5 Comments

Wow, what a beautiful post! Thank you, Douglas. I am thinking about the recent posts you have done regarding the carrying capacity of this earth and our consumption, and then thinking about how we travel and visit friends like you got to experience these past weeks, and how do we know what is too much for the planet? How do we know how much travel is sustainable? Some might say we should never fly in planes, some might say we shouldn't ever drive. How do you respond and feel about it?

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Thank you for the question, Emma. I used to not fly on planes, like 10-12 years ago, but as you know, that's really hard. And I also concluded that we're not stopping climate change. The best I do now if limit my overall consumption to $25-30k, and stop worrying about how I spend within that. It's not perfect, and that's where I am.

Always good to hear what you're thinking and questioning. Excited for your new veggie business in Idaho!

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Doug,

Welocme to the world of the 50's Yes our bodies may creak, energy may be lower but something is brighter and shinier. I'm sure you are aware of that too. I exclaimed when I saw your quote from Ken Keyes Jr. because that's how I have been living for a while. I thought it was pathetic to not trust others implicitly, it's a waste of energy to be in hate, anger etc for a long while. I resonate with your writings and enjoy reading it very much.

When I turned 50 , my thoughts turned to pursue 'retirement' age at 58((when I was growing up in India, everyone retired at 58yrs )) as my 'nivrutti path' aka retirement from worldly stuff instead go inward. You are correct on how we all keep trying, I was also one of those 'trying' all my life. I personified the 'trying' for ever , I sought recognition through an obedient child, sharp student, hardworking person , dutiful wife, overworked mother etc. You put it right, I was seeking love in an external world. Along the way, I pursued Yoga, practiced and learnt what Veda said about all of us.

THAT is complete

this is complete

Complete arises from Complete

Even after extraction of complete from complete,

what remains is still complete.

Have a wonderful year ahead and Happy Thanksgiving!

Suma

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What a wonderful comment, thank you Suma. Tat Tvam Asi, “I am THAT." Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Happy (belated) 50th birthday, Douglas! Thank you for sharing your reflections and your photos on this momentous occasion in “your one wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver). I’m so happy to see that you had the opportunity to celebrate with so many friends and family! May you enjoy many more moments of love, wonder, and joy for years to come. Grateful for you and all the ways you bring light to this world. 😊🙏🕯️

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