Archive for the ‘Leadership’ Category
29/04/2009
Moving Years of Energy
Breaking with Convention of Pent-Up Emotions
More than ever, men are seeking help to get in touch with their feelings. In the wake of the 7-Award winning Australian film, “Men’s Group”, Phil Taylor of the New Zealand Weekend Herald, reports on the trend in men to seek emotional health. View the article in a pdf document on MSI’s website.
In general, American’s are thought of as a bit “touchy feely” by Australia and New Zealand standards, however I believe that Americans are confronting, and are confronted by their past, their situation in the world, and everything from the excessive materialism, Manifest Destiny and greed, to the huge per capita use of the world’s non-renewable resources. The US is at a turning point, in which, I believe, the mainstream population is becoming more compassionate and in the moment. A calm and lighter spirit is quietly arising, and people are taking action to change the world by changing themselves.
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- Men’s Group Movie
The fruits of inner work are starting to show through society’s fabric in every day life, on the sidewalks or commutes to work. People are awakening to the higher possibilities of who they can be. It’s my observation that New Zealand and Australia’s men have an opportunity to dip their toe in the water of healthy expression, and jump in. It’s a natural evolution from the stark existence that, less than a generation ago was the only allowed behavior. Likewise, not more than 200 years ago, one could get burned at the stake for stating one’s true feelings, if they deviated from the social norm in any way.
Regarding the Movie, Men’s Group – The author saw the movie last night here in Auckland. Be prepared for witnessing the stark extreme of the dark age of men’s pent-up emotions. Both my wife and I think it is an important movie detailing the most difficult cases of men’s situations, and at the same time, portraying the hope of change.
Mountain Spirit addresses this need in our communities by offering programs for both men, women and families in mountain and natural settings in the U.S., Peru, and New Zealand.
Tags:Communication, Dexter R. Richards, Dmaiona Stansfield, Men's Group, Men's Health, Mountain Spirit, Phil Taylor, Randall Richards
Posted in Experiential Education, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Leadership, MSI News, New Zealand, Spiritual | 1 Comment »
23/04/2009
Concord, NH, USA
“A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the state of New Hampshire by the owners of Mount Sunapee Resort, who had lobbied for years to expand and develop condominiums. Judge Diane Nicolosi made her ruling late Friday, several weeks after canceling a trial between Tim and Diane Mueller and the state.” Read more via Judge dismisses Mt. Sunapee lawsuit.
“This is a major victory in our efforts to protect Mount Sunapee State Park,” said conservationist and public land advocate Tom Elliott.
Elliott is also an organizer for Friends of Mount Sunapee, a watch-guard group that steadfastly opposed the Mueller’s leasehold expansion plan.
Article: Courtesy of Sunapeenews.com
Editor’s Note: I’m a founding board member of Friends of Mount Sunapee, and although not as active while abroad, am warmed, not only by this decision but by the thought of how far we’ve come with with a shift in land preservation awareness in Sullivan County, NH. When we first considered raising our hands in opposition to (more…)
Tags:adventure travel, Dexter R. Richards, Early Winters, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, FOMS, Friends of Mount Sunapee, Holistic Living, Land Conservation Successes, Mazama, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, Peru, Randy Richards, Spiritual, SPNHF, Sunapee, Sustainability, The Power of Place, Tim and Diane Mueller
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Leadership, Power of Place, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
18/04/2009
Tom Bogdan & his Prius taxi
A Wellington, New Zealand taxi company called “Green Cabs” has thought of a better business plan. They have a fleet of Toyota Prius’s not only in the nation’s capital but in two other cities as well. According to taxi driver Tomislav Bogdan, pictured at right, Green Cabs has forty-five Prius taxis in Wellington alone. When we asked about the price comparison of taking the Prius taxi versus a non-hybrid we were surpised to learn the rates were actually cheaper. Bogdan adds, “The rate around town is NZ$2.50/kilometer (About US$1.50), which you won’t see our competitors offering such a price. The operating costs are cheaper, less gas! We are getting very low in-city fuel consumption rates because of the hybrid.”
Cool Graphics promote sustainability
The bright green Prius sports a cool logo, big global graphic, a catchy phrase stating “Safer for you and safer for the environment”, and a driver with matching green tie. The model Tom was driving was a 2007 standard Prius, with right side driver’s wheel of course. I doubt the paint color is standard!
Maybe other capital cities will encourage and invest in such green taxis, if they’ve not done so already. City managers take note. For information or if you’d like to take a ride in a bright green hybrid taxi you can contact Green Cabs at http://www.greencabs.co.nz
Posted in Climate Change, Leadership, New Zealand, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
18/04/2009
Wanaka ReStart Store
A group of women in Wanaka, New Zealand saw a need for a better way to recycle perfectly good items that were going to the landfill. That’s when they decided to do something about it and started the “ReStore” a number of years ago. The store is a success story in that it serves a vital function in reducing the landfill flow, allows a source for people to purchase used items, and allows the community to re-think their priorities on what happens in the use-cycle of their stuff. The ReStore is actually called Wanaka Wastebusters (www.wanakawastebusters.co.nz) and their store is a feast for the eyes.
(Image: Dan Robertson, an employee of Wanaka Recycling, exits the ReStore to tend the recycle bins)
Wanaka Waste-busters Glass
There’s a cult following in Salt Lake City Utah of Deseret Industries stores, operated by the Mormons. Most of the author’s wardrobe comes from high quality used clothes from Deseret Industries. Talking to others who frequent the Deseret Industries stores is like sharing a rock-climbing or alpine adventure story. And all of my favorite clothes are those from “D.I.” as it’s affectionately called amongst Utah locals.
(Image: The glass recycle bin and containers for household items and building materials at Wanaka Wastebusters)
In Wanaka, the ReStore looks like any other thrift store but it’s part of an in the center of the town recycle center. They’ve got recycling down to a fine art. A huge percentage of New Zealanders recycle and it can be seen in the activities at Wanaka Wastebusters.
Wanaka's Angus Ho at "ReStore"
Project Team Member, Angus Ho is soft spoken but talks intensely about his project, Get Real.org.nz which aims at educating people and government in reducing and eventually eliminating plastic bag use at stores throughout the country. Ho has set up an info board and laptop where citizens can sign a petition for legislation on the subject. The following are a few Q&A from the Wastebusters newsletter, (Yes, they have a newsletter):
Angus, what do you do in your job?
Angus Ho: I promote and design projects and campaigns. I set up the green Christmas Presents Campaign and the Recycled Envelope Campaign. I’m also doing waste check-ups for households and businesses. (more…)
Tags:adventure travel, Angus Ho, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, getreal.org.nz, Holistic Living, Meditation, Mountain Spirit, mtnspirit.co.nz, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Peru, Randy Richards, recycling, Solo, Spiritual, starting a recycle store, Sue Coutts, Sunapee, Sustainability, town dumps, USA, Utah, Wanaka ReStore, Wanaka Wastebusters, wilderness yoga
Posted in Climate Change, Leadership, New Zealand, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
18/04/2009
Lake Outlet Campground, Wanaka NZ
Lake Outlet Campground in Wanaka, New Zealand might look like your every-day campground in a stunning setting, tucked in amongst the low windswept trees alongside the shores of Lake Wanaka, but I assure this is no ordinary campground. Owners Glenn Tattersall and Tracy Addison happened to be at the right place at the right time a few years ago when they expressed interest in taking over the campground from landowner and operator Liam Urquhart. According to campground employee Joshua, Urquhart no longer was interested in running the campground, apparently the land developers caught word of his intentions and offered him millions for the lakefront property. ( Private lakefront property ownership doesn’t exist in New Zealand due to a national law called the Queen’s Chain that declares all land, starting from the high water line at the shore and going 40 meters (120 feet) back are public property and right of way. This also goes for rivers. The public is allowed to use this land for recreation and fishing access.)
About that time, enters Tattersall and Addison. The owner had no interest in selling to developers and with a lot of work was able to come up with a thirty-five year lease which not only provided Glenn and Tracy with a way in which to operate the campground, but put the land in protection during the next 35 year lease.
The author’s father once owned a lakefront campground near Fisher’s Bay in Sunapee New Hampshire, USA, in the mid 1960’s. The tents eventually gave way to million dollar homes in the form of a “funnel development “ called Oakledge. (The term “funnel development” is used for subdivisions which use a small amount of lake frontage to sell and support a large number of home lots away from the lakefront. This shared access allows many homeowners access to boat docks, beaches, launching ramps etc. Funnel developments were no longer allowed in the early 1970’s in New Hampshire, USA)
In the free market , it was an obvious course of events, as tents wouldn’t pay the bills as much as a subdivision. So I had personal experience of the value of what Mr. Urquhart and Tattersall and Ms. Addison had accomplished at Lake Outlet.
And Lakeside is no mere campground. Tattersall states his goals in running the operation – “We are making this operation as green as possible. Through our improvements and renovations we will be installing energy efficient appliances in the renovated green building of the main shower and kitchen complex.
Tentsite: Working with nature, not dominating it.
We are also working with the landscape rather than dominating it. Our tent and RV sites are interspersed around the existing trees and we intend to plant more trees.” He concluded, “This land is locked up in preservation for the next 35 years, and we’re proud to have had a part in that.” Of course none of this would have been possible without the stalwart vision and forward thinking of the landowner.
Tags:adventure travel, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Glenn Tattersall, Holistic Living, Lake Outlet Holiday Park and Campground, Meditation, Mountain Spirit, mtnspirit.co.nz, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Peru, Randy Richards, Solo, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability, Tracy Addison, USA, Utah, Wanaka, wilderness yoga
Posted in Conservation, Inspirational People, Leadership, New Zealand, Power of Place, Service, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
03/04/2009
MSI continues to coordinate Scholarship Program for High School Students
Student rappels, N. Cascades, WA
Now in its fourth year, Mountain Spirit has been coordinating scholarships for Sunapee High School (NH, USA) students to attend Outward Bound. R. Richards had worked for Outward Bound as a recruiter in colleges and high schools, and included his hometown school in his recruiting efforts. The program has sent a number of students on life-changing experiential wilderness programs designed to instill motivation, compassion, craftsmanship and a sense of community.
The Sunapee High School liaison Jeanne Circosta, has been coordinating the program at the student’s end, helping with applications and meetings and answering questions about Outward Bound. Says Richards, “Jeanne has been a huge help in finding qualified and motivated students for Outward Bound.”
©2009 Outward Bound
In the past students have gone sea kayaking in Maine, Rock climbing and backpacking in Colorado and Canoeing/Hiking in North Carolina. Two 16 year-old Junior students, Sean Reidy, and Linnea Circosta, will be applying and there may be a third interested student. Former Outward Bound and current Sunapee High School Student Brian Bailey has agreed to help with and fund raising efforts in Sunapee by speaking to such other organizations as the Sunapee Lyons Club or businesses that might be potential donors, allowing these students to go on this exciting program.
All funds received are dedicated to this particular program and are tax deductible as Mountain Spirit Institute is a 501-c-3 Non profit organization.
Brenda Dowst, MSI board member will also be helping in the fund raising effort by presenting the program highlights, selection criteria and goals to local organizations and businesses on an as needed basis.
Roped-Team Travel, N. Cascades
Mountain Spirit is proud to be presenting this program which is gaining traction in the community, and with Outward Bound’s scholarship administration as well. Because of MSI’s consistency in sending students to Outward Bound, and our reputation for building local partnerships for funding the scholarship, Outward Bound has committed to longer term, for future years, funding of a significant portion student’s tuition. This commitment from Outward Bound depends on continued local business and organization participation.
Hanna Baade, the first participant on this program showed pictures of her trip when giving an interview to the local paper. It made a huge impact on her life. Ben Bailey who was leaving for his program just as Baade had returned, listened with quiet anticipation, but after having completed his Outward Bound experience, said it was a huge and fantastic experience. He liked it so much his brother went the following year.
If you or your organization would like to donate to this worthwhile program, please contact R. Richards, Mountain Spirit’s Executive Director, at randy@mtnspirit.org/603-763-2668 for complete details. He will send you documents on the program description, search and selection criteria, and how you can help with a donation.
Tags:adventure travel, Brenda Dowst, Craig Cimmons, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Jeanne Circosta, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, Outward Bound, Randy Richards, Scholarships, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sunapee High School
Posted in Experiential Education, Leadership, MSI News, Service, Supporting MSI | 3 Comments »
19/03/2009
Extended Family's Mosaic & Feet
The Northfield Conference is the longest continuously running spiritual conference in the country. Started at the turn of the last century, it has developed into a strong network of devoted friends and colleagues and extended family. It’s one of the few instances where I saw whole families and people of of all ages being and acting like a true community. Many of the adults there now were children and then teens who grew up attending the annual conference held in Northfield, Mass every June or July. There is a morning meeting, then right after, small groups called families get together to debrief lives and share whatever is on the participants’ minds. At the end of our meeting we all felt like doing a goodbye group hug/”jelly roll” in which I was the lucky receipient of being in the middle. In the afternoon, after lunch there’s a plethora of workshops and activities, from painting and yoga to dance and informational lectures or discussions on everything from global warming to composting and family communication. After dinner, there is usually an non-denominational evening service in the Northfield Chapel. I got the play the 12-foot concert grand piano at one event there. That was fun. Around 7 PM, different activities may happen such as a talent show, or coffeehouse, or games, lots of games, in which children of all ages participate.
Getting stuck in the middle of a group hug
If you’d like to inquire about the Northfield Conference, check out their website. First time participants get a free ride, all expenses paid, if they give some sort of workshop in exchange. It’s a way of getting more people to check out the conference. If I weren’t in New Zealand, I’d be there this spring. If you decide to attend, you won’t be disappointed.
Tags:Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Group Dynamics, Holistic Living, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, Randy Richards, Spiritual, Sustainability, Sustainable Communities, The Northfield Conference, True Community
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People, Leadership, Music, Service, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
26/02/2009
Karan Puri & Shaun Lee, Adventurers from Singapore
Karan Puri, 18 of Katong Province and Shaun Lee, 19 of Bedok province, Singapore, are not only really nice guys, they’re also inspiring. I’ve run into them here at the the Wanaka Hostel. Right now there currently out biking around town somewhere. I found their motivation to travel New Zealand so inspiring I thought I’d share it with you. I interviewed them last night over a beer, out here on the porch from where I write this piece.
Both Karan and Shawn have just finished high school and have about three months off, before they report for the mandatory 2-year military stint that all young men are required to do in Singapore. When Karan first walked into the hostel I noticed he had a sense of inquiry and interest, not to mention compassion and friendliness. Later, upon meeting Shawn it I got the same sense of adventure and excitement. They are now on day 6 of their adventure. So here’s some insight as to what brought them to Wanaka, New Zealand.
MSI: So what motivated you two to come to New Zealand?
Karan: To do something before the military. This is the first time on vacation without my parents, and I had been here in Wanaka when I was a child. Something about the place stuck with me. So I wanted to come back.
You see, one never really gets a break to travel if you’ve been brought up in Singapore. (more…)
Tags:adventure travel, Bob Stremba, Brenda Dowst, Cindy Heath, Craig Cimmons, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Karan Puri, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Peru, Randy Richards, Shaun Lee, Singapore, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability, Wanaka, Youth Hostel
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People, Leadership, Mountain People, New Zealand, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
12/02/2009
Becky's 86th Birthday
I just received an email from my good friend Paul Myhre in Leavenworth, Washington. Goodie, I get to write about two mountain people who inspire. Paul, the soft spoken man of the mountains with a sharp wit and humble attitude is the quintessential mountain man. He worked as a climbing ranger for Mt. Rainer and is still fit as a fiddle at the ripe old age of (Edited). Paul is an inspiration, and he proves to still be so by sending me this email of climbing legend Fred Becky who just celebrated his 86th Birthday. For those that don’t know about Fred, he’s probably put up more first ascents than anyone. Climb any classic mid-range crag in the US and chances are you’ll run across his name. My favorite, at least for scenery is the Becky Route on Liberty Bell in the North Cascades. The reason there are so many people at Becky’s birthday party is he seems to be a nice guy.
Becky in Red, Paul: Far Right, 1st Row
I met him through Paul when I lived in Leavenworth. We all had a beer at the brewery. (I do miss Leavenworth at times)(But I’m not complaining about New Zealand at present). The thing about mountain people like Paul and Fred is they are still out there doing it. Well, I’m not sure how much Fred is climbing, but I can bet he’s outside and in the mountains in some way. Last I heard he had his little black book out in Alaska somewhere with some young whippersnappers and was at the base camp enjoying being on the glacier. My generation may be the last child in the woods, but these guys get me going. No computers, or rarely, for them. Ok, Paul did send me this email, but last I heard from Paul he was still doing Outer Space the Wall in Icicle Creek. The photos of Fred Becky’s birthday give me hope, lot’s of it! I’m going to pull myself away from this machine and head to Kerin Forks and Gillespie Pass tomorrow. Goodie, and I’m only fifty!
Tags:adventure travel, Bob Stremba, Brenda Dowst, Cindy Heath, Craig Cimmons, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Fred Becky, Gillespie Pass, Holistic Living, Kerin Forks, Makaroa, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, Mt. Rainer, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Paul Myhre, Peru, Randy Richards, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability
Posted in Holistic Living, Leadership, Mountain People, New Zealand, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
11/02/2009
Machu Picchu
MSI is excited to be working further with Guillermo Seminario and Chimu Inka this summer. For anyone interested in joining us, a small group, (limited to 6-7) will be going to Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca with Guillermo and Chimu Inka as our hosts. MSI has been running programs to Peru since 1998, (R Richards had been mountain guiding before that in Peru), and we are excited to be working with who we consider our dear family members Guillermo, Wachi and and Mario.
Amantani Island, Summit View
We will visit with locals, do a small service project, stay in the Sacred Valley, venture to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. There will be a base for a few days in Ollantaytambo where we will head to Willoc to study weaving in action. This area is known for it’s traditional weaves with mainly vegetable dyes. Of course, Guillermo and his band members will provide a strong musical influence, not only by performing, but sharing with us their history and love of traditional Andean folklore music.
There is still space available, airline prices are at an all time low to Lima and Cusco, so we hope you’ll consider joining us. For more information see MSI’s website at www.mtnspirit.org or contact Randy Richards at 603-763-2668 or by email at randy@mtnspirit.org .
Tags:adventure travel, Andean Folklore Music, Bob Stremba, Brenda Dowst, Chimu Inka, Cindy Heath, Craig Cimmons, Cusco, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Guillermo Seminario, Holistic Living, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, Peru, Randy Richards, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability
Posted in Holistic Living, Leadership, Mountain People, MSI News, Peru, Power of Place, South America, Spiritual, Traveling | 1 Comment »
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