Pray for Japan, the World

Yesterday was a fog…seeing the utter devastation in Northern Japan seemed so surreal.  Holistic Poet, Walkinturtle and I followed the devastation via the news, but also the USGS Earthquake reports.  Apparently, Japan had been “rocking and rolling” for a few days before the devastating event.  Seeing the massive damage, all I could do was send prayer and positive energy that way.

That started me to think about simply sending the positive energy out to the world.  There are things going on everywhere, maybe not as deadly or destructive, but still devastating.  Why don’t we all focus our energy worldwide, with a concentration for places and people we know need it?  It doesn’t take that much time to do, just in case time is an issue…

Be aware that “I” am not the only one in the world…Be aware that people are suffering from so many things these days…here, and abroad.  My dad always said that no matter what, “there is always someone in the world that has it worse than you.”  Sure, you can be sad for yourself, but what if instead of sulking in the sadness, we decide to start basking in thankfulness for what we DO have?

Here is an exercise; next time you are feeling sad, try to think of 3 things that you have to be happy about.  Let them fill you up.  Let that help you work through your sorrow.  After all, not everywhere just experienced the devastation that happened in Japan.  Most of us still have a place to stay out of the elements.  Most of us can look out and not see the destruction all around our cities.  Most of us still have a safe way around our area.  Most of us will not have to depend or rely on someone else as we move through the next few months of our lives.  Most of us did not just lose our family members, houses, living in an 8.9 magnitude earthquake.

Yep, I know it sounds “simple-minded,” but what does concentrating on the sadness get you?  Might as well do something positive for yourself…and the world!

Community Supported Agriculture, Farmer’s Markets, Local Co-op

While speaking to my mother today about the rising price of gasoline, she lives in the country and they have a little drive to get groceries and what not, something occurred to me.  They should consider Community Supported Agricultural or maybe even a Farmers Market in their little town.  They have a Farmers Co-Op, which is a farm supply, and maybe they would consider putting in a co-op for other goods, as well, such as personals hygiene supplies and stuff like that.  Also, many of the people living out there do garden and farm, so they could get together and have their own little Farmer’s Market, right in their town!

One thing is for sure…we need to learn to work together on the community level.  Especially now!  There are several options, but one I became familiar with a few years back was Community Supported Agriculture.

While working in alternative radio, I heard about Community Supported Agriculture, and even talked with some people who offered it.  With the economy tanking, again, and the price of gas going through the roof, it might not be a bad idea!  After all, if you don’t or can’t garden, you could get fresh, local, live food, support someone in your own community, and feel good about all of it!  One of the things to understand about CSA’s is that, at least at most, you get sampling of what is produced…so the veggies vary from week to week.  One of the other things of note is that, like in all businesses, sometimes things happen, and you might get unacceptable produce, no produce one week, or the farm could go under.  There are also farms that raise cattle, pigs, chickens and eggs from which you can purchase a share, as well.  The website Local Harvest has some great info about CSA’s and tell us that in the nine years and the multitude of CSA’s they have listed, they have received only had a handful of complaints per year, so the shared risk seems minimal!  If you are interested, you can search for a CSA in your area at the link above.

So, this year, instead of buying produce shipped in from who knows where, think local…and maybe think about  Community Supported Agriculture…After all, what better way to support your community…and your health!