One would be hard pressed to find a symbol richer in significance than that of the circle.  In mythology the circle was considered to be intrinsically "divine" and perfect.  Since the beginning of human intelligence we have been in awe of the fiery majesty of the sun...gazed with wonder at the stars and moon...and observed with anticipation the cycles of the changing seasons.  Painters, poets and troubadours going back as far as we can trace the imprint of the human race have expressed their affinity for circles in their endeavors to express their artistic vision.

 

Circles have been embraced in human conduct as perfectly structured forums for interaction.  The knights of Camelot sat at a round table...ideas are exchanged through "rounds" of discussion...even the concept of communication itself involves a cycle wherein the exchange follows a cyclical pattern of flow.  In recent years scientists have been coming to the profound conclusion that life itself literally works in cycles and that the world of physical manifestation is the result of an interaction between the observer and the observed.  Interestingly, this theory now being documented by empirical testing is one that supports what mystics and philosophers have been saying for thousands of years.  Or as put forth by the late, great Marvin Gaye when he sang..."everything is everything".

 

At the beginning of the "Great Depression", author and "self help" guru Napoleon Hill published a book in which he revealed a principal suggested to him by Andrew Carnegie.  Hill referred to it as the "Master Mind Alliance".  After first having the idea revealed to him by Carnegie as the key to his great success, Hill went on to observe the principle being practiced by the multitude of accomplished individuals he had the opportunity to study while writing his books on success principals.  The list of luminaries that Hill interacted with included, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Alexander Graham Bell, Theodore Roosevelt, John D Rockefeller, FDR...the stellar list is far longer than this article permits.

 

Hill's observation was that whether they called it by the same name or not, all the accomplishments of those he studied were in some way facilitated by their regular engagement in what he called a "Master Mind Alliance". 

 

Transporting yourself back in history to the time in which these people lived and considering the available technology then, as compared to what we have now, the problems they encountered in dealing with the massive depression and two world wars were extraordinarily daunting.  Nonetheless, operating from the awareness that was available to them at the time, these people discovered ways to persevere and come out on top.  They did it in their own personal lives and they did it as a people.

 

We are faced today with challenges of similar magnitude, as we observe that our civilization has not yet satisfied it's appetite for war, nor has it taken the responsibility for the stewardship of our Planet.  Like those who have struggled in the past and overcome what might at the time have seemed to be insurmountable problems...we might today find ourselves feeling overcome by the immensity of the task at hand.  Nonetheless, dwelling incessantly on the problem itself...outside of being aware that it exists...is not the successful path that the individuals studied by Hill might have chosen.

 

A beautiful quote by Napoleon Hill that I feel is appropriate for these times is: "Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements".  As an Architect I can resonate with that sentiment from the experience of having seen vision become expressed many times...once it had been defined in blueprint form.  In describing this phenomenon I can say with certainty that the most successful projects that I have been involved with were the offspring of an energetic exchange that would fall squarely into the definition of a "Master Mind Alliance".  Key to these alliances was the active participation of the Client, along with the primary members of the project team.  I would also say that in the absence of such an alliance the final project would usually not reach it's full potential.

 

With everything written above in mind, I would suggest that Eco-Tips Magazine in it's final essence is an invitation to the reader to participate in a "master mind" that I will refer to as our "Green Circle".  This circle is instantly formed as you read the diverse range of stories contained within and you grasp hold of the common thread of optimism, along with the belief that we as a people can and will find the answers to what now confounds the inhabitants of Planet Earth.  As you lend your agreement to this proposition you may find yourself moved into constructive action and then become more a part of the solution...as opposed to being just a "commentator" on the problem.

 

If our proclivity to quote the saints, sages and scientists from both the past as well as the present is consistent with our true beliefs, then we should be eager to embrace the world situation as it currently exists.  From that place and that place alone can we make the appropriate changes, contributing our energy at our own level of participation.  My personal vision is that people from all walks of life will seize this situation as an adventure and help others to see that the prospect of a pristine, peaceful planet exists...just on the other side of our constructive and communal effort.

 

Accordingly I invite you to enjoy the September edition of Eco-Tips magazine, starting with the picture of my two sons that I took 12 years ago and have displayed on this issue's banner.

 

You will then find a re-print of a previous article written by the Professor of Construction Management and creator of the sustainable design and LEED program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  We are running this story again by popular demand, as the ten tips for the Retail Industry may also be modified for any kind of green building project.

 

Next you will be amazed to read the story and visit the gallery of a portrait painter who travels around the globe staying with people from every tribe and culture (including Hollywood) and painting stunning portraits that eloquently reveal the subject's inner majesty.

 

I am proud to gain more exposure for the work of one of the people who is rapidly moving to prominence after many years in the world of photography.  We will visit the gallery of Carol Westwood to have a taste of her engaging images of nature, as perceived through her seasoned lens and masterful eye.

 

Thinking about buying a house?  Don't know how to tell if it has green potential, or how to spend your budget wisely to make it so?  Enter the Eco-Broker...real estate brokers who are specially trained and certified to help you make wise decisions in this important aspect of one of most people's biggest investments.

 

This month, maestro Freddie Ravel shares another tip with us relating to how music can be used as a catalyst to increase our personal awareness, happiness and productivity.

 

 

Finally, a subject that is on the mind of everyone these days.  What is the best way to get from point A to point B in an automobile oriented society.  The combination of soaring gas prices along with the acceleration of eco-awareness has people looking for alternatives to low MPG, high emission cars.  What happens if a dealer decides to specialize in those alternatives...read the story in "Green Wheels".

 

One last postscript serves as a reminder that driving hands free really is a better way to go.  We are including a tip on that subject submitted by the same company who hosts my favorite charity...the Christmas in July Toy and Book Drive for Children's Hospitals.

 

Remember...as you enjoy these stories and share in the agreement that we are all a part of the global solution...remain keen to spot evidence in your own world as to what is working.  Each time we do so it adds strength to the affirmative.  Our agreement sends our priceless energy out to fortify the constructive ideas that we endorse.  If you find yourself inspired and moved to envision a higher possibility by reading our stories, then Eco-Tips will have accomplished it's purpose.