Archive for the ‘Holistic Living’ Category
17/06/2011
Selling Success Thru Consuming
A recent full page ad on the inside front cover of New Zealand Alpine Club‘s The Climber* Magazine shows a truly burly shot of climber Alex Honnold in Borneo, doing a dyno move on what looks like a long potential fall on a big wall. Granted the sequence is impressive, (let’s be clear, I can’t do that), but the ad states, “ALEX IS DRY, His Meru Goretex Paclite Jacket allows him to focus on the next move.”
OK, ok, stop the music. Does this make we want to rush right out and buy a Meru Paclite Jacket? Not. But if the Meru Paclite jacket allows him to focus on that dyno, maybe it will allow ME to focus on my next move too, just like the ad in the picture. My criticism is albeit a cliche, nevertheless, I don’t buy it.
Kiwis are known for being a self-depreciating, humble bunch. They seem to buy used whenever possible, plus it blends into the backcountry better. Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t go climbing with someone who has new gear?” This doesn’t mean to avoid climbing and teaching new to the sport, but more it means watching out for a poser.
The Kiwi quietude is making me, in my conditioned Americanism, feel downright goofy. I feel I may be tooting my own horn without even knowing . Mind you, I consider myself on the humble side, but New Zealanders make me look like Donald Trump. I wonder however, how many climbers reading that magazine are taken by the ad. I would suspect a few more of my fellow Yankees stateside might be taken in. What do you think? Comment below.
Don’t buy it – buy used. Even though I’m able to buy on pro-purchase programs, I just bought a pair of Karhu BC skis on Craigslist, and it feels good. Did I even need them in the first place, yes. Maybe a step further, and a pair from the Salvation Army here in Queenstown for $40 would have sufficed. We can always improve.
Buying this Book? Share it.
Nope, I wouldn’t buy a used rope, or even cams, but buying most other stuff used just helps the planet, and you look better in a used jacket anyway. It’s another dirtbag move for the planet. Madison Avenue and the big corps who now own The North Face, (and now Karhu) don’t like guys like us. We’re terrible consumers – Have you joined the crowd?
According to a new book by Rachel Botsman and Roo Rogers, What’s Mine is Yours, The rise of Collaborative Consumption, the trend is huge – to buy less, buy used and share. I’ll write more about this book after I finish it. So far it’s fascinating.
*This is no way meant to be a slam on The Climber advertising policies, in fact the author encourages readers to support the magazine by supporting its advertisers, appropriately. A tricky one, eh?
By the way, nice move Alex.
Tags:Alex Honnold, Borneo, buying used climbing gear, Climbing, Collaborative Consumption, Conservation, Consumerism, Environment, Jimmy Chin, Meru Gore-tex, Mountain Spirit, New Zealand, New Zealand Alpine Club, outdoor gear, Paclite Jacket, Queenstown, Rachel Botsman, Roo Rogers, Salvation Army, Summit Series, Sustainability, The North Face, TNF, Waste, What's Mine is Yours
Posted in Climb/Ski/Mntneering, Environment, Fair Trade, Holistic Living, New Zealand, Room For Improvement, Sustainable Living/Communities, Sustainable Travel | 1 Comment »
26/05/2011
Bravo, Joe Simpson
Joe Simpson’s documentary, The Beckoning Silence, is a well-done re-enactment of Tony Kurtz’s infamous climb on the Eiger. It’s part adventure, part history and part personal reflection. It shows the insight of wisdom that, in this case, comes with age. Having almost died more than once, the first time in Peru, Simpson has arrived at place in his life that is refreshingly thoughtful. Simpson is a climber who is growing older and facing his own mortality. Congrats to Simpson for making this “on the edge of your seat” film and letting us into his personal growth.
I reflect on Eckhart Tolle who writes in his first book The Power of Now about thrill seekers such as climbers who get addicted to the calm that comes with climbing, where past and future fade away and one must focus next move or ice axe placement, because “taking your attention away from the task at hand, even for a split second can mean death”. Tolle adds, “Fortunately you don’t have to climb the north face of the Eiger in order to feel the presence of the moment, you can do it, right here and now*.”
I just did a bit of leading on rock yesterday, for the first time in a while, getting out from behind the desk here in New Zealand. It was great to clear the head and be on the cliffs right outside our house here in Kingston on Shirttail Cliffs.
Top of Shirt-tail Cliffs, Kingston, NZ
Great quality climbs in a spectacular setting. Moving on the rock again felt great, and motivating, being on the sharp end. However, I’ve never had that wild-eyed look of adrenaline, pumped, on the sharp end, need of the thrill . I like to test myself, but my survivalist instinct is too strong to be too bold. There are old climbers, bold climbers but not a lot of old bold climbers. I know quite a few fellow climbers who I’ve lost to the mountains over the years, including one of my mentors, Alan Bard. I think of these things too, as does Simpson, as we have a baby boy expected to arrive in four weeks. It’s good to be in the mountains, but to those hardcore dudes, don’t be afraid to take the easy way up, it won’t kill you.
*A free translation
Tags:Alan Bard, D.R. Richards, Eckhart Tolle, Eiger, Joe Simpson, Kingtson, Mountain Spirit, New Zealand, North Face, second attempt, Shirttail Rock, The Beckoning Silence, There are old climbers and bold climbers, Tony Kurtz
Posted in Climb/Ski/Mntneering, Film/DVD, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People | Leave a Comment »
20/04/2011
Law of Mother Earth expected to prompt radical new conservation
and social measures in South American nation
From: The Guardian
Bolivian President Evo Morales
Bolivia is set to pass the world’s first laws granting all nature equal rights to humans. The Law of Mother Earth, now agreed by politicians and grassroots social groups, redefines the country’s rich mineral deposits as “blessings” and is expected to lead to radical new conservation and social measures to reduce pollution and control industry.
The country, which has been pilloried by the US and Britain in the UN climate talks for demanding steep carbon emission cuts, will establish 11 new rights for nature. They include: the right to life and to exist; the right to continue vital cycles and processes free from human alteration; the right to pure water and clean air; the right to balance; the right not to be polluted; and the right to not have cellular structure modified or genetically altered.
Controversially, it will also enshrine the right of nature “to not be affected by mega-infrastructure and development projects that affect the balance of ecosystems and the local inhabitant communities”.
“It makes world history. Earth is the mother of all”, said Vice-President Alvaro García Linera. “It establishes a new relationship between man and nature, the harmony of which must be preserved as a guarantee of its regeneration.”
The law, which is part of a complete restructuring of the Bolivian legal system following a change of constitution in 2009, has been heavily influenced by a resurgent indigenous Andean spiritual world view which places the environment and the earth deity known as the Pachamama at the centre of all life. Humans are considered equal to all other entities.
The Pacha Mama, Earth Mother
But the abstract new laws are not expected to stop industry in its tracks. While it is not clear yet what actual protection the new rights will give in court to bugs, insects and ecosystems, the government is expected to establish a ministry of mother earth and to appoint an ombudsman. It is also committed to giving communities new legal powers to monitor and control polluting industries. (more…)
Tags:Bill of rights for earth, Bolivia, Bolivian Foriegn Sectretary, Earth equal rights, Evo Morales, La Paz, Mountain Spirit, Pacha Mama, vision
Posted in Climate Change, Conservation, Environment, Holistic Living, Indigenous Wisdom, Inspirational People, Leadership, Power of Place | 3 Comments »
10/04/2011
As our world moves closer to facing climate change and its consequences, MSI is doing our part to provide education and awareness on how to achieve some measure of personal sustainability.
We invite you to come to Vermont on June 10-12, 2011 for a weekend retreat to explore how to make healthier choices about food, relationships and navigating everyday life in a healthier and more conscious way.
In our upcoming Creating A Sustainable Lifestyle program, we feature some of New England’s most gifted teachers and facilitators.
Henry Homeyer
Henry Homeyer, author of four gardening books and New England garden columnist, will share insights from over 60 years of organic gardening experience.
- Jen White
Jen White, Sustainability Coordinator at Colby Sawyer College, will help us understand the global impact of our choices, connect with our values and live sustainably from the heart.
- Miles Sherts
Miles Sherts, author and founder of Sky Meadow Retreat in northern Vermont, has been teaching about conflict resolution and communication skills since 1990. Miles will lead a workshop on Conscious Communication.
So please think about joining us at Sky Meadow Retreat in June – at the very least it will get you thinking about what you can do to live more in alignment with the earth, and we guarantee, you’ll learn a few good things about Creating A More Sustainable Lifestyle.
Tags:Climate Change, conscious communication, eating locally, Henry Homeyer, Holistic Living, jen white, Local Food, Meditation, miles sherts, Mountain Spirit, organic gardening, sky mountain retreat, sustainable living, triple bottom line, Vermont, wholistic health, Your Food Supply
Posted in Climate Change, Environment, Health, Holistic Living, MSI News, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities, Your Food Supply | 1 Comment »
29/03/2011
A book for the ages
Hanging out at the Telemark Inn and Llama Farm (Newry, Maine) years ago, when I was a ranch hand, and pack guide, I came across a little book on Steve Crone’s bookshelf called “Nature’s Seven Doctors” by Kirschner and White. This little volume espoused the basics of how simple living and paying attention the basics keeps one healthy.
After the Christchurch Earthquake and all, I guess the readjustment and stress of an unplanned move had me melancholy the last few days. I went with the flow, in line with Tolle, was in accepting and allowing my state to be, I just didn’t feel at the top of my game. Even though we’ve found ourselves in a beautiful place, 7 hours south of the quake zone, it’s still been an adjustment of sorts.
Today I got it together and climbed to the top of the cliff outside our new rental home, sat for a short meditatino, and ran back down the trail, and on my way back to the house, jumped in Lake Wikatipu on lake’s southern beach. The run and dip did me good, and I’ve been reminded all day of Kirschner and White’s book. I’ve been feeling like new person all day.
The Seven Doctors are: (I usually can do this from memory, let’s see..) Fresh air, fresh water, fresh food, rest, mental/spiritual development, adequate exercise and adequate sleep. Nothing to remember really, it’s common sense.
A view of Kingston, NZ from the top of Shirttail Cliffs
Tags:Christchurch Earthquake, Dexter Richards, Eckhart Tolle, Kingston, Kirschner and White, Lake Wikatipu, Mountain Spirit, Nature's Seven Doctors, New Zealand, Newry Maine, Queenstown, Randy Richards, Rock Climbing, Shirttail Rock, Solitude, Solo, Steve Crone, stress, Telemark Inn and Llama Farm
Posted in Books, Climb/Ski/Mntneering, Health, Holistic Living, New Zealand, Power of Place, Spiritual | 1 Comment »
04/03/2011
The Revolution will begin our food supply
Over the past 12 days, the Obama administration has unbelievably chosen to approve two biotech crops, Roundup Ready genetically modified (GMO) alfalfa and Roundup Ready genetically modified (GMO) sugar beets. Obama’s recent approval of them will allow them to be planted as early as this spring, despite widespread acknowledgment that these crops are certain to contaminate both conventional and organic farmers non-GMO crops. Their approval only benefits one company — Monsanto.
These decisions are a devastating blow to our democracy and the basic rights of farmers to choose how they want to grow food on their land and the rights of consumers who increasingly choose organic and sustainably grown food for its positive health and environmental impacts. Click here to join us in telling President Obama that it’s time to stand up to Monsanto and reject these GMO crops today.
Tags:Biotech, GMO, Monsanto, Roundup ready Alfalfa, sugar beets
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Health, Holistic Living, Room For Improvement, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
09/02/2011
Don't Miss This Dose of Inspiration
The film This way of Life is as inspiring as it gets. Filmed in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island, this documentary is about a Maori family: a good and strong man and his wife who bring up their kids in the out-of-doors, raising wild horses. Peter, the father, is someone this writer admires for his steadfast adherance to what is right action in the midst of some people around him who act very badly. We happened to pick up the movie at the library the other day, and were wowed by it.
A lot of what we strive for here at Mountain Spirit Institute is encapsulated in the documentary, and how this family lives their lives. No nature deficit disorder here. But the hardships, and even the new house where the kids get their own rooms, don’t sugarcoat the difficulties faced by the family. We are about to bring a child into this world, and this film has added fuel to our fire to continue to head for the mountains. A cure for affluenza, for sure.
Director: Thomas Burstyn
New Zealand, 2010, 84 min.
Against the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s rugged Ruahine Mountains, Peter Karena and his wife Colleen instill in their children the values of independence, courage, and happiness. The family is poor in possessions but rich with a physicality and freedom within nature that most of us can only dream of. The children ride bareback, hunt, and play in the wild. Shot over four years, this film is an intimate portrait of a Maori family and their relationship with nature, adversity, horses, and society at large. Special mention at Berlin International Film Festival, 2010 Hotdocs, New Zealand’s Oscar shortlist.
You can learn a bit more about the family and the film on their Facebook page.
See the Movie Trailer
Tags:bareback, Children, Colleen Karena, Experiential Education, Hawkes Bay, Horses, Mauri, Mountain Spirit, Mountains, Natural Childrearing, nature, New Zealand, Peter Karena, Ruahine Mountains, This Way Of Life
Posted in Animals, Environment, Experiential Education, Film/DVD, Health, Holistic Living, Indigenous Wisdom, Inspirational People, Leadership, Mountain People, New Zealand, Power of Place, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities | 3 Comments »
08/02/2011
The Revolution will begin our food supply
Over the past 12 days, the Obama administration has unbelievably chosen to approve two biotech crops, Roundup Ready genetically modified (GMO) alfalfa and Roundup Ready genetically modified (GMO) sugar beets. Obama’s recent approval of them will allow them to be planted as early as this spring, despite widespread acknowledgement that these crops are certain to contaminate both conventional and organic farmers non-GMO crops. Their approval only benefits one company — Monsanto.
These decisions are a devastating blow to our democracy and the basic rights of farmers to choose how they want to grow food on their land and the rights of consumers who increasingly choose organic and sustainably grown food for its positive health and environmental impacts. Click here to join us in telling President Obama that it’s time to stand up to Monsanto and reject these GMO crops today.
Tags:GMO, Monsanto, Mountain Spirit, Organic Farmers, Roundup Ready, Your Food Supply
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Experiential Education, Fair Trade, Health, Holistic Living, Room For Improvement, Sustainable Living/Communities, This Just In Department, Your Food Supply | 4 Comments »
19/12/2010
Mountain Spirit Institute teams up with Master Teaching Artist Bob Bloom
By Cindy Heath
Bob Bloom, of Storrs, CT will lead our Drumming Jamaica workshop February 7-11, 2011 at the Calabash House in Treasure Beach, Jamaica.
I first met Bob Bloom in the late 90’s, when I was searching for musicians to fill the program for a children’s entertainment series in Lebanon, NH. Bob was on stage at a performing artists showcase, and I was immediately drawn to his energy and of course, his skillful drumming. I hired Bob on the spot, and he returned to our stage every summer thereafter, bringing drums for all to play.
Bob Bloom Leads Drumming Jamaica
Bob has been a busy guy, building a highly popular and successful interactive drumming and education program. Here’s a snapshot of his accomplishments:
*Bob’s certification as a ‘Master Teaching Artist’ was awarded by the Connecticut Commission on the Arts in 1997.
*For over a decade, Bob served as a faculty assistant to Dr. Babatunde Olatunji for his “Language of the Drums” courses, and he performed as a member of Drums of Passion, Dr. Olatunji’s internationally acclaimed drumming and dance company.
*Bob served from 2007 to 2010 as chair of the Interactive Drumming Committee of The Percussive Arts Society, the largest percussion organization in the world.
I bought my first conga drum right around the time I met Bob, and started taking lessons at Dartmouth College – what a thrill! There’s nothing like playing the rhythms with a group – I learned to play conga, bongo, clave and eventually steel drums – all without knowing how to read music. Turns out we feel rhythms at a cellular level, and drumming has all kinds of health benefits, including a positive effect on our immune system.
A highlight of my relationship with Bob was when he gave me one of his drums – a beautiful djembe. This is the one I’ll bring to Treasure Beach,
- Calabash House, Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Jamaica for the Drumming Jamaica workshop Bob is teaching – perhaps I’ll learn some new rhythms, and come back from Jamaica a bit healthier and wiser.
As African music educator Olatunji said, “Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action revolves in rhythm.”
If you would like to join MSI in Jamaica, please check out the MSI website or call 603-763-2668
Tags:adventure travel, African drumming, Bob Bloom, Cindy Heath, drumming, eco-tourism, Experiential Education, giving back, interactive drumming, mtnspirit.org, musical adventure, Power of Place, Treasure Beach Jamaica
Posted in Blogs, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Inspirational People, Leadership, MSI News, Music, Power of Place, Spiritual, Sustainable Travel, Traveling, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
17/11/2010
Mountain Spirit is advertising in Wisdom Magazine, and Spirit of Change aiming at people who might be at a crossroads in their life, or simply wanting to try a new challenge, or learn something new.
A non-profit educational organization
Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle program will be held in Northern Vermont next spring at a peaceful retreat center, focusing on the personal – sustainability and health. Learn how to plant a garden, the basics of yoga and meditation and of course time for relaxation in a beautiful place.
Drumming Jamaica program taught by well-known instructor Bob Bloom will be held in Treasure Beach Jamaica from Feb. 7-11. There will be about 20 hrs of instruction with plenty of time to explore the beaches and local culture. Lodging will be at the Calabash House.
New Zealand: Our other base. We will be based on the South Island near the Southern Alps. Aimed at active travelers but with flexible offerings, depending upon your interest and focus. Options are trekking, glacier travel, rock climbing, or simply walks and getting into the lessor known areas of the Wanaka and Queenstown area, with options of other parts of South Island depending upon your availability, interest and energy. Be ready to step out and see something new.
For more info, see our website: www.mtnspirit.org
Tags:Bob Bloom, Gardening, Glacier Travel, Meditation, Mew Zealand, Mountain Spirit, Sky Meadow Retreat, Spirit of Change, Sustainability, Sustainable Agriculture, Trekking, Wisdom Magazine
Posted in Climb/Ski/Mntneering, Conservation, Environment, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, MSI News, Music, New Zealand, Service, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities, Sustainable Travel, Traveling, Your Food Supply | Leave a Comment »
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