A few days ago, I took a moment to step off the Struggle Bus, the imaginary vehicle I feel like I’ve been riding lately, and assessed the situation. There are a ton of factors in life that we cannot control. However, we are in control of our ability to create movement and change. I can influence which direction I want things go, similar to sending a small toy sailboat across a pond. My little boat might reach the other side. Or the wind may pick up and pull it in another way entirely. In any event, I created some ripples and the Universe has my vote for consideration.

These days, the word “sustainability” most often pertains to the environment. It’s about keeping Mother Earth happy so she is willing and able to sustain future generations. But there are layers of meaning in this little word, “sustain,” and it can be applied to so many aspects of life. To sustain means to endure, to bear the weight, to nourish, to validate. It is my mantra upon waking these days, “I can sustain this. I will get through this.” And what is this? This is helping a seriously ailing parent and all of the feelings involved (my horror with our broken healthcare system grows daily). At the same time, I’ve got my own life. Although it feels on hold for the moment, it really isn’t.  With all that’s going on, I figure it’d be extremely good for morale (and dare I say, fun?) to focus some energy on creating and documenting some positive, personal change. And lo, Laura’s Folk Sustainability Project is born!

Google tells me the term “Folk Sustainability” doesn’t exist. Well, it does now. I added “folk” for a couple of reasons. Obviously, I’m a folk musician. As agents of change and keepers of the people’s music, I think every folk artist should look into a sustainable lifestyle. But “folk” is also another word for traditional and ordinary. Folky things are common knowledge. They are totally accessible to everyone. I’m no expert in sustainability, but with a little exploration, I’d like to think I can find my own way down the righteous path of Sustainability, both as a musician and as a citizen of this planet.

Three types of sustainability will be covered in the Folk Sustainability Project:

1)      Sustainable Lifestyle: Minimizing This Musician’s Ecological Footprint.
2)      Sustainable Music: Making Music In Today’s Changing Industry.
3)      Sustainable Social Activism: Standing Up. Speaking Out. Staying Centered.

All three are deeply interrelated, but separate topics. No doubt I will be grappling with that in future entries. In any event, I’ll be learning as I go, and I welcome your suggestions and comments. I hope this project will be a source of great information, healing and strength for everyone, not just me.

And look at that, it’s Chinese New Year. What a perfect day to start.