23rd
August
2007
johanna
 Johanna Parry Cougar ~ Co-Founder of Natural Villages |
I was born in the Redwoods of California, close to where I live now. My mother, a teacher of English and History, was also a native of California, having received her degrees from UC Berkley. |
| As I grew it was obvious to us that our culture had veered out of control, and our natural environment was in serious danger. Knowing much of the history of my own landscape, I learned with a very deep pit- of- the- stomache horror, that the greater culture was happily destroying vast regions of profound beauty in exchange for quick wealth, and very temporary, unsustainable lifestyles.The landscapes had become profoundly changed from its original food and animal prolific condition. Northern California was fast being eaten by the sprawl of San Fransisco and my Mother showed me the ever growing strip of haze or smog on the horizon that grew in width from year to year.Because I was born with a series of birth defects we felt were due to environmental pollution, my life began to take an unconscious path towards finding permanent, stable solutions.For me, I had no choice, as I knew in my heart I needed to grow more, from the experience of having my own children, and I could not bring them here, if I did not make my life about recovery of natural beauty, and living the beauty way within the balance of nature.For me, this explains the series of uncommon and mystical events that guided me into this very delicate Lakota nation, and gifted me with the profound opportunity to do at least one useful thing in my lifetime. If we can help gift the natural village reality back to our indigenous landlords, well, then perhaps Americans will feel a little less guilty about how we have allowed our government, and military to corral, and subdue such powerful spirits within tiny concentration camp style situations.For me, this has become answering the call of my Mother, nature, in a way that gifts back to her, a healing pathway for my children’s children to walk. If we succeed at creating natural village options for Pine Ridge residents, and for my own children, then I have done what I came here to do.
In many states, and countries this natural village reality is already being practiced by smart people who see all the advantages, however, these folks have far more ability to create this reality than folks trapped in oppressive areas and conditions. And, because of my background as a non profit director, I understand the meaning of statistics that show 70% of women and children the world over live below poverty level standards. This, is a direct result of our current compassion bereft development practices.
There are those that think I am crazy to think that people will come together and begin to work together to re-purchase our precious landscape, and begin to build ecologically sound environments that flourish with natural life. To me, this is the only way back to stress free lifestyles that make sense to the human heart.
Pilamaya to my Lakota friends for helping me see the way through. Chante me chu ha, to each one, you know who you are, that I have given my whole heart to.
And thank you, to my three beautiful sons, and my solid and stable husband, who still after all these years, believe in the possibilities for change… because without their love, I would never have been able to follow this unusual call. May the love you cultivate in your life, be this sweet, and this strong. Thank you very much, for taking the time to listen. |
