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I hope this carries on,
I have learned from my cohort's stories,
Viewpoints, thoughts and self-discoveries,
I have embraced new ways of communicating,
Using story.

Like summer this course has tracked the sun through its zenith,
Full of brightness, intensity, and growth an opportunity for introspection.

I think of Shandell's interest in tracking,
and how this course has had us tracking ourselves,
and different ways to be and communicate.

I am grateful for the experience,
I feel pleased about what has been learnt,
I have gained so much more than course credits.

But as we track into late summer,
I feel the familiar sorrow
that comes with this change of season,
And will miss the rhythm and flow of the course,
The writing and connecting and,
I will take this with me on the next step of the journey.

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Tiny Ecology for Climate Leader Transformation

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Tiny Ecology for Climate Leader Transformation

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August 14, 2022, Tiny Ecology Post,

When I came outside on the deck I was tempted to sit on the cushy deck furniture. A comfortable spot to observe the backyard. But the Tiny Ecology project is more than observation it is about connection and self-discovery. So I am sitting beneath the apple tree with my bare feet on the grass and a good view up into the understory of the old apple tree. It has already paid off as I had a unique and unobstructed view of the chestnut-backed chickadees that visit the suet feeder. This was followed by a gang of bushtits, so tiny several can cluster on the feeder at the same time. I sense these are this year's hatch, teenagers, hanging out together. Learning the ropes, chattering to each other, flitting from spot to spot oblivious of me. Such a gift to be ignored and accepted as part of the landscape.

Having my bare feet gently planted on the earth with the intention of connecting to the planet is a lot different than walking around barefoot oblivious to Mother Earth. I almost can't take it. Is that a low vibration or essence I can feel up my legs, in my gut right up to my brain? Is this a sensation of angst flowing out of me? A lifetime of modernity and disconnection taking its toll? Or is it the grief, pain and longing from this planet so abused and neglected by humans that the very vibrations are changing? Humans can choose to be caretakers or neglectful, willful exploiters. We choose by the way we live our lives.

I am sharing today's sit spot reflection as it captures some of what the tiny ecology project has become for me.  The sit spot part of the project is personally grounding and revealing. It allows me to think about who I am, how I am and where I fit into our environment. Sometimes it is to simply be a place for a red-eyed fly to rest, witness the birds in the trees or simply inhale and exhale. In the embrace of nature I can think about a question I mostly avoid and that is why are humans here? What purpose do we serve to the larger whole or the greater good? If we are supposed to belong to this place and reside in it how does humanity get back in sync?

This opportunity for introspection and connection to the greater whole has provided insights and solace that can propel me to be a better climate leader. Leadership is more than skills techniques and strategies. It also requires energy, insight and wisdom. For me that is found by connection with nature in my sit spot.

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I have learnt about stories,
How they offer a different way to explain,
To understand, to connect,
I will be a lifelong learner,
Honing the craft to explore the truth,
Introduce new ideas,
Or old ways of being,
Finding and inspiring the motivation to act and carry on,
Through turbulent times.