Climate Ride | Lauren Van Ham

I’m here! I’m in Nebraska! And I have that, “Places, Please!” feeling.

Parvati, newly arrived in Nebraska — ready for assembly!

My love for theatre began in grade school; I had the good fortune of performing a lot in Lincoln, NE. It was my sophomore in high school when I realized that even before the Stage Manager called, “Places!” I was often already in the wings, praying. Being in the wings is a holy ground, of sorts. It’s that space of putting one’s trust in the rehearsals and preparation, combined with the creative tension that ceaselessly nudges for further refinement, fresh paint, the freedom to risk a little. Praying before a performance is my way of surrendering: please remind me to use all I’ve been given. Please grace me with the ease and spontaneity of Being Present.

My CRAN (Climate Ride Across Nebraska) is no different, but more to the point, neither is our miraculous life on this fine planet-home! Tomorrow, my Mom and Parvati and I will drive North and West to Chadron, NE, where I will begin my ride. And, if this were merely, “a ride,” I don’t suppose I would be feeling butterflies. This ride is a joyful, prayer-filled pilgrimage!

Please remember the stakes: We cannot promise our children’s children will have clean water, or land, or air.

And please remember the promise: As highly intelligent, capable and creative mammals, the Divine invites each one of us to bring our love, our ingenuity, and our Whole Self to every moment. My CRAN is rooted in a truth worth celebrating — that we are all (humans, animals, the elements) interconnected, blessed, and worth saving.”

You’re receiving this message because I want to share this week’s events with you. I’ve committed to do the pedaling, my friends. You can help me with your prayers and donations. For those who have already donated, thank you, thank you. Just this afternoon, I reached my minimum goal of $8000…so I’m raising the bar! The proceeds from this ride will be divided between my three, specially-selected & amazing beneficiaries: 350.org, Interfaith Power & Light, and World Bicycle Relief. You can make a secure online donation NOW by clicking on the ‘Support Me‘ button found on my Climate Ride page. You’ll automatically receive an acknowledgment and I will be notified by email of your support. Thank you for your help!

Climate Ride, 2011

[This post is dedicated to the West Coast Climate Riders, 2013, who will pedal their bikes 320 miles from Fortuna, CA to San Francisco’s City Hall between May 19-24th. Thank you, Climate Riders — Have a GREAT Ride!!!]

Holiness comes wrapped in the ordinary. There are burning bushes all around you. Every tree is full of angels. Hidden beauty is waiting in every crumb.

– Macrina Wiederkehr, O.S.B

God made so many different kinds of people; why would God allow only one way to worship?

– Martin Buber

I had assumed that the Earth, the spirit of the Earth, noticed exceptions — those who wantonly damage it and those who do not. But the Earth is wise. It has given itself into the keeping of all, and all are therefore accountable.

– Alice Walker

There is phrase used in Buddhist circles, “radical acceptance,” it refers to the uninvited, unwanted circumstances or conditions in our lives and the often challenging – though ultimately liberating – practice of making peace with them.

Biking California Photo: M Maggenti

Radical acceptance is bravery in action. And for me, the precursor is feeling fiercely that which I radically, or otherwise, can NOT accept. (Do you know the ones?) I’ll share the one plaguing me right now:

“On May 9th, for the first time ever, the carbon dioxide counter on the side of Mauna Loa, the most important scientific instrument on earth, recorded a daily average of above 400 parts per million. It’s a grim landmark — it’s been several million years since CO2 reached these levels in the atmosphere.” – BillMcKibben, www.350.org

Climate Ride Friends

I can’t argue with a number. There’s nothing to finesse or negotiate. I will accept the number….but the human behavior in response to that number and what it means? UN-acceptable.

Or is it? And who am I to say? I am seeking the right response and I’m asking each of you, what is it?

What is the right response to a mess we have created, a mess that is accelerating, a mess that forecasts massive loss, systems breakdown, and suffering for so many?

Climate Ride Puppy Pile!

I welcome your ideas and I love to hear from you. In the meantime, my thinking is this…

Respond!! Do something and ordain it. It can be big and dramatic. It can be daily and ordinary. Experiment. Try both!!! Listen to someone under the age of 13. Whatever you choose to do, honor it for the Holy act that it is – know that it is prayer, empowerment, connection. In this church, called Earth, we are ALL men and women of the cloth and every action is sacred. Can I have a witness??

Climate Ride Finish – City Hall!

Lauren Van Ham

Lauren’s CRAN: “Places, Please!”

Seeking: Right Response