Brummet's Conscious Blog

Recommended Resources Sarah Corbett offers this inspiring, short talk on how being an introvert does not hinder one's ability to have a positive impact on the world. https://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_corbett_activism_needs_introverts ....with this link (above) I want to mention that our readers can do an online search for planting,   or science projects they may be able to get involved in through their balcony, yard, apartment or office building landscaping or through someone they know.  Perhaps that might mean planting a cluster of plants that flower all season long which also offer lots of food for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Or it may involve citizen science projects like watching the birds that attend a specific area by sitting there with a tally sheet and binoculars. There are also online campaigns put out on a regular basis from a wide array of nonprofits – for instance a wildlife organization my want you to “vote” on a ...

-- Recommended Resources --  Ok, now a lot of folks are feeling the economic pressure about this time of year. After the holiday season, followed by all the great sales... and things like house or car insurance rolling around again, well - things can feel kinda tight and depression can set in as the long days of winter feel heavier.  Today, I'd like to start off with a couple of resources that may help you improve your financial lifestyle. First... let's look at Kiva.org - this resource serves people around the globe who are looking to continue their education, upgrade to green energy, or grow their business but are not quite able to due to financial constraints. Basically a borrower applies for a loan and once approved it is posted to the member lenders to consider supporting in $25 loans or larger... when the loans are repaid the investors can keep the money investing in other Kiva projects or they can withdraw their money. As such I think this is a great way for pe...

-- Getting Involved --  I have often been asked what I felt was the best way to start having a greater positive impact. I believe it starts with looking inside at the Self  first... becoming more aware, speak with a more positive voice, looking at daily activities such as shopping, food and waste disposal. Once you feel that you have a good handle on that (and perhaps you already do) the next step is to look around your home and yard to see what you can do there - i.e. eco-upgrades, growing more plants, start composting, etc.  Beyond that we can begin to influence our circles at work and socially as well (online too) - just by doing, by providing an example, we can influence them. We don't have to preach it or nag them, just show them by doing.   What is really exciting now is that all of us around the planet have all kinds of opportunities to have a greater impact by participating in all kinds of free or frugal activities already available to us....

-- Chatter --  I've noticed so many things in our community that make me really sit up and absorb what I am seeing. So forgive me, but I do have to celebrate them today publicly: Locally we have numerous organizations that benefit the community - one such organization is the Fields Forward group, which works with volunteers, government, farmers, markets, business, food producers, etc. to improve the "10 mile diet" we have going on here and also including "100 mile diet" for the interaction and cooperation with communities close to us as well. It really is amazing how this organization was able to connect the dots between all these enthusiastic individuals and groups, so they can now work effectively toward their goals.  Numerous organizations host fund-raising auctions and bake sales, and many other types of fundraisers and events, benefiting all kinds of community projects on an almost daily basis.  People are often spotlighted in the pape...