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2021 June through September Green News Archive
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Green Newsletter - Preparing for COP26 Conference on Climate Change
30 September 2021
Dear Friends of Eco Brahma Kumaris
The Confluence Age is challenging for the world. The global community is now preparing for COP26, the hugely important UN Climate Conference in Glasgow in November. The Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative will send a big delegation to advocate for the spiritual pathway of regeneration.
We want to hear from you! What message would you like the Eco Brahma Kumaris team to deliver at COP26? Please share with us by replying to this mail. We look forward to hearing from you.
COP26 Calendar
You can follow us by using this calendar of events on the road to COP26.
The online seminar “Inspired Faith Action Towards COP26” is already happening tomorrow Monday 27th. Read more
Faiths 4 Climate Justice:
A Global, Multi-Religious Action on 17-18 October 2021
Two weeks before the COP26 global climate negotiations, people of diverse religions will rise to send a message: Destroying the planet is against our religions. Join us or host an event.
The Green Saint
In connection with COP preparations and the focus of the world on climate change, maybe you would like to revisit an article the late Anthony Strano wrote about the Green Saint of Assisi, St. Francis? Enjoy the article.
Francis learned to be realistic as well as spiritual for he stated: "Start by doing what is necessary, and then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Sustainable BK retreat centers
Enjoy new video presentations from Serra Negra in Brazil, Itteville France and Illawarra,Yarra Valley, Peninsula and Leura in Australia. Any more retreat centers out there that we don’t know about? Let us know!
World Environment Day India
239 centers in India celebrated World Environment Day – another milestone in tree planting. See report with photos
Youth Celebrations called Dear Nature…, celebrating the eternal bond with nature
New Meditation section on Eco Website
New series of visual meditations, enjoy. Thanks to webmaster Jignesh.
Also try the new meditations from Australia
A Meditation for UN Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
“Healthy Air, Healthy Planet”,
Meditation for the UN Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Articles recommended by our readers:
Our leaders look climate change in the eyes, and shrug
Athens will be the first European city to appoint a chief heat officer
ExxonMobil reveals secret lobbying against climate change
Climate crisis: 50 photos of extreme weather around the world
Peaceful Greetings
Brahma Kumaris Eco
and your newsletter editors
Peter, Jignesh, Golo,
Arnold, Sonja
Green Newsletter - Yogis For Future Pre-Launch
21 August 2021
You and the BK Green Community are invited to the
Pre-Launch of Yogis For Future. We welcome your feedback and ideas before the launch on Dadiji's Day 25th Aug.
Intro by Sister Jayanti: Yogis For Future is a beautiful new initiative by a team of Baba's children to consolidate our meditation commentaries for the public in one place. At this time in the Kalpa the capacity that Baba has given us to share thoughts of peace, compassion and hope are very much needed all around the world. I hope that you will share this with your friends and contacts and your online community, as appropriate, so that the maximum number of people can benefit from all the love and Bhavna that has gone into every element of this endeavor.
In Baba's loving Yaad
Sister Jayanti
Dear Brothers and Sisters around the World
Om Shanti
We are happy to inform you about the launch of ‘Yogis for Future’ on Dadiji’s Day, 25th August 2021.
The idea for this new initiative on internet and various social media platforms was born after seeing the dramatic acceleration of climate change and the loss of biodiversity.
In the last years ‘Fridays for Future’ started by Greta Thunberg has become a platform for climate change activities that is recognized worldwide. So the idea came up to initiate ‘Yogis for Future’’ - to invite like-minded people to come together, meditate and create good thoughts and intentions for the wellbeing of humanity and the planet. It seems that people will be more and more in need of inner peace, resilience and hope for the future. Brahma Kumaris can play a vital role in offering meditation in times of crisis.
“Yogis for Future” aims to bring together and streamline BK meditation commentaries, so that people will have one place for their needs. A team of BKs has been formed and for the last four months we have worked intensely to bring this idea into reality.
The main focal point will be our webpage: https://yogisforfuture.org/
In addition, there will be the following social media platforms. Follow us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogis.forfuture/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogisforfuture/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yogisforfuture
So far, we have collected more than 100 commentaries in English and are still looking for more. We will release all of them as we go along. Our idea is to add more and more commentaries at regular intervals to keep up the momentum.
We hope you like the idea and will share and utilize these new platforms. If ‘’Yogis for Future’’ is well received, we may also think about creating an app and expanding it into other languages.
We would appreciate your feedback, help and cooperation to make this project fly high.
Your YogisforFuture Team
Contact: yogisforfuture@gmail.com
Peaceful Greetings
Brahma Kumaris Eco
and your newsletter editors
Peter, Jignesh, Golo,
Arnold, Sonja
Solar at the Blue Mountains Retreat Centre
23 July 2021
Solar at the Retreat Centre
Your comments needed to assist us
Dear Friends
We trust you are well and finding new things to do during the lockdown.
Our current project is to secure a grant to install a solar system (grid connected panels with batteries) at the retreat centre. It will enable us to have power during blackouts and will also reduce our high energy bills.
In the grant application we need to show that the community support a solar system being installed at Leura. The grant committee are also interested to know how diverse the community is that uses the retreat centre. They are particularly interested to know if we serve:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- People with Disability
- Regional and remote communities
- Communities experiencing the adverse effects of drought
- Bushfire affected communities.
If you fit one of these catagories please mention that below.
Please support this solar project by answering the following questions and sending them to envirodoc@ozemail.com.au by 12 noon this Sunday?
1. Name:
2. Cultural background and age:
3. Why do you support the solar project (30 words or less) ?
4. How have you benefited from attending the retreat centre (30 words or less)?
5. Please say if you fit one of the catagories listed above:
If you have any questions please contact Jessica at bookings.bluemountains@au.brahmakumaris.org or 47842500
We really appreciate your help and assistance with this application.
Warm regards
Sally
Delhi ORC- Inauguration of ‘Divya Prakash’ Solar Project - India’s first Mega Watt-hour Scale Hybrid Energy Storage Project, 16 July
22 July 2021
Brahma Kumaris Om Shanti Retreat Centre has opted for a Solar based unique combination of MWh scale Hybrid Battery storage system i.e., Lithium-Lead hybrid which has utilized the existing old batteries with the fresh new Lithium Batteries to have a long duration backup to ensure that there is a smooth power transition when the grid fails. This system ensures:
· Zero Blackout even in the absence of energy from grid
· Clean and green energy for usage
· No wastage of fossil fuels and existing energy
· Complete safety for humans and fauna in the campus
This project was implemented by Vision Mechatronics and was unveiled in Delhi in the presence of Rajyogi BK Brij Mohan, Addl. Secretary-General of Brahma Kumaris, Mt. Abu.
In Baba's Yaad
BK Asha
Director, Om Shanti Retreat Centre
Green Newsletter - Preparing for COP26 Conference on Climate Change
12 July 2021
Dear BK Green Community
As you may know there is at present a lot of uncertainty surrounding COP26 in Glasgow due to the COVID19 restrictions. We are waiting for an official announcement from the UK Government to know whether meetings will take place in person, online or both.
Despite all of this, the team of international BKs are still enthusiastically going ahead with plans and submissions. With this in mind, we suggest that calendars are kept clear of major programmes from October 31st to November 12th so that centres can take advantage of these environment-related opportunities if they wish.
We are also delighted to say that we have had two proposals short listed for the UK Government Green Zone (platform for the general public). One is a panel discussion: Deciding the Future: Renewable Energy Policy Scenarios along with invited speakers from four other organisations.
The second is an exhibition: “India-One” Solar Thermal Power Plant – innovative decentralized power generation with storage. The aim of which isto accelerate the clean energy transition by inspiring and encouraging the public of the necessity and advantages of using renewable energy.
Click the link to watch/listen to the recordings:
· 5 Keys to SustainableHappiness with Sonja Ohlsson, hosted by Manchester Inner Space on 8th May.
· With Love for Mother Nature Meditation for World Environment Day organised by GCH Eco Friends on 6th June.
· Nature's friend with Rose Goodenough hosted by Inner Space Glasgow on 6th June.
· Sustainability Starts with Peace with Rose Goodenough hosted by Inner Space Glasgow on 24th June.
· Creating a Lifestyle that Empowers with Carolin Fraude hosted by Manchester Inner Space on 26th June.
· Ecological Wisdom and the Everyday Sacred with Joanna Kitto hosted by Global Co-operation House on 1st July.
New Videos
Check out the youtube channel of the eco website for 3 new meditation videos and one short introduction to COP26 put together by Inner Space Glasgow.
Climate Scotland
Brahma Kumaris now partners with Climate Scotland and they promote the Glasgow Inner Space talks on environment and spirituality.
Add your voice! Our ambition is to gather 10,000 voices from the people of Scotland. We’ll take them to COP26 to send our leaders a message: that we want strong and meaningful commitments to protect the things we love, and to make a better future for us all.
Scottish Meditations
The new Scottish Green Group are continuing to facilitate a fortnightly nature meditation.
Green Champions Update
After our last training in June, there are now approximately 50 BKs mostly in the UK (but also from Greece, Germany, Turkey and Portugal) who have now completed the online training. We also have a number of projects that are being worked on by small teams of GCs meeting on a regular basis to support the COP26 initiative and the environment in general.
• The Meditation Group – Many have made their own pledges for regular meditations for the environment in their own time and every 3rd Saturday, there is a Green Wave Meditation. This is where GCs sign up on a spreadsheet for one or more 15mins slots so that we have an 8 hour continuous wave of meditation on that day.
• The Virtual Green Champions Roadshow for BK Centres – The Roadshow has now visited GCH and Wales and the South West. In July, the virtual roadshow will visit the Leicester morning class group and will move onto Glasgow in August. The Roadshow consists of an overview of the BKEI (including COP26), an overview of the Green Champions Training and the sharing of experiences of two GCs. Then there is time for questions and comments.
• Work is continuing on the 10 Ways to Change the World App which will be for the public and the Eco Games projects.
We now have our own page on Spotify where you can find the first Green Champions podcasts. These are a series of 2-5 minute audio recordings on different aspects of the BKEI aimed primarily at BKs but open to the public. There is a series on each of the 10 Ways to Change the World by sister Nirmala from York and also the first episode of Get Growing Green by brother David in Leeds. Anyone can access them using this link: Green Champions Podcasts
Other articles and videos on climate change:
The Guardian: The climate crisis requires a new culture and politics, not just new tech
ARTE Video Climate Change is happening now
"I used to think that top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that thirty years of good science could address these problems. I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with these we need a cultural and spiritual transformation and we scientists don't know how to do that..." ~ Gus Speth, US Advisor on climate change and Yale professor
This newsletter prepared by Joanna, Isle of Man, UK.
Peaceful Greetings
Brahma Kumaris Eco
and your newsletter editors
Peter, Jignesh, Golo,
Arnold, Sonja
Invitation FOOD CARE Online Event: Copenhagen, Denmark
23 June 2021
Welcome to the online event:
FOOD CARE: shifting awareness to energize food systems -
An independent dialogue contributing to UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS).
Thursday 24th June 2021, at 2 PM in London or 6:30 PM in New Delhi
Joining us will be:
BK Sister Jayanti, Director Brahma Kumaris Europe & Middle East,
Gopal Patel, Director Bhumi Global, Founding Member of Faith and Food Coalition,
Pramisha Thapalia, Global Focal Point, UN Youth Group,
David Fletcher, Community Resilience and Food sovereignty Researcher at People Development Ltd Canada
Zoom meeting Link: https://bkinfo.in/foodcare
Special Event produced by Godlywood Studio on World Environment Day, 5th June
6 June 2021
Divine Brothers and Sisters, Om Shanti
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Brahmakumaris Godlywood Studio is organising an online event to celebrate on the UN Theme "Ecosystem Restoration in the times of Pandemic".
The dignitaries participating include Environmental Activists, Interfaith Leaders and renowned musicians - Dr. Vandana Shiva, Padmashri Kailash Kher, Acharya Lokesh Muni, BK.Sis.Jayanti, Ricky Kej, Bhikku Sanghasena, Paula Fellingham, Dr. Amrit Kaur Puri, Ajinkya Uplopwar, Golo Pilz, Karen Palmer and B.K.Dr. Binny.
This programme will be LIVE on Peace of Mind Channel & Om Shanti Channel on 5th June at 10am IST. Attached herewith are Programme Flyer & Promo in English & Hindi. You can also watch the programme on the Youtube link. Share with Bk Family and all connected souls..
LIve LInk:
PROMO ENGLISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZevFGid01w
PROMO HINDI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ISHZzhCMQ
With Warm Regards,
BK Harilal
Executive Director
Godlywood Studio
World Renewal Spiritual Trust
Youtube: youtube.com/omshantichannelgws
Website: www.godlywoodstudio.org
World Environment Day 5th June - with Love from Mother Nature
6 June 2021
Nature and Nurture - Special Event with Mike George to Celebrate World Environment Day
4 June 2021
Dear Friends,
Greetings of Peace. You are warmly invited to a special on line event with Mike George on 8th June from 6:45 to 8:00pm.
His topic ''Nature and Nurture'' is dedicated to World Environment Day.
Mike is an author of 16 books on self awareness and spiritual intelligence; he is an inspirational speaker and coach who has guided the personal and executive development of individuals and companies for over 30 years.
Below are the online links to watch the event
Join Zoom Meeting
https://brahmakumaris-uk.zoom.us/j/86430576128?pwd=REdkaGVHbTdLb0ttejh5NW1FREF3QT09
Meeting ID: 864 3057 6128
Passcode: 68572
Watch on Webcast
https://wembley.innerspace.org/live
Inner Space Wembley Team
Green Newsletter - World Environment Day Special Edition
4 June 2021
Dear BK Green Community
World Environment Day 4th June is just around the corner. Plenty of programmes you can choose between. We are sure there are much more happening out there... let us know about your activities!
Take action to Reimagine – Recreate – Restore your relationship with the planet. Register your event at the global calendar.
In celebrating World Environment Day we also remember our nature lovers in this e-mail. There is a section specifically for those being connected to animals and plants.
Enjoy the rich variety of news, videos and articles. You can also read the latest edition of our new public-facing BK Eco News. Welcome to share subscription psosiibitlies with your freinds and contacts
In remembrance of the Eternal Gardener.
UK/London
My Faith & the Environment: A Positive Interfaith Youth Response" virtual event dedicated to World Environment Day, prepared by our youth network to all age groups! incl. Nicole Travnicek, UK.
Wednesday, 2nd of June, at 7 pm BST. LINK
With Love for Mother Nature - Reimagining Together the Recreation and Restoration of our ecosystems. Brahma Kumaris UK will offer 30 minutes of a virtual meditation for Nature and all living creatures, with visuals, gentle music, and an inspiring commentary.
Saturday 5th June 2021 - 7:00 PM BST LINK
Brazil
Brahma Kumaris Brazil is leading the EcoAlma Environment Initiative. The campaign will extend through World Environment Day, when the results of the donation campaign will be shared in an artistic program that features the TEN WAYS TO CHANGE THE WORLD with Luciana, Valeriane, Francis and Paulo. (In Portugese)
Sunday June 6th, at 6:30 pm (Brazilian time) LINK
Australia
Eco Yogis: Conversations on Healing Nature from the Soul. Finale with Sister Jayanti dedicated to World Environment Day. Previous Eco Yogis are: Rebecca, Golo Pilz, Juan, Carolin, Valeriane and Sonja.
Wednesday 2nd June at 6pm AEST LINK til all programs
India
Dear Nature... Celebrating the eternal bond with Nature. Celebrating Awareness and Action
1-12 June LINK
World Environment Day Celebration by Peace of Mind TV
SAturday 5th June 10 am IST LINK and Trailer
FOR OUR DOG LOVERS
Learn more about yourself by Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan ( Sent by Lotta)
Tiny energetic dog dominating everyone and everything because of too soft leadership and no boundaries, rules or limitations, and lack of exercise. Starts 16.34 min.
Owners lack of confidence makes dog overprotective and aggressive. The owner is advised to train confidence in a very practical way and it pays off.
Love and respect are two different things. This very aggressive dog is in fact very insecure, this insecurity is feeding the aggression. The dog clearly loves its owners, but does not trust or respect them.
Love and affection at the wrong time. Fear and aggression is created because the handler cannot read the message from the dog, that it is needing space, but instead gives love and affection at the wrong time.
FOR OUR PLANT LOVERS
Free online conference "Toward a New Way of Being with Plants" to be held June 17-18, 2021 which we think might be of interest for the Faith for Earth Initiative community.
VIDEOS
New Videos about Sustainability at the Australian Retreat centers:
LEURA - Blue Mountain Retreat Centre, Leura, NSW
WILTON - Illawarra Retreat Center
Climate Change is a Human Rights Issue on the occasion of the 46th Human Right Council, Sister Jayanti part of the panel.
5 Keys to Sustainable Happiness by Sonja hosted by Manchester Inner Space Center.
For the Love of our Mother - A meditative journey into nature, hosted by Brahma Kumaris London
Interfaith Summit Earth Day Network-India with Sister Jayanti
RECOMMENDED
Journey into Meditation - New website exploring our relationship with ourself and the external world, for example Being like a cloud or Butterfly meditation. By Jim and Paul Ryan, UK.
Michel: This 22 Year Old Cleaned Up 3,800 Tons of Garbage in India |
John: Lifestyle change and system change are two sides of the same coin - UNEP Emissions Gap report
Any architects out there who are interested in this forum? The Critical Conversations Project is a series of thematic roundtable discussions conducted by the Architecture, Culture, and Spirituality Forum in partnership with the Center of Theological Inquiry.
Peaceful Greetings
Brahma Kumaris Eco
and your newsletter editors
Peter, Jignesh, Golo,
Arnold, Sonja