Thanks, Stephen! I don't know those Vashon Grief Groups (give me some contacts). I'm going over to the island on the 10:55 am ferry on Tuesday, the 24th and Monday, the 30th.
Dear Beverly, you and this project are rightly deserving of the eloquent praise already shared here. So I will add this to the mix - I am moved by the parallels, the loss of friends, some of whom seem to choose to make themselves lost to us, and the need for and great difficulty of creating and maintaining "the commons" in such transient and dislocated times.
I see so much creative energy in service of this basic need. And yes, nothing is ever "lost" in the Great Composting.. but the grief for a true, inherited commons that does not require constant acts of re imagination, simply a shared expectation of care... is very real.
You write so beautifully, V. I appreciate your insights about the terrain we inhabit in this time.
I'm not sure whether you read my recent revision of the conclusion, so here it is.
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
So much magic and love here, Bee, and you ensured so much of the learning stays in motion with these thoughtful words and images (and the Vashon Green Map, too!)
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Beautiful recounting of this love-filled work. Made me recall a recent interview with adrienne maree brown - "On Radical Imagination and Moving Towards Life" - on On Being (Krista Tippet) in which amb shared the idea that "the teacup is already broken" .... aka everything dies, stretching this towards the reality that even social/political/ecomomic organizations have a finite lifespan.
Thanks so much, Amara. I heard that interview and was very moved by it as well.
I revised the last two paragraphs of the essay this morning at the advice of Ruth Wallen who felt it was important to mention what the Parks District has in mind for this space. Ruth is right for suggesting this (see below).
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Love the Thich Nhat Hanh "clouds become my tea" reference. Maybe the Parks folks would consider a both/and solution pickle and a small, adjacent outdoor room or two that provide the opportunity for "intimacy, healing and nourishing." You could plant the SEED/seed.
Thank you for sharing the life story of eden reframed - I’m sure the residual love & care invested will continue to manifest & flourish in unseen ways. Your words certainly have me hope through acceptance this morning!
Thanks for your supportive words! At the advice of a friend, I've revised the last bit of the essay.
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Your and Bob's creativity and depth of engagement with community and communities of creatures and beings... Awe-inspiring, galvanising. And such tender beautiful writing. Thank you.
At the advice of colleague friend, Ruth Wallen, I've revised the last two paragraphs of the essay to include the plans that the Parks district has for that sweet piece of land.
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Here's this morning's revision to the end of the post:
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Thanks, sweet cuz! Here's this morning's revision to the conclusion:
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Ahhh this is gorgeous, you are correct music does add to the joy of this place. Don't worry it will be taken up again someday, I'm sure of it. bbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
New to your orbit, Bee, I'm moved by your eloquence, involvement, vulnerability, and strength. So many people hold cherished memories of Eden Reframed. What a gift! Thank you, Bob, and all the helpers, for creating and caring for this beautiful community. May a new flock of helpers will hear this and roll up their sleeves.
What an amazing tale- let us know when your goodbye ritual will happen & don’t forget to invite the Vashon Grief Groups!
Thank you, Beverly, Bob & all who created this healing sanctuary…
Thanks, Stephen! I don't know those Vashon Grief Groups (give me some contacts). I'm going over to the island on the 10:55 am ferry on Tuesday, the 24th and Monday, the 30th.
Dear Beverly, you and this project are rightly deserving of the eloquent praise already shared here. So I will add this to the mix - I am moved by the parallels, the loss of friends, some of whom seem to choose to make themselves lost to us, and the need for and great difficulty of creating and maintaining "the commons" in such transient and dislocated times.
I see so much creative energy in service of this basic need. And yes, nothing is ever "lost" in the Great Composting.. but the grief for a true, inherited commons that does not require constant acts of re imagination, simply a shared expectation of care... is very real.
You write so beautifully, V. I appreciate your insights about the terrain we inhabit in this time.
I'm not sure whether you read my recent revision of the conclusion, so here it is.
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
So much magic and love here, Bee, and you ensured so much of the learning stays in motion with these thoughtful words and images (and the Vashon Green Map, too!)
I revised the last 2 paragraphs this morning:
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
And thanks so much for becoming a paid subscriber!!!
Beautiful recounting of this love-filled work. Made me recall a recent interview with adrienne maree brown - "On Radical Imagination and Moving Towards Life" - on On Being (Krista Tippet) in which amb shared the idea that "the teacup is already broken" .... aka everything dies, stretching this towards the reality that even social/political/ecomomic organizations have a finite lifespan.
Thanks so much, Amara. I heard that interview and was very moved by it as well.
I revised the last two paragraphs of the essay this morning at the advice of Ruth Wallen who felt it was important to mention what the Parks District has in mind for this space. Ruth is right for suggesting this (see below).
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Love the Thich Nhat Hanh "clouds become my tea" reference. Maybe the Parks folks would consider a both/and solution pickle and a small, adjacent outdoor room or two that provide the opportunity for "intimacy, healing and nourishing." You could plant the SEED/seed.
Thank you for sharing the life story of eden reframed - I’m sure the residual love & care invested will continue to manifest & flourish in unseen ways. Your words certainly have me hope through acceptance this morning!
Thanks for your supportive words! At the advice of a friend, I've revised the last bit of the essay.
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Your and Bob's creativity and depth of engagement with community and communities of creatures and beings... Awe-inspiring, galvanising. And such tender beautiful writing. Thank you.
THANKS so much, Jane!
At the advice of colleague friend, Ruth Wallen, I've revised the last two paragraphs of the essay to include the plans that the Parks district has for that sweet piece of land.
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
An amazing creation you birthed and grew. Incredible to be in community there I imagine!
Here's this morning's revision to the end of the post:
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Thank you, dear cousin.
Thanks, sweet cuz! Here's this morning's revision to the conclusion:
As a few friends from my coven, one former member of SEEDS who sometimes lives on Vashon, and I do our good-bye rituals at the site in the next few weeks, I am grateful to say that Eden Reframed offered me and others many gifts, seen and unseen. Through my spiritual practices, I know that nothing in nature is truly lost. She will continue, just like the clouds become my tea (thank you, Thich Nhat Hanh, for offering that way of thinking).
In stark contrast to the project’s intention to offer a more intimate, healing, and nourishing relationship to place, land, and the community, the Park District’s director has shared that they plan to turn this little piece of the park into pickle ball courts or something similar that is recreational. I am not against such games, but the shift in energy will likely be very noticeable. I am hoping that there will be some remnant of Eden Reframed to remind visitors that all that surrounds them is sacred land, embodied in the soil, the air, the water, the sunshine, and all the critters, human & non-human who visit. Eden Reframed will no be longer a visible omphalos, but one that may still continue to manifest in the minds of those who knew her. I am excited for this letting go, and for knowing that my creative and collaborative work made a difference that helped me grow in the best ways. And there will be new projects….
Ahhh this is gorgeous, you are correct music does add to the joy of this place. Don't worry it will be taken up again someday, I'm sure of it. bbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
New to your orbit, Bee, I'm moved by your eloquence, involvement, vulnerability, and strength. So many people hold cherished memories of Eden Reframed. What a gift! Thank you, Bob, and all the helpers, for creating and caring for this beautiful community. May a new flock of helpers will hear this and roll up their sleeves.