Lessons Loved..... 2019 in review

Another year has passed and I reflect on where Sancti's and my energies have been.

Sustainable community building - promoting community growth through gardens, healthy water sheds and mitigating climate change. i

Individual health and well being even in dying.

Community Building

As a volunteer community garden facilitator it's rewarding working with our 31 Peachland gardeners through the Peachland Wellness Center (PWC). Demand for garden plots is way up so in 2020 we will be adding more garden beds...now that's growth potential. https://www.peachlandwellnesscentre.ca/community-gardens

PWC and I organized and hosted a successful Seedy Saturday for the community. Seedy Saturday/Sundays are held throughout Canada and support Seeds of Diversity an organization dedicated to the conservation of agricultural and horticultural biodiversity https://seeds.ca/sw8/web/events/seedy-saturday

It's always a pleasure to garden at the Summerland Ornamental Garden in the School Vegetable Growing Project . There Master Gardener volunteers, teachers, parents and about 75 students ( grade 6 and 8) learn about planting, growing, harvesting vegetables and small fruits. Students also learn about food security, pollinators and water conservation. https://summerlandgardens.org/illp-intergenerational/

Tackling a few big environmental issues is not for the faint of heart. Clean, accessible water and mitigating climate change. Asking for an earth village to come up with collaborative solutions. So what do I do? Plant a tree, xeriscape, grow my own food, preserve food, collect rain/snow water and water wisely, build a near passive house/work space, buy local, shop weekly and only what's needed. Build awareness on sustainability with a little TLC added for good measure.

Individual Health and Well being

Begins with me in order to help you. Time was spent juggling the balance bar, some days up and some days down. Just like you, I'm riding the wave between activity and quiet.

Family came to live with us for a quarter of the year while their house was being renovated. I danced to a new tune and rhythm including the laughter and demands of preschool children Slowing down to reflect once family moved into their new place. Celebrating the changes in their lives, their hopes and dreams.

Knowing when I needed a rest or break. A winter holiday was spent with old and new friends in Arizona, hiking mountains and learning some new games. Seeing the beauty of flowers and the imagination of people. Wanting to run off to the ashram and reflecting that the ashram is within me. Standing still and listening to the birds and the wind.

Time spent in the hospital with my dying bother Herb; easing his and my pain. Dealing with my own grief and that of family. When challenged with big issues those healthy habits counter balance the low dipping bar. Learning and sharing the knowledge gained from grief and mourning.

Seeing friends and clients. Listening and learning from them about disease, trauma, loss, boundaries, birth and hope. Teaching with joy and compassion focusing on embracing the peace within me.

Quieting my mind, energy practices, meditation, aerobic, a dog walk, yoga, friends, a good book, an empty canvas wanting color. You can paint the picture.

Wising you a 2020 filled with love, laughter, and growth in this dance called life.

Summerland Ornamental Garden - School Vegetable Project 2019.