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9:49:00 AM EDT
Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, the company I work for planted a tree. Not just any tree, but a mesquite tree, a species indigenous to our area. The ceremony began in the area where a Spirit Lodge is being constructed. There was a blessing for all, humans, nature, our work. It was 10 am, and while the sun was warm, I stood in the shade, a gentle breeze was blowing. As my eyes were closed during the opening blessing, I could hear the birds singing. When I opened my eyse, there was a red cardinal high in one of the trees, chirping a sweet melody, and we were her audience. It was a moment. One of our outdoor sports guides sang a song while drumming. It was so tender, an ode to Mother Earth. Another guide wrote a poem about the mesquite tree's roots, which are some of the deepest of any tree, speaking from the perspective of those roots. It can be very dry in the desert, so the roots go deep where there is always moisture, holds it in reserve to survive drought. It is a hardy tree, a beautiful tree. It produces pods, which can be ground into flour. We serve mesquite pancakes in our dining room, furthering our mission as a company to use the resources available to us, local products. When we were kids, we used to chew on the pods, they are quite sweet. My great aunt used the sap from the mesquite tree as a sweetener for her tea, or just pop it in her mouth and enjoy the sweetness! The hole where the tree would be planted was blessed with smoke, and each person was invited to place a handful of dirt into the hole, offering a blessing to our brother tree that he may grow full, offer us shade, and a home to the many animals it will protect and feed. A project manager from the Development side outlined how we are on the the greenest companies she has ever worked for. We replaced our golf carts with electric models. We use tons of golf carts on the 70 acre property to transport everything from linen to guests. Our guests re-use their towels and sheets 85% more than other hotel guests. We use minimal amounts of pesticides in our landscaping and because most of the xeriscape is desert plants, they are already hardy. The solar panels on our spa complex is the largest collection of solar energy on a commercial building in the state! When it came time for the grounds crew to place the tree into the ground, they covered the hole with dirt amidst an offering of more drumming and songs. It was truly an experience. I seriously had to contain myself, because my heart was touched so deeply.
On a separate note, I did a kundalini yoga class at noon. It was soooo exhilirating. Nothing like what you'd think of a yoga class. Yes, there is lots of breathing, and that is the centering, but also massaging the inner organs, tapping into and releasing energy from the body, so that one feels the fire from within. I am sore today, very sore, but a good sore. Next week, the focus will be yoga as a self defense. Can't wait!
Talk soon...
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This was a very interesting entry to me as the mesquite trees are in abundance here and somewhat hated. I'm wondering if this is the same type we have with the wicked thorns. We do love trees and cardinals but would choose a different tree to plant. Paula
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Hi Myra,
Wow ... what a great way to spend Earth Day. I spent it in Greece -- in Athens, a city so polluted it reminds you of a need for Earth Day!
Best,
Marty -
how nice:) i love the mesquite trees but never knew you could make food from it wow always learning. have a good week
Deb -
You are doing your part to help the world that is for sure. You are a model citizen and spirtitual too with that yoga. Wasn't there a cartoon named after yoga. Ah yes, Yoga Bear and Boo Boo, want some picinic baskets? LOL Have a good Thursday.
Phil
4/29/08 9:33 AM
xxoo