Sustainability tips by Jesus Saenz

Sustainable Living Tip:

1. Unplug electronics not in use. Even if it's off the current keeps on flowing.
2. If financially possible install a switch that cuts power away from rooms not in use. Saves time and energy. It's like unplugging all electronics not in use at the same time, with just a switch.
3. Don't let water run while brushing, or washing hands.

Namaste, and may you live a beautiful and sustainable future.

Letting Go is the Hardest Option Sometimes

The world presents us with challenges every day. When you see with your eyes the reality of situations you can make options that are right or wrong clearly. Although, sometimes we want to do too much and we become blinded and in reality we do more harm than actual good. My story starts with a poor boy named Kale. This is Kale's story.

Kale was a boy who lost everything. His home, family, and siblings were absent and he had absolutely nothing to hold on to besides the horrible life he carried on his shoulders. Food was scarce and he'd pray day after day for scraps of anything he could sink his teeth into. Weeks went by, and there was less and less food to be found. Water was another issue, and to find it he would have to dig in some very unbearable places. Dumpsters became homes and feeding areas. Kale would sleep on the hard concrete, under tables, chairs, and bridges. People would kick him out of the way, he had no voice. 

One glorious day he was walking heavily through the park and met some interesting looking folks. Something told him that these people would help, something in his conscious mind told him he could finally eat! The group spotted him from afar, and at first they couldn't make out who Kale was. To them Kale appeared like a deformed figure, he was a walking skeleton with flesh hanging by chance. Kale was a walking corpse to them. They felt the need to help, it was a calling! 

Food was bought, and water was brought for him. Kale's broken face saw light for the first time after weeks of not seeing a decent meal; it reminded him of home. He ate, he drank and he thought that this bowl of food and water must not leave his sight! He laid down next to both bowls and never took his weak stare off of them. In his mind this could literally be the last meal he might ever see. 

The group looked and saw the pain, the weakness, and the hunger of Kale; they were struck with pain themselves at the poor boy's state of being. Lane was affected the most from the group. He felt the pain bury itself deep in his heart, he needed to do something. He felt the need to move the mountains of trouble that were impeding Kale from living. 

Kale was happy. He couldn't physically express it but in his mind he was delighted by all the food and water that was being presented to him. He attempted to make contact with some of the group members, and even though some didn't accept his expressions there were some who welcomed him warmly and he appreciated it. Kale was extremely thankful.

After some playing around, he would tire and return to lie next to his bowls. It was nearing the end of the day and the group was discussing to maybe give Kale another helping hand and aid him in getting him in touch with a facility that could provide food, water, and shelter so he can get fully on his feet, and unto a new life. Lane took this idea and made sure it was amplified and done. He felt it needed to be done, or Kale would surely die. 

The group agreed and it was time for the movement. Kale was to be taken by James and Ernie to the shelter. Lane told Kale, but Kale refused in the beginning. Lane insisted and urged Kale to make the move. Kale began walking but soon after decided it wasn't going to be a good idea and sat on the floor in disagreement. Lane took a bowl of food and showed it to Kale, and this surely gave Kale a reason to move, and so he did. Kale started following the plate of food, until he realized that the group was leading him to a road and he, again, sat down and refused. 

James began thinking that it may be a bad idea to lead Kale like this. James thought Kale should be left alone and in his familiar place. James knew Kale wanted this. Lane disproved and made it clear to the group that Kale has no voice in the world, and no will to create a better life for himself. Kale was defenseless and hopeless in Lane's eyes. Lane urged James to bring the car around, it was time to change the tactics. James started for the car, but in disapproval. This rescue mission is turning out differently than expected.

Lane asked for some help from the others to trap Kale in a soft blanket so he could be moved inside the car efficiently. Kale kept disapproving but he was too weak to fight back and run away. Lane wrapped him in and placed him inside the car, but as soon as Lane was going to close the door Kale found a way to break free and jump out of the car. James then reminded Lane that maybe it was best to leave him be, but Lane demanded that this mission must be fulfilled. Kale's face went from delight to fear.

Lane, with the help of some others, finally got Kale inside the car. It was to be done. James began looking for the address of the shelter but the phones started malfunctioning, the GPS wouldn't work for some reason. A new GPS was found and it mapped the way. Nearing the shelter a sign stopped James and horror stripped away any hope he had for poor Kale. NO MORE ADDITIONAL SPACE...

James looked back at Kale who was scared and searching for an exit. Kale began shedding tears; he was seeing his life coming to a scary end. James saw the horror, he became frustrated. Calls were made for additional shelters but nothing. James decided that the only thing left was to bring him home and leave him at a shelter first thing tomorrow morning. Kale's mind was back at the park, back at the bowl of food that was stripped out of his poor little hands. 

Nearing the end of the trip Kale vomited all over the back seat of James car, an accident that came at a heavy cost. The car didn't belong to James, now it was soaked in vomit. James knew now he couldn't bring him home because of the vomit, the owner who lived with him would throw him out on the street. Kale would have to be thrown back on the street, but this time it would be an unfamiliar hazardous street. James needed to act quickly. 

The car was stopped at a different park; James told Kale that he needed to get off. He promised Kale that he would return the next morning. Kale cried, Kale looked back and with his stare told James he didn't want to get off, this land was completely alien to him, and James knew that it wasn't just alien; it was also more dangerous than the park where Kale left from. James apologized, but it was the best thing he could do at the moment, there wasn't enough fuel to drive back anyways. Kale's expression became expressionless and dead. James was struck down with regret.

As James was driving away he heard the sobs of Kale. The farther he got the fainter his sobs became, until the sobbing became silent and nonexistent. James was heartbroken, but he made it very clear that he would return. 

The challenges the world presents us can cause extreme pain, or great loss. The story of Kale is one of hope, one of loss, and one of pain. It is good to be good, but it is better to think things through when attempting any good deed. Sometimes the better deed is the one you reject; the one you think won't help because past experiences have shown that the deed is not a good one. In some cases... it is. In the case of Kale staying homeless and leaving him be was the best choice. The group was not prepared and emotions got the best of them. 

By Jesus Saenz

Individually Together by Jesus Saenz

     Individually, we walk.

Individually, we talk.

Together, we stand.

Together, we can.

Corporate power is not real,

it is a matrix of human imagination.

What we perceive is frustration.

The money we deal, 

it isn't real.

What we perceive is frustration.

We must focus now on change.

We must move to a new reign.

Remember the soldier's pain.

War has no real gain.

The soldier's widow,

sits alone by a wet window.

Look to your right,

look to your left.

What do you see?

Pain and suffering is on a spree.

Lies here, lies there.

We must stop them everywhere.

Stop them everywhere.

Crack your shell,

Be you, be well.

Look into real light.

Don't be fooled by streetlights.

Commercials are bright,

but individually you need to see right.

And together we should all do alright.

The Mountain That Smiled

          How do I quantify Narrow Ridge? Do I tell you outright that the experience was worth more to me than all the gold and diamond in this world… more than any green paper, more than any super power, or any princess? Would you laugh at me if I told you that the experience was magical? That it was priceless? That I could never put a price on the experience, and if I did, that the sum amount I create would fall tremendously short of the actual value this experience manufactured within me. I wonder…

          Let me begin by weaving you a short tale of my life. I am a survivor, a knight trapped by his armor. I have waged many a war, have lost many a battle, and have been struck by life more I’d care to elaborate. Narrow Ridge stripped the armor, it left me bare. I felt the sun on my skin, saw the fog of desperation and confusion evaporate before my eyes, and entered into a trance that forever changed my life. I was at once free and happy.  The mountains smiled at me, held me in their bosom, and nurtured my growth. I rediscovered myself on those glistering slopes and under those stars. I found peace and tranquility, direction and inspiration, and above all, a community that I could count on for emotional support.

          Community, what a wild and crazy word. Community within this disconnected world, what a concept. In Narrow Ridge I found this word, and this concept became real. Prior to this event, I had no idea what that word even meant: what the hell is a community? – I thought. After years of dealing with a dysfunctional family, that word seemed like a distant dream, a vision that had evaporated with the sway of the wind and life’s unrelenting and chaotic rain.  But in Narrow Ridge I found the Sun, a Sun that cleared away the fog, the clouds, and calmed the winds. It opened me to the blossom of the wild-flowers, the quiet-whispers of the trees, the happy-chirping of the birds, the cheerfully-hooting owls, the playful-howling coyotes and the warm-purity of the human spirit.

          My armor fell little by little, one garment at a time. First the battered shin-guards, then the scarred gloves, followed by the broken helmet which had been tarnished by years of wear and tear, and finally the barred chest piece which had been long strapped with an iron will and an unshakable fear to exposure. But then… once all of it was gone, all of those things, all of my attachments, I felt freedom. True freedom, pure freedom, unquenchable and far-reaching freedom. My heart glowed with love. A love that Bill and Mitzi shone into me, into the deep well of my past that carried the inescapable parts of me that hurt the most, those places where a small child hid in corners of darkness where no sun-ray had touched. A barren landscape encapsulated this child… there had not been any growth in this barren landscape for years. Bill and Mitzi, through their loving embrace, compassion, loving-kindness, and empathy, carried Prometheus’ light into the core of this well, and lit the child’s eyes once more. They awakened in him a sense of love, and from that love, rays of light emanated from his heart, and for the first time in a very long time, light embodied the entirety of the well. And the child was happy once more. And I… I wept. And wept… and those tears touched that deserted ground and from their healing properties, that deserted ground broke apart and roots began to spread everywhere. Trees, flowers of all colors: blue, red, white, yellow, everywhere all at once blossomed. Sparrows, eagles, and birds of all types flew across the horizon, mountains rose and slopes were created, rivers and lakes filled the ground. The sky was clear blue and the sun gave the most spectacular orange glow. The tree’s shadows elicited the sun’s light, allowing rays to appear. A beautiful macrocosmic biodiversity grew inside of the child, and he was finally ready… ready to join me in my journey. Together we held hands, I looked into his eyes, his eyes reflecting my past, and then he vanished… turned into dandelions which covered the sky in a majestic glow. I knew now I was ready. I closed my eyes and from within my heart, roots spread across my body which helped heal all the broken branches connected to me. They became my lifeline, carried life inside of my blood. And their message spread through me: you are connected, you are one with this world, love everything and everyone unconditionally. The child spoke to me once more.

 Bill and Mitzi, I will never forget you. Thank you so very much for being a source of inspiration and unconditional love.

P.S: I love everyone that shared in this experience. You know who you are; there are no words to describe my gratitude and appreciation for your kindness. You all rekindled the fire within me, and I don’t think it would have been possible without you all. Thank you all so very much and I will never forget any of you. I promise to always stay in contact with you for as long as I am alive. May we never forget May 5-May 12, 2013, Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center and the amazing experiences we all shared.

Peace and Love,

Luis Fuentes.

My Narrow Ridge - Ari

     

Well, I guess I can start by saying that when the plane was heading to Tennessee I had at least four recognizable emotions in my stomach: excitement, anxiousness, nervousness, and fear. I had no idea who Bill and Mitzi were or where exactly I was going and what exactly was I pulling myself into. "Are they nice folks? Will I make a good impression? Will the people who I am traveling with like me?" At least a hundred of these questions boggled my mind in that two hour flight to Knoxville. Little did I know that this experience would become one of the most beautiful moments of my life. 

We hiked. We laughed. I fell. We ate. We shared. We gardened. We talked. We walked. We hardly slept because of our dreams, worries, futures, life, and laughs and that was just day two. I met my musical soul mates at Narrow Ridge and my Earth-siblings as well. I never thought I would get so close to people I've just met - it felt like I knew them my whole life instead of a few days.  

As I began to explore the land, I found my sanctuary place at Narrow Ridge. It was a place of meditation, relaxation, and exploration. I believe that that is one of the best things that Narrow Ridge enables you to do - being able to explore and feel this sense of calmness and security and of being "home" all at the same time. I found myself there and realized many things about myself. It's also just fine to hear the wind - I liked that the most when I was in my sanctuary place. Slowly, the Earth started to show herself to me with Bill and Mitzi as the tour guides. Bill is this wise grandpa who you don't want to stop talking - ever. Mitzi is this great woman with the voice of an angel - literally, you have to hear her sing.  Her rawness draws you to her; she brings light into a room. I am very grateful in getting to know them and introducing me to the great people who reside at Narrow Ridge. They opened up the biophilic persona who was hiding in me. With their great hospitality and opened hearts and minds, I grew to love them, respect them, and consider them a great influence as well. 

The ultimate best moment of the trip was when we took a night hike. I was nervous and had a little sense of fear. I am not afraid of the dark, I am just worried about the unknown that resides in the dark. When we finally laid down on a tarp in this field and looked up, the sky started to manifest herself slowly with each passing hour. I saw the Big Dipper and Leo. I saw a shooting star - it was beautiful. I wish I had more to words to describe it but I can't. There are some things in life that have to experienced and never spoken of - this was one of those times. For the first time in my life I felt so small under that big dome full of stars; I wish I could see that night sky everyday. 

Narrow Ridge taught me not only how to look at the Earth differently and the environmental issues that my generation is facing today, but also about community and strength. It taught me that you are never  really alone in this adventure called life. If you are willing to put your hand out, there will be a hand to receive it. I know that I will do something bigger than myself in this lifetime and I will have people who I can rely on and pick me up when I'm falling - my Earth siblings. I will never forget Narrow Ridge or Bill and Mitzi. It's one of those things in life you can't forget and won't forget. I will be back one day so I can share also my Narrow Ridge with those who will start their journey, just like I did.

Thank you Bill Nickel, Mitzi Woods, Brad Stocker, Chris Migliaccio, and others you made my trip possible and awesome since day one. With much love, be well - A

Narrow Ridge by Jesus Saenz

 
 
Narrow Ridge was more than an experience for me. This place became a large part of my life and what I stand for. The week that I spent became a full month. The connections I made were at first unbelievable, and sometimes everything felt like a dream that I was really living. Strangers became friends, and friends became siblings. I love that place in the mountains of Narrow Ridge.

The experience started off like any usual experience starts off. I was quiet and careful. I didn't know anyone and I sure didn't want to cause any attention to myself for reasons that are meaningless to me now. To think of it, I don't even remember what the feelings were that buzzed in my head. I did made contact with Luis, I felt something about him that drew me in. He was meditating when I first arrived at the airport before departure, and I thought I should give this a go and sit next to him (I was going to be stuck with him for a full week, so I had to start talking to someone).

The kick off to a week of remembrance began right on the plane, I think. I sat next to Britney and Layz, two people that would become close through natural happenings. We spoke a bit and shared some interests, but no real connection was happening yet. The magic was awaiting all of us at Narrow Ridge. Magic that would leave me in a place where I would stare directly at myself for the first time in many years past.

From within I came out and saw the external world for what it really is. The Earth became mother, father, and child to me. The dominating view ceased to exist. I felt the pain, I felt the love, I felt the care, and I felt the power within. I was plugged in perfectly with the natural world. I left the matrix and I was in reality, for the very first time. I would read about this in books, I would try to connect but it would never work. I discarded the idea as something mystical and false. I was wrong in the falsehood of the idea, it is real and I did connect. My feet were on the ground and I was living it all.

It is sad now that I'm back in the matrix, but I know now what's real. I don't ever want to forget, I don't think I ever will. I want to make a change; I want to contribute in some way. Narrow Ridge was not just a place of healing and learning, it also became a home. I will return, and when I do I will have stories about my journey through the concrete jungle. I know now I am not alone, I have real friends, Earth Siblings that will help me through my struggles the same way that I will help them through their struggles. Earth is my home, Narrow Ridge is my home, I want to protect it, and I want to share it. Thank you Narrow Ridge, Bill, Mitzi, Brad, and everyone for this magical life changing experience that will stay with me forever.

Opportunity Calls, June 1st, 2013

Everglades National Park Hosts National Trails Day Volunteer Event

HOMESTEAD, FL: On June 1, 2013, Everglades National park will host an event in recognition of National Trails Day. National Trails Day encourages all Americans to get outside to experience, appreciate, and celebrate the natural places where we can find spectacular scenery, peace of mind, and recreation. On this day, we will trim the popular boardwalk and paved trails along the main park road starting at Payhayokee and finishing at Royal Palm.

 

Volunteers will meet at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Parking lot at 9:00 am.
The event will end approximately around 2 pm, but volunteers are not required to stay the entire time. Be prepared for hot and humid weather. Participants are required to wear long-sleeved shirts, boots, and long pants to protect against exposure to sun, biting insects, poisonwood, and ivy. ! If volunteers are dressed inappropriately, they will not be able to participate.
We will provide all work materials. Please bring a lunch, water, hat, sunglasses, and maybe a change of clothes. Participating volunteers will receive a free entry pass, enabling each volunteer to visit the Everglades again and share this unique National Park with their family and friends.
Directions: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Volunteers coming from the Miami area and northern destinations should take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends merging with U.S.1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344^th St.) and follow the signs to the park. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center will be on the right.

Anyone interested?