Early February brings the little known celebration of Candlemass or Candelaria. In the Christian Church, it marks 40 days after Christmas, a time of “purification” of the Mother Mary before presenting baby Jesus at the Temple.
This date has much earlier, pagan ("country people") roots, however. It has also been known as Imbolc, a more earth-centered celebration in Europe, which speaks of the beginning of the agricultural growing season. Weather forecasting was included in these rituals. Sacred bears or badgers supposedly left their dens on this day, and if they saw their shadow, they’d go back to hibernate longer. Sound familiar? The people of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry brought the custom to this country where it is now celebrated as Groundhog Day.
February 2 is the date about mid-point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
New Moon: February 14
Full Moon: February 28
Meteor Showers: no major showers
Other Astronomical Events: none, except we came close to having a "blue moon" (second full moon in one month) this month; the full moon was on January 30.
Other Observations in the world around us
Light: Light is gradually increasing; we are about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
Temperature: We still may have some chilly weather.
Crops: Cool weather vegetables (salad greens, Asian greens) as well as plantings of cucumbers, eggplant, kohlrabi, and corn. Good time for cool weather herbs like cilantro.
Foliage: Hong Kong Orchid Trees usually bloom. Azaleas may start blooming, the pink azaleas first, followed by the white ones. Oak leaves will drop and trees will start to bloom. Oak pollen covers everything like an olive green patina.
Animal Activity: Bird song should be increasing in the mornings, especially by late February. Listen for unusual bird song of birds migrating back north. Look especially for large flocks of American Robins. Unlike up north, where we might see one or two at a time, right now you may be able to see 40, 50 or even more at a time! Cardinals are singing and flitting around a lot. Still should be nesting going on in the rookeries (wading birds like herons, egrets and others).
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ten Ways to Reconnect with Nature, And Ten Reasons Why
Part One: The First 3 Ways/Reasons
by Anne Cederberg
Way #1: Reconnect to nature by spending time in nature every day. Carve out ten to fifteen minutes to just go outside and sit. Find a special place, or several different places. Sit directly on the earth if possible. If not, make sure that your feet are flat and in connection with the earth. Lean up against a tree or enjoy the sun's warmth as it radiates off of rocks and boulders. While there, just be. Breathe in and out, be calm. Notice your surroundings, the sights, the smells, the sensations. Give yourself a few moments of quiet time in nature.
Why? I always recommend this activity to people, and for several reasons. First, just getting outside and being present--not mowing the yard, not barbequing, not reading the paper-- is a huge gift to yourself. We just need to show up and nature will show us the rest. Nature doesn’t teach us anything we don’t know; it reconnects us to our essence. You will discover your own inner presence, your own connection with nature, the calm, grounded, strong place within. Over time, you will be able to get grounded almost immediately. That’s a wonderful feeling!
A relationship with nature is like any relationship--it is built on time spent together, shared experience, familiarity. When we make our nature time a priority, everyone benefits. We benefit from greater peace, balance, joy, and feeling like we are our true selves. The Earth benefits because we often change behaviors and take “inspired action”; there are more effective strategies available to us when we’re grounded.
Way #2: Put your bare feet on the earth, if possible. Dig your feet into the sand, warm your feet on warm rocks, feel the caress of grass on your feet. Pay attention to the textures, the temperature, and the firmness. Then pay even closer attention.
Why? I believe we come into an energetic resonance with the earth. You may feel your own pulse or the tingle of energy between your feet and the earth. You may feel the Earth’s heartbeat. Having your feet on the Earth will help you let go of tension. And remember, you won’t be the only one enjoying.
“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” Kahlil Gibran:
Way #3: Watch birds and wildlife. First, in your heart, invite nature to thrive in your yard. You will be surprised at the response! Enjoy this new level of communing.
Then, let yourself be inspired by nature itself as to anything you do in your yard.
If you live in a cold climate, you may feel drawn to help the birds out by feeding in the winter. If you live in a warmer climate, consider planting foliage that will feed and nourish local wildlife, such as hummingbird nectar plants or butterfly larva plants. Information can be obtained from your local extension office as to what to plant in your area.
Whether or not you provide habitat or food, just pay attention and enjoy the other forms of life in your yard.
Why? We humans have a deep need for the natural world. I had a friend who was seriously depressed. Yet she somehow created a garden for herself outside the sliding glass doors where she often sat. She started humbly with potted plants scavenged from here and there. She provided nesting areas for all kinds of life, little nooks and crannies, brush piles, and rocks. Then she began feeding the birds and squirrels. It didn’t take long until her yard pulsed with life. It was one of the most vibrant gardens I’ve ever seen. And in the midst of her pain, my friend reached out to life. She cared for the plants and animals. On days when she couldn’t provide for herself, she always provided for them. They gave her great joy and tremendous learning through observation. It pulled her out of her pain and back into life.
Watching wildlife may not have such a dramatic effect as it did with my friend. But I am always amazed at how many people feel their lives enlarged and enriched by their glimpses of birds, squirrels and butterflies in their yards! I used to joke that people had “Nature Deficiency Disorder”. And now, none of us are laughing. Scientists are discussing its impacts.
We also have so much to learn from nature. More human lives would have been saved in the tsunami if people had watched the animals. Closer to home, I used to work in a local bird sanctuary. We had a young Sandhill Crane that had spent most of its life orphaned and roaming our hospital and sanctuary grounds. It had never flown away. Then, a day or two before Sarasota took a direct hit from Tropical Storm Gabrielle, the bird took off. After the storm passed, the bird returned. In retrospect, we all should have paid more attention.
For some more fascinating and uplifting reading, look at materials from the biomimicry movement, which looks to nature for answers to our human needs and problems.
Excerpted from “Inside, Outside, and All Around: Our Divine Connection with Nature”, by Anne Cederberg. Anne is a professional Interpretive Naturalist with a history of mystical experience in nature. This excerpt was published in Natural Awakenings/Sarasota in June 2007.
by Anne Cederberg
Way #1: Reconnect to nature by spending time in nature every day. Carve out ten to fifteen minutes to just go outside and sit. Find a special place, or several different places. Sit directly on the earth if possible. If not, make sure that your feet are flat and in connection with the earth. Lean up against a tree or enjoy the sun's warmth as it radiates off of rocks and boulders. While there, just be. Breathe in and out, be calm. Notice your surroundings, the sights, the smells, the sensations. Give yourself a few moments of quiet time in nature.
Why? I always recommend this activity to people, and for several reasons. First, just getting outside and being present--not mowing the yard, not barbequing, not reading the paper-- is a huge gift to yourself. We just need to show up and nature will show us the rest. Nature doesn’t teach us anything we don’t know; it reconnects us to our essence. You will discover your own inner presence, your own connection with nature, the calm, grounded, strong place within. Over time, you will be able to get grounded almost immediately. That’s a wonderful feeling!
A relationship with nature is like any relationship--it is built on time spent together, shared experience, familiarity. When we make our nature time a priority, everyone benefits. We benefit from greater peace, balance, joy, and feeling like we are our true selves. The Earth benefits because we often change behaviors and take “inspired action”; there are more effective strategies available to us when we’re grounded.
Way #2: Put your bare feet on the earth, if possible. Dig your feet into the sand, warm your feet on warm rocks, feel the caress of grass on your feet. Pay attention to the textures, the temperature, and the firmness. Then pay even closer attention.
Why? I believe we come into an energetic resonance with the earth. You may feel your own pulse or the tingle of energy between your feet and the earth. You may feel the Earth’s heartbeat. Having your feet on the Earth will help you let go of tension. And remember, you won’t be the only one enjoying.
“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” Kahlil Gibran:
Way #3: Watch birds and wildlife. First, in your heart, invite nature to thrive in your yard. You will be surprised at the response! Enjoy this new level of communing.
Then, let yourself be inspired by nature itself as to anything you do in your yard.
If you live in a cold climate, you may feel drawn to help the birds out by feeding in the winter. If you live in a warmer climate, consider planting foliage that will feed and nourish local wildlife, such as hummingbird nectar plants or butterfly larva plants. Information can be obtained from your local extension office as to what to plant in your area.
Whether or not you provide habitat or food, just pay attention and enjoy the other forms of life in your yard.
Why? We humans have a deep need for the natural world. I had a friend who was seriously depressed. Yet she somehow created a garden for herself outside the sliding glass doors where she often sat. She started humbly with potted plants scavenged from here and there. She provided nesting areas for all kinds of life, little nooks and crannies, brush piles, and rocks. Then she began feeding the birds and squirrels. It didn’t take long until her yard pulsed with life. It was one of the most vibrant gardens I’ve ever seen. And in the midst of her pain, my friend reached out to life. She cared for the plants and animals. On days when she couldn’t provide for herself, she always provided for them. They gave her great joy and tremendous learning through observation. It pulled her out of her pain and back into life.
Watching wildlife may not have such a dramatic effect as it did with my friend. But I am always amazed at how many people feel their lives enlarged and enriched by their glimpses of birds, squirrels and butterflies in their yards! I used to joke that people had “Nature Deficiency Disorder”. And now, none of us are laughing. Scientists are discussing its impacts.
We also have so much to learn from nature. More human lives would have been saved in the tsunami if people had watched the animals. Closer to home, I used to work in a local bird sanctuary. We had a young Sandhill Crane that had spent most of its life orphaned and roaming our hospital and sanctuary grounds. It had never flown away. Then, a day or two before Sarasota took a direct hit from Tropical Storm Gabrielle, the bird took off. After the storm passed, the bird returned. In retrospect, we all should have paid more attention.
For some more fascinating and uplifting reading, look at materials from the biomimicry movement, which looks to nature for answers to our human needs and problems.
Excerpted from “Inside, Outside, and All Around: Our Divine Connection with Nature”, by Anne Cederberg. Anne is a professional Interpretive Naturalist with a history of mystical experience in nature. This excerpt was published in Natural Awakenings/Sarasota in June 2007.
Winter Solstice/Holiday Sail Photos
Hoist the sail!
Enjoying the ride
Looking Up
Wintry SunsetHere are some photos from our Winter Solstice/holiday sail, and some of the hardy souls who braved the chilly temps. All photos generously supplied by "Shells"! Thank you, Shells!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wellness Education Club Presents:
February Ecopsychology Programs
Annie's World: February 1 is the launch of my personal blog, for my nature photos, humorous art, miracle stories, poems, nature observations, guided imagery, etc. If you need a little break during the day and you're stuck in front of a computer, visit Annie's World and get away. This site will be updated frequently. Here's the link: http://anniesworldannie.blogspot.com/ .
February 9, 2010: Join us for an after work outing to visit a rookery (bird nursery) on City Island. In years past, I've seen young pelican, great blue heron, egrets, green herons, cormorants, and black crowned night herons. Who will be there this time? It will be fun to find out. We will also explore a local tidal pond. Please email me at naturespirit123@gmail.com. When I know who's coming, we'll take a vote whether we'd like to bring our dinner and eat in the park, visit a local restaurant, or just head our separate ways. Time will depend on participants.
February Ecopsychology Programs
Annie's World: February 1 is the launch of my personal blog, for my nature photos, humorous art, miracle stories, poems, nature observations, guided imagery, etc. If you need a little break during the day and you're stuck in front of a computer, visit Annie's World and get away. This site will be updated frequently. Here's the link: http://anniesworldannie.blogspot.com/ .
February 9, 2010: Join us for an after work outing to visit a rookery (bird nursery) on City Island. In years past, I've seen young pelican, great blue heron, egrets, green herons, cormorants, and black crowned night herons. Who will be there this time? It will be fun to find out. We will also explore a local tidal pond. Please email me at naturespirit123@gmail.com. When I know who's coming, we'll take a vote whether we'd like to bring our dinner and eat in the park, visit a local restaurant, or just head our separate ways. Time will depend on participants.
*The Wellness Education Club was founded by Tatiana Agafonova, D.C., a Network Spinal Analysis Chiropractor. Other Wellness Education Club activities include twice monthly “Oneness Blessings” and workshops in Somato Respiratory Integration. For future events, email naturespirit123@gmail.com.
January 2010 Ecopsychology Events
Wellness Education Club Presents:
January 2010 Eco-psychology Events
New Blog: Hey everyone! Check out the new blog for ecopsychology events. I call it Naturespirit, and it has photos, articles and places for your comments and stories.
January 9, 2010, 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. Vision Walk. Back by popular demand! This is a great time of year to discern what you'd like to create in the coming months. Come on a sacred vision walk, a mini vision quest, to facilitate hearing your own inner voice, how it is reflected in the natural world around you.
- Learn to receive answers to important questions offered by the natural world
- Deepen your ability to trust your inner voice
- Enjoy a meditative, reflective time in nature
Location- TBA.
Please email me at naturespirit123@gmail.com for reservations and instructions. Some preparation necessary.
January 16, 2010, Manatee watching!Field trip to TECO power plant, Apollo Beach, Florida. This is a great manatee watching area. The manatees migrate into the rivers that are used to cool power plants. The plants use the water to cool their machines and then it is discharged back into the rivers, warm. Manatees like warm water! It is possible to see dozens of manatees at a time here. The viewing platform gives us a great perspective. Sharks, spotted eagle rays, tarpon, are also sometimes visible. Early a.m., when the temperatures are cool, is the best. We will meet at 8 a.m. and carpool. Email Annie at naturespirit123@gmail.com for reservations.
*The Wellness Education Club was founded by Tatiana Agafonova, D.C., a Network Spinal Analysis Chiropractor. Other Club activities include workshops on Somato Respiratory Integration and twice monthly “Oneness Blessings”. For announcements of future events, email naturespirit123@gmail.com.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sarasota Almanac--January 2010
Many people think we don't have seasons in Florida. We do; they are just more subtle than they are in other parts of the country. We experience many changes throughout the year in temperature, humidity, rainfall, dew point, amount of light, weather patterns, tides, stars visible, bird and animal migrations, growing season, and activity of frogs and other animals.
In this new section, Sarasota Almanac, I will share some subtle seasonal changes. Please feel free to comment and add your own observations and together we will get more tuned in.
January:
New Moon: January 15
Full Moon: January 30
Meteor Showers: January 3-4 Quadrantids (very short and very few)
Other astronomical events:
January 15, Annular Solar Eclipse
January 23, Mars at opposition; closest approach to Earth, best time to see
Other observations in the world around us:
Light: After the winter solstice on December 21, the length of daylight gradually begins to increase and the energy feels a little more "outgoing".
Temperature: This time of year, we may have cold spells, even frosts.
Crops: Cool weather vegetables can be grown, like collards, chard, lettuces, Asian greens, etc.
Foliage: In mid to late January, the leaves of the red maple trees turn orange to red or even scarlet, before dropping. Almost immediately afterward, red flowers appear on the trees, followed by seeds and new leaves, which may come out reddish-bronze color and turn to green. It's like fall in January followed immediately by spring! Leaves of vines like wild grapes and Virginia Creeper may turn and fall as well.
Animals/Bird Activity: Hundreds of thousands of swallows may be seen in some areas.
In this new section, Sarasota Almanac, I will share some subtle seasonal changes. Please feel free to comment and add your own observations and together we will get more tuned in.
January:
New Moon: January 15
Full Moon: January 30
Meteor Showers: January 3-4 Quadrantids (very short and very few)
Other astronomical events:
January 15, Annular Solar Eclipse
January 23, Mars at opposition; closest approach to Earth, best time to see
Other observations in the world around us:
Light: After the winter solstice on December 21, the length of daylight gradually begins to increase and the energy feels a little more "outgoing".
Temperature: This time of year, we may have cold spells, even frosts.
Crops: Cool weather vegetables can be grown, like collards, chard, lettuces, Asian greens, etc.
Foliage: In mid to late January, the leaves of the red maple trees turn orange to red or even scarlet, before dropping. Almost immediately afterward, red flowers appear on the trees, followed by seeds and new leaves, which may come out reddish-bronze color and turn to green. It's like fall in January followed immediately by spring! Leaves of vines like wild grapes and Virginia Creeper may turn and fall as well.
Animals/Bird Activity: Hundreds of thousands of swallows may be seen in some areas.
Manatee Watching
Its so wonderful to see wildlife out in the wild. There's nothing more thrilling to me than being out on the bay and seeing dolphin and manatees. One of my favorite memories is of being on a boat on Sarasota Bay, being able to look down into the water and seeing a mother and young manatee swimming right beside us!I do appreciate, however, getting to see manatees in less "wild" conditions, like near power plants in the winter. Once a year I try to go to Apollo Beach to the Teco Power Plant/Manatee Viewing Station. As you know, manatees used to migrate further south as the Gulf and Bay waters cooled. They can't survive in water below 67 degrees. But now they travel to nearby canals and rivers that have power plants on them. The plants use the waters to cool their machinery, discharging the now warm water back into the canals. This warm water is very attractive not only to manatees, but some species of fish (sharks, tarpon, creville jacks, snook) and rays. On a cold morning you can see dozens of manatees from the viewing platform.
Our recent cold spell killed 77 manatees, I was told. However, according to this year's census, there was still the highest number of manatees in ten years.
photo: The nose knows! A manatee lifts its head out of the water for a breath of air (and perhaps a little people watching?)
(photo copyright Anne Cederberg 2010)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)