Project Transformation- Post One

A friend mentioned that I am always writing and speaking of Transformation. What is being transformed she asked. I said everything. We could really say that the universe is expanding and changing at such rate it means we are transforming continually. The question I ask is "WHO are we becoming?"

I think that is the question I asked myself recently and that is why I am so focused on transformation. I thought about "Who I am becoming?" and I realized I liked the answer.

Who I am becoming- Who I realize myself to be is a person intimately connected to people and earth. What I do, What I say and What I dream are engaged with my faith in the divine which dwells among us on earth.

This mantra of mine has led to significant changes in what I eat, what I wear, how I raise my children, how I engage with my partner, how I work, study, volunteer.

And it means I have to take a long look at the places in my life that are unhealthy. This is where the biggest transformation occurs. It is quite easy to do the things I have always found life affirming. It is another thing to realize there are areas of my life that are unhealthy. I carry beliefs that are soul defeating, or I engage in habits that are harmful to my body. A while back I wrote about Compost, and I began to note what I can change to promote life, what are the "raw" or tender parts of my being that I can use to transform.

So I decided to take on a project, which is aptly named Project Transformation. I want to examine more critically my food intake, and my health/weight. Over the past 3 years I have gained a significant amount of weight and that has affected my mood, health and ability to be the person I want to be. I want my food choices to affirm my connection to earth and at the same time help me become a more physically healthy person. As I look over the landscape of this year (the schedule and responsibilities I have) I am afraid that I will easily fall back into old habits (my usual stress response). I will need to rely on my community for support.

Today begins step one: Careful examination of current habits, and plan for positive change.

Engaged with my garden, my Rodale Basic Natural Foods Cookbook, my local Whole Foods, my beautiful children, my fabulous partner, and my beloved community, Let the transformation begin.

Community Discernment

How do we work together to discern what is best for our community? President Obama is trying to develop a culture of discernment and change does not happen over night. Those of us who want that change have the responsibility to learn eagerly and respond thoughtfully. I believe we also have a responsibility to teach others the art of discernment, especially our children. I would like to schools focus on teaching children to be citizens of earth, not concerned will funneling them into college and career.

As our country tries to address Health care, I am overwhelmed by the shouting (in written and spoken word) It saddens me to see my sisters and brothers not sitting still long enough to listen what others are saying. It makes me think of how I am not listening. I do need to stop the media input and reflect on what I am hearing and what thoughts/feelings/ action arise from information.

How are we doing this as a community? I do not believe big town halls with lots of media coverage is the way to go. I believe it is through the smaller connections in our neighborhoods, in our schools. I would would much rather see the PTSA sponsor a night of education and discussion about Health Care reform and stop organizing ridiculous magazine drives (Talk about media frenzy). Where are the safe places in our communities? Where can we go to safely engage with diverse backgrounds an opinions? I must admit I do not engage many people in this discussion because I do not want to sift through people's anger. However, it someone takes the time to discern and explain their understanding, if someone took the time to think through the issue and not just spout misinformed media, then I will listen, learn and discuss.

How do we make that happen? How do we prepare people for a lifetime of civic engagement with discernment and integrity? What is the role of our schools, churches, libraries, government to make community discernment a reality?