An amazing and powerful speech by activist and journalist Chris Hedges, with clips from the films: 'Children Of Men', 'They Live', 'Escape From LA', and '28 Weeks Later'.

About fifty years ago, I was a bit of a pot head, and took mescaline a few times. But at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem in 1970, in a stoned state, I did have what I think was a profound spiritual experience, where I felt the joy of being part...

Recently I answered a call from Green Peace , now I didn't throw up everything to put on a Mae West ,( an inflatable life preservative , lots of E numbers, named after a Sex Goddess during WW2 , who had an enviable wit. "You only live once, but if you...

THE SIMILE OF THE DRIVERLESS BUSBy Ajahn Brahm As I live near and am a supporter of Chithurst monastery, I’m often asked to drive the mini-bus to our sister monastery about 70 miles away. Musing around the library, I came across some teachings of Ajahn Brahm the Abbot of the monastery...

THE ABUNDANT GODDESS, AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE    June 2013 When I was at Dartington I met Ama Menec a sculptress and historian, and I was impressed with this article she wrote. Localised climate change caused by over exploitation of woodlands, leading to deforestation has been with us since the beginning of...

21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity 1. This picture of Chicago Christians who showed up at a gay pride parade to apologize for homophobia in the Church.   (Michelle Gantner / Maladjusted Media) … and the reaction from the parade.   (Michelle Gantner / Maladjusted Media) 2. This story about Japanese...

Another variation on the " Guide" in the ZYCLING precepts, worth a listen

Missouri! From a friend I met in SE Asia a couple of years ago, he supports his adventures by working as a logistics expert with that French emergency charity that I can’t pronounce.  

 2)  Leave at home your mobiles, cell phones , handies etc.OK I'll own up, I'm a bit of a Ludite, but the point of this precept is to start to explore the feeling of being alone when the usual distractions aren't around.But what's the point of that? I hear you cry....

1) There must be no sense of urgency For most of us the idea of going on a cycle ride usually means a range of 10 to 20 miles with a destination in mind. For the handful of Round- the -World cyclist it becomes a way of life. For the Lycra...

 5)   Recognising and Handling Fear.When we learn to stand up and take our first steps as babies, I imagine we must be fearless. That initial step followed by a fall on to a nappy padded bottom is fine, but what about those later more excitable steps into the arms of...

Once again I’m on a Zen cycling adventure and this time it’s down the Elba river to Hamburg Germany. Using the Bikeline trail maps as a guide I started from Prague on the Vltava river which feeds into the Elba.   Bike Friday And what a start! Arriving rather bleary eyed after...

Thoughts about a ZYCLING trip on and off the saddle in Cuba and Costa Rica.  I’ve always fancied a visit to Cuba and experience life in a socialist country that has had such a complete revolution, not like some; what comes to mind is the one of 1776. According to Gore...

German Blues--Dutch Treat -- Family treat--Swiss ReTreat --Loads of Books .......  January 2014 When I returned from Germany in September I came down with a bang. I think it may have been something to do with my slight obsession with WW2 , and my perception that some Germans are suffering from...

This is important when cycling on ordinary roads, but on routes like the www.eurovelo6.org and www.kartographie.de (an amazing mostly traffic free route from the Atlantic at St. Nazaire, France, to the Black Sea, Romania), you are able to forget the busy world and manic cars. But watch out for the Lycra-clad ‘Furters being more than...

So, finally we arrive at another biggy- going away by yourself. Not having someone to share that wonderful market, or spectacular view. But don’t worry – there will be moments when you meet up with others to share the adventure, and you won’t fall into the trap of using your companion...

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms  There are a number of lists for this organization, eg. WWOOF UK , WWOOF independents, which covers a more world wide farm network, and Australia and New Zealand have their own lists. I imagine this would be true of the US though I haven’t visited their farms. Though...

SERVAS was initiated in 1949 by Bob Luitweiler, a United States’ conscientious objector. While traveling in post-war Europe he grew to believe it was possible to build a foundation for world peace by creating opportunities for people to meet and learn through visits in each others’ homes. During his travels he...

I have included in the package a book, called The Teachings of a Buddhist Monk. I got to know Venerable Ajahn Sumedho about fifteen years ago, spending time on retreats and when I was visiting one of my sons in New Zealand, I bumped into him at the monastery in Wellington....