Tag: nature

@EmyMinzel

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

*pictures taken at my home in Princeton, MN.

Meditation contemplations

May 11, 2018May 11, 2018 emyminzel

Seemingly, I lost my meditating mojo… the last week has been fun and busy with campaigning. Yet, on Monday, I forced myself to lay down to quiet my mind even though I had a lot to do. Tuesday, I visited the state Capital and was out in the city most the day.

I did have some quiet time while sitting in the park at the capital across from the food trucks. I sat on a park bench, trying to breathe deeply while relaxing my mind. This worked for about one minute. I cannot relax in the middle of the city.

When I got home I just wanted to unwind, drink some wine, eat some pizza, blog and go to bed. That’s what I did. Even though I enjoyed these meetings and activities, I am only human, and I do need some quiet time to myself or I feel anxious.

Wednesday I worked all day then had a great DFL meeting that kept me out past my bedtime. Wouldn’t you know it, even though I was tired as I crawled into bed, I could not fall to sleep until after 2am.

As I lay there, meditating, breathing, tossing and turning like a rotisserie chicken, I thought “this is so weird, I know I am a professional at this sleep thing, get to it!”

When I have a ton of things to accomplish I stay awake in bed thinking about them, so I don’t forget. Even though, I have seven lists on my desk… so I don’t forget. I know I am not alone on this.

I was laying in bed for hours, doing every meditation technique I could think of, I still could not calm my mind enough fall to sleep.

This meditating the stress away is harder than I thought it would be. I have stress on top of my stress and now I feel stressed about not being able to release this stress. I will be checking out a few of the Mediation Apps Stacy recommended!

Today I am going to try a different technique. I am going to do a walking meditation and I am also going to spend some time in my garden freeing my asparagus patch from the weeds that intrude every spring. Spending so much time in front of the computer is starting to get to my spirit.

I realized that I like to move, it occurred to me that I like to move because it calms my mind. I like to pick weeds, plant flowers, cook, walk the dogs because being out in nature is healing for me. Even if I sit on the porch with the laptop while I write, I seem to feel much more relaxed.

The point of meditation is relaxing so that you lower your stress level. I was trying to ‘fit it in’ when really, I found that, I do my best first thing in the morning when I wake up, if I take ten or fifteen minutes to give thanks for waking up and decide that I am going to have a great day.

This gives me the opportunity to decide how my day will look instead of absorbing the vibes of others throughout the day. When I decide today is going to be wonderful, productive and pleasant the moment I wake up. I then my brain responds to make it happen.

I will keep this habit for the rest of the challenge because it seems to work the best on my attitude about how I perceive the schedule of my day. If I ‘think’ its going to be stressful, then I manifest myself a difficult day. When I decide I am going seize the day, I do. Things seem to fall in line, I get things done and my anxiety takes some time off.

Even though I am no Yogi, I have learned what type of meditation or activity makes me FEEL the best. What I can do to effectively reduce the anxiety I feel during my day is not what I thought it would look like and that is great! The more you know the better you do, right?!

How are you doing managing your stress? Which apps do you find the most helpful? I would love to hear from you!

For Meditation App reviews check out Stacy’s blog at stacycrep.com

Namaste!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

Why I love adventure!

February 21, 2018February 20, 2018 emyminzel

As you know, I love adventure! Recently I thought to myself, “why do I love adventure so much?” not everyone likes adventures. Lots of people love the peace and contentment they find in their homes and prefer to relax as much as possible. I am just not one of these people, don’t get me wrong, I like to relax at home too, I just prefer more excitement then rest some days. I am not one to sit too long, although I can and will hold the couch down all day on a Sunday if the weekend as been a bit hectic.

I believe I need adventures in my life because it’s a physical and mentally creative outlet. I need a place to put all my extra energy or it just spins round and round in my melon working up a typhoon of anxiety. I find when I give myself an outlet for all this energy by adventuring into the unknown, it provides stimulation that feeds my desire for thrill seeking in a healthy way that brings my mind/body/spirit back to balance.

Adventure;an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.

Danger is part of the game, its not an adventure unless you get a little thrill or think “oh crap” a few times. It’s the unknown of what is a head is part of the appeal, I like the saying;

“The only difference between fear and excitement is your attitude about it.”

I love the excitement and adrenalin that keeps me coming back for more. The unknown of what is a head is part of the exhilaration that comes with doing things I’ve never done before. Doing new things and going new places is a good way to sneak adventure in your life. Even going to a new city, attending events or meeting a group of new people can feel exciting because you aren’t sure of the outcome.

I have learned to not be attached to the outcome of what I think my experiences should look like. Yes I would love everything to go smoothly and without problems. Yet I have seen that it is the times when I face adversity and rise up to overcome it that brings me satisfaction. I love the feeling of exhilaration provided by those accomplishments.

It FEELS so good to overcome my fears! This feeling is addictive for me. Adrenalin junkies unite! I get it. I see why people seek adventure, it makes me feel brave, it builds my self-esteem, and it has taught me how to overcome my fears.

Then do you know what happens after that?! Giant fat feelings of thankfulness and grace I feel to be alive! To have made it through my fear to the other side and rewarded with pride, greater belief in myself and abilities, and the feeling of being blessed to still be alive brings perspective to the rest of my life. It’s not like I play chicken with trains or skydive off of sky scrapers, I don’t purposely put myself in the path of danger, but I do challenge myself to do things that scare me.

Even if it doesn’t happen in the great outdoors, I like to ask myself to level-up. Step up my game, and put my rebellious spirit to work in a good way by challenging myself and not others. When I work on myself, I don’t focus on what everyone else is doing. I don’t get wrapped up in the drama of others because I know I have no control of what is happening around me anyway but I can choose to control myself and my actions and how I choose to proceed in life situations.

Adventure has asked me to take responsibility for my role in what happens in life. How I act or re-act has an impact on what happens next. Adventuring has taught me so much about myself and repeatedly asked me to level up and each time I have, it seems to have long term life lessons I take with me in the future. Most of them exhilarating and good in many ways, the others make for great stories.

There are more reasons why I love adventure but overcoming my fears and challenging myself to level up are the ones that really keep me going back for more. Being thankful to be alive and able to experience the beauty the world holds is a blessing I don’t want to take for granted. The more I do, the braver I feel seek more adventure that makes me feel so alive!

What do you love about adventure?! I would like to hear from you!

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.”

-T.S Eliot

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/tell-department-interior-and-bureau-land-management-protect-boundary-waters

Show your passion with compassion

January 18, 2018January 31, 2018 emyminzel

What will you say to your children who say, “Wait a minute, you knew this was happening and you didn’t do anything about it?” Have you thought about that? I have. You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts. According to NASA 97% of the world’s top climate scientist confirm that there is in FACT Global warming and human actions that can be changed would heal this problem.

I also believe that humans are truly good people trying to do the best they can in the time and space we are given. My Adventure Sister wrote a blog that got me thinking. She put the thought out, implying that God sends only angels into our lives… even the people who act in ways that aren’t so angelic. She asks us to accept that all people in the world have soul contracts with other souls, to act in ways that will lead us to learn, grow, and be better.

This thought hit me hard, as I am working on expressing my passion for the environment in a compassionate and loving way. Even though, somedays I feel like an angry environmentalist who thinks human species has lost their ever-loving minds. I care genuinely about being received in a kind, loving and compassionate way, so I can touch as many lives as I possible, to do my part in saving the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, in Minnesota.

Do I need to embrace that this threatening situation might possibly be happening for the greater good? Maybe the threat of losing our beloved Boundary Waters will bring the fine people of Minnesota together to form a bond of unity? Unity that will be powerful enough to stand up to the government officials and corporate interests that threaten the health of our land, and most certainly affect the tourism that supports the livelihood and lifestyle which is the soul of northern Minnesota. Just maybe this situation is an opportunity for us to do the “right thing” and stand up for ourselves and our land? I certainly see this happening all over the world and the United States, uniting against, racism, misogyny and hate.

‘Forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ Luke 23:24. Science says times up because we do know what we do, and we can change. I believe if we act soon, treat the earth with compassion Mother Earth will be benevolent and forgiving of our trespasses. If we nurture and care for the planet she returns the favor. If we treated the earth as a gift from God that it is, we would not be poisoning our soil and waterways with chemicals or pesticides. We would know we are eating the poison. We would not stand by obediently letting corporations systematically poison our water, land and air with more rights and protections, then the people who live in the community. When do we get to say enough is enough?

Politically we are seeing a free for all, public land grabbing for resources all over North America. Coastal communities fearing the consequences of drilling for oil in their beautiful and beloved homelands. Here in Minnesota, public officials are under a great deal of pressure to grant permission to a mineral mining that threatens the beloved Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

This over-seas company with headquarters in the state of Minnesota wants to mine for sulfide-ore copper at the headwaters of the National Park known as The Boundary Waters Canoe area. Environmental studies show, this type of mining means eminent pollution.

Researchers warn that ALL sulfide-ore copper mining produces extremely toxic sulfites that would flow directly into the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to contaminate the entire 1.1 million acres of pristine water and unspoiled forest.

The Boundary Waters contains twenty percent of all the fresh water in the entire National Forest System! That is a lot of pristine water we are risking for no real gain except a couple jobs.

Sulfide-ore copper mining produces giant waste piles that leach sulfuric acid, heavy metals and sulfates into the environment, proven to pollute groundwater, rivers and lakes. In the history of sulfide mining, pollution has NEVER been avoided.

The scientific environmental studies show that it is not only, IF but WHEN the mine leaches its toxic sulfites into the pristine waters of the Boundary Waters that the ecosystem will be toxic for at least 500 years… so forever.

It is common practice for corporations like these to pollute and loot “our land” getting away with it, with no real consequences. They, simply shrug off any responsibility of environmental cleanup by paying a fine and declaring bankruptcy. Leaving the residence of the now toxic land and tax payers to foot the bill and live with the responsibility of cleanup.

Do you remember Freedom Industries corporation in West Virginia that poisoned the drinking water for over 300,000 people and nine counties in 2014?! I do. The residence of this area still suffer four years later, without drinkable water and multiple heath complaints. All because government officials valued industry over the health of the land which they live.

If Al Roker where to inform us each morning at 7:12am that the condition of air quality has suffered in North America overnight because of environmental fracking waste, and fossil fuel drilling/refineries, chemical spills, pesticides and mining accidents. I believe ‘we the people’ of the US would be far less willing to sacrifice their land, air, water and the health of our loved ones.

Some of the dirtiest fuels and chemicals manufactured are exempt from the outdated Clean Air and Water Act. Our current Congress works to de-regulate environmental protections and grant corporate permissions to violate and pillage, sacred native lands, federal forest, parks, reserves and waters. Areas deemed so precious that they should be in the protective hands of the government in the first place?!… this makes me scratch my head some.

The thought of losing over a million acres of pristine land and water, in an area which has changed my life for the better, makes my blood boil. I am angry, I also understand that anger will not help the situation. What will help are the actions we take to stop this from happening. Using our voices, our will to do good, uniting together to protect what we love will be the only way to make a difference.

So here I am an introverted, angry environmentalist, who just wants to cuddle my dogs, leaping fearlessly out of my comfort zone to do what I can to make a difference. I will voice my opposition loudly and proudly with protective compassion, because I believe that people are good at heart and want to do the right thing.

Let’s unite in love of this truly special place on earth, let’s vow to do anything and everything we can to Save The Boundary Waters of Minnesota. Who’s with me?

Please help me in doing so by signing this petition to Save The Boundary Waters.

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/tell-department-interior-and-bureau-land-management-protect-boundary-waters

The Adventure Sisters on Instagram
@adventuresistersbwca

Lessons From the BWCA

January 16, 2018January 16, 2018 emyminzel

I would have never guess the types of changes that came to me and my Adventure Sister Stacy when we first launched our rented canoe full of gear into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota the summer of 2013. We were naive in what the forest would teach us, how it would refine me by polishing my character, deepen my morals, give me courage to pursue ambitions, value and believe in myself gaining self-worth, our experiences in the BWCA even mended my faith in God/The Universe.

We were immediately awe-struck with the beauty of the Boundary Waters as we paddled towards our very first portage experience. Words were insufficient to represent the peaceful grace we felt in the remote and visually stunning wildlife landscape. It was the day I fell in love again, with nature. I thought to myself while feeling that grace and hearing the sound of only our paddles hitting the water “This must be where God lives.”

The Boundary Waters does don’t suffer fools, the wild wilderness can be just as dangerous as it is beautiful. Stacy and I thought nothing of this as we boldly longed for some fun and adventure in our lives. That summer was healing and transformative for the both of us. Stacy had just left her marriage of twelve years, and was selling her home. I was starting a new career, struggling to grow my client list, while making very little money. Times where much harder then we’d been used too, life at home was sometimes stressed.

On the water in a canoe with my new friend, I felt the burdens of life lifted from the minute we were dropped off in the wild to fend for ourselves. Isn’t funny how some things you deem as important are not too important, when you are using all your focus, kicking in heighten survival instincts that work like magic, giving you the abilities to navigate new watery paths before you. In the Boundary Waters it is imperative to be extra careful not to make careless mistakes that might be hilarious, also maybe dangerous… or even worse.

I know from experience see, because the very next day, we tipped the gosh darn canoe! We were lucky that it happened while fishing, we did not have all our portage packs filled with equipment in the canoe with us, only our fishing gear. Whew!!!! Thank the good Lord above for that blessing. Because (Insert dingy white girl voice here) “O.M.G! Like that would have been the biggest bummer ever!” It took us forever to get the swamped canoe emptied enough to ride back to camp. Luckily we were okay and still had a boat to get back to civilization the consequences could have been far worse.

I’ll admit it, we did not know much about anything on our first trip to the Boundary Waters. Even though neither of us had even filleted a fish, we went up into the Northwoods with sparing food, depending on the fish to catch to eat while there. I find it funny that when we were naïvely trusting the Universe to provide us fish, we caught more then enough and released what we did not eat. During the several more years of remote wilderness hardcore adventures we boasted, not one more fish would be caught after that first year. Now we don’t even bring our poles.

My philosophies on my experiences fishing have changed my beliefs about the ethical treatment of animals we eat, it has changed the way I live my life. This change in my ethical beliefs started on the very first time I visited the Boundary Waters. although with my Irish German heritage I am just a teeny tiny bit stubborn, it tends to take me some time to adapt… Change is scary and hard if you are not ready for it. I wasn’t ready at first, but the winds of change blew a seed into my soul, it takes time for gestation.

Stacy and I went deep into the forest to connect with Spirit, to manifest the changes we desperately wanted and needed. The concept of The Adventure Sisters was born on this first excursion into the BWCA wilderness. Little did we know that five years later we would be embarking together on a literary adventure, with a shared dream of empowering others as we have felt empowered. The Boundary Waters voyages changed our lives in so many positive ways that we want to give back to others in hopes they may find the same magic in their lives.

Stacy and I repeatedly faced obstacles, challenges, and follies in the BWCA we worked together to over-come them all. We learned we could depend on each other, we fostered trust in each other and man-o-man we had discovered we could have grand adventures and lots of fun together!

We came out of the forest as The Adventure Sisters, with a renewed self-esteem, exuding genuine Joy. We were very proud of ourselves for going well beyond our comfort zones challenging ourselves to make changes in our lives. We learned we work well individually but are much stronger when we work together. Things that sound so simple in words, but has a much bigger impact with experience.

From just this one, very first Boundary Waters Canoe Area experience I have gathered:

Courage: To do the things that scare me, and try new things, even if they make me uncomfortable.

Spiritual connection: Connection I felt to God, the earth and all living beings in it, changed dramatically, my thoughts on how we treat and respect the environment changing the direction of my life path.

Self-Worth: That grew into the ability to make the changed in my life that were needed by valuing my self and morals.

Self-esteem: I needed to believe that little old me, can make a difference of good, for the future before I would even try. Here I am, trying new things again, the BWCA helped me believe I could do that.

Teamwork: Better, stronger, wiser when we stick together babe.

Trust: I learned not only to trust in the abilities in myself but trust God/The Universe to bring me only good. My path does have a purpose, I am able to see that and trust in it now.

Thats just the first year! We were instantly hooked on the physical challenges, and the spiritual and emotional growth that keeps us coming back year after year. There are people just like you that bring their children, loved ones, or go solo up to the forests of BWCA where they can unplug from the daily grind just enough to be able to plug back into our connection with the Universe.

We sincerely do feel God up in God’s Country in The Boundary Waters, you would too I bet. This place should not be gambled away for any amount of money. The BWCA gives magical life lessons that no money can buy.

Look I’m just a girl who loves, her family, friends and pets… and clean air and water. I have learned that if I feel like I should be doing something then I better do it! Or inevitably I suffer anxiety, depression, and even create bad habits to cover up the feeling of guilt for not doing something I should be doing.

I believe life makes us move and act by making us uncomfortable, making us upset, and waving red flags in front of your face that move powerful emotions. If we were happy and content about the way things are we would not want to change right? Powerful emotions make you move.

I am passionate about keeping the environment clean for future generations. So avid that I choose to bravely push aside my introverted tendencies, gather courage to voice my opinion publicly in hopes of affecting change to protect the Boundary Waters from the impending environmental mining pollution.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a magical place in the forest that teaches people to be better people, this place where God lives, must be cherished, treasured and protected.

Please help me in doing so by signing this petition to Save The Boundary Waters.

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister