All Our Relations: Indigenous Wisdom in a Time of Polycrisis
- Shasta McBride
- Apr 15
- 4 min read
The "news" is not good for the Earth this year, at least in terms of the present patterns of Life on the planet. Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, "resource" extraction and species extinctions are all accelerating as the appetites of humanity swell voraciously, igniting conflicts at home and across the globe. The seeming relentlessness of this downward Polycrisis spiral has settled like a heart-numbing fog upon the world culture. Where is our hope for a shift in this terrifying pattern?
As spring unfolds over Clear Lake from Cobb Mountain's 2,500-foot vantage, we discover renewal. Guided by our Tribal neighbors, here for 20,000 years, we reconnect with the awakening earth: bare feet grounding us, ears attuned to spring winds, skin sensing the season's shift. This spring, we're re-learning our profound ties to all life. The return of fire, both startling and essential, echoes spring's own cycle of renewal, teaching us reverence for 'all our relations.' With life's resurgence, we invite your partnership in this journey of restoration and rebalancing.
In this blog post:
Earth Day - April 22, 2025
Join Us on May 3rd, National Wildfire Preparedness Day
Earth Day Talk on building land-based community relationships for long-term resilience with Eliot and Magdalena at Mandala Springs
Our Inspirations: Mindell's "Deep Democracy" and "Leader as Martial Artist" offer powerful insights into navigating complex group dynamics.
Save the date for The Cobb Forest Summit, June 7th at Whispering Pines Resort
Join Us on May 3rd, National Wildfire Preparedness Day!
The Seigler Springs Community Redevelopment Association (SSCRA) is supporting Cobb Area neighborhoods for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 3rd, distributing $10,000 in grants from the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) and State Farm® for the second year. The national day aims to motivate residents to take proactive measures to protect their homes and communities from wildfires.
Priority for project registration has been given to the six active Firewise Communities in the greater Cobb area: Anderson Springs, Cobb View, Gordon Springs, Loch Lomond, REMM, and Seigler Springs. Funding may be available for other Cobb areas after April 22nd, depending on the initial response.
Michele Steinberg, wildfire division director at NFPA, expressed delight in supporting SSCRA's efforts, saying, “Seigler Springs Community Redevelopment Association has consistently demonstrated a dedication to wildfire mitigation. We hope the funding will help maximize their efforts to reach and impact as many Cobb area homes as possible.”
Research indicates that 90% of home destruction in wildfires is caused by embers and small flames igniting materials around structures. Clearing brush and debris within a 5-foot perimeter around homes significantly improves home survival and firefighter safety. Embers, burning airborne materials, can travel over a mile, highlighting the importance of preventative measures.
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, now in its 11th year, encourages proactive wildfire risk reduction. Typical activities include clearing debris from roofs and gutters, maintaining lawns at a height of four inches or replacing the lawn with native landscape plantings, and removing flammable items stored under decks.
Projects for 2025
Specific Firewise Community projects for Wildfire Community Preparedness include:
Cobb View: Clearing vacant lots for an elderly neighbor with volunteer and contractor help. Contact David Thiessen mthome07@gmail.com for details.
Loch Lomond: Hosting a Cleanup Day on May 3rd, starting at 8:30 a.m. Funding will cover lunch for volunteers and contractor services for debris removal. Property owners needing assistance must sign up by April 28th.
For information on other Firewise Communities in Cobb and the rest of Lake County, check the Lake County Fire Safe Council website https://firesafelake.org/, or to create your own contact Firewise Community Regional Coordinator, Magdalena Valderrama, magdalenavh@sscra.org. |
Earth Day Talk on Building land-based community relationships for long term resilience with Eliot and Magdalena at Mandala Springs
On Saturday, April 26th, at 3:30 pm, Eliot and Magdalena will give a talk at Mandala Springs. The theme is building land-based community relationships for long-term resilience. Learn more about their weekend lineup of events on their website here.
Our Inspirations: Mindell's "Deep Democracy" and "Leader as Martial Artist" offer powerful insights into navigating complex group dynamics.
Arnie Mindell is one of SSCRA’s important inspirations. His “Processwork” methods for engaging and activating groups, based in Jungian psychology and applied all over the world, especially in high conflict and challenging environments, provides powerful insights and tools that we use constantly in our work. Mindell's books "Deep Democracy" and "Leader as Martial Artist" explore how to navigate complex group dynamics. Both books emphasize the importance of acknowledging and integrating diverse viewpoints, even those that seem marginal or disruptive, to foster genuine community healing and development.
"Deep Democracy" advocates for a process where all voices are valued, not just those of the majority. This approach has been crucial for SSCRA, as we have worked with the community’s varied resident experiences and needs especially in the aftermath of wildfire.
Mindell’s concept of "edge work," engaging with resistance and conflict constructively, has helped SSCRA transform potential roadblocks into opportunities for deeper understanding and unity. By recognizing that seemingly disruptive behaviors often hold valuable information, we have been encouraged to move beyond superficial consensus and address underlying community dynamics.
"Leader as Martial Artist" extends this concept by framing leadership as a practice of awareness and responsiveness. Mindell's emphasis on "process work," the ability to follow the flow of interactions, is vital for SSCRA's redevelopment efforts, encouraging us to "roll with" unexpected challenges, listen attentively, and facilitate productive dialogue, rather than imposing rigid plans. This book encourages a flexible, intuitive approach, allowing leaders to sense and respond to the subtle cues within the community, ensuring that redevelopment aligns with the true needs and aspirations of residents.
In essence, Mindell's work provides a framework for SSCRA to cultivate a resilient and inclusive community. By embracing diverse perspectives and practicing mindful leadership, we aim to navigate the complexities of redevelopment and foster a future where all residents feel heard and valued.
Save the date for The Cobb Forest Summit, June 7th at Whispering Pines
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