Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove, California
“You can’t get upset enough to improve anything.” ~ Wayne Dyer
How should we salute Earth Day, this honoring of our mutual mother, our blessed terra firma, oceans and mountains, plants and trees, and all the animal life? Earth Day has never been a celebration so much as a day to raise awareness, not only of the beauty and magnificence of our natural environment, but also of the devastation inflicted on it and on our wildlife cousins. Bearing witness to this and searching for a way to help restore what’s been lost has always been difficult, but this year it feels more urgent, and more personal.
Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai said, “When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope.” Earth Day itself is a testament to the extensive gains we’ve made in protecting the natural environment. A list of the environmental protections and actions taken by this country since the first Earth Day in 1970 would fill a book. Our work is not finished, but no one is giving up. John Muir said, “The battle for conservation will go on endlessly. It is part of the universal battle between right and wrong.” This is not something to anguish over, but a call to our innate responsibility for the stewardship of the earth.
Falling into despair will not help the situation, and anger depletes the energy we could put to better use. My concern for the planet has only deepened, and so has my willingness to take action. This Earth Day reminds us to open our hearts, refocus our intentions, and allow ourselves to rewild. Today, if you can, take a moment to hike in a forest or park, hug a tree, or simply smell a flower, and embrace a bit of your natural heritage.
“All flourishing is mutual.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer
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