Why "Ordinary"? Because peace is 

November 25, 2006

The village name is Ordinary because cooperation, peaceful cohabitation, sustainable living, and right livelihood in the Village of Ordinary are exactly that.

Think it's not possible in our world? I'm here to show you it is. Examples abound. Learn about them in this lens. Learn about ways you can make a more peaceful world starting right now, at home. Become conscious that you vote for a better world--or a greedy, impoverished, violent one--every time you open your wallet.

Then I humbly pray that you will share your thoughts. I welcome dialogue. Please add your comments to What you Think Matters below. If necessary, we will reclaim peace and green our world one word, one breath at a time.

Image credit: NASA

Village of Ordinary 

Read the latest posts and updates from the Village

The Village of Ordinary is a vision and a dream because we do not live there--yet. Often, when discussing Ordinary, people wistfully use the word utopia, as though it is impossible to attain such a lifestyle.

Ordinary is not utopia. All over the world, people are working to make such dreams come true. It can happen here. I'm going to continue blogging and making lenses to show us all how until it happens.

I'll scour libraries and the Internet and talk with the folks who are living some part of the dream already.

On the way there, each one of us can choose harmony in a moment of conflict. We can choose to live a little more sustainably each day. We can choose compassion--One minute, one day, one post, one lens at a time.

Here or there, you and I can choose.

Join me in making the vision reality. Use Rose's story in the still-fictional Village of Ordinary to inspire you. Use the guestbooks in this lens and on the blogs to talk back to me.

Get started right now. Read more right here.

Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Meet the Ladakhi - People who have lived in peace for thousands of years 

Discover Gaviotas - a village like Ordinary in the most unlikely of places 

In the barren Colombian desert, smack in the middle of gun-toting drug lords, revolutionaries, and a militaristic government, Paolo Lughari, founded Gaviotas and proved that peace can be had anywhere.

Weapons are not permitted in Gaviotas, and the people work together in harmony, building schools, homes, sustainable power plants, and regenerating a forest that once covered the desert.

That's right. Gaviotas turned an arid, inhospitable desert into a jungle.

That's not the only miracle.

Image copyright 2007. All rights reserved.

Get the whole story on the Ladakhi and on Gaviotas 

If the Ladakhi could live for thousands of years in beautiful homes in one of the most inhospitable lands in the world, working only a few months of the year, partying the winter months away, with almost no conflict, then Ordinary is possible anywhere.

If a group of dedicated scientists, engineers, homeless children, and ordinary people could wrest a jungle from the desert while building self-sufficient Gaviotas and inventing amazing technologies that bring hope to starving, water-deprived people the world over, then Ordinary is possible anywhere.

You must read these books. They show the way.

Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh

by Helena Norberg-Hodge

This book inspired Ordinary and is my all time favority book. I always have spare copies to give to friends and family. The story will make your heart flutter with hope.

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $11.86 (as of 05/17/2008)
List Price: $16.95

Usually ships in 24 hours

Gaviotas: A Village to Reinvent the World

by Alan Weisman

Journalist Alan Weisman's tale of the founding and maturing of war-torn Colombia's eco-village reads like a novel. I couldn't put it down. Like Ancient Futures, this is a life-changing true story.

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: (as of 05/17/2008)
List Price: $22.95

People are building sustainable communities all over the world 

BUILDING ORDINARY ISN'T JUST A DREAM

Building Ordinary--Sustainable Community

  They're known as eco-villages, cohousing or intentional communities. This lens explores several of them and answers these questions:        What is cohousing?        What do we mean by sust...

Pale blue dot - Gaining perspective 

For those times your problems, the world's problems seem earth-shattering

Think peace so illusory, so against human nature that it's folly to expect? Think you can't achieve peace at work, within your family or neighborhood, much less expect world peace? Step back a moment. See that barely perceptible pale blue dot in the image? It's there. Look closely. That's earth from Saturn's vantage point.

 

View of Earth from Voyager 1,
at a distance of more than 4 billion miles.
Earth is the dot in the middle of the bright streak.
Image credit: NASA/JPL

Sagan fan? Read Pale Blue Dot 

The novel that followed Contact

Here's what Carl Sagan, upon seeing the image above, wrote about human violence:

Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors, so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot.

Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds.

Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light.

Carl Sagan in Pale Blue Dot

Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space

by Carl Sagan

Release Date: 11/08/1994

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: (as of 05/17/2008)
List Price: $35.00

Finding hope 

We are the ones

It's easy to feel discouraged when we read of the polar caps melting, the daily body count in the middle east, and drive-by shootings in our own neighborhoods. To keep a positive perspective, I turn to the sages who have witnessed--and responded to--triumphs and losses longer than I.

Chief among those: Alice Walker, who deliberately begins her latest book, We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For, with these words:

It is the worst of times. It is the best of times.

"It is the worst of times," she says, "because it feels as though the very Earth is being stolen from us, by us."

In the face of this theft, in which we all participate, she finds the greatest hope. For the first time, we have the knowledge, worldwide, of who is doing what to whom, and why.

And because "we live in a time of global enlightenment," we have the ability to change it all. "This alone should make us shout for joy."

Walker will rattle you along the way, and she'll leave you with hope and inspire you to action.

We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For: Light in a Time of Darkness

by Alice Walker

Amazon Price: $16.29 (as of 05/17/2008)

Peace begins at home 

It's an inside job

Peace begins at home, in your heart. If you want to build a peaceful world, start with yourself. Make peace in your heart with the folks who have wronged you. Yes, it's a lot of work. This has taken me years in some cases, and I'm still working on others, but you'll be surprised how it saves you when at last you embrace the one who "done you wrong" with genuine forgiveness and love. Your heart will be freed from a burden the weight of which you fully know only when it's gone.

While you're working on that, when the personal and global violence our culture so glorifies overwhelms you, look for inspiration in true stories like those in this lens and in Nancy Jo Graham's The Power of Kindness.

Most of all, look for it in the faces of the people around you, and again--I can't say this enough-- in your own heart. It's there. If you doubt it, keep coming back to this lens, visit Ordinary, and together we'll find ways to uncover what's been there all along.

Image copyright 2007. All rights reserved.

The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering 

A story for anyone who thinks she can't save the world

Sharon Mehdi wrote a book for her granddaughter about two grannys who change the world standing still. Before she knew it, she was living the fantasy. Now women and men all over the world are standing up, silently, for peace. Read The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering and tell me what you think. If you're like me, you'll buy a dozen copies and start giving it to everyone you know.

If you are standing for peace, or you'd like to start, or you know of other grandmothers doing it, tell us about it in What You Think Matters below.

Here's what Mehdi is writing about on her blog right now.

Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Think peace. Be peace. Give peace. 

The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering

If you are looking for the perfect gift for the parents and grandparents in your life, give this book. It's funny, it's gorgeous, and it shows us how to make peace where we are standing. Spread the word.

The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering: A Story for Anyone Who Thinks She Can't Save the World

by Sharon Mehdi

Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 05/17/2008)

Stand for peace five minutes on May 11 

The Peace President 

Imagine a world of peace, a world without greed, a world in which our leaders all over the world say, "I have had enough of war. I have made a decision today to be the Peace President. I will turn our vast resources from killing to saving lives, ending poverty and hunger, and restoring the earth. From this day forward, and for the remainder of my administration, I will wage peace. I will wage reclamation of all that is beautiful on our earth. I will wage harmony for humanity."

Imagine a world in which, when our leaders speak, we know they speak the truth, and that they mean what they say, and that they mean peace. Imagine it. Make it so.
 

One mother's grief, two mother's prayers 

Peace is ... 

WORLD PEACE EMERGING

Three more books that inspire, inform and nourish Ordinary 

Inspiration, guides, sources

These are the books I turn to again and again to keep the dream alive. I highly recommend them and tell you why here.

Sent by Earth: A Message from the Grandmother Spirit After the Bombing of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon

by Alice Walker

This tiny book can go with you everywhere--truly a pocket book. Alice Walker shares her journey from despair at yet another war to hope and action we can all take. The message from Grandmother Spirit is a simple one, and requires only that we be willing to look at one another in trust.

Amazon Price: $5.00 (as of 05/17/2008)

Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble

by Lester R. Brown

Known as the guru of the global environmental movement, Lester Brown defines the problem and offers a workable plan that can be embraced by world leaders and individuals today. I'm still reading this one, and the first few chapters knocked my organic cotton socks right off my feet.

Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 05/17/2008)

Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living (Shambhala Classics)

by Pema Chodron

It doesn't matter what you've done, where you've been, you still have time to make a difference. Start now. The present is all any of us have.

Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 05/17/2008)

Vote for a better world - with your greenbacks 

You have more power than you think

Remember the days following 9-11? The president went on television telling Americans that the most important thing they could do right then was--go shopping! He told us to get in our cars, buy gasoline, buy groceries. He told us to go to the mall!

I did my patriotic duty that weekend. With a heavy heart, I drove my car to the mall and spent money, and I learned an invaluable lesson:

What we, the very ordinary, not so wealthy, blue, pink and white collar workers buy affects the marketplace. Take a look at Walmart. They put organic food on their shelves--and spend millions of dollars advertising it--because so many of us were shopping at our local co-ops for tastier, more wholesome, more locally-grown foods. We voted with our greenbacks.

(Next time you buy organic at Walmart, you might want to find out first where they buy it and how far they ship it.)

Vote for the planet with your greenbacks - one cup of coffee at a time 

How much coffee do you drink?

Seattle's Best Coffee 2.25-lbs. Whole Bean Coffee, Fair-Trade Certified Organic French Roast

Price: $28.50

The excellent quality of this Organic French Roast has been Fair Trade Certified by TransFair USA, an independent non-profit organization which monito... more »

The excellent quality of this Organic French Roast has been Fair Trade Certified by TransFair USA, an independent non-profit organization which monitors and certifies Fair Trade products in the United States. Fair Trade raises incomes and living standards for small coffee farmers overseas while helping to protect the environment. Fair Trade doesn't provide aid or charity, but instead promotes self-reliance and equality for farmers who are disadvantaged under present trading conditions. Fair Trade practices include: Paying farming families a fair price for their harvests that provides them a decent, living wage; Helping small farmers gain access to needed loans for working capital; Establishing direct, long-term trading relationships between buyers and farmers.

DelightfulDeliveries.com Fair Trade Organic Sampler WHOLE BEAN

Price: $26.99

Three tastes of a better world, each of them certified Fair Trade and Organic... the sweet, ripe notes of our Fair Trade Organic Breakfast Blend; the... more »

Three tastes of a better world, each of them certified Fair Trade and Organic... the sweet, ripe notes of our Fair Trade Organic Breakfast Blend; the bold, dark intensity of Fair Trade Organic French Roast; and the syrupy lushness of Fair Trade Organic Sumatran Reserve™. Something for everyone. Fair Trade Organic Breakfast Blend is bright, vibrant, and resounding with sweet, ripe fruit notes.12 oz. bag. Fair Trade Organic French Roast is the very definition of deep, rich complexity, roasted and blended for bold, but sweet intensity.10 oz. bag Fair Trade Organic Sumatran Reserve™ offers lush, ripe fruit notes and syrupy richness. 10 oz. bag.

igourmet 1-lb. Sumatra Fair Trade Organic Coffee, Regular

Price: $17.99

Sumatra is a relatively rare, though famous, coffee that is considered by connoisseurs to be one of the world's finest. Irving Farm's Sumatra is a med... more »

Sumatra is a relatively rare, though famous, coffee that is considered by connoisseurs to be one of the world's finest. Irving Farm's Sumatra is a medium roast, full-bodied, sweet and earthy with a mocha like flavor and nutty undertones.Organically grown coffee does not necessarily offer any health benefits over non-organic coffee. Coffee beans are naturally protected from agro-chemicals within a thick, fleshy cherry. Any chemical residue that might be left on the bean after this cherry is removed is burned off during the roasting process. The purchase of Sumatran organic coffee does, however, help to protect the livelihood of the small farmer in cooperatives, as well as the environment in which they farm. Fair Trade Coffee is produced under a program that ensures that the coffee farmers in developing countries (like Indonesia) are paid more for their coffee. Under the fair trade agreement, an importer must meet stringent international criteria; paying a minimum price per pound of 1.26, providing much needed credit to farmers, and providing technical assistance such as help transitioning to organic farming. Fair Trade for coffee farmers means community development, health, education, and environmental stewardship.

Vote for the planet with your greenbacks--One gift at a time 

Need a special gift? Make the world a better place, one gift at a time

DelightfulDeliveries.com Organic Wine Collection with Girasole Organic Chardonnay

Price: $69.99

A nature-inspired collection of delectable organic fruits, nuts, crackers and a handmade artisan cheese, complimented by your choice of wonderful orga... more »

A nature-inspired collection of delectable organic fruits, nuts, crackers and a handmade artisan cheese, complimented by your choice of wonderful organic wines. Includes Organic almonds, 3 organic pears, 3 organic apples, a half pound of organic handmade cheese, and organic water crackers, as well as a fine wine from top organic vineyards.

DelightfulDeliveries.com Organic Cider Celebration

Price: $54.99

Perfect for: Congratulations. When it has to be special - and organic perfection - this is the ultimate celebration gift. A wonderful sparkling cider,... more »

Perfect for: Congratulations. When it has to be special - and organic perfection - this is the ultimate celebration gift. A wonderful sparkling cider, bottled by a local Northern California champagne-maker, is exquisitely accompanied by a full complement of organic fruits, plus Endangered Species Chocolate Mints, organic chocolate English Toffee, and a quarter-pound each of Colossal Organic pistachios, Giant Organic Cashews, and Organic Chocolate-covered Almonds. This gift is something worth celebrating!

DelightfulDeliveries.com Vermont Breakfast Crate

Price: $29.99

Start your day prepared for the challenges ahead. This delicious breakfast contains Breakfast Blend coffee; buttermilk pancake mix and maple syrup, bo... more »

Start your day prepared for the challenges ahead. This delicious breakfast contains Breakfast Blend coffee; buttermilk pancake mix and maple syrup, both from Highland Sugarworks; and our Fair Trade organic cocoaBreakfast Blend Coffee 12-oz., groundCocoa 12-ozSyrup 8-ozPancake Mix 24-oz

What you think matters 

People working together--that's what Ordinary is about. Individuals finding the creative genius within--that's Ordinary too. People treading lightly on the earth that all who come after may share in its bounty and bask in its beauty--that's Ordinary. Help build the dream. Share your thoughts, dreams, visions, and above all, advice on making Ordinary work. Today. Right now.
 

rwoman I believe in peace too. Maybe if enough of us believe "we" will be living the dream! Posted May 01, 2008

Eco A beautiful and powerful lens Graceonline. The time and effort you've obviously put into it are greatly appreciated. Namaste. Posted February 29, 2008

SharonMcMillan Thank you so much for your comments. I use to work as a marketer for new home builders and during that time learned about smart homes and green building practices. I live in a community that is a model for new urbanism in our region. I would love to keep this dialogue going! Posted February 06, 2008

Comfortdoc Happy to that you have joined us in the Imagine Peace Group. Posted November 07, 2007

blinkylink

wonderful ...

* * * * *

Posted August 19, 2007

Quickdrawartist See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Continuum_Concept . If peace begins with me, and if I did not have the opportunity to be raised the "continuum" way, then the next best thing is to "retro-engineer" my consciousness as if I had. Read the book, though, there's so much more there... Posted August 18, 2007

NetFusion Great lense - I really enjoy reading it... I give you 5stars! Just for notice - I started a lens some days ago - http://www.squidoo.com/helpearthandsmile - if you take a look at it - and give us an idea to help - you are most welcomed! And everyone else! Congr. again! Posted August 13, 2007

 

Next Page

1 of 6 pages

More on creating a sustainable world and building Ordinary 

Building Ordinary Headquarters

Building Ordinary This group is about ways all of us can make the Village of Ordinary--a fictional place where people live together in harmony with each other and the earth--real today, right now. Many people, the world over, are...

Why buy organic cotton

The scent of it, fresh from the dryer, the rich plush of thick Turkish towels in the bath. And who doesn't feel comforted the moment they crawl between freshly laundered cotton sheets? So what's all the buzz about organic cotton, and why should you c...

Crystal Waters Permaculture Village

Located an hour and a half north of Brisbane, Australia, Crystal Waters is a planned eco-village. It's a place where everyone, from kids to grannies and grandpas, get their hands dirty and have a lot of fun doing it. Join me in discovering the journe...

Plan B 2.0: What's it all about?

That's what it's all about. Saving our planet and ourselves. Here's what Brown says about why he wrote the book. Plan A, business-as-usual, has the world on an environmental path that is leading toward economic decline and eventual collapse. If our go...

That's Bamboo? Wow!

Bamboo is the eco-wonder of the world. It pumps oxygen into the air faster than trees, feeds the hungry, clothes the body, soothes the ear, carries water, digs potatoes, shelters the homeless as well as the privileged, and in case all that is not eno...

What are you doing to make the world a better place? 

WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO IS MAKING THE WORLD BETTER?

Tell your story. Tell theirs. Build a lens about it right here. It only takes a couple of minutes to start a lens. Squidoo is free--all the time, all ways. Plus, you or your charity will earn $5 on your first lens payout if you sign up using this referral. So will I. It's one of the ways Squidoo rewards us all for helping each other find our way to the land of Squid.

Image: Squidoo button

Member 

Building Ordinary Headquarters

Building Ordinary This group is about ways all of us can make the Village of Ordinary--a fictional place where people live together in harmony with each other and the earth--real today, right now. Many people, the world over, are...

Imagine Peace Headquarters

Imagine Peace Group Imagine all the people, living life in peace. These words of peace and hope were penned by John Lennon more than 30 years ago. The Imagine Peace group assembles the peace keepers, peace makers and people for peace...your fri...

Catch me on Twitter 

Fetching RSS feed... please stand by