WINTER 2019 | VOL. 27, ISSUE 1 OUR VISION: Creating a compassionate and sustainable world through personal, community & cultural transformation. THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE by Becky Allen This inscription on a bench at Eventually, medical doctors began to Highbanks Metro Park reminds us why "I go to nature to be soothed prescribe nature exposure to reduce we are so drawn to the natural world. stress and improve mental outlook. As We seem to know instinctively that time and healed and to have my a result, privately funded sanitariums in nature heals—body, mind, and spirit. senses put in order." and health resorts, located deep within natural settings, flourished. People The practice of turning to nature for who couldn’t afford this luxury found healing has a long history. Virtually ~ JOHN BURROUGHS, NATURALIST respite in newly created metro parks, all preindustrial indigenous peoples such as New York City’s Central Park. engaged in ceremonies, rituals, and However, the notion that nature could medical practices tied to nature. Healers have a medicinal effect on the mind and from the East Indian ayurvedic tradition body was purely anecdotal. As the 20th to traditional Chinese medicine have century began to unfold, a demand for long advocated nature exposure as a scientific evidence grew. As a result, prescription for healing. the “assumed” benefits of nature In 19th century America, nature writer immersion were dismissed in favor of Henry David Thoreau and naturalist a chemical means of reducing stress. John Muir urged people to find peace The emerging pharmaceutical industry and calm in nature. The rapid expansion came to the rescue. of cities and industries during this period was causing an increase in See Healing Power - page 6 mental distress. Winter selection is Journey of the Universe: An Epic Story of SIMPLY LIVING Cosmic, Earth and Human Transformation by Brian Thomas BOOK CLUB Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker. SUNDAY, MARCH 31 3:30 - 5PM Optional vegan buffet from 5 - 6 pm Portia's Cafe Film version screened on March 24 4428 Indianola Ave (see page 2). Register on Eventbrite. Cols, OH 43214 Contact: [email protected]. WWW.SIMPLYLIVING.ORG SIMPLY NEWS | WINTER 2019 PAGE 1 SIMPLY LIVING EVENTS DOCUMENTARY FILMS + MEETUPS/SOCIALS CARE + SHARE LOCAL SOLUTIONS Join SIMPLY LIVING at gatherings held in TIME BANK a variety of different locations each A showcase of Share food, network, month. We learn, network, and usually independent, documentary participate! Each enjoy food or share refreshments. From films addressing a variety potluck includes a our book club discussions to exploring of current issues. Often program or guest local issues and annual community events, followed by Q&A with speaker. Topics vary we value our times to 'meetup' in person. experts representing local each month. Always free and fun! organizations. For more info, visit For questions, contact Chuck Lynd at www.hourworld.org/bank/?hw=1057 [email protected] or 614.354.6172 2 - 4 PM 6 - 8:30 PM 7-9 PM SUN THU MON 27 Love Thy Nature: Key to Saving 31 Central Ohio Transition 14 Orientation Ourselves and the Planet Hub Team Meeting First UU Church 93 W Weisheimer Rd Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse Northwood High Bldg, Room 100 Cols 43214 (Rm 7) 3055 Indianola Ave, Cols, OH 43202 2231 N High St., Columbus OH 43201 Narrated by Liam Neeson. Love Thy Nature is a lovely We'll show the film, Transition 2.0, for inspiration as 6:30-8:30 PM JANUARY cinematic journey through the beauty and intimacy of our we imagine new projects to make our communities SUN vital relationship with the natural world. This gorgeous resilient as we confront the climate crisis locally. Community film shows that a renewed connection with nature is key 20 See page 3 for more details. not only to our well being, but also to solving our climate Potluck and environmental crises. Q&A to follow the film. $10 First UU Church, Fellowship Hall suggested donation or pay whatever you can afford. 93 W Weisheimer Rd, Cols 43214 Special Program: Ernestine Jackson, AARP volunteer, speaking about Senior Caregiving. 7 - 9 PM 12 - 3 PM 7-9 PM TUES Planetary: Reconnect to SAT Simply Living's 27th MON 26 23 11 Orientation Something Bigger Annual Meeting First UU Church 93 W Weisheimer Rd Drexel Theater Indian Oven Cols 43214 (Rm 7) 2254 E Main St., Bexley OH 43209 427 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 PLANETARY is a cross continental, cinematic journey, All members and friends are welcome to celebrate with 6:30-8:30 PM that explores our cosmic origins and our future as a delicious Indian food! We'll be honoring Sarah Edwards, SUN FEBRUARY species. It is a poetic and humbling reminder that now who has just retired. We will toast our Garden Tour 17 Community is the time to shift our perspective: to reconsider our Committee leaders, and present an award to two of our Potluck relationship with ourselves, each other and the world innovative business members for their work in greening around us – to remember that we are PLANETARY. the energy system. Meet the Board and learn about our First UU Church, Fellowship Hall Q&A to follow the film. $10 suggested donation or pay plans for the coming year! Please share your ideas and 93 W Weisheimer Rd, Cols 43214 whatever you can afford. volunteer your time as we build a new Team Structure Program by Steve Bosserman - in 2019. "CSTB - The Next Chapter" 2 - 4 PM 3:30 - 5 PM 7-9 PM SUN SUN MON Orientation 24 Journey of the Universe: 31 Simply Living 11 An Epic Story of Cosmic, Book Club First UU Church 93 W Weisheimer Rd Earth and Human Transformation Portia's Cafe Cols 43214 (Rm 7) MARCH Northwood High Bldg, Room 100 4428 Indianola Ave., Columbus 43214 2231 N High St., Columbus OH 43201 We will discuss the book, Journey of the Universe, 6:30-8:30 PM by Brian Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker. Journey SUN JOURNEY OF THE UNIVERSE is an epic film about the of the Universe transforms how we understand our Community human connection to Earth and the cosmos, This one-of- 17 origins and envision our future. Though a little book, a-kind film was created by renowned scientists, scholars, Potluck it tells a big story—one that inspires hope for a way in and award-winning filmmakers led by co-writers Brian which Earth and its human civilizations could flourish First UU Church, Fellowship Hall Thomas Swimme, the acclaimed author and evolutionary together. This book is part of a larger project that 93 W Weisheimer Rd, Cols 43214 philosopher, and Yale University historian of religions includes a documentary film, an educational DVD Mary Evelyn Tucker. Together they weave a tapestry of series, and a website. The film will be screened on scientific discoveries in astronomy, geology, biology, March 24 (see above) and an online discussion will ecology, and biodiversity with humanistic insights be available to participants. concerning the nature of the universe. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S COLUMN Dan Barash, President Amy Ceccoli Farewell Sarah. Mac Crawford Chuck Lynd Hello to our newest volunteer! Jenée Murphy Lynn Stan The last few months have been busy for Simply Living! Executive Director Sarah Edwards left her role in November, after four years of outstanding GENERAL leadership. We are extremely grateful for Sarah’s vision, energy, and INFORMATION: tremendous work ethic. Sarah’s tenure included numerous successes such Ch ristine Hardin, as the creation of Simply Living Sustainable U, exciting new formats for our Office Manager annual Gift to be Simple fundraiser, and increased awareness of Simply Living Lisa Kreischer, Bookkeeper through collaborative community partnerships. Fortunately, Sarah will remain Office: 614.447.0296 engaged with Simply Living as a volunteer and advisor. Thank you, Sarah! E-mail: [email protected] We have attracted two new Board members. Lynn Stan brings her business www.SimplyLiving.org savvy as co-owner of Celebrate Local Ohio and decades of community Office Hours: by appointment; networking experience. Mac Crawford is a founding member of the give us a call! Clintonville Energy Collaborative and an expert in climate change and the Transition Town movement. Our office is located at 2997 Indianola Ave. Chris Hardin recently stepped down from the Board, and then started a new Columbus, OH 43202 at the role as our office manager. Her outstanding organizational talents will be Salt Mines, a co-working put to good use in her new position. SL member Lisa Kreischer is our new space, just south of Studio 35 bookkeeper and QuickBooks expert. Mayda Sanchez, owner of Unlimited Media, has been retained to help us with technology issues. SIMPLY LIVING serves as the Transition Hub in central The Board will have our annual Retreat in early February. This is where we Ohio to promote resilient, take stock and set the direction and goals for the new year. The search for sustainable communities. a new Executive Director will be a major topic, along with expanding our We are affiliated with committee teams. TransitionUS.org. We look forward to 2019 as a year for Simply Living to grow and continue to SIMPLY LIVING is affiliated be guided by our values of sustainability, compassion and community. with the Northwest Earth – With gratitude, Simply Living Board Institute and offers all their courses on sustainability topics. Contact: [email protected] SIMPLY LIVING is affiliated with the local Care & Share Time Bank. SL volunteers Mac Crawford Chris Hardin Lisa Kreischer Mayda Sanchez Lynn Stan may earn HOURS to exchange services with other members.