Long Walks On Leafy Streets

4/8/2014 Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells, ME (Thanks to Nicole)
Spring has finally arrived here in Washington, DC. We had an entire week without unusually cold days. The sun has been shining, the air is warmer and the birds have been singing. It is helping me feel better during these difficult times for our planet.
I just checked the weather data for the past month on NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) website. There have been 16 days when the minimum went below 32 during the past month whereas the average is 7. The average amount of snowfall in March is about an inch while we got close to 13 inches. It has been a record breaking March and a very unusual winter in general. Apparently one could expect more strange weather in the coming years, according to the latest report of the UN panel IPCC composed of the world’s foremost climate experts.
That report has been in the news during the last week.
It is really worrisome, not just if you care about nature. In fact, nature and our earth will do fine in the long run, although many of today’s species will go extinct. But the report should be of great concern for anyone who cares about people, especially those in poor countries and islands everywhere. I have also been concerned about the upcoming midterm elections in the US and the elections going on in India. I worry that those who do not care enough about the environment and the poor and the disadvantaged would gain more power. It has been hanging like a cloud over my mind during the past week.
The good news is that I have been getting better at dealing with such worries. First of all I try not to burden myself with the problems of the world. One should be aware of them, concerned about them and inspired to act. Then one should get into action and stop worrying. The best way to worry less about them is to do something about them.
I attended a talk by fellow Sierra Club hike leader Ron LaCoss about climate change. It was quite informative and he inspired me by his passion. I also learned that I could buy a little device that would turn the heat from the dryer vent back into the house. Apparently next to the refrigerator the dryer uses the most energy. It is difficult for us to use a clothesline so this will be helpful. I try to be as frugal as possible in my usage of the washing machine but one does need a certain minimum!
Secondly because of my regular running, walking, cooking, teaching and research and all other activities I have been feeling very strong both physically and mentally. I have also been meditating more regularly and all of this helps me focus on my present activity and not dwell on the past or future or other distractions.
Recently I saw a video about a boy in Sierra Leone named Kelvin Doe who was able to build a small radio station on his own using parts that he salvaged. He calls himself DJ Focus. He says if you focus, then you can do anything perfectly. How true! Apparently his next project is to build a windmill for his village. The secret to achieving and creating things in life is hard work combined with a focus on what one is doing. This creates joy and a feeling of fulfillment leading to a virtuous cycle of positive energy.

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