Clarifying intentions

This is a good point to take a step back, and reiterate what this blog is all about:

A connection with place and space leads to an inherent respect for where we live.  This blog  aims to spark interest in ethic of place and therefore cultivate a reverence for our communities and neighborhoods--a respect for where we live is at the root of positive change. The goal is to connect people and to foster thought about ethic of place, space, community, and peace.

So what exactly do I mean by "ethic of place?" It is a concept I borrowed from Matt Klingle's book, Emerald City. Essentially, it is the idea that we form a unique connection to where we live based on culture, history, natural connection, and personal and communal traditions. As he states in the book, "place is history"-it is an inherent part of who we are as individuals, communities, and as a society. Our place and the important spaces within it grace us with a greater grounding and sense of connection.

 

                A hidden, moss-covered bird house in the trees of Cal Anderson Park.

Where do you find peace? Under a Japanese Maple

Francesca Murnan is a senior at Seattle University.
She finds peace under a Japanese maple on the northeastern side of Seattle University's campus.

How do you define peace?
Peace is a sense of well-being. It is a space where I can be alone, or comfortably let others into my space.

How does the tree conjure feelings of peace for you?
I go there at least once a week to feel centered. I like that it's a private space, but also outdoors. It is somewhere where I can be comfortable alone, or allow others to join me. When I am there alone, it is a totally different experience than when I am with other people.

Where do you find peace? The playground where my kids go to school.

Dan is a brokerage assistant at Wells Fargo bank
He finds peace at the playground of Clyde Hill Elementary

How does Clyde Hill Elementary conjure peace for you?
Life as a father is extremely hectic, and it's actually really hard to think of times hwne I am completely peaceful.However,  I really enjoy sitting on the bench on the playground of my childrens' school. My children bring me peace and I enjoy sitting, resting, and watching them have fun and play. This is my most peaceful spot in Seattle.

Where do you find peace? The Fremont neighborhood.

During the Fremont Solstice Parade on 6/18 I had a chance to briefly talk with some residents about where they find peace in their neighborhood...

Where do you find peace in Fremont?:
Overwhelmingly, answers suggested a sense of community and belonging in the neighborhood. The many people I briefly talked with stated that they find peace in the tight-knit community and shared values of Fremont.

"I've lived here for 5 years, and every year I feel closer and closer to my neighborhood"

Where do you find peace? Safeway.

Rebecca Recinos is a senior Liberal Studies major at Seattle University.
She finds peace at Safeway grocery stores.

How do you define peace?
Peace is feeling a sense that everything is ok. Even if it's brief, peace is being able to relax and feel grounded. It is a feeling of home, of something safe and familiar and a feeling of genuine happiness.

What about Safeway conjures peace for you?
Part of it is the familiarity of it, it's like a piece of home. Safeway is the one store in Seattle that is also in California, where I grew up. My grandma was really into grocery shopping and she made it a full day affair. She'd check the papers and if there was a sale we would head straight to the grocery store post haste. She'd circle everything from the coupons that she wanted to buy and I'd head to the grocery store with her.  I was the only one of the grandkids who actually liked grocery shopping with her. We would walk around the store for hours and she'd teach me about saving and what kind of food to buy. I had a great time doing it. Whenever I called her on the phone, we'd talk about groceries. Whenever I'm stressed out or upset, I notice I always go to grocery stores (especially Safeway) and feel better.

Do you have any particular memories or stories you want to share?
My first or second week of freshman year I was feeling particularly lonely and I was trying to think of what would make me feel better. I ended up walking to the 23rd and Madison Safeway and bought some funfetti cake and tortillas. On the way back to my dorm I felt so much better. That was the first time that I realized the connection I felt to these grocery stores and my grandma's influence and presence among them.
Later, at her funeral, I brought the grocery store papers and circled everything I knew she would have liked and put them in her coffin. Nowadays, it makes me really happy when I get my paycheck and head to the Safeway for groceries. I walk the aisles and think of my grandma. Sometimes, I'll call my mom when I'm at Safeway because she is the closest connection to my grandma. I feel grounded and happy here.

Where do you find peace? My church.

Kelly Glenn lives in the Central District of Seattle
She finds peace at her church: Washington Cathedral in Redmond.

How do you define peace?
The ability to hear my own thoughts

What about church conjures feelings of peace for you?
A sense of community and being tied to deep parts of myself. Also, there's a sense of comfort and tradition to it, it's something I've done my entire life.

Any special memories or stories?
There are several times when the music has been so soothing that I feel as if God is speaking to me through it.

Where do you find peace? Kerry Park.

Corinne Mahoro is a senior at Seattle University.
She finds peace at Kerry Park in Queen Anne.

How do you define peace?
Peace is so broad, but when I talk about peace at Kerry Park, it is a very personal peace. It is a place where my mind is free of stress or things that make me unhappy. Whenever I am there I don't feel stressed, I just feel good.

What else about Kerry Park makes you feel peaceful?
The atmosphere is just beautiful. There's a breeze of fresh air which takes away all stress and makes you feel invigorated. The sight of the Seattle skyline is also something you don't always get to see very often. Also, I love that even if it is full of strangers you feel like you all know each other and you feel happy.

Any special memories or stories about Kerry Park?
I had my first date in Seattle here.