Lessons To Be Learned

Dear Partners in Green,

I wish there were better news, but unfortunately that is not the case.

Global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have returned to pre-pandemic levels and then some.  Climate treaty targets are in jeopardy.

It is as though we are back to “normal.” Lessons forgotten, ignored, or never learned.

Maybe we are more relaxed now that we have a President who has vowed to address Climate Change. Whatever the reason, we must not forget our role in addressing this deadly issue.  We all must stay motivated. But how? Following are a few suggestions.

It seems that the first step is to find your motivation, then understand why, define your goals, create your vision, produce your plan, look at the big picture, and stay positive.

For all of these tasks, you must stay present, mindful, and awake. It is too easy to fall back to old patterns, to old ways of being.  And to stay motivated it is helpful to have a friend to whom you are accountable.

As I am writing this, the world is beginning to celebrate Earth Day, April 20-22.

Spring is the perfect time to commit and re-commit yourself to becoming the change

the Earth needs you to be. It is also a great time to connect children with Nature.

It is good for you, and good for the children.

So now, before the world gets back into “full steam ahead,” it is important to consider your carbon footprint and think of ways to reduce it. Some suggestions: (If you have others please let me know, and I will add them to the list.)

• Approximate the miles you travel. Drive less, slow down, take a train, bus, or bike, or carpool with a friend. Double up on errands. Have your car serviced.
• Fly less. And if you must fly, offset the emissions by donating to sustainable projects.
• Eat food in season, plant a garden, eat less beef. (Beef comes from cows and cows make methane.)
• Wear clothes more than once before washing.
• Simply shop less.
• Turn the water off while brushing your teeth; limit the length of showers.
• Meditate! (but not in the shower).

In this poem by Mary Oliver, the lesson I hear is that rather than worrying, simply make choices that are good for the Earth. Instead of worrying, let the natural world be your inspiration.

I Worried

I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers
flow in the right direction, will the earth turn
as it was taught, and if not how shall
I correct it?
Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,
can I do better?
Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows
can do it and I am, well,
hopeless.
Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,
am I going to get rheumatism,
lockjaw, dementia?
Finally, I saw that worrying had come to nothing.
And gave it up. And took my old body
and went out into the morning,
and sang.

A song by Eric Clapton; Change the World

I invite you to hear it with a different understanding.

Wishing peace and health to you and your loved ones.

Thank you for being on this journey.

Till next time,
Beth