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University of St. Thomas DFC Feed

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Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Water Mulch the Base of Trees and Plants
    Where are your nearest natural bodies of water? How might they be affected by runoff?

    Bebe Yang's avatar
    Bebe Yang 4/23/2021 1:29 PM
    The nearest body of water from where I live, are lakes. Lakes and other bodies of water could be affected due to sediments and pollutants piling upon runoffs. When sediments from the runoff continues to build up in the body of water, it can cause aquatic plants to stop growing, poor water quality, and a more difficult water treatment process—which makes it harder to produce drinking water.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Energy Online Energy Audit
    What most interested or surprised you about your own energy footprint? What changes did you make or will you make?

    Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:58 AM
    I loose a lot of heat through my attic and need to do a better insulation job.  I also need a new air conditioner, updated hot water heater, etc.  Yikes!  Going to be some big bills this summer!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Nature Explore My Area
    How might spending more time outdoors enhance your brainpower?

    Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:55 AM
    Fresh air, sunshine, vitamin D, clearing the mind of negativity!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Nature Spend Time Outside
    Rachel Carson said that we need the beauty and mysteries of the natural world for our spiritual and emotional development. Does that ring true for you? What are the implications for a culture that spends most of its time indoors?

    Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:54 AM
    Silent Spring.  Rachel's sad and hopeful reminder of this need for the beauty of the world.  We are so disconnected today.  GET OUTSIDE!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Nature Enjoy the Sunrise/Sunset
    Father Thomas Berry says, "... our primary purpose is celebration. Celebration of the dawn and the sunset and the different seasons of the year is a religious ritual, a way in which humans can establish their integral relationship with the universe, with the planet Earth." What is your response to Berry's assertion?

    Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:53 AM
    We are so connected to the universe, we are stardust, and the sunrise and sunset is a reminder of the majesty and miracle that our planet and us exist!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health Happiness
    How does/can practicing gratitude keep you centered and motivated to work for a better world?

    Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:52 AM
    We are so inundated with negative news right now.  It can be overwhelming.  I am trying to remind myself of little daily moments of joy, a smile, a gratitude for friends and family, to keep myself strong and working towards a better world. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health More Fruits and Veggies
    How does eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat positively affect yourself, other people, and our planet?

    Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:50 AM
    I know eating more fruits and veg helps myself physically, my local farmers, and reduces the wasteful land use (and water use) for growing meat.  It also feels good to limit my meat purchases to humanely raised meat that is organically fed and grown not in cages.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health Joyful Movement
    What's your favorite activity(ies) in which you experience joy while being active and moving?

    Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:48 AM
    I love gardening.  I can't wait until it warms up and I can spend time outside.  I've been busy prepping by building garden boxes this year.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health Exercise Daily
    How can you incorporate other personal values (like quality time with friends or spending time in nature) into your exercise routine?

    Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:47 AM
    Okay, this has been the hardest to do.  I'm so exhausted from teaching that I just want to crash on the couch.  I'm looking forward to better weather and getting outside which will improve my exercise.  I'm starting by joining a dog training class, at least my dog will get a workout!

  • Michele Stillinger's avatar
    Michele Stillinger 4/23/2021 11:44 AM
    I'm so please some of my students got involved in the challenge this year.  It has been a rough semester for everyone with Covid and trying to learn (and teach) online, that this year's challenge kind of took a backseat.