Slaminatrix

Listen here: http://www.kqed.org/a/perspectives/R807020737

I am old enough to remember the last great California drought, in the early 1970’s. The usual water conservation measures were enforced, but there was more. Galvanized by the crisis, people decided that most trips to the toilet need not conclude with a flush. One took a certain amount of civic pride in how long one could go before emptying the tank. A single flush avoided meant 7 gallons of water saved. And—unless you’ve got a low-flow toilet—it still does.

Eventually the drought ended, people resumed wasting water, Reagan removed the solar panels from the White House, and

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After the morning fog cleared during my meditation, I went out to the backyard to enjoy breakfast in the crisp sunshine. I’ve been practicing mindfulness for some time now and lately it’s begun to wash over me independent of my breath-by-breath coaxing. Slowly, I ate a bite of oatmeal, savoring its creamy texture and innate sweetness. I took in a few slices of steamed zucchini, put down the spoon and chewed, eyes closed, facing the sun.

Opening my eyes, I peered into the bowl. The squash was such a soft green, so pretty. I looked closer and

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