National Wildlife Refuge Week

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National Wildlife Refuge Week

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) invites YOU to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with a visit to a national wildlife refuge.

Check the website, the dates vary each calendar year, but it’s always in the month of October.

There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state. You can find your nearest wildlife refuge using the interactive site at the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Take a look at the map of the United States, and click on your state to locate a refuge near you. Or you can submit your zip code and it will give you the distance in miles to the nearest refuge.

What Is The National Wildlife Refuge System?

The National Wildlife Refuge System is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a federal agency within the Department of the Interior. We are sometimes confused with the National Park Service, a sister federal agency within the Interior Department, and with state fish and wildlife agencies who are our counterparts at the state level. However, the Refuge System is its own entity with a unique role as steward of conservation lands with national significance.

National Wildlife Refuges Have An Important Role

In Washington state alone, the impact of the wildlife refuges is significant. Take a look at the by-the-number statistics listed in this article in The Olympian as well as the figures quoted below.

There are 23 national wildlife refuges in Washington state. They protect habitat for hundreds of species of birds, mammals and fish, and provide recreational opportunities from the scablands of Eastern Washington to the protected waters of Willapa Bay.

The national system, which is 111 years old, includes more than 150 million acres in 562 refuges and 38 wetland management districts. More than 47 million people visited a refuge last year.

The benefits of the refuge system are not just for our animals, fish and flora. Traveling this planet together, our health and survival depend on all of us thriving.

The Radiance Technique® And Nature

For students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) - interconnecting with nature and wildlife is easy.  Use of TRT® hands-on helps us to expand our joy and connection with nature, at any time really, and especially when we visit a refuge.

Becoming more aware of the life force that connects all living beings is an integral part of the journey. Use of TRT® gives us a way to consciously deepen that connection.

Varied Locales

The USFWS has wide-sweeping areas of interest. A refuge can be found in forests and marshlands or in waterways and beaches. Activities for education abound. There is much to learn about our world of nature.

Numerous volunteer opportunities exist which also serve as a chance for education. The wildlife refuges are always in need of a helping hand.

National Wildlife Refuge Adventures

Operation Migration does its best to make sure these Whooping Cranes are able to get from Wisconsin to Florida for the winter. Speaking of adventure, taking off in this flying machine does not appear to be for the faint-of-heart.

It's part of an effort to restore a migrating population of endangered birds in the eastern United States. Be sure to read the details of their heart-warming story that took place on 10 October 2014.

Follow the National Wildlife Refuge System on Facebook if you’d like to stay in touch with updates regarding various refuge events from around the country. Talented photographers share their photos that educate and inspire us.

 

Delightfully Bonding With Nature

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Animals, Critters, And Plants – That's Nature

We live on a planet filled with nature in its myriad forms – animals, plants and creatures of all shapes and sizes. As human beings, we are expanded not only in our thinking, but in our hearts, when we connect more deeply with them.

Many worlds thrive and evolve just beyond our human awareness; everything from the microscopic and macro-photographic levels to the far cosmic reaches of our galaxies. Fortunately, others are willing to share their photos and knowledge with us.

Benefits To Connecting With Nature

Connecting more deeply with the wholeness of the planet, and thus, with your own wholeness, has many benefits. It isn't just about "hugging a tree," although there is nothing wrong with that either!

Becoming more connected to nature helps you to slow down to a more natural rhythm as you listen to the "heartbeat" of the earth.

Connecting With Nature With The Radiance Technique®

For students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®), you can expand and deepen your bond with the living energies of the planet that include animals, plants and cycles of life. As we learn more about nature, we also increase our awareness of what is natural from within... and that knowledge expands with the use of TRT®.

TRT® is great to use out in nature, for example, swinging in a hammock, walking on a hike, sitting on a blanket in a nearby park, or relaxing in your own backyard.

Wherever you are, TRT® is there with you. With your Radiant hands-on, you breathe with the rhythm of nature and you begin to sense, from within, what is real and what is not.

 
 

Beginning with The First Degree of The Radiance Technique® you are able to use your TRT® hands-on with your pets whenever you touch them, caring for them and loving them.

As we become more aware of nature, we are able to deepen our connections – with nature and with each other.

 

Micro-Cosmos, Up Close And Personal

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Welcome To The Micro-Cosmos

In our last post, we looked at the Macro-Cosmos in terms of galaxies and the Constellation of Leo.

Now let's explore nature in the other direction, into the Micro-Cosmos.

We could choose many levels of the micro-world, going in as far as neutrons and protons. However, we'll stop at the level of insects and snails.

The World Of Tiny Creatures

In the first photo, a spider guards her eggs. Captured in macro-photography, we are drawn to these magical orbs. Photographer is Ondrej Pakan.

Pakan has over 2,000 photos on 500px that represent hours of patience and getting up early with the dew and the dawn to capture, up-close, the insect world. It's a world we don't normally see from our vantage point.

Here, we have morning dewdrops on a fly.

Pakan writes:

 
“It’s always a big surprise for me to find out how many species, forms and colors exist in this kingdom.
I see the things around me a bit differently after each visit in this micro-world.
I try to look at them in their own way.”
 

Feathers On Mosquito Antennae

Lush feather-like hairs on the antennae of this mosquito capture the slightest movement of air. Many humans would like to have lashes this lovely. 

The breath of life breathes upon all tiny animals and they spring into existence. They pirouette in the dance of life in their miniature worlds. Their secret lives spin around us and we stand beside them in the same experience of birth and death. 

Who can say their lives are of "less" importance?

Perhaps we don't need a designation of greater or lesser.

Curious Snails

Take a look at the photography of Vyacheslav Mischenko. His work focuses on the wonders in the land of snails. 

In this link is a collection of many of his snail photos. You'll come away with a new appreciation of this under-valued creature.

Mischenko's photos capture the evident curiosity of these snails. 

They may move at a much slower pace in comparison to us, yet snails are not any less vibrant with life and wonder.

Liiving With A Heart Wide Open

When we run through the days of our lives, we tend to scurry past everything and miss the details around us.

We can pause, even just for a moment, and open our hearts to all the quiet secrets the world has to share with us

Explore Our Micro-Cosmos

Students of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) can use their TRT® hands-on in their heart center to bring them more in touch with listening to and becoming aware of the little ones on our planet.

In our meditation, we start from where we began, as star stuff with the Macro-Cosmos and then travel to the Micro-Cosmos where we share this planet with all of God's creatures. 

From stars in the sky to a spider web at our feet:

 
“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff.”
— Carl Sagan
 
 

Macro-Cosmos, Journey Into The Galaxies

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Macro-Cosmos – Heading Out Into The Universe

Out, out we fly... we're heading into space to explore the macro-cosmos of our galaxies. 

With a big hat-tip to the traveling Hubble Space Telescope and the generosity of NASA for sharing its photos, we zoom into space.

This galaxy near the Constellation of Leo reminds us we are in the astrological sign of Leo (23 July to 22 August).

 

NGC 3190 – A Spiral Galaxy

NGC 3190 is a spiral galaxy with tightly wound arms and it spans about 75,000 light years across. Finely textured dust lanes surround the brightly glowing center of this picturesque spiral. It is visible with a small telescope pointed toward the Constellation of Leo.

NGC 3190 was discovered by William Herschel in 1784. Located 80 million light years away, it is a part of the Hickson 44 galaxy group (in case you need directions on how to get there).

The upper photo of NGC 3190 has a universal shade of blue added to it and it has been turned on its side from the photo below that NASA shared in 2010.

How would we designate up or down or sideways in the universe. Would that exist in deep space?

How Do We See Our Cosmos?

Our concept of colors in the universe is also based on our oh-so-human eyes. A friend pointed this out to me years ago. If you lived near the bright-light center of a spiral galaxy, you could not have these human eyes. Not only these eyes, but also this skin. You'd never survive such a bright, burning light.

How would we appear if we lived closer towards the center of a galaxy?

What kind of physical form would we have? Would it even be a physical form? 

Our minds and imagination stretch beyond the edge of the known world. 

Messier 96 - NGC 3368, a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Leo.

Bring The Macro-Cosmos To Your Meditations

Students of The Radiance Technique® can use an image of a galaxy or particular stars in their meditations with their TRT® hands-on.

Constellation Of Leo

The constellation of "Leo the Lion" is mapped out in the stars. The stars are numbered below with a description:

 
“You can use the Sickle of Leo the Lion to gauge your sky.

Starting with 1st magnitude Regulus we skip a star and come to 2nd magnitude (gamma) Leonis, then as we go up, the back of Leo’s head and his nose are both 3rd magnitude stars, and his topknot is 4th magnitude.

His eye, half-way between the nose and topknot, is 5th magnitude and if you can see it, indicates you have an excellent sky.

His ear is an itty-bitty 6th magnitude star which, if you can see it, tells you that your sky is the best you’re going to get.”
— Randy Culp
 

Leo The Lion

Circling back to Planet Earth, we embrace our own Leo, the majestic lion of Africa.

In ancient Egypt:

 
“The lion represented the ferocious heat of the sun and was seen in the likeness of Sekhmet who is the Egyptian goddess known as the Eye of Ra. She is the power that protects the good and annihilates the wicked.”
 

Now that we've traveled out to the Constellation of Leo and visited our earthly lion, you may be wishing that you were born under the sign of Leo.

Not to worry, there's a little bit of Leo the Lion in all of us.

Magic Magnifying Glass Pics

 
 

Full Moon On San Francisco Bay

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The View From San Francisco Bay

On 12 July 2014, we all celebrated a Super Full Moon. A full moon receives this designation because "the centers of these full moons and the center of Earth are less than 361,863 kilometers (224,851 miles) apart." (In case you're counting...)

According to Science News at NASA:

 
“The scientific term for the phenomenon is “perigee moon.” Full Moons vary in size because of the oval shape of the Moon’s orbit.
The Moon follows an elliptical path around Earth with one side (“perigee”) about 50,000 km closer than the other (“apogee”).
Full Moons that occur on the perigee side of the Moon’s orbit seem extra big and bright.”
 

For this auspicious event, I had the good fortune to watch the moon rise from a boat in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Here are a few photos:

San Francisco Bay Works For A Living

As we departed from Sausalito and headed out on the water, a container ship was spotted. Its presence served as a reminder that the Bay is not just for looks and entertainment; it is an active, deep water, working port.

The sun settled down for an evening rest after a long day's work. One of the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, touched by the sinking rays, kissed the sun goodnight.

The Fog Comes On Little Cat Feet

Everyone living in San Francisco, for any length of time, becomes familiar with the poem, Fog, by Carl Sandburg. Although he was inspired by fog he saw over Chicago harbor, San Franciscans claim it as their own.

Fog

The fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

From the clear skies on the Bay, we observed its tendrils quietly stretch over The City. It was a vivid demonstration of how strongly someone's perspective is shaped based on where they are (literally and figuratively).

The Sun Sets Over San Francisco Bay

As the sun set more deeply, a layer of pink icing was added on top of the fog over The City, making everything rosy. Yes, on San Francisco Bay, you can see through rose-colored glasses, without the glasses.

Brightness Of A Full Moon

The full moon was so brilliant, I was almost convinced that it generated its own light. In this photo, it looks like it could be day. I had to remind myself that all this light was in actuality the sun shining off the moon's surface, quietly exerting its influence in the background. In essence, the sun touches both our days and nights.

Back To Sausalito

The boat headed back to the dock in Sausalito. Pink streaks in the sky welcomed us home and the delicate wisps of clouds comforted us as a good omen.

On The Water With The Radiance Technique®

What a gift to have the hands-on of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) when out in nature. On this sunset boat trip, I used my TRT® hands-on in my heart center and in the solar plexus; relaxing with the inner light as I watched the outer light fade from the sky.

My heart was expanded with directing energy to the San Francisco Bay itself – connecting with the super full moon and the sun, and the animals that live in the bay.

Two More Super Full Moons Coming

If you missed this super full moon, don't fret.

Two more super full moons are still to come in 2014: those dates are 10 August and 09 September. Of the three super full moons we will have in 2014, the one in August will be the closest to the Earth.

My rendition of the super full moon across the water.

Moon over the bay

 

Summer Solstice Abundance

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Summer Solstice Is Here

Summer kicks off with the summer solstice, the longest day and shortest night of the year.

During this time of expanding light in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun pours out its energy. As we move deeper into summer, the Earth responds with greater abundance.

Abundance Of The Farmers Market

One of the joys of summer is the farmers market in Davis, California. In this part of the state, we benefit from the wide variety of produce from the Central Valley basin as well as its long growing season.

Now that I've started canning and preserving, it's a blessing to have organic produce. Turning a delectable bounty into delicious jams means we'll have a bit of summer sunshine during the winter.

Canning Cherries

The organic cherries have just finished at the market. I was able to find time to make cherry-chocolate jam, cherry-port wine jam, and cherry-lemon marmalade. The cherry-chocolate jam is spoon-worthy. It's so good, you can eat it by itself, right out of the jar.

If someone ever gives you their own home-canned cherries, know that they hold you in high esteem. Canning cherries is a labor of love when you pit each and every one of them by hand.

Happily, even with all the detailed work involved, the Radiant Touch® that is within the hands-on of The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) was there with me while I held each cherry to extract the pit. The radiant energy accessed by TRT® went right into the jams I made.

What a loving gift to bring to our food.

Summer Time And The Living Is Easy

How do you experience the summer season?

More time for vacations? Spending more time outside? Gardening?

How about a summer solstice at Stonehenge?

The Abundance Of Summer

An abundance of sunlight translates into long, warm days. Summer stone fruits and berries fill our markets. We luxuriate as we swim in pools and lakes and read books while we swing in hammocks. We take extra time for rest and relaxation. 

Our hearts respond to the abundance of the season.

In The New Expanded Reference Manual of The Radiance Technique®, Authentic Reiki®, Third Edition by Dr. Barbara Ray, Ph.D. — the entry on Abundance is found on page 27:

“ABUNDANCE – Means great plenty and overflowing quantity. In higher consciousness, “abundance” is a quality of universal energy. With this technique you are accessing an energy which is limitless.
You can use this technique any time, any place as frequently as you choose and there is always universal, Radiant energy abundantly available to support you on all planes of your Being!”
— Dr. Barbara Ray, Ph.D.

As students of The Radiance Technique®, we can set aside a bit of vacation time for some dedicated TRT® hands-on to expand the energy of abundance in all areas of our lives. 

Enjoy the abundance of summer.

 

Marsh Wren Competes With Van Damme

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A Marsh Wren And The Joys Of Nature

This humble marsh wren is certainly talented. I adore its little mouth, wide open as he sings at the top of his voice. With gusto, as they say. All this, while doing the splits on cattail reeds.

No one can accuse this little bird of not fully participating in the moment. It warms my heart every time I see his photo.

Nature And The Radiance Technique®

Connecting with nature is one of the more healing things we can do. Deepen that connection by using The Radiance Technique® (TRT®) while in nature.

With The First Degree of The Radiance Technique® – apply TRT® hands-on for yourself and expand your awareness and love of nature.

With The Second Degree of The Radiance Technique® – you are able to direct radiant energy to different animals or flora without the need to actually touch them. This gives you freedom to serve and help in many ways.

Jean Claude Van Damme In Epic Volvo Ad

When I saw the marsh wren tweet by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah – I couldn't help but think of the Jean-Claude Van Damme video with his epic splits on two Volvo trucks. Van Damme's splits are crazy impressive, but I must say this little marsh wren is giving him some competition.

Personally, I find Van Damme's splits compelling at the age of 53. The Volvo advertisement picked a captivating choice of music, Only Time, by Enya. Two perfectly positioned 18-wheeler Volvo trucks roll smoothly backwards with early light gleaming off golden paint as the sun rises across the landscape of Spain.

All rather epic.

I Confess, I Used To Drive A Volvo

To be honest, I'm probably a bit partial to the Van Damme/Volvo video because I drove a Volvo S-40 T5 AWD for nine years, that I first picked it up in Germany.

I drove that Volvo all over Europe for 4 wonderful years. What an awesome piece of machinery on the German Autobahn. I definitely miss driving 100 mph in the early morning on an empty, silent Autobahn that had no speed limit. But, that's a story for another time.

Traveling the highways in Europe, I was always a bit surprised to look up to see big rigs with the mark of Volvo or Mercedes Benz. I'm used to seeing those marks on cars in the U.S. – but not on long haul, transport trucks.

In the video, Volvo shows off the impressive and steady precision of its big rigs.

Back to the topic of splits – I dutifully acknowledge anyone who can do the splits, no matter the species. I will admit that I (at any age) can't do anything vaguely resembling proper splits, even standing still in my living room, much less on moving trucks or slim reeds in cattail marshes.

Between the two of them, Van Damme and the marsh wren, I'm not sure which one has outdone the other.

Here's a link to the song of a Marsh Wren so you can be alerted when one is near and perhaps observe its lovely splits.