Arrived in San Jose

Belovcd

After a long day of travel, we arrive at Hotel Mi Tierra, Arajuela at around midnight (local).

Today the group (17 of us) are off to Rancho Mastatal--a sustainability, eco-community (with no internet).

The group is starting to learn each others names and intentions for the retreat.

More later. BTW: Most of the places I mention have websites and are findable through Google.

I love you all and miss you,

Jim

Pre-travel (081126)

Beloved --

So I was asked "How does this apply to you?" In my pre-travel journal I found something that may apply: Designing the Perfect Day.

Morning
-Awaken well rested
-Take some "me" time. . . .meditation, yoga, stretching (am I talking too much like a "retired guy"?)
-Take some nourishment: thoughtfully, low on the food chain, healthy, and prepared for self and others
-Help others with their "up and out"
-Walk yourself (and the dog)
-Do maintenance. . . .health, family, material well being ("Chop wood, carry water:)
-Exercise: walk, aerobics, strength training, yoga
-Rest
Mid-day
-Nourishment: lunch and prep for dinner
Afternoon
-Work: projects, maintenance, research, library, correspondence (as fits your diurnal cycle)
-Nap/siesta/rest
Evening
-Nourishment
-Clean-up
-Family/personal matters
-Music/art/writing (creatively, not passively)
-Off-site meetings (limited in number)
-Reading
-Walk (the dog?)
Retire early

It seems to work for me, even when I travel.

I love you and miss you,

Jim

Pre-travel (081126)

Beloved --

Thanks to Debbie, I have discovered the/my best reason for travel. Pico Iyer's article is worth a peek.

http://archive.salon.com/travel/feature/2000/03/18/why/index.html

My rough itinerary goes like this: Central America for three weeks. Home for 36 hours. India to visit Anna in late December and early January. Then to SE Asia until March.

In my pre-travel journal I discovered some notes on "Designing the Perfect Anything." I suppose it is a supplement to Iyer's article. . . .

Travel (I say, like anything worthwhile):
-Reflect values
-Convey significance (meaning, import, suggestiveness, and plain sense)
-Be doable (with some stretch)
-Isn't stymied for lack of will or materials
-Conserves resources (caution here, e.g. "Carbon Credits")
-Doesn't collect what can't be dispersed (Is "sustainable")
-Is reproducible
-Is extensible
-Contains delight factors
-Is intelligent
-Uses "small multiples" (Take a bike or bus. . . .)
-Is healthy (you define it)
-Connects across levels (space, time, understanding)
-Invites collegiality
-Reflects love and compassion
-Has "wabi sabi"
-Promotes mindfullness and imagination
-Is responsible

(Please add to this list. I'm interested, since my perspective is sooooo Western, Christian, male, etc.)

In the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, Prayers of the People Rite One, there is the importation that we all should be led (as leaders and citizens--my addition) to "wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world." Who's to argue with that?

I miss and love you all.

Jim

Blog has been created -- 081117

Thanks to Matt, I now have a blog.

Please stand by! My departure date is 28 November 2008. Hope to keep you all posted.

cheers,

Jim