Getting older, time continues to behave differently, and perhaps memory too. Our brains might only have the capacity for so many relationships and interactions and though the passing of time separates people for extended periods, it takes only a recollection of a shared experience to eliminate or overcome such immense emotional and physical distance. So I'm putting this out there, as a method for myself and for you, to recall experiences you've had in the past and to engage with someone you haven't in years. For me these exercises help give more purpose to the present, as the present too will become past. And if the past is neglected, it suggests an element of futility to the present . Often it is a song or a smell that does the trick, or a walk to a forgotten favorite childhood tree, to bring you back to a more agreeable balance with the now.
A reflection and update from my end.
I am well. My time away from Hawai'i has been very good for me. As much as I love the island, the culture, the people and all my experiences there, I was very ready to create space and engage with the rest of the world.
My experiences in Asia, mostly in Nepal,have shed a lot of light on the different cultures in the world and the adversities they all face, the deities they believe in, the interactions with the government and the powers of the surrounding nations, and how easy it can be to breathe and smile. (It is crazy how complicated the developed world and the mind that grows up inside of it as opposed to a developing nation). Each history of these landscapes and each culture that inhabits them are drastically different from the last. And in this modern world, each puzzle piece fits in differently than it used to, while many are already established on the global network, others' doors are being gently or harshly knocked on to join.
In the last 5 years, I have lived on conservative and liberal farms. Farms owned by Mormons, Jews and Atheists. Farms in the desert, in the mountains and the rainforest. Farms involved in a local,state, national and international agricultural movement. Farms with money and farms without. Farms in nations with money and nations without. Each one has taught me much and brought me to the next place.
The world is large and diverse and there is much to observe and learn. There are many ways to pursue these studies. Some is through a direct classroom, and others through a walk in the woods or planting a seed. The common thread is showing up. Being present with the intention of wanting to familiarize yourself and improve your interactions with the surrounding environment, both people and plants.
Keeping in mind the different approaches to engaging with this world, I am now faced with two paths. They both commence in August and share many similarities. I have been accepted into Warren Wilson College in North Carolinato pursue Environmental Studies with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture. I can also pursue a 5 month program called Sustainable Israel, including a 2 month "Green Apprenticeship /Permaculture Design Course" in the Arava Desert in Israel at Kibbutz Lotan. Lots of very interesting and impacting research is being done at both of these places. Both pursuits engage in theoretical and practical work and each affects their local environment positively and invites International Students and Travelers to their campuses to study, learn and apply these skillsback in their homes. (An environment / community that I would love to create and build in the next 10 years)
I will be reaching a decision sometime this week and would love to hear advice or stories of being in a similar situation. I miss the Hawaiian islands though a trip back does not seem imminent. I will howeverbe in New York in July if anyone is around.
Would love to hear how all of you are doing,
Wishing you a warm spring, enjoy the vibrant new growth all around you,
Matthew
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