Gaia’s Hideaways

My early childhood was spent exploring the fields and nearby ranches next to our family’s farm. I roamed the countryside riding my donkey, collecting feathers, rocks, and arrow heads. Catching tadpoles, climbing trees, and communing with nature.

Today, even though I live in the city, I still love to explore and find magical places where I can spend some time close to nature. I usually take my camera and photograph anything interesting I might find along the way.

It’s amazing what you can find even in highly dense residential areas. It seems nature always finds a way to carve a place out for herself even in the most inhospitable environments.

Here are some beautiful, peaceful places I like to visit.

quotes for the day;

“Those of us who consider ourselves to be somehow involved in the birthing of a new age, should discover Gaia as well. The idea of Gaia may facilitate the task of converting destructive human activities to constructive and cooperative behavior. It is an idea which deeply startles us, and in the process, may help us as a species to make the necessary jump to planetary awareness.” – James Lovelock

“Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself.” – Henry David Thoreau

Global Bucket Gardens

Here is a video showing a foolproof method of gardening that is similar to the wonderful EarthBox method. The difference is the Global Bucket method uses locally sourced free or low cost materials, ideal for developing nations.

Like the EarthBox system, Global Buckets:

• Uses 80% less water than traditional gardens
• Reduces weeds by 100%
• Takes very little time or effort.

thought for the day;

“The full extent of the problem of hunger is not obvious to most of us. We see the homeless, but there are a great number of working poor, struggling to survive, who don’t have enough money to put adequate food on the table. We must find a solution to this ever-increasing problem — and quickly.” –  Scott Glenn

Ayurveda

Interesting video on Ayurveda versus Western Medicine Approaches to Health Care.

quote for the day;

When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.
When diet is correct medicine is of no need.
– Ayurvedic Proverb

Body Scrubs

I love sugar body scrubs! They make your skin feel so nice and soft.

Finger Labyrinths

The finger labyrinth is a wonderful way to experience the healing and spiritual benefits of the labyrinth.

The portability and accessibility of these smaller versions of the labyrinth allow us to carry them wherever we go. Regardless of location, weather conditions, health or mobility issues.

I have used mine when traveling, waiting to see my doctor, and during those long stopovers between flights. They are wonderful, easy to carry and ready for use 24 hours a day.

Finger labyrinths have been around for centuries and some of these were said to be carved on rock walls and small stones. They were used to lead one to a deeper understanding of the self and a closer relationship with the divine.

Labyrinths can be used by everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, traditions or background. They are a universal spiritual tool.

The three stages of the Labyrinth;

• Releasing -Letting go of the details of your life. This is the act of releasing thoughts and distractions. A time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
• Receiving – When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive.
• Returning – As you leave, following the same path out of the center as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining with the Divine, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul reaching for.

I received my finger labyrinth as a gift several years ago and use it for relaxation and meditation. It was purchased from The Shop at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

I am also very fortunate to have a seven circuit labyrinth within walking distance of my home. I love it!

thought for the day;

” The great need of our time is for people to be connected to spirit; for people to be connected to a core of feeling in themselves that makes their lives vital and full of meaning, that makes life a mystery evermore to be uncovered.” – Harold Stone – Sandplay