Happy Earth Day. Love your mother, peeps.
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” ~ Robin Wall Kimmerer
Whenever I am feeling despair over the state of the world, I go outside, I walk in the woods, in the sunshine or on a cloudy day, reminding myself of the beauty that surrounds me. Even grass poking up through the pavement in the city, where I was recently, reminds me that nature will, ultimately, have its way, however callous, indifferent, or outright harmful we humans are, abusing our home, our mother, the planet Earth.
George Carlin said, and it bears repeating: “The planet isn’t going anywhere, we are.” If we don’t get our collective shit together, that is.
“Taking a deep, centering breath, I move with gentle purpose into the very heart of prayer. I feel divisions melting away and all people coming together now, healing our planet with practical, innovative, easily implemented solutions that work quickly and efficiently to revive, repair, and restore the earth’s balance. Eagerly embraced, they are readily financed and immediately effective. A new paradigm emerges now. Humanity harmonizes with nature, creating a sustainable future on a thriving planet that works for all.” – Trish Yancey
I remember, still, the lessons of childhood about littering and being a good steward of what we live on and with and upon. I remember, still, the horror of seeing people throw trash out the window of their cars, and photos of smog over Los Angeles. I saw – visiting India, what a ‘relaxed’ or non-existent regulatory framework allowed – in Gujarat State, in Uttar Pradesh – and I saw the very opposite in Kerala State, where the airport we flew in and, several days later, out of, was entirely run on renewable energy, ditto, although not as clean and efficient, the Indian State of Madras.
We can do better. We must. And, because I am a glass half-full kinda gal, we will.
A Native Prayer: “Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice we hear in the wind, whose breath gives life to all the world, hear us. We need your strength and wisdom.
Let us walk in beauty, and make our eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make our hands respect the things you have made and make our ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make us wise so that we might understand the things you have taught our people. Help us to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes toward us.
Let us learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help us seek wholesome thoughts and act with the intention of helping others.
Help us find compassion without empathy overwhelming us. We seek strength not to be greater than our brother or sister, but to contend with our greatest enemy – ourselves.
Make us always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades, like the fading sunset, our spirits may come to you without shame.