This week Awesome Stories brings you aquaponics, solar energy, restorative justice, self-love and conversations with pain.
Aquaponics
I love this idea for synergistic growing of fish and plants. Aquaponics is emerging as a great way to grow crops more efficiently. The fish poop provides nutrients for the plants which are grown in the water. The closed loop system reduces the need for fertilizers, water, soil and work. Here is a good article on aquaponics for fish farming. Has anyone in our community tried this? If so, do you have any tips or feedback?
Solar Success
The latest research from NREL (National Energy Renewal Lab) shows that solar installations on small buildings in the US could provide about 40% of our electricity needs. The potential for rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in the US is around 1,118 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, and 1,432 terawatt-hours (TWh) of annual generation. The numbers keep going up as solar efficiency increases and costs go down. And the 40% doesn’t even include land-based solar installations. Go solar!
Conversations with Pain
This is a great interview with Brene Brown on listening to pain. In it, she discusses her views on shame, vulnerability and ways to create more connection. I’m sensing a need for better, deeper connections in my life. I love Brene’s reminder that facing our difficult feelings with compassion, vulnerability and curiosity are often the gateways to connection, joy and richer lives. Have any of you read her latest book, Rising Strong? I’ve enjoyed her other books and TED Talks. I agree that we can enrich our lives with open, honest conversations about both our pain and our beauty. Let’s Rise and Shine!
A Better Justice System
This TED Talk by Adam Foss is filled with passion and purpose. I love his personal story of passion for helping others get their life on track. Whereas our current justice system is mostly focused on punishment, spending billions of dollars a year to imprison people, many for very minor crimes. Like Adam, I share a vision of justice based more on restoration that helps people gain the skills and resources to be productive members of society.
Love and Weight Loss
I was very touched by this post. Lisa offers a very personal, vulnerable and honest look inside her challenges with weight. For years, she struggled with her weight and self-image. Even after losing the weight, she realized the hard part was loving herself, before and after, and not measuring her worth by her body. More and more, I’m realizing how many of our challenges come back to our feelings and relationship with ourselves. Self-love is a door to the kingdom of peace and contentment.
May we be kind and compassionate with ourselves and each other.
writing to freedom 
A most passionate collection of terrific posts. Thank you, Brad
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Annette. May our passions feed our minds and hearts…
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very uplifting and resourceful set of stories, Brad. I just shared the one about restorative justice on my own timeline. Compassion and restoration versus vengeance and punishment: I hope it catches on. Some Indigenous people in Canada have been working in this way for a long time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree Cynthia. It’s time for a more enlightened approach to justice. Good to know it’s happening in Canada too. Your country often seems more progressive, especially your new prime minister!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I have seen a programme upon Aquaponics before and it was fascinating for sure..
We also have just had a massive solar energy installation in some fields not far away.. I am all for any thing other than Nuclear. Awsome stories again Brad..
Enjoy your weekend my friend
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope to try aquaponics one day. A large solar project was just installed a few miles from me too. Thanks for your passion and support Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 you are welcome Brad.. 🙂 love that Solar energy is taking off
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. Thanks Sue!
LikeLike
An interesting and thought provoking selection this week, Brad. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure Natalie. Have a beautiful week my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too dear Brad! 😘❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome, as usual! I really liked Adam’s TED talk, focusing on punishment alone will not change anything to the better.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Agreed Helen. As more of us embrace this type of justice, we can help bring it about. 🙂
LikeLike
Love your list – as always! Hope you’re doing well. You know, in this world where we all yearn for more connection and compassion, I’m very glad to know you and have our blogosphere connection. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Cynthia. Your kind words touched my soul. Sometimes this community and venue feel very connecting. Other times, I yearn for more in person connecting. Thanks for adding to my day and life. blessings, Brad
LikeLike
Liked the article on aquaponics…ironically enough, we were at the Biosphere 2 this weekend and one of the areas they are testing is aquaponics…fascinating and for the scientists studying it there, very successful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a nice venue. Did you have fun and learn a lot?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very fascinating and very educational…it’s the biosphere that was built in the 90’s and a group of people were locked it for over a year to test the feasibility of building self contained environments on other planets!!! It’s actually numerous interconnected domes and is now owned by the University of Arizona. Next weeks blog😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve reminded me that I’ve read about the biosphere and would love to see it. I look forward to your post. 🙂
LikeLike
I love TED Talks in general. I’m addicted to them. Hehe. Hope you’ve been well, sweet friend! Happy Monday. I also love the aquaponics idea! I can totally see my husby getting into this. Though getting it all set up at first might be a little daunting, haha. And the conversations with pain piece – so fascinating! Thanks as always for sharing awesome stuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cynthia. I’m glad the stories connect for you, and would love to try the aquaponics too. TED Talks are great! be well… 🙂
LikeLike