The Green Flash

Have you ever gone through a difficult or painful experience and later realized the positive lessons you’d gained by going through that particular challenge? Perhaps you’ve grown into a more insightful, wiser, stronger, or kinder version of yourself. You may have become more compassionate to others who’ve experienced similar difficulties. You’ve gained a deeper understanding of why you suffered through a certain situation.

If you’re feeling discouraged about the climate crisis, trust me, I know your pain – I’ve lived with it for 30 years. Or you may be experiencing a whole host of unsettled feelings because of this pandemic. Either way, your aching for Mother Earth, for Humanity and Nature, reflects your awareness and compassion, THANK YOU.

Lately we’ve been reminded to wash our hands frequently. What if, when we do this, we also mentally clear our thoughts of negativity? We can “wash away” fear, resentment, anxiety, etc., and cleanse our energy by relaxing into love.

Look, I know it’s a big ask to hold the Light right now, to hum along in a vibration of LOVE. But YOU, coming from a place of Love, Appreciation, and Joy, are exactly what the world needs right now – and perhaps it’s exactly what YOU need right now too.

Scientific historian Naomi Oreskes makes the case beautifully… again. Partnering this time, with Harvard’s Erik M. Conway, they lay out why we find ourselves so very unprepared for this pandemic at the federal (and sometimes state) level. “You’re not the boss of me.” anti big government, anti science, anti experts rhetoric was fostered in the Reagan era. Our 40th president may have possessed an avuncular charm, but his backwards thinking has left a legacy of pain. Here’s the link to this excellent, short, Los Angeles Times article.

Those that think, “I’ll be damned if anyone’s going to tell me what to do.”, may get their wish.

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-04-09/op-ed-trumps-coronavirus-failures-thank-ronald-reagan

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo is navigating the COVD19 crisis with courage, compassion, and common sense. My personal favorite recent phrase of his is a philosophy that we can all employ… “Love wins”.

Though our collective mood may be understandably gloomy, it’s essential that we try to focus on the positive whenever we can. This boosts our immune systems and improves our mental health. There is much to be grateful for and any silver lining is an opportunity to raise our consciousness.

“Everything is energy, that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want, and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy, this is physics.” Albert Einstein

Be well, save lives by staying home (whenever possible), and be glad to be alive. Our world is better with you in it.

The climate movement lost a magnificent hero last Friday, December 27th. Marshall Saunders, the founder and president of Citizens’ Climate Lobby passed away after a long fought illness.

To me, Marshall was the “Mr. Rogers of Climate”. Like Fred Rogers, Marshall believed wholeheartedly in kindness, inclusivity, and in finding the goodness in everyone. Marshall and Fred were both such wise, gentle, and optimistic father figures, and both embodied a tenacity for fairness. And much like Mr. Rogers, Mr. Saunders leaves behind an enormous legacy of inspired and uplifted souls. I’m so grateful to be one of them. Every day Marshall modeled a life well-lived. His influence and ability to bring together disparate voices to work together on the climate crisis and empower citizen activism on a large scale, was nothing short of miraculous. He was, and still is, an Angel among us.

This Tuesday, November 5th, at 7 pm. I’ll be speaking to Veterans for Peace, San Diego Chapter, on The U.S. Military and Climate Change. Our addiction to fossil fuels has put our men and women in uniform in harm’s way for far too long. You may be surprised to know that the Department of Defense wants to move away from its dependence on dirty energy and considers the climate crisis its biggest threat. Want to learn more? Join us at University City United Church of Christ, 2877 Governor Dr. San Diego, CA

This Friday, Nov. 1st, join the Climate strike with Greta Thunberg in Los Angeles. Or urge friends to attend. It is a strike to declare climate emergency to end California’s use of fossil fuels. The rally is Friday, November 1, 12 PM to 3 PM. The location is the WEST STEPS LOS ANGELES CITY HALL• 200 N SPRING ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012. I’m taking the train to Union station then the short walk to LA’s City Hall. Bring your friends!

“Climate change is a direct threat to the national security of the United States.“ former Secretary of Defense, James Mattis

“The US Department of Defense recognizes the reality of climate change.” “These impacts are already occurring, and the scope, scale, and intensity of these impacts are projected to increase over time.”

This Thursday evening, September 26th, 2019 don’t miss this rare San Diego County screening of the national award-winning documentary, “THE BURDEN Fossil Fuel, The Military and National Security” (https://www.amresproject.org/the-burden) including a live discussion with the filmmaker. The film features top military experts illustrating how fossil fuel dependence is our greatest long-term national security threat, and why our military is ready and willing to speed the transition to clean energy.

Joining us via Zoom for Q & A will be “THE BURDEN’s” creator Roger Sorkin, who directed, produced, and edited this groundbreaking film in conjunction with the Truman Project. Roger founded and runs American Resilience Project, which has produced such acclaimed documentaries as “Tidewater” and “Current Revolution”.

Featuring guest moderator Eve Simmons, a decades-long environmental speaker, activist, former Congressional Liaison and lobbyist, wildlife guide, Fish and Wildlife Advisory Commissioner and green blogger, THE GREEN FLASH Awakening Your True Nature… with Eve Simmons.

Join us at 6 PM, or arrive at 5:30 PM and enjoy live music by Sabine and John Sherman prior to the film.  https://www.dryadflutes.com/

Popcorn and beverages will be provided. You are welcome to bring a “brown bag lunch/dinner” or takeout to eat. *The Leeds home is at the end of a long driveway off the main road. Look for the orange traffic cone to see where to turn. This event is hosted by Nikki and Merrill Leeds and the North County Climate Change Alliance. Please contact nikkileeds@cox.net to RSVP or for any questions.