We protect what we love…
“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.”
Welcome to Embrace the Planet News!
I suppose that when we decide to do big things in our lives—have a family, accept a job, travel to a new place, leap into a new venture, create something we dream about, or pick an adventure—there is always the reason that gets us there and another reason that reveals itself when we are “in it.” I had Steinbeck’s quote next to my desk for years, and I always thought I understood it, but I really didn’t until I was peeled back so far that I could feel the core of me.I was on the Expedition in Antarctica skiing to the South Pole when everything started changing. This trip was taking me, and I wasn’t sure where I was going.
Just like the wind sculpts the sastrugi—the ice waves—so would it sculpt me. One thing was certain: The wind was beyond taming. It tamed us. It taught us to be wary of every step, making certain that each move was thoughtful and purposeful. I was too aware of its existence, every second. There was hardly room for error here—it cost deeply. It could even be an error of thought, the toxic mind tapes that set you back. Courage and strength would be redefined forever. This was where the ego melted away, where change began, where surrender was the only option and then slowly you came home to yourself!
Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning, as Viktor Frankl taught. The greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her life. Frankl saw three possible sources for meaning: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and courage during difficult times. Suffering in and of itself is apparently meaningless unless we give it meaning through our response to it.
We are living in crazy times and we can see that one person can either create or destroy the fabric of society. What is amazing is how powerful the masses are when they bond together to protect the things they love- as a collective we are unstoppable and we must never forget that. If you are travelling in the coming weeks, months be kind to others, pack your courage and remember that love could be a simple nod to a stranger or a random act of kindness.
Action Items Just for You
The data is clear: “across every country, love for the next generation is the dominant reason for action on climate change.” And when we look at who’s particularly in support, mothers immediately rise to the top.
In the U.S., 81% of mothers surveyed are worried about climate change. Even more, 93%, agreed with the statement that “we have a moral responsibility to create a safe and healthy climate for ourselves and our children.” We all want a safe and secure future for our children and their children.
You probably won’t be surprised to learn researchers found that the number of parent groups is growing around the world. That means that, wherever you live, there’s likely a group you can join.
In Canada, we have For Our Kids, a network of parents and grandparents across Canada who engage others in their communities to take climate action. In Quebec, there’s Mères au Front (Mothers at the Front), with 30 local groups of mothers across the province where members call on the government to take concrete climate action.
In the U.S Moms Clean Air Force, a group of more than 1.5 million parents, and Mothers Out Front, that includes over 35,000 mothers and other caregivers advocating for climate action and a resilient future
Mom’s around the world are fierce protectors of their young. Even if you don’t have your own kids you know that our youth can always benefit from the care and wisdom we adults can offer.
NIDES Students & Teachers Parksville,Vancouver Island
Leadership in Action: Pioneers of the Possible
Mark those Calendars. May 22 at 1:00 PM EST/10:00 AM PST for a YouTube Live event with Rebecca Rusch
Teachers: Register your class for free here: 🔗 Class registration Form
Rebecca is a seven-time world champion, Hall of Fame athlete, Emmy Award-winning storyteller, host of What’s the Rusch podcast, and entrepreneur whose career exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of peak performance. Known as the Queen of Pain for her dominance in ultra-endurance sports, Rebecca has spent over three decades redefining what’s possible across mountain biking, adventure racing, climbing, and paddling. Her achievements include records at the Leadville 100 MTB and Iditarod Trail Invitational, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro by bike, and becoming the first person to ride the entire 1,200-mile Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Rebecca’s Emmy-winning documentary, Blood Road, captures her deeply personal journey to connect with her late father, a Vietnam War pilot, showcasing her ability to transform challenges into purpose. This same spirit drives her nonprofit, the Be Good Foundation, which uses the power of the bike to foster community, remove unexploded bombs from war-affected regions, and create global impact.
A bestselling author of Rusch to Glory and an in-demand keynote speaker, Rebecca inspires individuals and teams to embrace an athlete’s mindset, pursue their personal podiums, and push beyond perceived limits. Recognized as one of Outside’s top 40 women in sport and one of the 50 most influential people in American cycling, she is the only athlete to be inducted into both the Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling Halls of Fame.
Rebecca’s powerful storytelling, grit, and wisdom empower audiences to tap into their resilience, embrace growth, and redefine peak performance—both on and off the trail. Whether competing, speaking, or advocating for mental and physical health, Rebecca’s mission is to inspire others to find meaning, push boundaries, and build lives of impact..
Freedom in Svalbard with my ORU Kayak!
🍃 Fresh Air & Fresh Ideas
Yes, I will admit that spending time in the Svalbard waters are pretty amazing but so is Vancouver Island! I love living here - we have forests, mountains, heaps of wildlife, and tons of water. I love these kayaks because they are lightweight, foldable, packable and you can take them anywhere. We used them to collect data in the Arctic and they were also a great way to see wildlife, get some exercise and maybe even more importantly great for our mental health. Check out the cool short video ORU did on us using the kayaks.
So check them out and get yourself on the water!
Opportunity for International contemporary artists of all disciplines, scientists, architects, innovators and educators alike.
Arctic Circle 2026 application cycle just opened May 15 with a deadline of July 15th 2025.
Artist and scientist led, The Arctic Circle is an annual expeditionary residency program. Established in 2009, The Arctic Circle brings together international artists of all disciplines, scientists, architects, and educators who collectively explore the high-Arctic Svalbard Archipelago and Arctic Ocean aboard a specially outfitted expedition vessel.
The Arctic Circle provides a shared experience for its participants to engage in the myriad issues relevant to our time and to develop professionally through fieldwork and research, interdisciplinary collaborations, exhibit opportunities, and public and classroom engagement.The Arctic Circle program supports the creation and exhibition of new and pioneering work, and aims to empower the creative individual while fostering the collaborative.
Cajun and Zydeco music, the sounds of southwest Louisiana, are experiencing a remarkable revival!
The Cajun story starts in Nova Scotia, where this French-speaking people led a peaceful life, until they didn't. In the middle of the 1700s, the conquering British kicked out the Acadians — shortened to Cajuns. Expelled, they found an improbable home amid the backwaters of French Louisiana. From the craggy north Atlantic to the Delta and bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in North America. Jourdan gave us a tour of the land that shaped his Cajun ancestors. They adapted to survive — and then thrive — in this new and sometimes hostile environment.
Check out this wonderful piece 60 minutes did on the Music of Cajun country enjoying renaissance!
Thanks for reading.
Take care of each other and as Rebecca Rusch’s dad wrote “BE GOOD” !
xxx Sunniva
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