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?

TAP (Truth about Privatization)

Most people don’t know that only a mere 2.5% of the world’s water is fresh water, and that only 0.024% of that is potable water which can be used for human consumption. That small, but highly valuable amount is diminishing. Today’s generation must realize that wars could be fought. Conflicts already exist, for example between Bangladesh and India. Some might even be waged against our Canadian neighbors, who have more freshwater resources than any other country.

Water in the developed world is unfortunately wasted, especially when it comes to irrigation. In developing countries, people have no accessibility. They rely on charity-provided straws to filter out any pollutants or disease-causing agents. But a lesser known evil is privatization because locals in developing countries (and even some small American towns) may have abundant water sources available to them, but not at their reach due to rising costs and worsening quality. Worst of all, we are all responsible. And companies love to make it seem like the problem does not even exist.

Water privatization is a growing negative symptom of globalization. The modern economy has given way to the age of commodification, in which products that we should not consider economic goods are sold and often lead to profits for the wealthiest people in the world: the CEOs of conglomerates Nestle, PepsiCo, Coca Cola, and French water companies Suez and Veolia.

While privatization can be a good thing, preventing the tragedy of the commons issue from arising, in which everyone exploits the resource because of a lack of regulation, corporate control is very dangerous. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund institute structural adjustment policies in their austerity measures, meaning they include conditions along with their loans to developing countries, countries which depend on the loans for further development in infrastructure and education. A popular offer in these policies includes privatizing water resources. The offer often looks attractive on paper, but once signed and running for a few months, the companies hike up the prices, sell the water at a rapid rate, and sometimes pollute it irresponsibly. Vandana Shiva, activist from India and author of multiple books on water wars claims, “denying poor people access to water by privatizing water distribution or polluting wells is also terrorism.”

While fighting large banks and multi-national corporations is very difficult, national solutions include improvements to public funding and exposing these companies who hide behind North American Free Trade Agreements (NAFTA) and WTO, and Free Trade Area of the Americans’ (FTAA) free trade rules. On an individual level, stop consuming bottled water because this allows us to support privatization and the profits these companies make. Also, look out for TAP (Truth about Privatization), a campaign to expose privatization and encourage drinking tap water, which has its roots in the 2013 Salzburg Global Seminar and will begin at Kendall Campus in the fall semester.

Peace and Love,

Halina Rachelson

Namaste, Earth Siblings!

"People are making decisions without understanding the ecology of a place." -Carol Judy, forest granny

This blog was intended for Miami Dade College Yes! for Environmental Sustainability club members and students interested in the environmental and social justice issues to express themselves and promote awareness for a simple, environmentally friendly life.