I just returned from working as a naturalist for a group traveling through the Caribbean. My specialty is blending nature awareness with Chi Gong movement. We explored Tobago, the Grenadines, St. Lucia, the exquisite Dominica and St. John.
I cannot express how hard it was to focus on this natural beauty and my presentations in the shadow of what is looming ahead for mother nature and her creatures. I was born at the Jersey shore and have lived on Clearwater Beach for over 20 years.
The BP oil spill disaster transcends any corporate violation of the environment I have witnessed. This is a dagger penetrating deep into our souls. I am encountering Floridians who break out into tears, expressing helplessness as well as hopelessness. To be honest, I cannot find the words to give them hope. Sure, we can believe in a collected energy to help us find our way — but this is so big and getting bigger. I view the daily pictures which get more gruesome with each hour. How do we fight this?
My essay, “Soul of the Gulf”, will be included in UnspOiled: Writers Speak for Florida’s Coast. It was to be published this summer and now is being rushed to print and can be pre-ordered at http://upsoiledbook.com
This article appears in May 13-19, 2010.
