Laurie Buchanan is an active member of the Gaia Community – an online gathering of environmentally and spiritually conscious people. In July of 2009, Gaia's own Kathy Smith (KES) orchestrated a week long online interview with her within the Gaia Networking group. The full interview can be accessed here.
Kathy is a Los Angeles based documentary filmmaker. She directs and helps artists inject any artform into our culture to better our global island. She is a perfect example of heart-based intent.
This week we are all taking a trip to Crystal Lake, IL tohang out, meet and chat here with Laurie Buchanan. You will be commenting here, her Grapevine and her blogs and discover how Laurie's presence on Gaia sets the best example of community so you will also be gaining more as we share life.
These are quotes I chose from a few of Laurie's Blogs:
“My meditation practice focuses on the breath; it is something that I pay frequent and close attention to. To me, breathing feels full; it feels intentional."Q&R Breathe
“For me, freedom is a state of mind. It is inner-peace. It is me determining my attitude and spiritual well-being. It comes from within.” Q&R Feeling Free ”Every person, place, thing and experience that I have encountered is a thread interwoven into the fabric of my life's tapestry that adds color, nuance, depth and character.” The Ripple Effect
"In autumn, nature puts on her most brilliant show of color that stirs and then quiets the soul. From bright yellows to dazzling reds, she transforms and shows off her rich and vibrant hues--her splendor--before taking a deep bow. Then like feathers, she allows her leaves to drop softly, pooling on the ground at her feet. With poise and dignity she remains unveiled and vulnerable until the following spring." Q&R Weather. This excerpt was taken from Laurie's soon-to-be published book, "Drop the Bags and No One Will Get Hurt: A Practical Guide to Abundant Living." Copyright 2009
“Being respectful of the Earth and its natural resources, Laurie's goal is to leave the slightest footprint possible on the planet; while at the same time, making a lasting impression on its inhabitants ~ one that is positive, uplifting, constructive and healing.”
Now for our peaceful ritual of tea as we co-create this week and our first question, I asked:
Kathy said: Overall, on a scale of 1-10 how important is the Gaia community in your life? What factors contribute to your score? Laurie said: I would say 8. It’s equally as important as my morning cuppa tea which is very important. I intentionally wake up early so that I can weave the daily Questions & Reflectionsinto my meditation time.
We invite your communications. From the heart… Kathy Laurie said: Good morning, Kathy. Thank you for that beautiful introduction. I'm sitting here with my morning cuppa … watching the birds at the feeders in our back yard. I've cleared my day and I'm ready to visit with my Gaia friends.
Nicole said: Dear Laurie, it has been pure joy getting to know you through your blogs and posts in various pods we both share. I know that it will be a beautiful feature this week and we will all discover more and more about you! Sunshine said: Good Morning Laurie!So glad you are here. I am listening. What birds have you seen this morning? And, if you were a bird which one would you be? And what is your favorite kind of tea, may I ask? Laurie said:
Nicole - I am thoroughly enjoying the ongoing participatory story in the Tailspinner's Tavern. I'm next up to bat. I’ve strapped on my thinking cap … Sunshine - So far this morning we've had red wing blackbirds, blue jays, gold finches, mourning doves, woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, sparrows, house wrens and grackles. My all-time favorite tea is Yogi Bedtime Tea, but I don't have that in the morning. In the morning, I enjoy Lady Grey by Twinings. It has a very mild citrus taste to it.
Laurie said: Sunshine- You asked, “If you were a bird, which one would you be?” I would be a Kestrel; the smallest bird in the falcon family. Few birds can actually 'hover' for any length of time. The Kestrel can. Through observation they have much to teach the spiritual seeker.
Jeff said: Kathy - Thank you for sharing Laurie's wondrous beautiful energy and light with us this week. It seems that Laurie's energy and light have been interweaving in and out of my grapevines and friends grapevines for the last few weeks. And we have had some connection through this group/pod as well. So welcome Laurie! Hugs and earth energy to you. I have not really checked out your pages/blogs as of yet but will in the next few hours or so. I look forward to the experience.
Kathy said: (I am pouring more tea and bringing out breakfast for all of you…)
Imagine! You work on a team where everyone works together beautifully. You trust each other, complement each other’s strengths, compensate for each other’s weaknesses, and aim for goals that have real meaning for all. No one has all the answers but everyone is willing to learn together. Each shares a vision of greatness, and collectively people consistently can accomplish what many think impossible.
Some know what it’s like to be part of such a team, but for most, the experience is the exception, not the rule. And it’s unlikely to change until we recognize that few great teams begin great. They develop their collective capacity; they learn. “The world has become a smaller, more interdependent place. The era of the grand strategist, the person at the top who figures it all out and tells people what to do, is over. Our traditional ways of managing are just not going to work in the world as it evolves.” Peter Senge, The 5th Discipline. I am interested in your dream Laurie of interconnecting and learning this week some approaches for simplicity in being more holistic in our approach to health, well being and building community from our own environments by sharing some ideas. What are steps or tips we can all take to know we are being holistic? I would be honored to get tips on how to begin with a new person so we can let others know what holistic is. I thought about this after viewing your website.
Laurie said: Kathy The verbal picture you painted of the workplace where everyone works together beautifully … oh the satisfaction, the fulfillment that would be derived from such an uplifting environment!
You are correct in that for the most part, that setting is the exception rather than the rule – office or home. It is something to be developed, learned and then taught. Not taught with words alone. All too often that is simply lip service. But taught through modeling – being a living example – being a living meditation.
The quote that you shared of Peter Senge, The 5th Discipline, is excellent! Thank you. Inter-dependence. Inter-connection. We are, indeed, one.
Some of you who know me, know that I struggled with the daily questions on July 3, 4 and 5, especially as it related to independence and interdependence. After stirring it around in my “brain-pot” for a bit, I came to personal resolution. Here is a LINK to what I posted last evening.
You mentioned that you are interested in learning more about my perspective regarding simplicity and approaches to holistic health, wellbeing, building community and our environments. Much of what I share here comes from my book (not published yet - I am in the midst of that process), “Drop the Bags and No One Will Get Hurt: A Practical Guide to Abundant Living.”
Meenakshi said: I've been nodding to everything that friends here have written, Laurie, because truly you are someone that I feel so happy to know. You have great gifts and yet are so open and warm, that it's like meeting a friend whom I've known for ever. So approachable. I loved reading what you wrote, Kala, about Laurie being your first friend her, because it's true - Laurie has shared with us how she reaches out to newcomers to Gaia. I'm glad to see you show us how important that is.
Laurie, every time you share on your status that you're having your cuppa, I feel that I've had a cup of tea with you as well! I love the way you use your status to share what you're doing; going to see clients or reading or dancing! From you I've learned how the status can be used to tweet! You really are busy, and yet you don't neglect us at Gaia.How do you do that? Laurie said: Meenakshi - I'm grinning from ear to ear because I know when I post any status with a cuppa … you are right with me. And a delightful 'right with me' you are! You've posed the question, “You really are busy, and yet you don't neglect us at Gaia. How do you do that?” It's simple - Gaia is a priority. It's an area where the ripple effect can really be seen. It's a place where -- by intent --I can affect the highest and best good.
Laurie said: Meenakshi - I'm grinning from ear to ear because I know when I post any status with a cuppa … you are right with me. And a delightful 'right with me' you are! You've posed the question, “You really are busy, and yet you don't neglect us at Gaia. How do you do that?” It's simple - Gaia is a priority. It's an area where the ripple effect can really be seen. It's a place where -- by intent --I can affect the highest and best good.
Mercale said: I checked out the website listed above. I love your list of services, and descriptions of several different things. I especially found the couple energy balancing very intriguing! Not many energy workers “go there” in their practice. Yet, sometimes a little balance between the people in a committed couple is what is needed most. I also enjoyed the energy work tailored to the pregnant mother. A great menu of services indeed. Great job on all the hard work you have obviously put into growing HolEssence!
Laurie said: Thank you for checking out the HolEssence website. I am the webmistress and have a lot of fun working on it! Couples Energy Work is delightful because I never allow myself to become engaged in the role of 'referee.' It is orchestrated in a manner where everyone stays on the High Road and the positive aspects of each person are magnified. Bodywork for the Childbearing Year is quite possibly my favorite. Helping to nurture and and then usher a new soul into the world has never left me short of awe-filled.
I thank my clients who share their lives and place their trust in me every day. I am deeply humbled by their confidence.
Laurie said: Deb just asked me in my blog on weather, where she can find my book. She has searched high and low for it. Here is my response to her:
I'm in the midst of the publishing process right now. The full manuscript (309 pages, 53,365 words - not that I'm counting) is with a publisher as we speak. We are not under contract. They have 12-weeks to let me know if this will fly with them. My hope is that it will soar!
Terrill said: I have been reading through your feature and continually deciding and re-deciding what I want to ask you to expand on. While I am making a final selection, I want to acknowledge how much I appreciate you for your posts, for your personal grapevines, and for your thoughtful and appreciative comments on my blog posts. And I know that you travel around Gaia participating with many others in the same way. You have a powerful way of connecting with each person ithat says “I know what you mean - I have/do experience that too.” This is part of what demonstrates the following quote from you:
Because we are all interconnected … every single thing that we do–or fail to do–has a powerful ripple effect. Incredibly powerful in that the consequences do not just extend outward, but travel back again, boomerang-style.
Laurie can you tell us more about “boomerang-style?” If we are acknowledging our “boomerang-style” interconnectedness in our holistic living - what might we notice? How can we enhance our conscious practice of living in/with “boomerang-style” interconnectedness?
Suni said: Hey! Congratulations on being featured Laurie. What kinds of birds do you have there in Illinois?
Laurie said: Thank you for stopping by. It's 6:18pm where I am and the birds I'm looking at right now are mostly red-winged blackbirds (both male and female). Earlier we had a pair of cardinals (gorgeous). This morning there was a full-on variety. The later it gets in the day, the fewer we have. Because we have an owl nearby, the smaller birds roll up the sidewalk and go home pretty early). At about 4:20am we have the widest variety.
OM Bastet said: Laurie we're keeping you hopping today! So delightful getting to know more about you and everyone else here too, in the process! Love the image of the bird-book, and wish you every success in publishing. Will be doing that myself, probably next year.
Nion said: I just couldn't shutdown my laptop without leaving a little note. How impressive this thread, you and your contributions have become. You're versatile, colourfull, wise and helpfull. You where also one of my first friends. So kind and generous. I see you as a human kaleidoscope of hope, loving care for nature and all of earth's inhabitants. A beacon of wisdom, showing the world how to appreciate the little things.
Laurie said: Oh my gosh Nion, I'm sitting here bare footed because you just BLEW MY SOCKS OFF! Thank you so much. Thank you so much, indeed.
Laurie said: Do any of you remember the game gossip? People in the very same room sit in a circle and the first person whispers something into the ear of the person sitting next to them. This process is repeated until the piece of information gets back to the original teller. And it's usually changed, rather colorfully, by that time.
Between the Grapevines and Gaia messages that I have received, what started out as me having a book about abundant living in the midst of the publishing process (no contract yet), has turned into a fully published book about birds in the state of Illinois.
Please note: Drop the Bags and No One Will Get Hurt: A Practical Guide to Abundant Living is not published yet, and it doesn't have anything to do with birds. Although with the tremendous interest that has been shown, maybe that will be my sequal …
This interview continues on the next page. To access, please click HERE.
