I feel like I have so many things on my plate at the moment and yet hardly anything of any significance. So perhaps the best thing to do is to stop and just take a deep breath. I still have this day and this moment and that is all that really matters.
Though I have read many books and blogs about mindfulness and zen and am finishing up the requirements for a Master's in Environmental Science, I still have a lot to learn and I thought that perhaps someone out there could learn from my slips, face plants, and stumbles along my journey. Oh yeah, so where does Environmental Science fit in with zen?
In many ways, I think it all started as an art student a few years back. Despite taking a plethora of classes during High School, Environmental Science was not on the AP College Prep track, so I entered college with no idea just how connected everything is around me. I met a wonderful professor who taught me the principles of ecology (the study of how everything is connected), botany (study of plants), and geology (study of rocks and minerals) and helped me see how we depend on our surroundings for life. A fellow student introduced me to Zen Buddhism, which was further cemented through the readings of several books. And I guess you could say the rest was history...sort of...
I honestly am not a religious person, but am definitely a very spiritual person. I tend not to speak of my beliefs because many are controversial in nature but I will say that I have a lot in common with the late Jack Kerouac. But beliefs are not necessary for zen and mindfulness because both concern being fully present and aware of the moment and being completely honest and open. Art is where zen and ecology interact in my life.
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| My Senior Thesis, "Ephemeral Forest," is the epitome of mindful art. |
But I was also mindful about its impact. The fabric is cotton, which is a renewable resource. I loved painting on silk, but did not like the idea of silk worms dying for the creation of my artwork. They dyes are chemicals and a lot of water was used to create it, which at the time was not that big of a deal to me because I did not fully understand how important water was and how little freshwater remains for everyone on the earth. Because of this piece, I no longer do much fabric dyeing and choose to work mostly on paper.
So that brings me to this blog. I read many blogs everyday and enjoy their lessons about artwork or following dreams or living more mindfully and felt that perhaps someone else may benefit from my own journey. Though I have been working toward connecting everything - in my own personal ecology - I still have so much to learn. A wonderful song comes to mind, which seems like the perfect way to end this first blog: Marvin Gaye's "Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology). It is as relevant now as when it first came out and there are few, if any, songs that discuss environmental issues nowadays.
As an artist, and as a budding scientist, I feel called to show others how our actions impact Mother Nature. This is where being mindful really is important. If we take a look at how much water we use to wash dishes or how much food we waste, how much trash could be composted or recycled, we can save money as well as resources. My practicum - the final project for my Master's - takes a look at how lawns impact the environment and gives ideas for rethinking our ideas of nature. Everything is connected and I want to help others find their own understanding and ask more questions. So this blog will be a way for me to communicate my understandings and research as well as promote inquiry and education.
