Walk on

(Image:Pixabay)

And this was from this morning with the sun coming up and all the frost on our front door.

Peace 

Big Thank You! And, Let’s keep going!

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedules last night, and coming to speak in support of the plastic bag ban at Mansfield’s Town Council Meeting! As you can see in the picture, there was a wonderful turnout of people, and it was especially moving to see and hear all the children who spoke, asking Town Council to pass the plastic bag ban and show they care about the environment and their future.

If you’d like to see the video from last night’s Town Council meeting, you can access it here: https://townhallstreams.com/stream.php?location_id=69&id=19911. The public speeches on the plastic bag ban began at minute 9:22 and ended at minute 33:00. Town Council discussion about the ban took place between minutes 42:00 and 1:10:00.

As you can see in the video, there was a pretty good chance that Town Council was going to vote in favor of the ban last night, but some technical details were brought up by two council members at the last minute (the economic issue, in my opinion, has been thoroughly looked at and resolved in the last year). Town Council decided that they will vote at their next meeting, on February 11^th, and hopefully the ban will be adopted then.

Thank you again to all who've contributed to this effort. Please continue to be aware of this issue over the next couple of weeks, and let’s make this ban pass at the next meeting.

With gratitude and respect,
Raluca

Enough

Picture is of a wood stain out in the barn, which reminds me of the enso circle. 

Peace 

Mansfield plastic bag ban vote: Tomorrow at 7pm

Dear Mansfield residents,

Please come tomorrow at 7pm to the Public Hearing at Mansfield Town Hall, Council Chambers, and support the single-use-plastic bag ban. Town Council will vote on the ban after the public hearing.

(Please note: our mail@shundahaifarm.com email has been having trouble receiving emails over the past couple of days due to a server change. If you'd like to get back to us, email Raluca at ralucamocanu@yahoo.com).

Additional details about tomorrow:

Mansfield Town Council will be voting on banning single use plastic bags in our town this coming Monday, January 28, 2019. To read more about the plastic bag ordinance, and see what kind of bags it does and does not include, go to http://www.mansfieldct.gov/filestorage/1914/3973/40158/51829/Chapter_132_-_Mansfield_BYO_Ordinance.pdf.

There will be a Public hearing just before the vote, at 7:05pm, in Town Council Chambers, at Mansfield Town Hall. If you would like to speak, you have 5 minutes to address the Town Council. Please come and express your support for this important change. Town Council will vote on the ban after the public hearing. 

There is so much momentum on this issue right now. Just in 2019 so far, there have been major announcements such as:

• Big Y to phase out single-use plastic bags by 2020: https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-big-y-plastic-bags-2020-20190108-beyfcxzeezcczkutt3vnhd6woq-story.html
• And out of UConn: Dining services ends use of plastic bags: https://today.uconn.edu/2019/01/dining-services-ends-use-plastic-bags/amp/
• And just a couple of weeks ago, Norwalk voted to ban single-use plastic bags: https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Norwalk-votes-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags-13519023.php?fbclid=IwAR1d6Yfb2JxbYgGDF1SmYeP1Yrsst32NZgHNkNJotgOJ7LXXCai9IZaOcWM

This is all so exciting, and such a great step in the right direction. Let's make it happen right here in our town of Mansfield, stopping plastic pollution and plastic garbage at the source. Our children will thank us for it, and we will all enjoy a cleaner, safer ocean and environment.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Be a rebel and care!

Image: Pixabay

Peace 

Sensei

We have this little rooster. Every day, he attacks me. I'm just walking around the farm doing my work, when out of the blue he comes and launches into me with his spurs. He can be very annoying. 

I considered putting him into the soup pot. Then, one morning when I was particularly distracted and lost in thought, he came at me. Right away, I had to focus all my attention on him and on defending myself. Our little duel lasted a minute or less, but for that brief time, I was fully present and alert. I felt awake.

When the duel ended, I decided to name the rooster Sensei, and felt bad for having considered putting him in the soup pot. He is doing me a favor, as I now see it, drawing me out of my stupor, forcing me to be aware and present. I am now grateful to him for his harsh lessons. 

I think that in a way many difficulties in our lives are like Sensei: they're annoying to deal with at the time, and we'd much rather escape from them; yet, in their harsh insistence, they do force us to be present in our lives, and in that way, they're great teachers.

Kindly asking for testimonials for Shundahai and my poetry book

I've been doing some work to prepare for the year ahead, and I am looking for testimonials on two different projects that mean a lot to me. I would be very grateful for any time you could take out of your day to help with this.

1. I am revamping the Shundahai Farm webpage and possibly FB page, and I'd love to have a section where past and current customers of the farm could share their experience with someone who may be looking but is not familiar with the farm. The format is totally open, but I am imagining something short, just a few sentences, that describes your personal experience with Shundahai, what it means to you, why you come here, what you value about it, or anything that you want to share. Again, this is open to past and present customers, whether you participated in the CSA, or just came to farm sales.
2. For those of you who read my poetry book, Fertile Ground: Beauty and Brokenness, I would love to get some testimonials to share on my Etsy site and possibly other social media. Format again is totally open, but I am imagining something quite personal: What did the book mean to you that you think others may be able to relate with? Why would you recommend it to someone else? What did you find in it that was unique or different? Or anything else you may want to share.

In both cases, your testimonial can be anonymous or not. Please let me know if you want me to publish your name and town when you send it.

If you decide to write anything, please send it to the farm address mail@shundahaifarm.com or my email: ralucamocanu@yahoo.com.

Thank you so very much for considering this,
Raluca

Trust it!

Important news for Mansfield residents

Mansfield Town Council will be voting on banning single use plastic bags in our town this coming Monday, January 28, 2019. To read more about the plastic bag ordinance, and see what kind of bags it does and does not include, go to http://www.mansfieldct.gov/filestorage/1914/3973/40158/51829/Chapter_132_-_Mansfield_BYO_Ordinance.pdf.

There will be a Public hearing just before the vote, at 7:05pm, in Town Council Chambers, at Mansfield Town Hall. If you would like to speak, you have 5 minutes to address the Town Council. Please come and express your support for this important change. Town Council will vote on the ban after the public hearing. 

If you cannot come, you can write to the Town Council at smithtn@mansfieldct.org. Please send you email by tomorrow (Wednesday) if you'd like it to be included in Monday's Council packet.

There is so much momentum on this issue right now. Just in 2019 so far, there have been major announcements such as:

• Big Y to phase out single-use plastic bags by 2020: https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-big-y-plastic-bags-2020-20190108-beyfcxzeezcczkutt3vnhd6woq-story.html
• And out of UConn: Dining services ends use of plastic bags: https://today.uconn.edu/2019/01/dining-services-ends-use-plastic-bags/amp/
• And just a couple of weeks ago, Norwalk voted to ban single-use plastic bags: https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Norwalk-votes-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags-13519023.php?fbclid=IwAR1d6Yfb2JxbYgGDF1SmYeP1Yrsst32NZgHNkNJotgOJ7LXXCai9IZaOcWM

This is all so exciting, and such a great step in the right direction. Let's make it happen right here in our town of Mansfield, stopping plastic pollution and plastic garbage at the source. Our children will thank us for it, and we will all enjoy a cleaner, safer ocean and environment.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Sharon Salzberg's one month challenge

I came across this link from a teacher I really like, Sharon Salzberg, and wanted to share it here.
https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/rh-meditation-challenge-2019-registration?utm_source=facebook

Sharon leading a one month meditation challenge online. It's free or suggested $10 donation, and it's for anyone at any level. I've liked everything I read by her in the past, her point of view and approach, so I'm letting you know just in case you want to check out this more structured approach to meditation.

(Image source: Pixabay)
Peace

It's unbelievably beautiful out there this morning

Take refuge in this moment.

Pictures don't do justice to the incredible frozen landscape I saw outside when I woke up this morning, which inspired me to write this:

You take my breath 

Make me forget 

I fall in love with you again 

Though I want to hold on 

I don't know how

You say you'll always be

Right here 

Inside this very moment 

Waiting for me

To find you

From inside 

Peace 

For Emily, on meditation

I want to share a little bit more about my one year experience with meditation. I found that some people are interested in starting a practice, but are not sure how. I hope this is useful, but please keep in mind that my experience is very limited.

This is a reply I gave to someone who said they'd like to start, but are confused and overwhelmed by all the instructions from books, online, etc. 

I was also confused by all the information. My practice is this:

I just sit. No special pillow, or equipment, just any old blanket under me. I sit cross legged, comfortable, and try not to slump. I set a timer for anywhere between 15 and 30 min and I sit until it rings (I read somewhere that 20 min at least is optimal, so I try to do that, but some days I can only get in 5 or 15). I do it almost every day.

Don't make it overly complicated. The main thing is to be persistent and sit. When you notice your thoughts taking off in all directions, which they always do, just notice and don't judge. Go back to your breath.

Your natural breath is a sort of reference point to return to when thoughts in your mind engulf you. Don't push away the thoughts, don't feel bad about being distracted. Just notice and go back to your breath. 

That's it.

I don't think there's a wrong way to meditate.  Just discipline yourself to do it on a regular basis and don't have expectations. Trust yourself and the process.

There's something very suddle that happens when you sit like that regularly, even though many times you're going to be thinking "what am I doing?".

For me, regular meditation like I described above took an edge off. Even 5 minutes a day is worth while. And I found that just sitting for 5 minutes is not so easy. 

I hope this is useful.

Peace 

Chipped

I'm a tea and coffee lover. I get pretty attached to my mugs. These two have been some of my favorites. Especially the taller one, which I bought in California last May, and brought it with me when our family hiked El Capitan in Yosemite.

Both mugs got chipped, and for a while I held on to them, no longer using them, but unable to let go. 

Finally, yesterday I took this picture and put them into the recycling bin.

This morning, as I looked at the picture, I realized that the mugs were still useful. They had something to teach. So I wrote this poem, took them out of the recycling bin and put them on a shelf in my room with other special things.

With gratitude 

For all the broken pieces 

In my life 

My only teachers

You've shown me 

How to hold gently, 

And how to love 

Because of you 

I'm whole 

Peace 

New Farm Video

I have not made a farm video in a few months. But I got back to it this morning. Check it out here:
https://youtu.be/FV4GZM7UajU

Update on the plastic bag ban in Mansfield

Great news for the single-use plastic bag ban in our town of Mansfield, CT: Last Monday night, Mansfield Town Council voted to hold a public hearing on the Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance at their next meeting, on January 28, 2019, at 7:05 pm. Please put this on your calendar and come voice your opinion. If you cannot come, you can send a letter to townclerk@mansfieldct.org.

Let's get this ban passed and do our part in reducing plastic garbage and plastic pollution at the source! Thank you so much to all who have cared and contributed on this issue!

Also, please spread the word. Thank you.

Peace

My experience

I've meditated on and off throughout my life, but over the last year, I've established a regular practice, and I want to share my experience with that, in case someone else may find it useful. One year is not that long, but I have seen some changes. 

I don't feel like I've achieved anything spectacular. I haven't reached any kind of bliss. But I am not really looking for that. What I am looking for is a way to be with my life as it is, without fear and escapism. In this aspect, I feel that meditation has been helpful. 

My old issues, triggers, and fears are still there, but I feel that I'm developing a little bit of a different relationship with them. My thoughts and emotions no longer completely engulf me as often as they used to, and even when they do, there's a part of me that sees what's going on.

I would say that in a nutshell, what I got out of meditation so far is a slightly different relationship with my life. This may sound pretty lackluster, yet I feel there's something powerful and liberating about it. I do also feel that meditation can help everyone in some way, so if you feel drawn to it, I encourage you to try it.

I am grateful for my practice over the past year and for all the people I've learned from, especially: Chogyam Trungpa, Pema Chodron, Joko Beck, Brad Warner, Lion's Roar Magazine, and many others.

I plan to continue my practice and see what happens. I'll let you know.

I wrote this poem:

No bliss, no promises, just this.

(Background:Pixabay)

Peace 

Glimpse of freedom

Thanks and gratitude to all the teachers, who whether they know it or not, sometimes through their wisdom, sometimes through their own mistakes, guide us and make our way clearer.

Peace 

Back in the US

And sharing some poems I wrote while away.

Peace 

Good bye Samana

Back in Punta Cana today, and tomorrow flying home. Things I'll miss about Dominican Republic: 

The stunning ocean views 

The food 

The friendly, easygoing people 

The street life including the cheap food stalls, loud music, and all kinds of stray dogs, cats, chickens, etc.

The colorful flowers 

The fruit and fresh fruit juices 

So glad we didn't stay in a resort. Not my style and we would've missed the feel of the place.

Things I won't miss: the plastic garbage which is visible on the sides of roads everywhere. It's mostly plastic bags, bottles and styrofoam containers. We need to stop this crazy disposable mindset.

Collage is from our last day in Samana

Peace 

Video

I put together this 2 minutes video with little scenes from our Dominican Republic vacation:

https://youtu.be/ohcn5l-4E6s

Time alone

I'm very grateful to Ed, Sena and Aiyana for giving me some alone time today while they went to the beach paddle boarding. Here's how I spent it:

• Wrote some poetry 
• Shared some stuff on social media 
• Went out and got a fabulous $2 meal. Authentic Dominican: rice and beans with chicken stew and salad 
• Read
• Meditated

I'm very grateful.

Here's a picture of our street outside the front door of the Airbnb we're staying at:

Peace 

Family picture

Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic 

Spiral

I love the spiral and I think it's interesting how it appears in different ancient cultures, like the Minoan culture which my mom visited in Greece, and the Taino culture we saw cave drawings a couple of days ago, here in the Dominican Republic.  This is a necklace I got for myself as a souvenir; plus couple of poems.

Peace 

Cave and a poem

We visited this beautiful cave on our way from Punta Cana to Samana. Its walls had 800 year old pictographs from the Taino era.

2 poems

I recently received a great compliment from someone who said my poetry was useful to them. I love that. I want it to be useful and true. All I hope is to reach people in a meaningful way.

Peace 

Crazy beautiful

In the Samana area today. I can't believe the color of the water...

Lunch with a stunning view 

Peace 

The fruit!!!

I've always been crazy about papaya and now passion fruit too! And the fresh juices....

You can get it all at road side stands:

We rented a car yesterday and today we drove to Samana.

Here's the view from the new Airbnb we're staying at in Samana.

Peace 

Food and flowers

Delicious authentic Dominican food (with Barbara from our Airbnb), colorful flowers, and the view from our Airbnb in Punta Cana.

Peace 

Nothing ever wasted

As hard as it is to accept obstacles and difficulties, I do believe that this is true.

Peace

Looks pretty perfect

Okay, it's not as perfect as it looks. It's a family vacation after all, and there are little squabbles, and people can't agree on what to do, and at least one person is usually grumpy. If you have a family you probably know what I'm talking about. Still, things are pretty beautiful here, hard to beat the postcard perfect look of the place, and there are moments when everyone is happy.

Peace 

Greetings from Punta Cana

Peace 

Happy New Year

From Dominican Republic