‘A Psalm for the Wild-built’….. From ‘Coal Action’…..
by Bernie Bell - 08:11 on 20 October 2023
‘A Psalm for the Wild-built’…..
We were talking with someone about how hard it is to find good new writers. He suggested Becky Chambers - in particular ‘A Psalm for the Wild-built’. The title was tempting, so I ‘Googled’ it - it looked promising - we ordered it from Stromness Books & Prints….
https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/06/21/stromness-book-shop-scotlands-only-drive-in-book-shop/
It arrived and I read it……
It’s the first book I’ve read in which a character isn’t referred to as ‘he’ or ‘she’ - but ‘they’. New ways, which at first I found confusing as I think of ‘they‘ as meaning multiple, but then I released that – it’s so – each of us has many aspects to their being – some of which can be in conflict with each other – calling for acceptance.
And sometimes one aspect of our-self needs to embrace and help another aspect to cope with being as they are. Or sometimes – together, letting go of habitual or learnt ways which are not beneficial to the whole being.
It’s an exceptionally good book - dedicated to ‘anybody who could use a break’.
And it is a break – from our world as it is in these times, to a world populated by beings who are good to each other – and to the world they inhabit.
Question is – what do I read after that?
I won’t ramble on about it - I’ll simply recommend that you read it – and maybe give a copy to other people who might need a break.
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From ‘Coal Action’…..
“I wanted to invite you to three upcoming events that aim to empower our campaigns and push against proposed coal mining as well as coal’s use in steel making. Two events are in Whitehaven and one is online.
1) Tuesday 24th October 12-2pm, Whitehaven - Speakers’ Corner – outside proposed mine site with speakers including Julia Steinberger: IPCC 6th Assessment Report author.
2) Thursday 26th October 7-9pm, online - Alternatives to the Cumbrian Coal Mine with Stuart Parkinson, Scientists for Global Responsibility. Booking required
3) Saturday 18th November 2.30-5.30pm, Whitehaven area, Non-violent direct action training (after November’s Speakers’ Corner, 12-2pm, proposed mine site). Booking required
Full details of each event below.
In solidarity,
Anne and Coal Action Network
1) Next Tuesday 24th October, 12 - 2pm proposed Woodhouse Colliery site, Whitehaven.
Speakers’ Corner - protest with exciting speakers, at the proposed mine site.
Hear from Julia Steinberger, an author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report, discussing climate change mitigation pathways.
Additional speakers include
* Izzie McIntosh: Global Justice Now!
* Jo Alberti: Sustainable Keswick
* Anne-Marie Williams: XR North Lakes
* Anne Harris: Coal Action Network
* Doug Maw: Animal Rising/Green Party
Please bring friends and family along as well as banners, placards and your best singing voices.
(Tues 24th Oct was expected to be the first day of the legal challenge, but that was postponed to an as yet unspecified date)
Meeting point
Outside the Marchon site, Whitehaven. Wilson Pit Road, near junction with High Road.
SatNav: 54°31'25.6"N 3°35'35.6"W
Google map pin drop:
https://goo.gl/maps/k5DNHPf9Azr4YoEXA
2) Next Thursday, 26th October, 7 - 9pm. Online
Stuart Parkinson from Scientists for Global Responsibility and Anne Harris from Coal Action Network provide inspiration and information to develop momentum for alternative industries and jobs to the proposed Whitehaven coal mine, but the session will also be relevant to other anti-coal campaigns.
This will include information on more sustainable solutions for producing steel, perfect for those speaking with the public or media on this issue. The aim is to support us in understanding the climate, ecological and social impact of the proposed coal mine.
Afterwards attendees are invited to engage in an opportunity for a People's Assembly, where we will learn from each other and plan how to solve problems together. Extinction Rebellion will facilitate group discussions of the ideas presented and we’ll hear each other's responses. We’ll question how to develop our campaigning for more appropriate industry and to oppose the coal mine. Sign up here: https://xrb.link/WN6IYZ83
3) Non-violent direct action training facilitated by Seeds for Change on Saturday 18th November, 2.30 - 5.30pm, Whitehaven area (details provided after booking)
Intrigued about taking physical actions to stop the proposed mine, should that become necessary?
Whether non-violent direct action is completely new to you or you've done it before, whether you're interested in supporting others or want to be right in the centre of things, this workshop is for you! Come on your own or with a group. All welcome. Booking essential.
This is timed to follow directly on from Sat 18th November, 12-2pm Speaker’s Corner event outside the coal mine (details to follow here when available).
Other non-violent direct action trainings by Extinction Rebellion - Sat 4th November, 10am, St Andrew's Parish Rooms, Penrith (Booking essential) and Sun 3rd December, 9.30am, Abbot Hall Social Centre, Kendal (Booking essential).
It would be great if you could join us for any or all of these events as part of our campaign to keep the coal underground.”
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Here’s one I made earlier… https://theorkneynews.scot/2018/11/10/stove-and-wind-people/
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