Earth Day Disconnect the Artificial Life and Tune in to Real Living
The very best way to connect to mother Earth on Earth day is to find a place of solace in nature. Wilderness and its beauty are fast disappearing, but if you can get out it is always worthwhile. Getting a reprieve from stress and strain, noise and nuisance of everyday life helps a person rediscover ancient roots tomother earth, serenity, belonging and regeneration of mind, body and soul. Even if having a weekend retreat is not possible, it is wonderful just to plan a picnic or walk in the deep woods. Go to the lake or seashore, or other place of nature’s many land and seascapes and prepare to indulge sensations of clean air, green plants and the miracles of spring.
When people tune out all the constantly bleeping devices that keep them wired to the workday world, they relax, find meaning and new strength to be even more productive upon their return. Not everyone can get out of town. If not, at least find a less stressed little corner of a park, garden or yard. Meeting there with others is connecting, but so too, is just enjoying the company of birds, clouds, squirrels, trees and sunshine or rain. Each has its own beauty and wisdom to impart.
Family outings are great on Earth day; kids especially get excited and engaged and will lobby hard to make it an annual tradition. Here are a few other activities to include with both kids and adults. They are affordable, fun and make a great deal of sense.
Make a difference and say “Thank You” to nature for providing life, sustenance, clean air, water and food by participating in community gardening. There are few things more rewarding than watching something planted grow to fruition. If unable to actually grow or work in a neighborhood garden, at least stop by to sample their wares, ask questions and learn about local food. Corporate farms are where most people all get food these days, but it is well worth it to patronize and encourage the local grower whenever possible. It builds more than a green plant. It builds community, connection, improved health and less animal cruelty. Hosting a local healthy food lunch or plant and seed exchange is also a way to grow green roots within the community.
Have a recycle rendezvous where one neighbor offers their yard or garage as a treasure trove of shared and swapped goods. Things normally seen at a moving or garage sale are treasure to some, and do not have to overflow landfills. Learn the art and fun of bartering goods, and even odd jobs and services. Makingcrafts and yard artis wonderfully fun, and puts to good use treasure that otherwise might be trash. Look into what such community events are being sponsored, or start one yourself to inspire the whole neighborhood to take place in that next soda bottle garden wall, or recycled ceramic crockery garden bench. Creative possibilities are endless.
Host a planting party. Invite others, or visit them, with plants, flowers or trees destined not just as gifts to other people, but as oxygen providing gifts to the earth. Kids also love seed and plant expeditions, so include them too. May day used to be a delightful celebration of the season. Go offline for awhile, power down, and celebrate flower power instead.
Host a clothing, or household décor swap party. Even with some newer clothes, people get tired of same old styles.. Sharing wardrobes, household linens, and décor and fashion goods and tips is fun. Having little fashion shows where everyone gets to assemble a new haute couture “green garb” outfit produces lots of fun, laughter and delight in connecting to others while enhancing, durable but drab looks.
Assemble a group of friends to go on a green grazing, meatless food shopping tour. Get canvas bags ready and have a buy in bulk party. Save money, make food go farther and have tons of fun while finding organic, community, whole grain and wholesome eats. Then take turns having lunch or dinner once a week with the new “localvore” lovers
Attend, or organize a movie night with such classics as "Koyaanisqatsi" and its later sequels. Watch "Waste Land, Mia and the Migoo, Avatar, the Cove, Tapped" or any other wonderful and touching movies. Or, look into the Nature series with David Attenborough, and any number of astonishing scenery films featuring earth and spectacular wildlife, such as Ken Burns series on U.S. National parks.
Most of all, on Earth day, do not think of giving back as scarcity and sacrifice. It is indeed a privilege and should not be “unnatural” to enjoy nature’s gifts. Nature’s way is abundance and no waste at all. Becoming clean and green is not as some propaganda says:" limiting one's lifestyle." Rather, it celebrates belonging to earth, It offers connecting not guilt tripping. When the whole world sees the value of appreciating and belonging to earth rather than exploiting it, the whole world thrives and celebrates.
