Gaia Community: jodi's Blog

When do you feel the most self-confident?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:26:34 GMT

When I am working with my animals. I have so much confidence when riding my horse or working with my dog. They don't judge, they trust. This has taught me to be more confident in other areas of my life.

Tags: Q&R, confidence, self-confidence

How Respect Can Help Stop Climate Change

http://jodi.gaia.com — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:35:26 GMT

As a species we can be cruel, violent, arrogant, thoughtless. Yet: Human Beings are my favourite of all species.
We show love like no other, respect, caring, empathy. We can see things from different perspectives, even if it is fleeting sometimes. These are the human traits that could help prevent the climate change which we are responsible for. These are the traits that make us remarkable.
We need to see ourselves as the animals we are. We are part of this universe, solar system, earth... We truly are built, as all our fellow beings, from the same elements. We need to remember that all beings, plants, animals, fungi, etc., are each remarkable and an intrinsic part of our world. Every species deserves our respect. If we can learn to see ourselves as part of the earth and not something separate or transcending: I think we have a chance.

With this foundation we realize that we need to do something about the climate. We can't survive without other species. We need plankton to provide oxygen. We need our oceans to be healthy. We need our trees... But this we know.

What is wonderful about Humans is that we are special. We are intelligent and we do have the power to make global impacts & decisions. Although this is what has brought about global warming, this too is what could stop it.

Respect, love, intelligence, care and power. Our strengths outweigh our weaknesses.
By respecting every living being, we open ourselves to the subject. By watching our carbon footprint and celebrating our place in this world, we make a difference and show respect.
Show your love and respect for our planet and take part in Blog Action Day today!

Tags: blog, action, day, blogging, 2009, global, warming, climate, change, respect

Blog Action Day: 15 October.

http://jodi.gaia.com — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:52:38 GMT

Just wanted to mention BLOG ACTION DAY. It is on Thursday 15 October.
Not sure if everyone is aware of it. It would be so wonderful if the whole Gaia community could take part. I think it could make a great impact. If you are interested in taking part: just click on the link above and register. All it requires is a blog post on the day. A way to bring the globe together. :) I have already registered.

For any info just visit the Lounge (Thanks Nicole!) : http://groups.gaia.com/gaia_lounge/conversations/view/486971

Have fun, all!

Tags: blog, action, day, blogging, 2009, global, warming, climate, change

What's the greatest thing you learned this past week?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:28:12 GMT

I learned so many things.
Yesterday, while reading my new horse behaviour book, I learned that horses are rarely agressive (this I knew). What interested me was that horses ignore agressive behaviour in other horses and in humans when they see no threat. This is important in understanding how horses' society works. How ranking works. The most interesting thing about this is that horses prefer feeling safe around other individuals. They only feel a need to bond if they associate the other horse or human with safety, non-violence and predictable behaviour.
I love this peaceful nature. If humans could just learn from this. Not only would our society function better but our relationship with our fellow animals would be so much better and stronger.

I also learned that I really want to spend more time studying our horses... and dogs. It brings me so much happiness.

Tags: Q&R, learning, new, discovery

TED: Daniel Pink on the Surprising science of Motivation

http://jodi.gaia.com — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:11:23 GMT

Daniel Pink on the surprising science of motivation

Tags: motivation, science, job, Daniel Pink, inspiration, TED

Azam Ali

http://jodi.gaia.com — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:51:05 GMT

Azam Ali

Tags: Azam Ali, music, beauty, mood

What was the happiest thing you saw this past week?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:58:26 GMT

I saw two baby springbok play with two little groundsquirrels. The springbok chasing the groundsquirrels and the groundsquirrels chasing the little springbok. It was so amazing and special and fun and happy.

Tags: Q&R, happiness, happy, joy

What do you like most about mornings?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:50:50 GMT

That moment just before I get up. That moment when my bedding is just the right temperature, just the right texture... I can see the light through the window... The birds, the trees, the grass' smell.

Tags: QaR, mornings

What's the best thing about being you?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:09:35 GMT

To pick the best *one* thing... hmmmm.

My path.
I truly feel that I am experiencing a wonderful life. Every person, every moment, every space has built up to be quite an exciting and fulfilling life so far. Even the negative has helped to make my life the way it is. It has helped make me who I am. I experience every moment with great intensity. The good and the bad. And my experiences and need to live and love is what excites me. The result: I wouldn't exchange my life for anybody else's, ever.

Tags: QaR, personality, character, life, self, path, experience, love, moments

What's the hardest thing about being you?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:19:29 GMT

The hardest thing is not always knowing where "I" start and where "I" end. I always find it a challenge to seperate "me" out. Who is this "me"?

But I am starting to get closer to the answer day by day. And in a strange way I hope I never truly know the final answer ;)

Tags: QaR, character, self, personality, life

A dog's Tail

http://jodi.gaia.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:19:20 GMT

My English Pointer, Pinga, has what is refered to as: "Happy Tail"
This means that she wags her tail SO enthusiastically and hard that she keeps breaking the skin on the tip. This doesn't heal because she repeatedly wound herself on the same spot on her tail.

On Friday (3 days ago) I noticed that it was looking really bad. The end was a little black (usually pink) and I assumed that it was a scab. So I read up what to do to bind it properly to protect the tail from more damage and to give it some time to heal properly. I found some advise on the internet that recommended using pipe insulation to protect, air and cushion the wound.
So I proceeded to disinfect the wound and put the pipe insulation around her tail and bandage over it, as suggested.
Last night (Sunday night) her tail was obviously hurting badly. I stuck my finger down the open end of the insulation pipe to make and gently touched the end of her tail. No reaction. I touched her above the pipe insulation and she cringed in pain. I knew something was very wrong. So my husband and I immediately removed the bandage and insulation. about 5 cm of the end of her tail had gone completely black. I panicked. But cleaned it again. My husband phoned the animal hospital's emergency line (it was midnight already) The vet suggested we give her some asprin for the pain and take her in first thing in the morning.

Unfortunately Pinga has developed gangrene in her tail and is in for an emergency tail docking, as we speak.

Obviously I have the usual tension that goes with leaving your 'baby' in the hands of someone else. I feel sad, worried and stressed. But I know this is the only way.I also feel guilty for not noticing it sooner.

I can't wait for her to come home. The waiting is very difficult.
I have found out that many hunting dogs like German Pointers and Weimeraners have their tails docked from birth. Not full docking, but still... And that the main reason is preventing this situation from happening. It is much more traumatic for the dog to have it's tail docked as an adult. English pointers do not have their tails docked, usually, as they have naturally shorter tails.

I have always been against tail docking. I have always felt that it limits a dogs communication skills. That it is cruel. Although this situation Pinga is in is different, because it is medically necessary, and she will keep most of her tail... I was wondering what your opinions were an the matter?

Tags: docking, dogs, dog, tail, amputation, gangrene, ethics, Pinga, pointer

Have you successfully changed something about yourself?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:06:07 GMT

Yes. I am in constant flux. Evolving is the way I see it. Always trying to better myself. I think the most important thing I have changed is the way I see myself. I have become less critical and more forgiving of myself. I have actively worked on being myself.

Have you noticed how some people will try to break you down when you change, even if it is for the better? And, more importantly how others will support you in this?

Tags: QaR, change, transformation

What are you comfortable with?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:34:07 GMT

I thought hard about this.
Very hard.
The only "thing/s" I can truly say I am completely comfortable with: are animals. I have always been. Maybe it is the lack of judgment? The acceptance I feel?

This is quite a revelation to me. I wanted to mention some people, myself or my art... I just couldn't honestly say that I don't feel myself having to correct my behaviour with these. I try not to. But alas, I always do, even if it is only a little bit.
The problem, I find, is with myself. I am the one sitting in judgment of me.

This is so scarily awakening. So much more thinking to do.

Tags: QaR, comfortable, acceptance

What is your community like?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:10:21 GMT

Loving, Supportive, Giving, Creative, Changing... I am thinking of Gaia of course!

But I have to add that my community here at home is definitely the same. :)

Tags: QaR, community, care, friends, neighborhood

What helps you be creative?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:27:16 GMT

The most important thing for me is to talk to inspiring, positive, creative people (like all of you!). That gets the spark going.
To sustain the flame: I need to be alone, safe and quiet. Listening to music helps. Walking my dog works. Writing in my diary works. Taking a bath works. All these things are ways to relax, ponder and organise my mind... but I think the most important part is to start. If I don't start then all the buildup just remains what it is.

Once I get started, it becomes an avalanche.

http://www.jodihugo.com

Tags: QaR, creativity, ingenuity, creative, art

Baby, One more Time- Tori Amos

http://jodi.gaia.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:27:26 GMT

Tori Amos Baby One More Time Oakland 7 13 9

Tags: Tori Amos, Britney Spears, Haunting, Beautiful

What are you searching for?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:35:31 GMT

A place to call home.

Tags: QaR, seeking, searching

Would you like be famous?

http://jodi.gaia.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:06:37 GMT

I would like to be respected and successful in what I do. I don't want to be famous. Not in the sense that moviestars are. I would not be good at dealing with the stress and attention. But if my work is respected and well-known... I say: "Wonderful!" :)

Tags: QaR, fame, famous

Friday Five of Stars

http://jodi.gaia.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:16:20 GMT

1) Do you wish on shooting stars?

Sometimes I do. :) For fun. You can always try ;)

2) Would you like to travel to outer space?

I would love to do that! I have always been so intrigued by space. I would love to see our earth from that viewpoint, see saturn up close. See nebula... who knows!

3) Do you like astrology?

I prefer astronomy. I find it fascinating and can't get enough. But I do fing astrology to be interesting in a historical, mythelogical way. The stories and symbols are beautiful.

4) If you could name a new planet, what would you call it?

Jabula Pinga

5) Do you enjoy star-gazing?

I LOVE stargazing. It is one of my favourite hobbies. Just lying on your back on the beach, gazing up to the magical sky, it is so rewarding. But I bought a wonderful telescope last year. Now I can get so close. It is incredible!

Tags: Friday Five, stars, stargazing, astrology, astronomy, planets, inspiration

In the meantime...

http://jodi.gaia.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:20:22 GMT

I find myself stuck in the middle. A strange place to be. We just sold
our house and are hoping to buy another property soon. But because of
all kinds of issues, we are struggling to get it done.
I have this strong urge to nest. I want a place to call home.
Now
we are renting a house in the meantime. I keep catching myself wanting
to start nesting, settling in. But I know it is such a short time. So
then I don't feel the need anymore.

New beginnings are
difficult. But definitely rewarding. I know our next home is going to
be a wonderful place filled with love and warmth. Wherever it is, it
will be beautiful and bright.
I am focussing on the positive. It makes all the difference. :)

Tags: new, scary, rewarding, home, love, warmth