Travel advice

if you do not change direction,

you will end up

where you are going. - Lao Tzu

Thank you to Kate Knapp of Twigseeds who features this quote on her inspirational cards.

I have been reflecting on this quote today, wondering whether I am interpreting it the correct way.  It seems to me that it is reassuring one that either choice will be fine, so relax -- either you change direction and perhaps end up in a better place, or maintain your course and you'll end up in a good place anyway...

Or is it suggesting that if you feel like you are headed in a negative direction, you will likely end up in a negative place?  I do think it is giving one the courage to accept that only you can chart your direction. 

I think it struck a chord because we spend a lot of time asking ourselves whether we are making the right decisions in terms of what is an "environmentally friendly" product and what we need to do to grow a sustainable, ethical and viable business.  For example, with palm oil, so many discussions and points of view.   The planet certainly needs those who are prepared to change the direction...

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Between the wish and the thing life lies waiting.  Unknown.

Live your dreams.

From our Positively Green inspirational cards

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..make it as harmonious and kind as you possibly can...

I am reading a very enjoyable book called Adventures in Caravanastan by Greg Bearup (published by Random House Australia, 2009).  It is the story of his one year trip around Australia in a caravan with his partner and toddler.  He writes fascinating stories about local people in the places they visit.  Reading the chapter on Bruny Island off southern Tasmania, was kind of excruciating - only because it reminded me of how far removed my crazy city life is from the idyllic and simple life on Bruny Island.

The author tells the story of a retired brain surgeon who now lives on the island, and who has a passion for translating poetry from ancient Greek, Latin and Chinese texts and a deep belief in Confucianism.  I am always intrigued by how ancient Eastern philosophical teachings remain so relevant to our modern world - many might say our dysfunctional modern world.

As we share peace and love around the world at Easter, his words as recounted by Greg Bearup in the book hold great meaning:

"Confucianism is about the individual person trying to be the best they can...Don't worry about the big issues.  It's about what you do in your own life and your immediate associations."

"[Confucianism] means behaving properly towards family members and immediate associates."

"I live in a way that makes no imposition on other people and on things.  I use next to nothing.  It try to restore the land here and live a very simple life.  If I have contact with anybody I try to make it as harmonious and kind as I possibly can. That's it."

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life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance,
you must keep moving. - albert einstein

when I see an adult on a bicycle, i do not despair for
the future of the human race. - h. g. wells
(quoted around the "golden age of the bicycle" 1890-1905)

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Travel advice from friends

Here's some lovely travel advice from a good friend of Biome:

"What a beautiful blog you've got going. Thanks for sharing your journey. It makes me think of all those well-known traveling quotations like
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" &
"One's destination is never a place but, rather, a new way of looking at things".

Interesting, isn't it, the parallels between becoming more sustainable and traveling? Not only do we have to become greener step-by-step, but there is no ultimate destination for us to reach - it's more about how we look at things." - Kelly-Ann, Bliss Ecowear.

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nature is not a place to visit. it is home.
- gary snyder

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