Three quotes from Rachel Carson who wrote Silent Spring. 

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction”

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves that will endure as long as life lasts”.

“In nature nothing exists alone, be still and listen”

The order of the universe seems to me almost more visceral than before in my life. Is it the daily news? There have been other occasions – going into the roof aged about five and see before me gas masks and metal hats. Age 7 given seeds to plant in my own tiny patch of earth, then watching them grow out of the soil and slowly produce French beans – wow. Others of course and then years later the first weekend I listened to Michio and Aveline. He explained in his unique manner the world of vibration and how understanding the rhythms of nature over eons can inspire us. Many will recall Michio often asked us to “re-member.” (Collins dictionary – ‘bring back to our consciousness’) This was a visceral listening journey for me to find ways to humbly help us and the environment repeatedly search for unity and truth.

Wherever we are going I ask how far removed are we from simple, natural order and observation. The worldwide food issue is a loud wake up call for us to pay deep attention. Every second on a computer I could be growing my own food rather than relying on others to do it for me and ferry it across an ocean.

This I believe is the reality of where the ancients first observed the movement of the sun and moon, stars and seasons, and how all living beings respond to these energy sources. Out of natural inquiry came the 5 transformations and other formula world-wide for human life force and wholeness in health, spirit and society.I am curious once again how it affects me to be receiving the energy of the planet between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox. It is easy to talk about it as learnt, but how does it quietly affect my mind, body and spirit; as the sun moves a little lower each day. The world becomes more heated each day. Plants need water, there is much less water and most is contaminated. Let’s look at one aspect of the 5 transformations graph of energy:

– rising in spring
– expanding in summer
– gathering in late summer
– storing in autumn
– dissolving in winter. 

I am reflect that each of these seasonal changes took place and were very tangible. That communities felt them, knew them, and gathered together to celebrate. To celebrate the powerful change the universe created around them, that nourished them, night and day, cold and hot with beauty and abundance, fierceness and force. They prepared food to share, made music, sound and dance. No commodities – No advertising required! It fascinates me.

For these values in each seasonal  transformation I feel gratitude, especially for the great mature trees who have witnessed so much and given so much and the pollinating bees. It is amazing the life force of these seasons; what can be grown when we care for the elements, how the metaphors of life work when we practice them as an art. Community and co-operation can be helpful and healthful….. to wake and rise and plant in spring, expand without overdoing it and to gather with, and for everyone, to store and share, and to dissolve aspects of myself / ourselves, in winter. I wonder If the art of forgiveness is implicit in gratitude, and the most challenging in all transformations and seasons, yet extra-ordinary once achieved. 

What an order this is…..her, we have picked together from the tree of cooking apples, enough medium bags full for 20 people and next the blackberries…..who invented their timely deliciousness and constituents? 

Little reminder for the moment!

• Vernal Equinox, March 21, start of Spring…equal length day/night 
• Summer Solstice, June 20, 21, start of Summer….longest day
• Autumn Equinox, September 23…equal length day/night                      
• Winter Solstice, Dec 21, 22…shortest day