One of the contradictions I see in this program is amount of work we’re doing in order to learn about the Human Challenge of Sustainability (the subtitle for our program). I acknowledge that a lot of work needs to be done (and quickly) to get the earth survivable for humans and that we as students have a crap-load to learn in a short period of time. What’s frustrating for me is my belief that part of living a sustainable life means slowing down, not burning out at age 35, taking enough time to actually see what needs to be done before moving on to the next task, taking enough time to appreciate the land we want to protect for our own good.
Through the lens of a college student, I do not feel that we’ve had an inordinate amount of work. But through the lens of a human being, I hope the “school work” we’re doing doesn’t interfere with a deeper sense of what it means to live a sustainable lifestyle on a very personal level.
I started writing thinking that the contrast between our work load and the idea of sustainable living was a problem inherent and possibly unavoidable in the program, but I think I’ll switch my paradigm to a more personally responsible one. If I want a balance between trying out a new lifestyle and soaking in some really good head knowledge, that’s what I should pursue.
I have really been attempting to bring a sense of self into everything I do. I’m trying to find a balance between my role and presence in the group and my own ambitions and desires; they do not always go hand-in-hand. Every farm we visit, every paper I write, is there for my own development, and I can take as much or as little as I want from each experience. I don’t have to do anything because the group is doing it, but doing something for the sake of being and learning with the group is as good an excuse as any.
This may sound obvious, but it’s something I can forget when I’m constantly identified as part of a group. I’ll only be taking myself home with me, and while this short-term family will always be a resource for me and I for them, it’s what I personally internalize that will last far longer.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER!!! (20? really?!?)
2 comments:
I am very concerned about the clear-cutting practices being implemented by Emily, with regards to the renewable resource on her head! Despite all of my efforts to fertilize, nurture, plead with, and pray for my own forest of follicles, ALAS!.....they have moved relentlessly toward extinction in certain regions! Elizabeth, I want you to set everything else aside, gather your brain trust, and get on this urgent matter! Probably better include those two follicle-izers, or focalizers.... whatever you call'em. Give your group a name....how about "hair- brain innovations" or something equally inspiring.
As we sat in the backyard and simply enjoyed a marvelous Oregon sunset, I thought of you. Slowing down individually is a marvelous place to start for sustainability - now if we could just sell the rest of the world on it! Yet there are seasons to our lives, and sometimes a season is intentionally intense and crammed with activity and learning in order to move us where we need to be. Enjoy the journey, and look forward to the sunsets. ~mom
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