“Shame needs three things to grow exponentially: secrecy, silence, and judgement.” Dr. Brene Brown
I try to stay away from politics on my blog, but as someone once said ‘politics is personal.’ I am finding myself angry, frustrated, and deeply saddened at the lack of concern, understanding, and empathy for Dr. Ford, who has alleged being sexually assaulted by Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
I do not know if she is telling the truth or not, none of us do. My experience as a woman believes she would not subject herself to the continued threats, blaming, accusing, and dismissing she is receiving regarding her allegation. I also know, only too well, that shame keeps us from telling our stories. As women we know we will not be believed the majority of the time and choose not to subject ourselves to being blamed and harassed all over again.
The judiciary committee is so bent on confirming Judge Kavanaugh that they are willing to trample the rights of Dr. Ford. If they really want to find the truth they would ask for an FBI investigation. Why is it they haven’t? The hearing they are proposing is to sit the accused and the accuser next to each other and then begin a barrage of questions. This is not an investigation for the truth, it is a circus where they can preen in front of the cameras. Without a full investigation this scenario of “He says, she says” is untenable and will not get to the truth.
I hoped we had learned something from the Anita Hill hearing in 1991, and from the #MeToo movement. It appears that this all male panel is still locked in their beliefs that “boys will be boys.” What are we telling our young teenage girls and boys today as they listen to the attacks on Dr. Ford.
I hope all are paying close attention to this circus and plan to vote in the Nov. 6th primaries.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know all the scientific information about ant colonies. I just happen to have the privilege of observing one colony over the past two or three years. This colony sits right on the side of a trail I walk almost daily. I’ve watch it grow in the summer, be demolished by winter weather, and grow again the next summer.
Bathing: How Trees Can Help you find Health and Happiness, Dr. Qing Li shares a Japanese practice called forest bathing. He has conducted numerous studies that show the health benefits of forest bathing. Nature eases stress and worry, helps us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.
let go of the day. Above is a picture of where I go when I need a forest bath. It is less than a quarter of mile from my home. Walking there, I sit on a rock and listen to the rippling water cascade down past a wonderful old cedar tree. The sound of water always nourishes me.
When we focus on destination we often feel late, behind schedule, or lost. When focus on journey we more often feel a sense of discovery. 
I was hiking in Bryce Canyon when another hiker stopped beside me to enjoy the amazing views. Other hikers were passing us by and we realized we were taking this hike very slowly. She said, “You know there are two kinds of hikers–destination hikers and journey hikers.” It was like a lightbulb moment. “Yes,” I said, “I use to be a destination hiker. I would enter the trail and then see how fast I could get to the top, never stopping to look at the beauty that surrounded me.” We were definitely journey hikers at Bryce Canyon–stopping in awe of the hoodoos and spirals. Taking our time to take photos and enjoy the beauty.
Ardine Martinelli 