ways that ultimately change the world!) *The Real Deal *Embrace the Truth *Rediscover Your Intuition *Live By Instinct *Know Your Options *Become Empowered *Shop Wisely *Be One with Peace *Spread the Wisdom *Join the Mamalution® (underground revolution of mom’s making a positive difference in the world – YOU!)
Opposing Behaviors in the Spectrum of Change ©
Path to Change
Path to Resistance
RECOGNIZE reveal the truth REALIZE accept the truth – personally accountable ANALYZE able to examine relationship with the external world (there’s more than just me) VISUALIZE envision a world where resources are precious and equally distributed PRIORITIZE observe personal values & resist behaviors not reflective of the new belief system ORGANIZE breakdown ineffective behaviors & begin building new ways of living in the world SYSTEMIZE independent from the addictions that keep us oppressed STRATEGIZE implement healthy behaviors ACTUALIZE embrace changing behaviors as necessary for survival INTERNALIZE integrate change to empower others
DISGUISE hide the truth RATIONALIZE deny the truth - personally unaccountable PERSONALIZE unable to examine relationship with the external world (it’s all about me) FANTASIZE envision a world where resources are endless and not equally distributed PATRONIZE ignore personal values & pursue behaviors reflective of the old belief system FACTUALIZE explain ineffective behaviors to maintain the status quo TANTALIZE dependent on the addictions that keep us oppressed ROMANTICIZE justify addictive behaviors INTELLECTUALIZE Rationalize changing behaviors as not necessary for survival INSTITUTIONALIZE legalize change to disempower others
It is my hope that the ideas in the pages of this book will activate the wise woman within you to join the growing numbers of women around the world in co-creating a more sustainable place for our future generations to live. Use this book as a manual for living your life in a new, radical way. Make it your journal – write notes, insights and revelations. Let the wisdom move off the pages and out into the world. Gloria Steinem brilliantly reminds us of the ease in which circles of feminist thought and the state of affairs in the world overlap. There is no one neighborhood or country that we women, as a group, identify with. We all share the universal experience of being a woman and can connect to the global injustices that occur daily. We are participants in the longest revolution morphing beyond the legalizing of our identities (as women, people of color…) to a second wave where legal and social equalities shall be recognized – where hierarchies and patriarchies are dismantled and the “common” people are able to define their futures. It is from this place of TRUTH that change will take place. In this new world we are creating, our daughters and our sons will see what is possible and breathe a new way of living into existence. Imagine the impossible. Believe the unbelievable. Grow your wings strong and join the nation of women taking flight.
Chapter One: The Real Deal
Giving Gratitude-To begin this journey, we must first enter a state of gratitude. In doing so, we give thanks that we are waking up to embrace and conquer the challenges facing our species at this most critical moment in history. We give thanks for being alive.
The Plan
Talk to any mom and she will tell you that she is too busy to do anything about the changing climate, or anything else for that matter. It’s not that she doesn’t care or isn’t concerned; it’s just that the big picture is too daunting, too overwhelming, too depressing. Getting through the day seems hard enough. What mom has the extra time, energy and resources needed to “go green”? And many of us that have taken the steps are suffering from “green fatigue”. Yet, deep down, our instinctual intuitive self knows that things just aren't quite right. In fact, many of us are absolutely certain that things are quite wrong. As mothers, it is essential that we not only trust this wise part of ourselves, but also heed the warning signs calling us to action. We must remember, literally put back together, the pieces of ourselves and the world we live upon. We must return to the intrinsic wisdom that resonates in our cellular being. As we acknowledge and reclaim what we know to be inherently true, we align ourselves with the natural rhythms and cycles of Mother Earth. In this way we begin living on our planet in more sustainable ways.
Notice the rhythm of your breath with each inhale and exhale. Feel your body begin to soften and relax. Allow all other thoughts to be set aside as you slip into the present moment - right here, right now. Set aside all the to-do lists, unanswered questions, mounting stress and fragments of previous conversations. As we take the time to quiet our inner selves - visions come to us. It is in this place of stillness that we can unearth the truth. By beginning a frequent practice of quieting our minds, clarity can and will emerge - even amidst the chaos.
Our world has spun out of control leaving the feeling that someone else is in charge. We all feel the chaos, yet the odd thing is we’re not exactly sure how our current predicament evolved. In order to make sense of our modern state of affairs, we need to step back and take a look at the big picture. Only when we understand the complexity of the situation can we develop a strategy that will mobilize us into action. The good news is that we can actually make a difference! We are powerful beyond our wildest dreams! Motherhood forces us to multitask. As a result we become masters of time management. We can manage details to the minute and maximize our time by the second. Why not adapt our skills to schedule in moments here and there for ourselves? Better yet, why not plan to systematically “go green” to benefit our planet and future generations? We discover another reality as we move beyond the distractions that bombard our everyday existence. It is a reality that we define for ourselves rather than one that is defined for us.
The Garden
Mother Earth is our garden. She is the bounty that enables our existence. Yet, over the past one hundred years we have turned her into a toxic wasteland. In order for us to continue reaping her harvest, we need to recognize what needs
to be done in order to properly care for her. It is a time when the planet herself is being raped at a rate like never before and where her natural resources are being consumed faster than they can be replaced. The affects of the warming climate can already be felt. We are alive at the most critical point in the history of our species. We are the generation that will determine the future of our existence.
Feel the weight of this responsibility. Sense the heaviness in your body and in your mind as the toxicity seeps into your own physical form. Identify the burden carried in your physical being. Allow your breath to lighten your spirit. Begin imagining a bright white light radiating outward from your heart center. With each inhale allow this white light to expand into the other regions of your body…up through your throat to your third eye and out the top of your head. Envision this white light flowing down your spine all the way to the base. At your low back visualize the light splitting in two directions around each hip, swirling down through the legs and out through the soles of your feet. Feel this energy move down through your feet like roots of a giant oak tree grounding you downward through the layers of earth below. Breathe earth energy up the front of the legs though your pelvis and allow it to massage all your internal organs as it works its way back up to your heart. With your next breath, feel your lungs unravel like wings taking flight, breathing in this white light into every cell of your being. Feel the muscles that connect each rib expand as your lungs gently push against them increasing your capacity to breathe. Connect with the life force of your being. Witness this energy moving from your heart center across your chest and out through each arm. Open your arms as the energy washes through, clearing away toxic residue, traveling out through the palms of your hands. Embrace all that the Universe has to offer you. Give yourself permission to be fully alive.
Just being alive on our planet at this moment in history holds us accountable for the actions taken or not taken during our lifetime. As our
economy begins to collapse, we no longer can rely on the masculine mindset that rules our world. It is time to consider other options. A feminine voice needs to wake the sleeping masses and offer direction, hope and a sense of community that will nurture us back to more natural ways of existing on this earth. The obsession with the discovery of how to manipulate the human brain this last century has led us down a road of self-destruction rather than evolution. Our fascination with psychoanalytical population control has unleashed the disastrous aspects of human nature on a scale larger than we ever imagined possible with our children as the ultimate victims. We live in a time when marketers have placed our children under microscopes – where their behavior cues are watched while they eat, bathe, interact with friends and get ready for bed and where they are targeted with personalized ads from data gathered from interactive internet games. This $40 billion industry (an 852% increase since the Federal Trade Commission efforts to regulate advertising towards children were denied in the 1970s) forces marketers to sink to new strategic lows in order to access the minds of children. Conferences are held annually to discuss the latest trends in the realm of “New Consumer Science” and identify the latest categories of kids (tweens, toddlers and various ethnic groups) to attack with their latest researched methodologies. The creation of “super consumers” has intentionally reinforced the selfindulgent, shallow, “all-about-me” culture designed to put personal needs above all else. It is as if the normal developmental level of a two year old has been captured and applied the complete spectrum from childhood to adulthood encouraging generations of demanding, self-absorbed consumers. So while
companies are selling down to lower age groups (we now have six year olds being encouraged to buy make-up) we are also stupidifying entire groups of people keeping them absorbed in their addictions of consuming. What we buy now defines our identities. The commercialization of childhood has not only has studied the psyches of children but has redefined them to be what they want them to be. We have become a species that has become psychically numb to the natural beauty around us in our quest for substituting the very thing which keeps us in perpetual states of need. Our needs for shelter have been transformed from basic protection to McMansions. Our houses, our cars and even our waistlines have been super-sized. Fertile, dark soil toiled over in decades past is covered by asphalt and vinyl sided homes as the dreamland of suburbia continues to replace farmsteads of the past. Children stay inside
attached to their IV electronics rather than connected to the texture of the land. Their parents, obsessed with the ideal of a perfectly green lawn drench the watersheds with endless toxic chemical applications. Similarly, our food is saturated and fogged with hundreds of deadly substances from cultivation to harvest and packing to transport. If we continue down the path that we are currently on, (mis)guided by money hungry corporations and “mad” scientists, we will become the main characters in the scifi nightmare. In a world that is both sterile and surreal we will find ourselves facing the absence of soil, trees and nature as we know it. Growing food will be considered a lost art form. We are reaching a critical juncture where no nutrient dense fertile land remains on which to farm. No soil = No food.
We are experiencing a world where people consistently choose science over nature in the belief that scientific advances and technology will save us from destruction rather than escalate our own demise. In this world an elite few manipulate the course of our fate with their accumulated wealth. Is mass genocide being practiced in subtle, long-range ways? The masses (us!) are being (mis)led to believe misinformation and are giving up our freedoms in the process. Myths like “the only way to feed the growing number of people on the planet is with GM food” or “the only way we can maintain our current energy demand is with nuclear or fossil fuel energy” are being falsely spread to create confusion. Upon closer inspection, we realize the premise is faulty because it is based on a false economy of unending quarterly profits guided solely by greed. The sources of this product stream are finite, therefore, unsustainable and they are relying on fear-based tactics to achieve their goals. The ultimate outcome is deadly. ******** The vision of a future time …the fears that haunt the corners of my mind…fast forward to the year 2050 to the world of our grandchildren. The landscape is barren. There are concrete walkways shooting off into many different directions leading to various multi-story high rise buildings. Rows of trees, all looking the same, edge courtyards in the distance reminiscent of parks of days past. Something seems oddly different and out of sorts. Just ahead is one of the many hubs that line the horizon. An overwhelming dullness envelopes the atmosphere and hues of grey seem to encase the entire area. Only the elders occasionally express vague recollections of a time when there were skies of blue.
Looking down towards the ground no remnants of green remain. The only vestiges from the past are artificial tree relics monotonously placed in the last decade in an attempt to recreate the feeling of forests of yesteryear. Memory flashes of brilliant colors quickly flitter across the mind, but sadly the color palette had been condensed to only a few shades when the Era of Mass Marketing came to an end. People had become so over stimulated and bewildered that the government decided to step in and put controls on what actions were permissible. Massive numbers of medicated children created a generation of dependent adults. No longer were there billboards plastered about to confuse the masses, only screens similar to computers of the past that now distributed all the information necessary for one to know. Their subdued tones of grey, green and blue drone the government dogma endlessly into the night. In the beginning of the end there were revolutionary environmentalists who were able to use technological tools of the past to disperse information. They were causing such problems that the “leaders” came together to limit their access, and eventually the Universal Government took over the dispensing of information in the best interest and safety of everyone. The world is different now. Problems of the past have been solved with mass inoculations and universal medical care. Excessive chemically treated foods, identified by officials as the cause of obesity, diabetes and cancer, were recalled and consequently replaced with more technologically advanced sustenance GMO matter and
nanotechnology.
The large corporation’s manipulative marketing and excessive
packaging was banned in attempts to limit the disposal of waste. There is no room left on the planet for piles of trash. Genetically modified foods were initially touted as the answer to world hunger but ultimately created a whole host of other unforeseen challenges. Super insects began roaming the earth and consumed the little remaining green plant life. The majority of
native plant species became extinct. Super salmon, twice the size of the fish of the past, initially sounded like a great idea but since they were created sterile with terminator genes, their reproduction with the wild schools soon destroyed all salmon species. In time, modifications were made. There was a strong resistance to genetically modified foods in the beginning as they were quite bland to the palette – not quite like the foods remembered from childhood. In time, though taste became irrelevant and caloric intake was the primary concern. Feeding children became less challenging as there were so few foods to choose from. Future plans include inserting the necessary proteins via injection so that the chore of eating becomes totally unnecessary.At first water was rationed but eventually became more available as a by-product of hydrogen technology being adapted by industrial plants. The hydrogen exhaust water taps, like the springs of the past, now serve as places where the communities gather. The new human clones being designed will have an even lower demand for food protein yet still will be able to function at high performance levels. Interesting how quickly they have been able to perfect the concept of cloning- only fifty years since they first cloned animals in 2005 - used for human food consumption. That was a real turning point in history. The cloning of animals transitioned from feed stock to perfect pets as more and more species became extinct with the destruction of habitats. Factory farming quickly became outdated as less land was available and more efficient ways of mass producing food material became possible. In the same period in history climate change was the topic of debate. The majority of people were still in denial when the impacts of “The Change”, as it is now referred to, began to be felt. Just as renewable energy options were being developed, peak oil hit crippling the economy and crashing the stock market. The complete devaluation of currency soon followed. The looting and other crimes that quickly ensued were easily addressed with the instigation of
martial law, however. The holding facilities put in place years prior were sufficient to contain those in debt to the government. Tremendous numbers of people were left homeless and incapacitated. Food was scarce. The remaining farmlands had been transformed into what was once known as Suburbia, not leaving enough land to produce the food needed in densely populated areas. Folks were stranded out in the middle of nowhere dying of starvation. Few remembered how to live off the land. No one had imagined life without electricity, running water or air conditioning. The changes in temperature, rising sea level and lack of clean water worsened the conditions. They say it was the biggest disaster of all times - almost resulting in the end to humanity. Fortunately, political officials were able to step in and save the day. Nuclear energy had been promoted as a form of clean energy and resources to finish large plants in several areas made it possible to stabilize certain regions. Most knew of the dangers at the time but supported the plants in order to maintain their comfortable lifestyles. The number of deaths related to nuclear radiation was deemed acceptable in comparison to the awesome amount of energy it created. Even so, drastic measures had to be taken to reign in the amounts of energy used due to the increasing population. In time, the remaining areas of civilization were built far away from the nuclear reactors to prevent further high loss disasters. Areas once considered to be national treasures were no longer places of beauty but simply provided the resources and open spaces necessary for survival. The nuclear plants in these regions were controlled by remote; the areas surrounding the plants became dead zones where few ventured. It was a good thing that politicians of the past were able to defend such lands. Restrictions were also placed on families as to the number of children allowed per household. Cloning children became very popular and chic. Women could create their ideal child, even choose hair and eye color and could decide to birth the baby herself, with
the conveniences of new medical discoveries, or to have the child birthed in the lab. Most women opted for the second choice as the more natural methods were becoming a bit outdated. Babies were micro-chipped before they left the hospital (or lab) to ensure parents that the child’s identity could not be mistaken and for future safety. Microchipping became necessary as increasing numbers of natural disasters, such as the earthquakes and flooding from the rapidly melting glaciers, starting occurring as a way to keep families united. Chipping became so commonplace that you could track every item you owned as well as be tracked yourself. But the need for personal property diminished when the credit disaster struck. The remaining limited resources were equally divided between the common folk. Only a few elite government officials living outside the community were granted access to special resources. The issue of overpopulation had been successfully addressed with the CODEX ALIMENTARIUS that went into full effect in 2011. The world government, previously referred to as the United Nations, was successfully able to reduce the population from 500 million to a mere million within a decade. The remaining numbers of people were relocated to designated regions where they could have access to the limited resources available and work towards a common goal. Citizens were required to work in exchange for resources and in lieu of payment for the debts their families had incurred during The Era of Mass Marketing where consumption was the primary mode of existence. Jobs are divided into just a few different categories: military, science, government, policy, production and distribution of resources. Time is monitored through the World Clock Calculator. Everyone works for the greater good and loyally puts in their hourly requirements. There is little time for entertainment but regular recreation times are scheduled in to maintain an overall sense of well-being and health. The World Government’s ability to read minds has eliminated many abused freedoms in earlier times such as pornography, addictive tendencies and protesting. Life on other planets is being explored.. A lottery will determine which
families are able to participate in the first pioneering ventures. It is an exciting time for the leaders of the world. A more simplistic, earth base view had been adapted and the Earth was seen as the primary source of worship while she recovered from the devastation and abuse of the previous century. ID cards are required everywhere you go. No reason really to be “outside” these days anyway. The air quality is still toxic from the residues of the massive aerosol spraying program initiated to slow down the impacts of climate change and the nuclear radiation clouds visible from time to time. Some overly sensitive folks still have to wear masks outdoors. They younger generations have seemed to adapt, yet have no desire whatsoever to be outside. They are accustomed to being in a climate controlled environment where the air is continuously filtered and monitored for harmful levels of ozone, strontium 90, barium and other harmful toxins. Everything feels so untouchable, sterile and cold. Hard lines outline the massive structures that seem to pile one on top of the other. Even the interiors of the buildings appear the same everywhere you look. Inside people are herded through elaborate maze like passages. Tunnels move large numbers of people efficiently without them bumping into one another. Everyone seems to be familiar with the routine. There is no need for the distinction of days or weeks as every day is the same with very little deviation. Deep in the crevices of one’s mind unsettling thoughts bubble to the surface. Remembrances of a time when the world was a different place comes to mind - a time when the earth was adored, the cycles of Mother Nature revered and her beauty abounded.
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The Gardeners
What many of us fail to realize is that our own apathy and lack of action is contributing to the extinction of our species. Living proof demonstrates time and again that mother earth is more powerful than the evil of man. The antibiotics, super drugs, pesticides, herbicides have become stronger and stronger yet Mother Earth still overcomes. It is the resources of this earth that we depend on for our own survival that are at risk - not the earth herself. She will subsist even when do not. We will be just one of countless species that have come and gone. The time has come for us to begin tending to the needs of Mother Earth in order to meet our own. It is essential for us to rediscover ways to participate in the ecological cycle so as not to disrupt its perfection. All of the answers we need are found in Nature. Somewhere we took a wrong turn. A fragmented existence has been passed down from generation to generation within a fraction of time. We have lost touch with the simplistic and pure nature of our species. In order for us to get back on track, we must retrace the steps of those before us. As mothers, we are sustainers of life both in and out of the womb. It is our role, our duty, our gift. Yet, many of us have become disconnected from the beauty and power of this aspect of our feminine selves. Along the way, pieces of ourselves have been distorted, misplaced, misconstrued, misunderstood, terrified, tortured, tested and tried. Feminist thought has traced back the historical roots of patriarchal societies and its impact on women-and although we have come far since the times when women were denied the right to vote, the injustices women faced today aren’t much different than those of yesteryear. In fact, they are perhaps more dangerous. In today’s world institutions are preventing and controlling our culture. Free speech in the age of copyright has resulted in
restricted public access to information we should be entitled to. In our own minds we believe we are free, while in actuality we remain slaves to the subtle manipulation of historic patriarchal techniques and ever frequent institutional corruption. The 14th Amendment of The Constitution initially designed to protect the right of slaves ultimately resulted in legalized abuse by corporations. Within thirty years after it passed, corporations were allowed to legally operate as “persons” – having the same rights as individuals while sharing the responsibility – the only difference is that most people have a conscience and corporations do not. Corporations are run with the bottom line in mind designed to serve their shareholders at whatever cost. The price tag is pretty hefty for our species. Consumption has become fashionable – the bane of our existence. Decades of propaganda has resulted in disassociation and an overall dumbing down of humankind. We are sold with ads that depict the lifestyles we want to lead rather than the product themselves. Our association of who we are with the products we buy shape who we know ourselves to be. During this Age of Consumerism our rational minds have become numb with sugar, caffeine and prescription drugs; dumb with mind-controlling media, advertisements and fear-based news. We have become de-sensitized by the graphic visuals that smear our world and the toxic chemicals that infuse every breath we take, the food we eat and each substance we touch. We have reached the ultimate peak of destruction and as a result are immobilized and disconnected. Women today are active participants in the suffocation of their wise women self. Our voices are silent, our minds are fuzzy and layers of complacency have settled in. We even sabotage one another.
Yet, when we strip away the addictions, the fears and the confusion, we find gems of truth beneath the surface. As we take hold of these jewels we begin to recognize our power. As we share and reconnect with other women we string together the beads to make a beautiful necklace and realize that together we are powerful beyond belief. So powerful, in fact, that it is scary – not for us – but for them. Thus the reason they work so hard to keep us subdued! Let us unbury these ancient artifacts that have been ours since the beginning of time and take this first step together. Our collective power as one people is our strength. When large groups of people come organize around a shared cause, change occurs. Let us first come to terms with the fact that we are being suppressed….yes, even here in America.
We must remember that we are part of the lineage of women that has gone before. Our essence is crystallized in the core of our being. Truth is our power and it can not be taken away. We may momentarily forget but we will always remember. Let us step into position – holding our points on the globe. Envision, in your mind’s eye, the invisible webs that weave us together forming intricate patterns crisscrossing the planet. Like acupuncture points on the human body, we hold these points on Mother Earth that facilitate the healing process. Feel the collective power from this simple act.
Beneath the layers of doubt and resistance lie dormant seeds of hope. When nourished and nurtured these seeds have exponential potential. It is essential that we not only trust this wise part of ourselves, but also heed the warning call. The time has come for us to honestly look at our behaviors and RECOGNIZE we have a serious problem. Only when we acknowledge the truth can we begin moving toward living in a more sustainable manner. Like seeds beginning to sprout, we are burgeoning with new opportunities, insights and
hope. We are ripe for change. Now all we have to do is fertilize and moisturize our thoughts and allow ourselves room to grow.
Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Sink into your physical body and begin to relax. See yourself walking on a path stretching before you. Notice if the path is made up of soft grass, rocky terrain, dusty soil, damp moss or a sandy beach. Sense the weight of your steps as you walk. Synchronize your breath with each footstep. Notice that the path leads to a small cave straight ahead. As you reach the cave you begin to stoop down and touch the surface of the earth with your hands. Slowly you crawl inside the cave. Once inside you come across a small object along the far wall of the cave. Pick it up with both hands and notice its smooth and textured nature. This is the bead that represents your participation in the necklace of women that encircles the earth. A necklace made up of powerful women from neighborhoods and villages from across the world- from remote mountains to overcrowded cities. Women unafraid of using their voices who are speaking up for change. Women who serve as protectors of our children and the planet and who embody the ancient wisdom of wise women from the generations before us.
Each chapter of the book highlights mothers, just like you, on the path to going “green”. Women who share the same ideas and struggles are coming together to find our voice. No longer will we be isolated and manipulated. United we stand with our instincts intact.
Human exploitation of the human planet is reaching a critical limit but human demands and expectations are ever increasing. –Steven Hawkin
available through www.changingworld.com
Try the following Recipes for Action:
*Take an inventory of simple things you and your family are already doing to be more “green” (recycling, consuming less, conserving energy, reusing, composting…). Make a list of some areas where you would like to improve.
*Meditate on the kind of world you want to leave for your children. Ask for divine guidance as you take your first steps on this new journey. When you stop and really listen to your instinctual, intuitive self, what does she tell you to do?
*Action: Decide to Grow a Garden! It can be an indoor herb box, a bed of veggies or a tray of sprouts! Just grow something! Nurture any aspects of your self that need to be reclaimed, re-energized and re-rooted by giving the gift of life! It is an easy first step.
Recipe Card:
Live Green Smoothie: Take ½ bunch fresh organic kale and de-stem. Put in blender (Vitamix) and add 1 c. fresh squeezed orange juice and blend. Add 1 c. frozen raspberries. Sometimes I add extra fruit (frozen blueberries & cherries) and I usually add a handful of goji berries and a scoop of cacao powder (optional). This smoothie gets me through most days!
For extra protein add a scoop of Raw Power Protein Powder – our favorite at the café, www.rawpower.com.
Best sellers in our café: Greens for Life by Victoria Boutenko & Ultimate Raw Superfoods (both available at our online store www.thegreenvibration.com)
Resources (aka Food for Thought):
Films to check out:
The Story of Stuff is a must see for the whole family - www.thestoryofstuff.com. This online
video produced by Free Range Studios (www.freerangestudios.com) accurately depicts the life cycle of the things we buy. It begins with the raw materials extracted from the earth and the destruction of the surrounding habitats and communities that result. It points out the hazards that laborers in other countries are exposed to when they manufacture the products and still others that put it together. The concepts of planned and perceived obsolescence are cleverly introduced and the film culminates in the rate of disposal of all we consume. Soon, we begin to understand the impact of the life cycle of the stuff we consume – from the sourcing of materials to packaging to the boats that ship it across the world (and he landfills and incinerators that dispose it) until it reaches our hands. When we do the math, we realize that there is no way that the dollar item in our hand really costs one dollar.
The Eleventh Hour (2007) The 11th Hour is the last moment when change is possible. The
film explores how we’ve arrived at this moment -- how we live, how we impact the earth’s ecosystems, and what we can do to change our course. Featuring ongoing dialogues of experts from all over the world, leading scientists, thinkers and leaders who discuss the most important issues that face our planet and people.
An Inconvenient Truth (if you haven’t seen it yet). Al Gore’s depiction of what is really
going on and an overall explanation of why you should be concerned. It lays a good foundation for the understanding of the issues specific to global warming.
Crude Awakening – The Oil Crash (2006) An unforgettable and shocking wake-up call
offering the rock-solid argument that the era of cheap oil is in the past. Relentless and clear-eyed, this intensively-researched film drills deep into the uncomfortable realities of a world that is both addicted to fossil fuels and blissfully unaware of the looming "peak oil" crisis.
Recommended Reading:
The End of Nature by Bill McKibben, 2006
Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization by Lester Brown, 2008
Global Catastrophes: a Very Short Introduction by Bill McGuire, 2005
Seven Years to Save the Planet by Bill McGuire, 2008
Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet, by Mark Lynas, 2007
You Have the Power: Choosing Courage in a Culture of Fear, by Frances Moore Lappe and Jeffrey Perkins, 2005
Peak Everything: Waking up to the Century of Decline in Earth’s Resources, by Richard Heinberg, 2007
The Better World Handbook by Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfler and Brett Johnson, 2007
The Little Earth Book by James Bruges, 2004
Healing the Planet by Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson, 2001
Web Sites/Blogs: www.busymomsgogreen.blogspot.com – my personal blog for The Mamalutionwould love to hear your comments, questions & opinions
www.thegreenvibration.com – our online store featuring the products & companies I have researched and use personally for my family
www.greenconsulatations.com - resource for moms interested in becoming a sustainable lifestyle coach
www.mediaed.org – leader in making films that address the serious impact of consumerism in our society – particularly targeted groups such as our children! Many of the films I recommend can be found here
www.greenopia.com – resource for everything green worldwide www.thedailygreen.com – the consumers guide to green revolution www.organicauthority.com www.stopglobalwarming.org www.climatecounts.org www.sierraclub.org www.davidsuziki.org