Outing the Shame of Addiction

Given my life free of addiction has now been twice the length of time as when I was actively ensconced in that "life style" (now at just over 30yrs) well for one thing - I ain't no Spring chicken. Another distinction might be, that when I say "addiction" I refer to Drugs & Alcohol (which incidentally, are the same thing - it's all drugs). It just so happens in the world of ego-based hair-splitting; some like to make the distinction that alcohol is "legal" and therefore - (fill in your rationale of choice). For many, some form of "substance" abuse, might be as far as they would cast their net, when considering an addiction.

For the purpose of my discussion I will define addiction as: the compulsive, repetitive attempt to focus outside myself on (              ) in order to avoid the pain brought on by what amounts to, a chronic disconnection with myself. Typically at some point this continued self-abandonment will lead to various areas of my life that are suffering due to this neglect. The other thing is, that though this behaviour is in response to and a strategy for, coping with chronic pain ... it does nothing to provide lasting relief.

Though other forms of addiction are allegated varying degrees of shame; seemingly on some sort of gradient, chemical addiction somehow, has been assigned among the most negative of stigma. This may be due to the fact that someone that is on the downward spiral with these addictions is quite visible to the public eye and therefore can readily draw their scorn. Those in society who may be courting various other forms of addictions, that are not so visible, can effectively & conveniently conceal this truth. In fact when one considers how many in our modern society might be indulging in these "hidden addictions" a viable answer to the stigma reserved for the more visibly afflicted materializes. The age old practice of "scapegoating" rears its nasty head. All too convenient for those that are scrambling to conceal areas of their own life that have gotten "out of control;" to project their self-contempt on those that lie on the front lines and trenches (in some cases literally) suffering in the clutches of what for many, will be an addiction, that leads to their demise.

I only now mention a "history" of addiction for the purposes of outlining my "education;" I have zero shame associated with this history. This certainly was not always the case. I don't "identify" with this history any longer. It is my intention moving forward to serve, in the capacity of coach/mentor/guide/healer. As such, it is inevitable that addictions in all shapes and forms will present. It is my contention that without making "addiction" a continual focal point; but disclosing with full transparency my "background;" I demonstrate my knowing of the subject matter is far beyond conjecture, and that complete freedom from a history (any history) is possible. Obviously it doesn't remove the fact the history occurred. The difference is one can be far removed from their history and still hold themselves in the associative container of pain (shame, self-hatred, victim consciousness). This is not "my pet theory" nor is it even a compilation of the company of thousands of individuals and countless hours of both their "drunkalogues" and their "recovery" stories, that seed my assertion. This is, the unassailable truth of my life experience.

I have been extracted from literal hell on earth and granted the grace to have complete freedom from that past, in order to tell my story. Not to parrot the group mind of twelve step rooms, religious or mind-based behaviour modification strategies. I'm not here to malign or negate any other path.

My path included a wake-up call well into multiple years of sobriety (that already made me a statistical anomaly) - that despite "beating the odds" and remaining sober 5 yrs. 10 yrs. 15 yrs. +++  there still existed for me a crippling presence of shame (self-hatred, self-contempt, self-criticism - energy and mistaken unconscious beliefs, that I had not just made mistakes .... I was a MISTAKE!!)

Long before the end of my attendance at twelve step rooms I sought "outside help." The "desire to drink" had long since been lifted and was at no risk of returning. I knew with every fibre of my being that drinking etc. was no longer my option. But I had to find relief from the suffering that no amount of repetition of the panacea times twelve, was going to relieve. Trust me, any suggestion from the fundamentalists in the rooms, that I was not "fearless and thorough" could soon be laid to rest by some of the sponsors that I left in comas, as they agreed to witness the comprehensive self-disclosure I presented doing fourth and fifth steps. I did the subsequent steps again and again ... I made the lists, the amends, did the ongoing service etc.

The founder of A.A. himself way back when, said that "sobriety" is but the tip of the iceberg, for many, there still remains significant mental/emotional/spiritual malady, for which it may be necessary to seek "outside help." This was in the late thirties or early forties, when there wasn't a great many additional options available. Still he acknowledged, that the program itself, was not necessarily the "be all to end all." No question it's a good place to get started; for someone that has been chronically addicted ... there are few other places where you can be surrounded by others that have a similar history, will accept you without judgment (theoretically and until, you start trying to think and speak for yourself).

Let's face it, if I was for a good portion of fifteen years drinking and using drugs in an addicted and self-destructive fashion; then if I stop and stay stopped, it's better for everyone. However, though this ongoing abstinence is significant - it is not nearly enough (for me) and I can assure you, there is so much more. Twelve step adherents would have you believe that should you ever leave those rooms - relapse is inevitable. This is simply not true. Again I draw on the founder's words which stated: "Sobriety is contingent on the ongoing quality of one's spiritual maintenance." He never said that "maintenance" need consist of a lifetime of those meetings, and those meetings only.  As far as I'm concerned this is where the collective have taken liberty with some of the spiritual principles woven into the program and have allowed the cultural consensus within the rooms, to become dogmatic.

I take issue not with those that choose to make stopping drinking, the pinnacle for themselves. The problem lies where those that pound tables and program literature like some sort of southern evangelical preacher; but choose not to address their own underlying issues, often don't restrict their  choice and belief to themselves. There is considerable "peer pressure" to tow the party line in those rooms. Again they have their place - for someone with patterned repetitive relapse... whatever it takes to get a stay sober is a really good idea.

So then what begins as a "supportive" environment, then shows its shadowy underbelly if you "rock the boat." Soon there after, it is discovered how close to its shame-based religious roots it still remains. You tell me (a somewhat rhetorical suggestion - I'll discuss my views and experience but only to the point of mutual connection and understanding - if all you want to do is change my mind forget it ... I've done all the investigation I need) - so again, you tell me, how someone that is already suffering at depth, vast amounts of shame, how can anyone think, that additional shaming is the solution to that?

I understand anyone's fear of relapse. I wouldn't wish that hell on anyone, let alone that they return to it after a respite of any length. If you never stop, you might be able to continue to deceive yourself into thinking "this is it." But once you stop for even a short while, it will always be known, that an alternative exists.

For me among other insights, I realized after a certain time, there was no particular challenge in discussing my addiction in a room full of others who had lived the same thing. However there was no release from the shame either. When I began exploring other forms of personal growth and healing groups, circles, workshops and perhaps; I was, the only one in the circle with an addiction history (or at least the admission of one) then it took considerably more, to open up about that. It was a far greater "risk" and though initially; I might have thought I was seeking acceptance from others regardless of my history - the longer term result was, I both realized; I was lessening my shame around this history, and more and more, coming to win the acceptance, of the one hold-out that had been present my whole life.... namely ME!

Once a word or phrase has been so completely charged with the negative energy like "alcoholic" or some racial slur, what possible good can it do; to on a daily (multiple times a day) basis, reinforce that stigma "and I am a ..............." Clearly I need to recognize and admit where and in what ways my life is not working ... but it serves no higher good; to beat the shit out of myself with that, for the rest of my life.

I drank and used drugs abusively, self-destructively, with relative impunity followed by immobilizing remorse - until I felt well enough to get up and do it again.  All this having been true..... there is so much more to me than just this. There is so much more to every single person than this - but they have to be willing to find that out for themselves.

This self-discovery, recovery, remembering, reconnecting was for me, the beginning of the end of the long term pain of utter self-abandonment and disconnection. I can't speak for anyone else but I can tell you shame existed in me long before I picked up my first drink - even though "long" in my case, was age thirteen. Imagine if you will (or can) the kind of pain, a thirteen year old boy might be experiencing that a path of numbing out would become what he opts for. I can assure you, the ensuing fifteen years of making that choice, only served to heap shame upon shame upon shame.

The path I stand for and represent is one of love. I will write about it, speak about it and do my utmost to live it into the world. I will share myself, my story and my experience whether it is with one person or one thousand and one people - it doesn't matter, I will do so without shame.

I know at depth the pain of separation, isolation, shame, exclusion and disconnection; I simply won't be part of anything, that perpetuates that.

I also know freedom, connection, love, acceptance, inclusion and more consistent inner peace than I've ever known ... I want to share that.

Is This Thing On?

On your mark

Get set...

Go!

Heard it in the playground

Ribbons for the "winner"

Those bent on the competition

Insist

"Somebody has got to lose!"

Prepares ya for "life"

More at stake now

Well yes 

It's still just a race

Trophies and medals

Where's your school "spirit?"

Keep running

Leave the competition behind

Could get ya a "free ride"

The best school

And a shot at representing 

Well yes

Grade percentiles

Podiums

Keep running

Winners don't quit

Quitters don't win

A most impressive

Scholastic and Athletic path

Want that corner office

Keep running 

"Rat race" 

Only to those 

That are losing

They don't know how

To play the game

 In a class all your own

Saving whales and trees?

No!!

You're among the elite

Not one of those bleeding heart losers

Nobody has time for losers

You didn't get to the top

By stopping to listen

To those whiners

That fell by the wayside

Somebody has got to lose!!

In a final irony

Passage is ushered

From architectural and engineering marvels

Intended to connect and bridge

Distant view points

And the maw

Of a cavernous abyss

The river

Gaia's life blood

Involuntarily co-opted 

To grant a death wish 

Utterly contrary

To it's very nature

"Bleeding hearts" line the river bed

Nobody will listen

There's no time

The "race" to the swiftest

"Somebody has got to lose!"

Write of Passage

I have written about not knowing what was to be said. Other opening thoughts have expressed a resistance bordering on refusal, to write and a subsequent writing about not wanting to write. 

Today's dalliance with written expression, commences with a focus on the continuing journey with writing. Writing for writing sake. If you have read any of my writing, then it should come as no surprise, that I would turn writing in upon itself. I suppose you could say "I'm down" with going in. While there is plenty to see and express residing in full view; for me the delight, the intrigue, the adventure, resides below the surface, and it unfolds as infinitely inward, as the universe expands outward. A different appreciation of the "inside looking out" can alter the view outside.

For quite sometime there has been a book project of mine unfolding quietly; albeit not entirely invisibly. The "story" features a forty day practice of the "care" of and then the walking, of a labyrinth. The practice itself lends to introspection - so not surprising I met myself in many guises along the way. Holding to the practice, writing the daily insights and/or the illuminating the resistances and hurdles; was a continual process, of examining how my inside world, was manifesting upon the outside world. Sometimes showing up and walking the labyrinth was the challenge. Other times upholding the discipline of the daily writing presented with ease. On other occasions, unforeseen obstacles that lurked beneath the surface required clearing or subduing; in order to ensure the commitment was sustained.

Along the way.... all variety of life happenstances presented that weren't necessarily just cause to abandon the project, but they could have been. One computer was stolen, another succumbed to entropy and ultimately, its rather premature demise. Despite all this or perhaps regardless (maybe even, because of) the beat went on.

Today marks the day that after various rewrites and the once revised (after some professional "coaching") manuscript, was sent off to be professionally edited and proof-read. I woke up to find a email from the person that was to provide that service in my inbox.   The early April window we had discussed a couple of months ago, was now upon us. 

I have been anticipating this contact .. in fact once I got beyond April Fool's Day relatively unscathed, I had in mind; to wait a few days and if I didn't hear, to take it upon myself to see where things were at. I had hoped to have entered into this next phase before I took off traveling again (which is in less than two weeks). Although everything is happening back and forth online; it just seemed to me, I'd like to have that process underway before I left.

Of course part of initiated the service and the process was the matter of the fees for service. We hadn't  discussed the "bottom-line" previously; therefore it was made very real upon submitting the manuscript and then receiving the invoice. I suppose it's all a matter of perspective, however, given this sum was a significant amount of money you might say this was another "moment of truth." In this instance I would suggest in order for "dreams to come true" there will come a time, when one must decide whether they are prepared, to "put some serious skin in the game." Is my dream of becoming a published author worth it? The time, the energy etc. that has been invested so far what was that about? Are the people that I sincerely hope will be inspired by the journey that led to the creation of the book chronicling the journey worth it? And last but in no way, shape or form least; am I worth this additional "investment? 

Apparently the answer to all these questions is YES! Barely batted an eye. In this day and age you can disburse and dispense likely any sum of money with a couple of clicks of the mouse pad... Just like Star Trek .. coordinates set.. energize and bada bing; money is extracted from my bank account and transported to across continent and ocean...  Now, if only the rest of me could be shot across the universe that same way... I'd not mourn the absence of the planes, trains and automobiles element of traveling. Of course having spent so much of life ... focusing on "getting it together.." I wouldn't be too happy to have my molecules scattered all over creation .. before their time.

So then, this feels like a significant milestone in what is in truth: process.. within process.. within process...  does this rather sizeable investment guarantee anything? I don't suppose in and of itself it does. I've not taken this thing this far... to have it die on the vine!!! It most certainly will go somewhere. The beautiful thing about it is there have been innumerable victories and successes ... there actually can be no failure. So there is nothing to do but continue to see where the path writing is carving in my life is taking me... I'm just along for the ride, largely because I have fingers. This finished work of mine, may not be the 21st century offering, from the good people at Gideon (whomever they might be) - it might not be revolutionary enough that some regime will order it burned - but it's a start! I haven't had a great deal of experience in the participation of creating from nothing. Mostly my involvement has been such, that I show up to something that is already "created" and fill some role in it's continuance. I'm not saying this is not of value. I am saying, having been now in both "camps;" that the latter cannot possibly satiate, the same way and across so many levels of being, as the former.

Given this my first foray into the birthing of a book; I have no idea, what will present next in the process. Maybe just as well, far easier to stay "in the moment" of what's currently necessary, when I don't know what's up next. 

I trust the "need to know" provided by the forces that initiated my want to write and inspired this project, will be brought to my awareness at the right and perfect time.

I'm the scribe and I do have creative input - however I'm not the director.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Love and Honour (Thyself) Warts and All...

When you consider the prospect of authentic representation of how you might be thinking or feeling will you or can you, give yourself carte blanche? What is the likelihood of getting your needs met if you won't acknowledge (as being "acceptable") the full spectrum of your feelings? Of course my suggesting that all people feel some or all of these feelings at some time, would be conjecture. However I, can most certainly lay claim, to running the entire gamut.

Do I spring out of bed every morning burning with passion and inspiration? No. On the other hand, there is some enthusiasm/urgency, to arise, depending on the absorption quotient of various diuretics. In other words, at times I feel "uninspired" or at least I'm entertaining the belief this is true.

What of "confused"or the even less flattering - desperate? Certainly the former has been at times a sunrise and sunset bed-fellow. The latter regardless of frequency, yes by all means, I have felt this way. How likely am I to divulge that I have felt (or behaved) compulsively? What about "heartbroken?" Has that ever occurred? Jealous? Ashamed (or just plain Shame) or "Left out...."

Clearly not the attributes I might share in an interview (even in response to:  identify some areas of potential growth) and perhaps appropriately so.. maybe not the kind of "intimacy" a potential employer should be allowed (or is even interested in). However,  these are ways I have felt. They point at beliefs I have held or hold to be true, about myself, about the myself in the world (maybe about the world ... if I'm not yet ready to see "my part in it...")

I grant you to express from the perspective of this sort of vulnerability, doesn't hold much in the way of curb appeal to me... I suppose the question beckons even still, if I reckon this to involve "vulnerability" - what is it I might consider I'm "vulnerable" to?

I suppose first and foremost, an honest appraisal of the existence of these sorts of feelings is of paramount importance with regard to "self-acceptance" "self-compassion", "self-empathy." If I cannot/will not, allow this emotional honesty, even to myself; how can any of my unmet needs, be identified and addressed?

Wouldn't the presence of any of these or combination thereof; be a call for love? If I at best, try to deny or ignore feelings of this ilk, or at worst condemn, chastise and berate myself for their presence;  really, can it be expected that I would experience any resolution?

Of course I'm not suggesting that conversations around this sort of thing are entered into indiscriminately. Sharing of myself with the "wrong person" might not be much better than out and out denial as far as leading to additional suffering goes. ( I suppose, if a self-disclosure doesn't go "as hoped" - I have always gained the real-world experience of seeing in hind-sight - it didn't kill me)..

Just the same "it didn't kill me" might not be the most desirable set of criteria when considering undertaking various actions.

I guess what I have come to recognize for myself is; abandoning myself has ultimately been the greatest source of my suffering. I don't burst out of the gate to embrace "my shadow" anymore than I greet each and every sunrise with zeal and unbridled enthusiasm. The fact is, this "know thyself" business is often no walk in the park!

However, if I consider the words of two of whom I consider my master teachers (Gandhi, and Yeshua):

"You must, be, the change you wish to see in the world...."

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?


How can I begin to embrace the first idea - if I'm still busy living the habit of the second?

How can I "Love my neighbour" - as myself! .. until, I know all of what there is to know of myself, and accept, forgive and love all of it?!!!!!!

Or.... Ya Could Have Been a Worm!!

My morning walk which included the weather phenomenon of blowing drizzle; which in itself was food for thought. One must decide as to the usefulness of an umbrella at that point, given the shelter normally afford under the canopy; is marginalized by rain, that is no longer falling straight down. The other variant is; due to gusting winds, one can find themselves being pummelled, by their own umbrella.

As I'm walking along the sidewalk I observe another frequent, rainy day, natural occurrence;" the sidewalks are littered with earth worms. I do my best not to step on any as I go, even though I know; particularly this time of year, when it can be pelting down rain one minute and then it stops. Maybe the sun comes out, or maybe just a clearing wind. Either way, it's the same outcome for the worms!! Where ever it was they felt compelled to go; they will never arrive, as there many of them remain, dehydrated on the pavement.

I suppose at this point this might be framed as a mystery of nature/perspective shifting piece. As in, when you've got to thinking "your life sucks.." consider the earth worm!!!

Clearly I have! This is not the first rain induced mass annihilation of worms I have witnessed or pondered. Just the first time I've chosen to write about it.  I walk any sidewalk anywhere, unencumbered by "stepping on cracks" first of all, I have no living mother - so neither of them, or rather their backs, are in any further jeopardy. However, I make a concerted effort to avoid shmoosing other living beings on their commute.

Does it matter, when they are just going to get sautéed on the pavement? I suppose it does. Some make it. I have no idea to where; however the post-rain, apocalyptic, worm carnage, suggests that all the worms that were gallantly sprinting across the concrete didn't get fricasseed.. Just the same, I don't know which ones will make, it which ones won't. Who am I then, to arbitrarily cut any particular life short - particularly given, these gallant worms had to be going somewhere with some sort of urgency. Other wise, why wouldn't they just stay underground ... in the earth... with the other earth worms .... in their worm communities..

Is this some form of earth worm mass-suicide? What purpose does it serve? I don't think the birds eat them once they are worm jerky on the sidewalk. No indeed, I've watched the avian worm safari - they fancy the big fat, wet juicy ones ... pulling 'em straight up out of the earth. Apparently they can hear them crawling beneath the surface. Can you imagine that? Think of that next time ... you get to thinking the animal kingdom has no intelligence. Go ahead try it... put your ear to the ground and let me know how many worms you heard cruising by. I've tried it ... couldn't hear squat!! Well that's not entirely true... I did hear the same sound I hear when someone gives me a shell and says, "listen you can hear the sea.." Of course now that puts that whole experience into question... What was I hearing then? But I do digress, one mystery at a time. I wasn't actually listening for worms with my ear to the ground... I was trying to get some perspective on whether one could actually track things through the vibration resonating. I have to say the results were non-conclusive, however I can say, I most certainly didn't hear any earth worms. So then, once again, the robins with the discerning palate, seem to prefer their meal fresh from the ground and still alive.

On occasion I have picked up some of these intrepid worms and put them back on the grass or nearby garden. Truly, I couldn't say if that was any less interfering than pulverizing it on the path. I don't know their intention, destination or purpose. Could be saying to it's mates back at the colony... ya it took me the better part of the night to get over to the sidewalk, and then this big bald git, picks me up and puts me back further than where I started from!!! Seriously, what life drama could one have, that has the apparently purposelessness and dismal outcome, as that of the worm?

In answer to any consideration that I have too much time on my hands; while that might be true on some occasions, this particular observation/query of mine; is actually representative of a curiosity that doesn't relent .. just because I'm "busy.." If anything the "busyness," is apt to be the catalyst to further curiosity..

The next time you hear someone (or yourself) lamenting about the rainfall... consider, in all likelihood you/they will make it home. You won't end up squashed and dehydrated on the city sidewalks - which doesn't guarantee you another sunrise, but it might diminish the tragedy you are composing regarding the rain fuelled armageddon.

Love of Life.. Life of Love

I just spent a mesmerizing hour in the chair at the dentist! This twenty-first century miracle, I attribute largely to science, which presented in the form of local freezing and the development of a "high-definition" monitor and a cable service that provided the examination room with the "Love Nature" channel.

I'm not keen on that whole metallic picks and claws routine - so the freezing was availed through my self-loving reminder/request. Good thing I spoke up, as when I mentioned it, the response was - "oh did we freeze last time..?" Having worked in health care for years, I know darn well, that would have been charted as part of my permanent record (or she was negligent in omitting this)... The truth of the matter I found out as the session ensued, was she was running late (so to fill in the blanks) she had hoped to forgo the administration of the freezing to save time.. First of all, the schedule issues, are not my problem and I'm not about to compromise my comfort to accommodate. I was there on time (in fact, I was early) - I'm simply not into any unnecessary suffering. If push came to shove, I would have left and rebooked if need be.

I will admit there is room for improvement in my "flossing regime.." consequently no surprise I'm on the receiving end of the "oral hygiene" lecture. The localized "tenderness" is attributed to my neglect; with the medieval implements the hygienist wields, entirely let of the hook (pun intended). Again my health and wellness background informs me oral hygiene is a significant consideration. Consequently my awareness of the hygienist "need to be right" - which I gave the "water of a duck's back treatment, combined with her having already provided me with the headphones; largely neutralize her monologue.

The nature channel was amazing. The documentary was already playing, so I didn't catch exactly the location. It was however, somewhere in the rainforest region of South America. Despite the staggering number of different species featured in the segment that I saw; the narrator indicated that a far larger percentage of this region remained unexplored. This of course means, there are potentially, innumerable life forms, that have never yet been observed before!!

The videography was absolutely stunning. Not only was the quality impeccable, it is amazing to me to conceive; how long someone might have to wait, to get themselves in the right place, at the right time, to capture nature in action. In this case, everything from life the size of calving humpback whales, to creatures as small as this particular millipede and a very specific bee; that pollinates one variety, of the thousands of species of orchids found there. This millipede grows over a couple hundred different types of plant life on it's back! Not only does this provide this creature with camouflage which aids in its longevity; but it also transports this plant life to various locations in the jungle where it is transplanted.

The symbiosis and harmony of all the various life forms living in this region for me further affirms the "intelligence" that orchestrates the "web of life." It is simply a masterpiece of unequalled beauty and interdependence.  I cannot fathom, that those that are involved in concerns; that destroy and compromise regions of the planet like this, can knowingly carry-out this continued desecration, all the while, remaining in denial of their negative impact. I suppose it is a testimonial to the blinding power of greed and profit based ignorance.

I suppose as I continue on what I deem to be a journey of the heart for myself; the interconnectedness mentioned here, is brought further home within myself. An increased awareness and practice of self-love and compassion expands my capacity to be aware of how my beliefs, behaviour, habits etc. impact my wellness and can be extended beyond the illusory boundaries of my being, to all those that cross my path and the world as a whole. I can continue to increase my awareness of actions (or in-action) and consequences. I can further realize that my presence in the world does not occur in "isolation" or operate in a vacuum (whether that presence be positive or negative).

The hygienist upon completing my session (at the same time "Love Nature" concluded) informs me my new "BFF" is floss. I'm only marginally conversant in these acronyms, but I believe that is "best friend forever.. (I first went with Best Friend Floss)

I get her point... An adaptation, that continues to hold myself (and Spirit) through me, as the true representation of BFF... will actually incorporate her flossing perspective (as part of an overall reverence for life - my life) microcosmically speaking; and which can be infinitely expanded, to a celebration and service to, all that life encompasses.

Ode to a Green Man

Renewal cradled 

In spore, seed, acorn and reed

Held fast in ancient forests

By a sacred unspoken creed

You oversee and coax 

From roots deep in the earth

Your face appears then visible

Upon limbs and foliage of rebirth

Shrouded in antiquity

And camouflaged mystique

Lore and song, depiction

Across varied cultures each unique

Your timeless wisdom revered 

Spring green echoes - words you spoke

Rivers and streams carry your life's blood

Feeding glen upon glen - of hallowed oak

Dances in your honour 

Held as prolonged light - extends the day

Effigy carved of wood and stone

Though your return - programmed, in the clay

Unconditionally loving consciousness

Nature knows no other way

Many masters, sages, teachers

Aligned with your "green" way