Winnipeg, Manitoba
Up-Cycling
It
sounds a little bit like celebrating reincarnation. The term
‘up-cycling’ is used when rejected matter is turned into something
practical. We are talking about scrap items, old building material,
broken down furniture, parquet floor pieces and such. It is all
reinvented in a useful way as stunning art forms. So, matter that would
normally be destined for the landfill, now has value.
I
was a fortunate one to be there for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the
opening of a shop called “The Scrap Came Back” located on Saint Anne’s
Road where on shelf display and for sale there were unique one of a kind
art pieces made of various what would be rejected materials. Fred
Penner, the renowned children’s entertainer, who became popular for his
song, “The Cat Came Back”, was there to snip with scissors, the ribbon,
marking the opening of some real nifty art work ranging from ornamental
pieces to birdhouses, all assembled by disabled citizens.
It
was a pleasure to meet some of the artists as well as Karen Fonseth
Schlossburg, representing DASCH, which stands for Direct Action in
Support of Community Homes, the legal entity behind the project. The
sale of items goes to support these worthy folks of disability. Thus
far, DASCH has built 55 home to accommodate such folks.
I also met Carol, who recently returned from Pune, India, for a yoga upgrade. And me, being a bhakti yoga
instructor, allowed for us to share a lot in common. But believe me, I
was the only monk at the party, and was happy to be wedged into an art
crowd and their supporters.
In
practice and in spirit, this art community lives by the slogan,
“Re-purposed, re-imagined, recycled, and fair trade”. Sounds much like
the transmigration of the soul.
To live up to my claim as a bhakti yoga instructor, I put this into practice in the evening, but at another location. Leading kirtan, discussions in devotion, and carob flavoured goodies embellished our night.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Fred Penner cuts ribbon at The Scrap Came Back Store in Winnipeg
Bhaktimarga Swami at ribbon cutting ceremony
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