Topics

Jul

What IS That Thing?

by Meredith Mullins on July 29, 2019

It’s beautiful . . . but what IS that thing?
© Meredith Mullins

The Nyckelharpa: Rooted in Swedish Cultural Traditions

On Olov Johansson’s first journey to America, he remembers clearly that he stared into the eyes of wildness.

The Swedish musician was on his way to teach in a music camp in Mendocino— winding his way on a dusty, dark, dirt road in the California hills.

Suddenly the driver stopped the car. A mountain lion was commanding the center of the road.

Caught in the headlights, the animal stared curiously into the car for what seemed like, on this moonless night, a very long time. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 5 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Sweden

Jul

Carry Where You Came From With You

by Joyce McGreevy on July 23, 2019

People walking on global map evoke the idea of crossing cultures as we travel through life together. (Image © iStock/ Orbon Alija

We come from everywhere, crossing cultures to build new communities
and enrich each other’s lives.
© Orbon Alija / iStock

Crossing Cultures: A Perspective on Traveling Through Life

Ever since I opened my first “big kid” textbook in third grade, I’ve been fascinated by one of history’s earliest, ongoing events—the ways we the people of Earth are perpetually crossing cultures and coming together again in shared places.

In airports and train stations, the faces of those arriving and departing reflect every emotion—excitement and curiosity, exhaustion and confusion. Meanwhile, we’re all traveling through life. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 17 Comments

Crossing Cultures/Life Lessons/Making a Difference

Jul

Cultural Traditions: Kushti Wrestling in India

by Meredith Mullins on July 15, 2019

An Art “Of the Earth”

If you have run five miles, completed hundreds of pushups and squats, finished a long distance swim, and lifted a few sand bags and giant stones—all before your 6 am training session begins—you might have some of what it takes to become a Kushti wrestler.

You would also have to embrace the idea of showing your strength, endurance, and agility in a mud/clay pit that is the traditional sacred arena of this sport. This is gritty work . . . “of the earth.” Read more...

Meredith Mullins 1 Comment

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/India

World Views: