Seedlings
Each month we will publish a letter which we call a seedling. A seedling, by definition, is a young plant that has all that it needs to blossom: root, shoot and leaves. It just needs to break through the surface to reach the light. I am hopeful that with your work, care, wisdom, and inspiration the seedling will break through any resistance, reach the light of day and spread like wildflowers.
The letter will include an idea, a theory, a thought to pique your curiosity, to inspire you to delve deeper, to think in new ways, maybe even to imagine a new way of living. As I was exploring various fields I felt myself waking up, paying attention, and being more mindful. It was a though the light had shifted and what was in shadow was clear as day.
The letters may also include a poem, a Bible verse, or other reading. I am hopeful there will be words to inspire, enlighten, and renew and that you will share your insight that you may become a leader and a teacher in a quest to save our planet from ourselves, and for all of its inhabitants.
But we cannot forget action, for action can speak louder than words. Each letter will include a practical action we can take, some larger than others. And those actions can becomes habits, and they can teach others, inspire others to do likewise. And maybe most importantly, they can teach our children and grandchildren mindful and hope-filled ways of living on this beautiful planet for generations and generations to come.
Where Have All the Grownups Gone?
Dear Partners in Green, Recently a book on my shelf caught my eye. Flipping through it, I happened upon a sentence that spoke to me of the environmental crisis we are now experiencing. The book was “Original Blessing” by Matthew Fox, an Episcopal priest and Creation...
Our Daily Habits
Dear Partners in Green, Each day it gets more frustrating. What is wrong with us? We know that this dear planet is in jeopardy, that future life here is not a guarantee. Imagine one day some lone survivors looking back on us, their ancestors, and saying “What were...
Our Best Form of Persuasion
Dear Partners in Green, Considering the name of this website, it may seem odd for me to advise against preaching, but that is just what I am doing in this Seedling. There is a limit to the effectiveness of preaching. We know that people are prone to daydream or even...
Wake Up
Dear Partners in Green, I recently learned of the book Bright Green Lies by Derrick Jensen, Lierre Keith and Max Gilbert. The question the authors address is whether or not green technology is the answer to the environmental crisis. Their answer is a resounding “NO.”...
Lessons To Be Learned
Dear Partners in Green, I wish there were better news, but unfortunately that is not the case. Global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have returned to pre-pandemic levels and then some. Climate treaty targets are in jeopardy. It is as though we are back to “normal.”...
Seed Season
Dear Partners in Green, This April’s Seedling is courtesy of Pat James, the Community Garden Manager for Grow Food Northampton, a non-profit organization that operates a large organic community garden in Western Massachusetts. Thank you, Pat! "They thought they could...
Just Imagine
Dear Partners in Green, As we move into a yet uncertain future, I believe it is important for us to imagine the future we want for ourselves and our loved ones. I think there is a need for us to appreciate the value of imagination, as we learn that imagination is more...
Your Own Two Hands
Dear Partners in Green, What a stressful time we have endured, but now it seems we can take a moment to breathe, trusting our country is in capable hands. We celebrate President Joe Biden’s first actions:prioritizing the COVID - 19 pandemic,rejoining the Paris Climate...
Proverbs 31:9 “Defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Dear Partners in Green, This past year we have had an opportunity to see the disparities in our society. COVID-19 has claimed, and is continuing to claim, a disproportionate number of the poor and indeed of the working poor. This virus has increased the rate of...
In the Meantime
Dear Partners in Green, Such an unsettling time we are living through! We are still dealing with COVID-19 which has shown no signs of abating, and we are in the midst of a disputed election. It seems that now we are living in the meantime, which can be the most...
Courage
Dear Partners in Green, Lately, it has become evident as we move headlong into an uncertain and ominous future, that a virtue we must embrace and nurture within ourselves is courage, defined by Merriam Webster as the mental or moral strength to risk, persevere, and...
Repair the World
Dear Partners in Green, Recently as a fundraiser, PBS aired the documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” a film that examines the life and legacy of Fred Rogers. In the program, the beloved host of “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” was described as a person who lived...