First Sunday of Advent

Today is the first Sunday of Advent!

ad•vent (ad’ vent) n. The coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important.

The advent season is a time of expectant waiting. We look forward with excitement to the celebration of Christmas; we wait for the return of longer days after the solstice; and we anticipate the arrival of grace in our hearts.

Grace is a state of being - at peace, free, filled with love & light.

I'll fill the next weeks with decorating, baking, buying gifts, and singing songs... but enfolding the busyness is the simple, deep peace and love of advent. I wait, anticipate, and learn again that transformation is a slow process.

Agenda today:
1. Advent prayer

2. Grace notes
3. Plan activities to express my unity with nature

4. Creative visualization

5. Advent wreath ceremony

Retreat to Prepare for Advent

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of expectant waiting, and today I will actively prepare to wait. I will get my house and my heart ready for this complicated winter season of holidays.

The darkness of winter puts limits on our lives. Chinese philosophy says winter is a time of conservation and storage; the night, the feminine, water, and cold is dominant. We slow down, go inward, and spend more time on quiet, yin activities.

Luckily, advent is four weeks long, allowing us to grow slowly and steadily towards the light: Let yourself go inward now - be like the bear in her cave, saving your strength and relishing the darkness. Don't celebrate Christmas too soon; allow yourself to experience the darkness of winter, against which it shines.

Agenda Today:

1. Retreat Day
2. Read "Perspective"
3. Journal Queries

4. Space clearing

5. Make an Advent Wreath

Buy Nothing Day and First Quarter Moon

Black Friday sales are an abomination! All I want to do on the day after Thanksgiving is eat pie and whip cream, and think about Advent. I make about half of my holiday gifts, and usually spend this free day at home, working on projects.

Today is also the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - growing in light and energy, creating a time for decisive action and full effort. I use this late November quarter moon's energy to prepare or advent.

Agenda Today:

1. Journal queries

2. Read "The Creativity Book"

3. Craftivism plans

4. Full effort for gift-making

5. Preschool plans

6. Do the smallest thing

Thanksgiving

And here we are at Thanksgiving again! I'm anxious about hosting a huge meal, providing the right atmosphere, and remaining calm in the chaos of a multi-generational gathering. I want everyone to feel comfortable and relaxed, not overworked or stressed - including myself.

How can I help to make it a great day for everyone and also retain my own contentment?

In order to set this day apart, I will treat it as a Sabbath … no unkind words, no rushing, no work that isn’t thankful work. I choose to stay present, notice everything as if in slow motion, and pause often to observe what I am thankful for in the moment.

Agenda:

1. Thanksgiving Meditation for Peace and Abundance

2. Read "Perspective"

3. Cook the turkey

4. Acknowledge the Kalapuya

5. Give thanks

6. Compile a family wish list

Approaching Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is commonly associated with the Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together for a peaceful feast in 1621, which overlooks the darker aspects of history. The arrival of European settlers to Turtle Island resulted in the displacement, marginalization, and eradication of indigenous communities, and it's important to hold these truths in mind as we prepare to celebrate.

Agenda:

1. Plan an acknowledgement

2. Support Native Communities

3. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook"

4. Proaction and reciprocity plans

5. Make pies

The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks

Play-doh pies 2022

The process of giving thanks is not always easy for me. I feel so awkward when I try to express my feelings.

Noticing my feelings is a good first step, though; when I notice how blessed I am, I become more optimistic and peaceful; my impatience decreases and I realize how satisfied and fulfilled I am.

In the book, "Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks," Diana Butler Bass says, "The universe is a gift. Life is a gift. Air, light, soil, and water are gifts. Friendship, love, sex, and family are gifts. We live on a gifted planet. Everything we need is here, with us. We freely respond to these gifts by choosing a life of mutual care. ... There is no one experience of gratitude; rather it is a complex and episodic thing, and one that is deeply emotional."

Noticing my feelings of gratitude helps to keep me humble. I depend on the love, kindness, and support of others at all times, and on the bounty and generosity of nature. All that I have comes from others, just as I contribute to the lives of others in many ways. The exchange is continuous.

Gratitude is a fundamental feeling. When I think about gratitude as an essential part of love it becomes easier to remember to express it.

Agenda:

1. Read  "Present Moment Awareness"

2. Daily Hours of prayer

3. Express my gratitude

4. Thanksgiving Tree

5. The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address

A Grace-filled Monday

Monday is my day to reset for the week and get my ducks in a row - make some plans for health, home, holiday, and prepare for Grandson fun. 

Today I'm also making plans for fitting Grace into my days.

Agenda:

1. Grace notes

2. Read "The Sweet Spot"

3. Housework script

4. Fall Cleaning and Home projects

5. Holiday mindset

6. Thank-You School plans

Stir Up Sunday

Today is Stir Up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent. This is the traditional day in Britain to make the Christmas pudding, and set it aside for Christmas Day, so the flavors have a month to develop.

At least, it used to be the traditional day; apparently most families buy a pudding in a tin now. What a shame! As I am mostly of British descent (and also fond of brandy) I think it's worth the effort. And the flaming pudding is an exciting end to Christmas dinner!

Agenda for today:

1. Journal queries

2. Prayer
3. Ongo journal

4. Start the Christmas Pudding

5. Collect greens

Retreat for Creative Perspective

Perspective is my way of viewing or thinking about something, shaped by my experiences, beliefs, and values. When I adopt beginner's mind and become more curious and open-minded, I am able to shift my perception to see things in their true, relative importance.

Then I might be able to accept what is and stop obsessing, and enjoy my life in the moment.

The third step is to choose creativity; once I am able to let go of trying to control a situation or how I feel, I will open space for intuition and inspiration. I can begin to visualize a way forward. 

Today I will begin a 3-day retreat for creative perspective for my life, my priorities, and my leadings. 

Agenda Today:

1. Read "The Creativity Book"

2. Evaluate my creativity habits

3. Craftivism plans

4. Preschool plans

5. Studio

6. Do the smallest thing

New Kindly Moon

Tonight is the night of the new moon. The Chinese call this tenth new moon the Kindly Moon. In China, this is the season for winter crop planting, and this month brings the first “little snow” which gently (and kindly) moistens the winter wheat seedlings. We don't have snow yet, but we've had a kindly bit of rain.

The new moon is the start of the lunar cycle, a time of high energy and clear thinking. Historically, the new moon is when women took time to be alone; it's a time to retreat, set intentions, and initiate something new.

In late November everything begins to slow down, and I try to remember to be more aware of time flowing; to find the right tempo for each activity; and to transition calmly. Advent will bring a wealth of activity, so take time this week to savor the changing season. Remember, as Waverly Fitzgerald says in Slow Time, that time is "much more fluid and mysterious than I had imagined."

Agenda today:

1. Retreat Day

2. Read "Present Moment Awareness"

3. Choose a month theme

4. Set intentions

5. Proaction and reciprocity plans

6. Plant paper white bulbs

Transition time

At the new moon this week I will move to a new theme focus - from abundance to joy, children, and self-expression, a perfect theme for this next phase of my life. 

Monday is my day to reset for the week and get my ducks in a row - make some plans for health, home, holiday, and prepare for Grandson fun. Today I'm also making a few fun transition-to-joy plans for the week:

• Complete our hot tub set up, and soak!
• Make a dinosaur terrarium with my grandsons.
• Paint an Autumn positivity abstract.
• Choose a new positivity book to read 

Agenda:

1. Read "The Sweet Spot"

2. Soul notes journal

3. Housework script

4. Fall Cleaning and Home projects

5. Holiday mindset

6. Dinosaur School plans

November Wildlife Garden

November is a significant month for a wildlife garden because it's generally the turning point for the first frosts of winter. This fall has been warm, as was last year - we still have roses and raspberries in mid-November - but the rains have begun in earnest.

I'm writing a whole book about my Nature-Culture ideas: living my life as part of nature; sharing my resources with those who share theirs (the bees and the birds, etc.); becoming more aware of nature's needs so I can be a better neighbor; changing my habits so I can cause less harm.

My working definition of Nature-culture is "Humans living in unity with nature: acting in ways that create shared spaces that honor the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems."

Agenda:

1. Bird watching

2. Feed the birds

3. Add to my wildlife garden habitat

4. Winter vegetable garden tasks

5. Personal life-style goals

6. Education and advocacy plans

Creative Flow

My creative energy is all going into our big home project these days, with only a little left over for making things. That will begin to transition soon, so today I will dream a bit about days of creative flow.

Agenda Today:

1. Read "The Creativity Book"

2. Evaluate my creativity habits

3. Craftivism plans

4. Preschool plans

5. Studio

6. Do the smallest thing

Third Quarter Moon of November

Today is the third Quarter moon. This waning moon energy is yin - quiet, internal, heart-driven, intentional Being-ness. At this phase we can ease off a bit on actively pursuing goals, slow down, go within, and attend to inner work, renewal, and self-care. This isn’t a moment for starting new projects but for finishing up old ones, making peace with the past, and preparing for a fresh start at the next new moon.

Agenda:

1. Read "Focus on the Good Stuff"
2. Ritual for Release and Realignment

3. Meditation and Evaluation Journal

4. Monthly journal brainstorm

5. Proaction and reciprocity plans

St. Martin's Day

 Martinstag, November 11, is the day of St. Martin of Tours, patron saint of beggars, soldiers, and conscientious objectors.

Martin was born in Hungary in 316 A.D. As a teenager, he joined the Roman army, becoming a soldier like his father, and traveled to what is now Italy and France.

The most famous legend of St. Martin is of his time as a soldier: One snowy winter evening, Martin and the other soldiers were returning on horseback to Amiens. A freezing beggar was sitting at the city gate. Martin didn't have any money or food to give him, so he used his sword to cut his heavy red soldier’s cloak in half, and gave half to the beggar. That night Martin dreamt that Jesus thanked him for giving Him his cloak. This dream convinced Martin to become a Christian and be baptized. 

Martin remained in the army for two more years, but then he decided that his faith prohibited him from fighting, and he was jailed as a coward. He was eventually released from prison and from military service, and went on to become the bishop of Tours in France. He died peacefully on November 8, 397 A.D., and was buried on November 11, among the first non-martyrs to be venerated as a saint.

Originally Martinstag was celebrated only in the Catholic areas of Germany, Austria, Flanders, Netherlands, and Portugal, but it has now spread to Protestant areas as well.

Agenda:

1. Soul notes journal

2. Gift list brainstorm
3. Make a lantern
4. Bake Weckmänner (Bun Men)

Holiday Frame of Mind

The holiday season is upon us. I'm making plans for Thanksgiving, preparing for advent, and thinking about gift-making for Christmas.

My top four tips for keeping these next months special are:

• Keep the main thing the main thing: Be clear on my holiday intentions and set priorities each week.
• Focus on savoring experiences like good meals, nature walks, and decorating together.
• Communicate early with everyone involved to confirm  schedules and priorities. 
• Don’t overspend on gifts; instead, make as many as possible and buy used books and toys.

Monday is my day to reset for the week and get my ducks in a row - make some plans for health, home, holiday, and prepare for Grandson fun.

 

Agenda:

1. Read "The Sweet Spot"

2. Renewal plan

3. Holiday mindset

4. Fall Cleaning and Home projects

5. Dinosaur School plans

Mason bee harvest

I have begun the work of my mason and leaf cutter bee harvest, which can start anytime after mid-October, when the bees have finished developing in their cocoons.

I took a great workshop last Saturday, and found out a few things I have done wrong: I should have brought my tubes inside in June, and since I didn't, I've got lots of parasites. Also, my one house got drenched and left wet too long- they all molded and died... I need to do better next year!

1. Mason bee harvest:

In the wild, mason bees rarely reuse the same nesting cavity, and so in order to be a careful steward for my bee hotels, I will have a yearly “house cleaning”. 

This year I found chalkbrood fungus and also some beetle larvae (yuck). Mason bees can also bring the hairy-footed mite, also known as a pollen mite, into their cocoons. The mites will feed on the pollen stores, bee eggs, and larvae. When mites infest a nest and adult bees emerge from the infected nest the following spring, the mites can climb onto bees and hitch a ride to a new location.

Mason bee cocoons

I got some harvested on Saturday, and the rest I will do today.

1. First, use a thin stick to check for cocoons. Save empty reeds for next year.

2. Pinch the mud-capped end with your fingers or a pair of clippers, splitting the reed open. This won't harm the bees. Pry the reed apart and gently remove the cocoons with my nifty new scooper tool.

Then rub off the mud walls and frass (poop).

Leaf-cutter bee cocoons

3. Next, prepare a 1-quart bowl of cold water with 1 drop of dish soap and 1 Tbsp. bleach (to kill the chalkbrood). Add cocoons and set a timer for 2-5 minutes, swirl them around for at least 2 minutes to dislodge any mites, then pour through a sieve, and run a gentle stream of cool water over them. 

4. Dry the cocoons on a towel for an hour.

2. Storage:

Once the bees are dry, it's time to store them away in the refrigerator until March 1 (Mid-May for leaf cutter bees). Use a firm plastic container with holes around each side, and a paper towel in the bottom. Stick in a small container holding a crumpled damp towel to provide moisture, then add the cocoons all around. (I made a small envelope to hold the leaf cutter bees separately.)

Store in the fridge and check monthly to make sure it doesn't dry out for get moldy.

3. House Cleaning:

Clean the house and the empty reeds by submerging them in a bleach bath for 10 minutes, then scrub off any accumulated debris and let dry thoroughly. 

I've also got an old drilled block mason bee house, and next spring I will discard it.

November Retreat for Synergy

Saturdays are usually my day of retreat and contemplation, though I've had a series of very busy Saturdays lately. Today I hope to settle in to a day of synergy, both inner and outer. I aim to seek unity, embrace teamwork, and work tirelessly towards a better end.

Agenda:

1. Read "Focus on the Good Stuff"

2. Write a gratitude

3. Generosity practice

4. Create inner synergy for Nature-Culture

Gratitude as Celebration

Gratitude is the celebration of needs met.

1. Ongo journal

2. Love meditation

3. Days of Passion

Build a World

I am building a world of Nature-Culture in book form, but I'm slipping a little. I do wake up thinking about my  project, but I rarely take an hour to write. And the other parts - actual garden work and research, painting and craftivism - are also slipping. 

Part of it is that the other big project we are doing is winding to a climax (12 days to a hot tub!) and demanding my attention, and part of it is lack of direction. I think I need a Nature-Culture retreat day soon, to recenter and plan synergy.

Agenda Today:

1. Read "The Creativity Book"

2. Evaluate my creativity habits

3. Craftivism plans

4. Preschool plans

5. Studio

6. Do the smallest thing

7. Love meditation

Xia Yuan Jie and Full Frost Moon

 

Today is Xia Yuan Jie (pronounced "Shaw you-an Jee-a") -- Lower Primordial Festival -- a Chinese festival that falls on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, usually the full moon of November. It’s the third of a trio of Taoist holidays that honor three Taoist gods, called the Three Great Emperor Officials:

• Tian-Guan, the Heaven Official, gives happiness, and rules over the first 6 months of the year (the yang part), beginning  on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, at the Lantern Festival.
• Di-Guan, the Earth Official, forgives sins and guilt, and rules over the next 3 months (the yin part), beginning on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, at the Ghost Festival.
• Shui-Guan, the Water Official, rules over the last 3 months of the year (also yin), starting today.

And tonight we see the Full Frost Moon, called that because now is when the first hoarfrost might appear - that white frost that makes walking crunchy, and that requires scraping of windshields. Frost is a reminder that winter is coming, and we all need to finish our outdoor chores and close up the storm windows.

This moon is also known as the Alangitapi moon - the Moving-Inside-for-Winter moon, by the Kalapuya people of my valley.

We are now at the peak of the strong-energy yang phase of the waxing moon, and will soon begin the quiet-energy yin time of the waning moon. But today it's time to CELEBRATE! 

Agenda:

1. Take a vision walk

2. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook"

3. Proaction and reciprocity plans

4. Soul Notes journal

5. Celebrate abundance

6. Hold the world in the light

Soul Notes

I've been struggling lately with the concept of spiritual growth, or daily "sharpening the saw" of the spirit, so I thought a review was in order.

Spiritual growth is the basis for a better and more harmonious life, a life of calmness, clarity, courage, and inner strength. It has (at least) four parts: 

-Awareness practices, such as meditation or journaling, or any practice that keeps you in the present moment or brings greater clarity to your daily life.

-Virtue habits, those little and big behaviors and characteristics of your personality that can improve with practice.

-Soul searching, which is the ongoing quest to understand your purpose and intentions.

-and opening to God or a higher power;  open to the possibility that there is something outside yourself that might love you.

1. Read "Focus on the Good Stuff":

I'm reading this book by Mike Robbins (2007), with the sub-title "The Power of Appreciation". In the introduction he says, "Underneath every dream or goal we have is a desire for appreciation. We want to feel good about ourselves and our lives." He's not talking about being appreciated, but about appreciating ourselves, our own lives, and everyone and everything that surrounds us. Along with appreciation he uses words like empowerment, effectiveness, confidence, clarity, and success.

Chapter Two is What's Wrong with Me?, about self-criticism. If I believe that I create my own reality - the script of my life - then I must know that the negativity I hold for others is actually a lack of appreciation for myself. 

Am I focused on my perceived weaknesses? A bit. I feel that fall short of being the perfect person I aim for. I obsess about any criticism. I doubt my abilities. I deflect or deny compliments.

Transforming negativity: Use this practice when I'm worried about something.

1. Acknowledge negative thoughts and feelings: Just say what presents itself at this time - dissatisfaction with my weight, annoyance with my slothfulness, worry about how I talk to my grandkids... 
2. Create a clean slate: Read these thoughts back until they lose their strength, then let them go.
3. Change my state of mind: Sing a loud song and dance around.
4. Visualize what I want: Ask, "How do I want this experience or day to go?" See and feel it exactly like I want it to go.

Then let it all go, and allow things to unfold as they will.

2. Spiritual growth practices:

My spiritual practices this month:

• Autumn Awareness - Daily time in my garden or neighborhood for a look at the seasonal changes - take 3 photos and note 3 changes.
• Soul Notes journal -  making note of the themes that spring up with my reading and my Ongo group.

3. Soul Notes Journal:

The theme has been forgiveness, and especially self-forgiveness. Last night we did a meditation that took me back to the 12-year old me, trying to get attention and approval, and right on the cusp of making some big mistakes. I can forgive that child for needing love.