The Center for Nonviolent Communication

The Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) is a global organization whose vision is a world where all people are getting their needs met and resolving their conflicts peacefully. In this vision, people are using Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to create and participate in networks of worldwide life-serving systems in economics, education, justice, healthcare, and peace-keeping. NVC helps connect us with what is alive in ourselves and in others moment-to-moment, with what we or others could do to make life more wonderful, and with an awareness of what gets in the way of natural giving and receiving.

"While studying the factors that affect our ability to stay compassionate, I was struck by the crucial role of language and our use of words. I have since identified a specific approach to communicating—speaking and listening—that leads us to give from the heart, connecting us with ourselves and with each other in a way that allows our natural compassion to flourish. I call this approach Nonviolent Communication." [Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.]

Website: http://www.cnvc.org/

'The Tree' Website

The-Tree is a non-profit website dedicated to sharing information about the many different facets of knowledge about trees and forests: Excellent section on British Trees, Trees and the Environment, Cultivation, Tree Medicine, Permaculture and Agroforestry, Woodcrafts, Myths and Folklore, Philosophy, Customs and Culture inspired by trees, Forest news, Campaigns and lots more!

'The Tree' Website

What is Social and Therapeutic Horticulture?

It is the participation by a range of vulnerable people in groups and communities whose activities are centred around horticulture and gardening (may also include small scale agriculture).

Social and therapeutic horticulture is regarded by many health and social care professionals as an effective intervention for improving the quality of life of people with a wide variety of physical, psychological and social problems.

* Growing Together -
Social and therapeutic horticulture for vulnerable adults

* Thrive - a small national charity that uses gardening to change lives

Plants for a Future

Plants For A Future is a resource centre for rare and unusual plants, particularly those which have edible, medicinal or other uses. We practise vegan-organic permaculture with emphasis on creating an ecologically sustainable environment based largely on perennial plants.

Their website is - Plants for a Future

Articles:

* The Garden of Love - A visit to Robert Hart's Forest Garden
* World Change Visionaries

"Depression and mental disorders can be prevented and treated with simple healing foods"

It seems silly that anyone would continue to use antidepressant drugs to try to treat depression when there are simple healing foods available that do a better job. This is especially true when considering the potentially dangerous side effects of antidepressant drugs that are now coming to light, including increased risk of suicides, violent behavior, and other similar acts of aggression. But what healing foods in particular are we talking about in this study? In addition to the omega-3 fatty acids, these health enhancing substances are found in walnuts, molasses, and fish, according to researchers. They're also found in many other foods.

Author: Mike Adams

Read more

Paneurhythmy in Bulgaria

'Traditionally celebrated outdoors each morning between the Spring and Fall Equinox in accordance with the energies of the Sun, Paneurhythmy is an expression of the Christ Teachings of Love, Wisdom and Truth. Paneurhythmy unites heaven and earth through a series of 28 easily learned movements in a rhythmic circular walking dance, balancing and honoring our expression of life on all levels, we become the mobile conduit between heaven and earth, Nature and the Cosmos. '
http://1spirit.com/sananda/paneury.html

Pilgrimage

"Pilgrimage is a traditional feature of all the great Religions and Cultures of the world. At its simplest level it involves making a journey as an individual or group to a place which may have significance for the pilgrim. This may be a recognised holy site or simply a place that has a personal resonance. What distinguishes a pilgrim from any other traveller is that he or she dedicates the journey to a spiritual (higher) purpose and anticipates an exchange with the special place - both receiving something from its atmosphere or holiness and giving something in return, such as a gift, a prayer or simply love. Through this exchange we believe pilgrimage can bring healing and balance both to the environment and ourselves. While many traditional pilgrimages are undertaken in the hope of receiving personal healing for oneself or a loved one, the idea of healing the environment in this way is given little attention today. There is an ancient science behind this aspect of pilgrimage which Gatekeeper Trust seeks to revive and research through its programme of events and published reports in a biannual Newsletter.

Shared journeys unite people and engender respect for different cultures, the land we live upon and the environment that sustains us. A journey is an adventure that can be both a challenging and joyful experience. Above all we believe pilgrimage can contribute to a more peaceful healthy world.

With an understanding of how energies move through the Earth, it can be realised that just as acupuncture can restore the healthy flow of vital energy in Humans, so walking can help Mother Earth. Today this way of caring for the Earth is mostly a lost knowledge. Yet, historically, pilgrimage formed a central core to society. In medieval times, for instance, pilgrimage routes were established all over Europe. The Australian Aborigines still go on their "walk abouts", walking the "song lines" very much in tune with the needs of their land. Walking in this way can enhance the natural energies that flow through the Earth's crust, as can dance, song and prayer, helping to bring healing and balance to the environment and to the planet as a whole."

Source: The Gatekeeper Trust - a Registered Educational Charity devoted to personal and planetary healing through pilgrimage. It seeks to rediscover the ancient art of pilgrimage as a way of journeying with an awareness of the sacred nature of our environment.

Finding My religion

A Tibetan monk who was tortured for his religious beliefs shares his thoughts about compassion

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/04/23/findrelig.DTL

David Ian Miller talks to Phagyab Rinpoche, a Tibetan lama who survived torture by Chinese officials.

"When we contemplate the suffering that others are going through, we know we are not alone, we are not being singled out. Countless beings are suffering in all kinds of ways. The more we can focus on this broader reality, the more our hearts can open and we can heal. I think it's also important not to isolate ourselves in our suffering, not to get alienated. Talking, commiserating, sharing and opening with others can really help us heal our grief. When we stay connected with others, it's easier for the grief to heal and for our hearts to open. . .

. . . I believe that the healing came as a result of the deep conviction that I have in the power of the practices that I do day after day, including meditation, visualizations and recitations. These practices were instrumental in healing the conditions I experienced."