This week, we are getting grounded.
It seems I may have touched a nerve with my essay on privacy last week. With more stuff to do eating up more of our time, I sometimes wonder how many people take the time to read and now I know. Thanks for your wonderful feedback and thanks for sharing the link with your friends on social media. I was particularly touched by the eco legend reference.
In recent conversations, I have been reminded of my early heartbeat days long before social media when I was reluctant to tell people what I was doing. I got used to eye-rolling and ‘good luck with that’ while they scanned the room for someone sane to talk to.
As pioneers in natural in Hong Kong, we all recognize how much easier it is now to engage our peers in conversation while agreeing there is still a long road ahead of us. I was surprised as anyone to read the new research revealing the truth about indoor air quality being worse than street side in Hong Kong. Talk of runways and bridges and new high-rise islands in the harbour is still more popular than any serious discussion of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. And it appears a lot of people don’t know what recycling bins are for so the WWF created this animation with instructions for the public about how to use them.
Yes, there is still a strong judgment about tree huggers and it extends to anyone who expresses an interest conscious living or any balance that does not appear on financial accounts.
My invitation to attend the Earth Day Forum on Friday got me reminiscing about our first event on Tamar before I started HK heartbeat and thinking about where our team of organizers is today. One founded Ecozine, one is running Mana! and another is currently Under Secretary for the Environment in Hong Kong. I am proud to include them in our natural Hong Kong community.
This kind of work requires perseverance plus resources. After years of promoting natural life in the fast lane at huge losses, I am reaching out to long-time supporters and new followers with encouragement to contribute to our future. As much as I would love to, it is simply unsustainable for me to continue giving the amount of time and energy required to keep this up and still manage to keep the lights on while getting the rest I need. Apparently, I have not been doing a great job of telling people how you can pay to play and I imagine this is residue from those first impressions in the early days. I promise to improve so I can keep on track with my dreams for heartbeat. I might need your help.
You may see fewer calendar listings but I will continue with my strategy of selecting a wide range events to raise awareness about the variety of activities happening in the community, reflecting growth and positive change. I will continue to share fresh listings along with the new weekend edition and shift the focus of unpaid content to the Community Sponsorship Program, promoting organizations supported by volunteers so they can devote their precious resources to core activities.
Earth Day 2016 is my reminder to get grounded and take responsibility for my own part in realizing this vision I had in 2005. I agree with Elon Musk when he says Hong Kong is perfectly poised to be a global leader in sustainable cities and a model for other urban centres to follow. We must keep our feet firmly on the ground to get to where we want to go.
How far would you like to get?
Naturally,
Founder & Publisher
www.heartbeat.com.hk
natural life in the fast lane
Everything is connected.
Listen to your own heartbeat.
“Nothing profits more than self-esteem, grounded on what is just and right.” John Milton
Every little bit helps — contribute here.
Events in Hong Kong this week
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19 (10:30am-12pm) Benefits of Spices | details
19 (12:30-2:15pm) Building an Inclusive Society Together | details
20-22 (9:30am-5pm) Introduction to Gong Workshop | details
20 (12:30-2pm) Under the Dome | details
20 (7:30-9pm) Detox Yoga for Spring | details
20 (7:30-9:30pm) Divining Success | details
20 (7:45pm) Rebuilding With Love | details
21 (7-8:30pm) Peace Through Aid | details
22 (8:45-1:15pm) Earth Day Forum | details
22 (6-8pm) Rescripting Relationships | details
23 (10:45am–12:45pm) Superfood Open House | details
23 (11am-1pm) The Trees of Lantau | details
23 (2-4pm) Sauerkraut Fermentation Workshop | details
23 (2-4:30pm) The Walk Challenge | details
23 (3-5pm) Life is a Playground of Possibilities | details
23 (4-5:30pm) We Are What We Eat | details
25 (12-1:30pm) Introduction to Clinical Detox | details
25 (7-10pm) Local Organic Vegetable Appreciation Dinner | details
25 (7-9:30pm) Lovingkindness and Mindfulness | details
26 (12:30-2pm) Natural Approach to Stress Management | details
26 (4-5:30pm) Teach Your Kids to Meditate | details
26 (7-8pm) Personal Energy Management | details
26 (7-10:30pm) Yoga Under the Stars | details
More: visit the April calendar
Coming up …
May 7-8 & 14-15 (9am-5pm) BodyTalk Fundamentals Seminar | details
May 25-26 (7-10pm) Behind the Mask – A Psychodrama Workshop | details
May 18 (7:15pm) Ride of Silence Hong Kong 2016 | details
More: visit the 2016 calendar
Schedules often change without notice — contact organizers to confirm details.
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