Forgive, I'm way, way, way behind on email ...
kathryn marsh wrote:
> This is a question that continually bothers me. Yesterday I spent all day
> at a meeting to deal with issues in the regulation of local organic farming
> - drove 150 miles to do it, ate junk food plastic wrapped and microwaved
> etc. Friday I did the same thing on GMO issues. The rest of the week
> instead of cultivating my garden I was on the phone working for a
> children's creative writing charity. Sometimes when I get five minutes I
> wonder what the heck I am doing. In order to make the world a better place
> I am neglecting the small portion of the world over which I have some
> control, using up non renewable resources, feeding my children poisons etc.
> How do we get balance in our lives? We've tried dropping out and dropped
Whats so great about balance? ;-) BTB, your question is a terrific one, and
struck a nerve here as well...
What % of time should I spend with my nose (literally) in the dirt vs. being an
"activist", or a "teacher".
IMHO, I don't think you can do both and be real effective at both at the same
time. Speaking for myself, I have probably flip flopped in this regard several
times. In my early 20's I was probably 90% activist, 10% "living it".
Now it is nearly just the opposite. My Greenpeace membership expired years ago.
Activism is *way* down on my list, not because I don't care anymore, but
because I am trying to focus on one thing right now : acquiring the hands on
skills and experience and knowledge to live a "conservation based" lifestyle.
It all depends on your personal situation, and the particular point in life you
are at. I think trying to both, 50 - 50 will invariably lead to conflicts and
unhappiness as you describe above. The GMO issues you are involved with are
*so* important, don't punish yourself if that takes away a few hours of weeding
time in your garden.
Fortunately we are not alone, there's lots of us out here some walking, and
some talking.
I say, pick one for now, have no regrets, and full steam ahead!
Cheers,
>
> back in because that felt so irresponsible.
>
> All suggestions gratefully received
>
> kathryn - just off to drive 30 miles to take child and his friend to
> orchestral rehearsals
