I think it might be time to face the facts. We as a species are at the very bottom of the intelligence scale. And when I say intelligence, I don't mean computer, math or writing skills. I am not talking about the ability to balance our checkbooks or to discuss philosophy over scones and a vanilla breve. I am talking about a deeper, more fundamental intelligence. I am saying that we are the only species living upon the Earth that no longer understands how to live in harmony with our environment.
We actively seek to over develop and destroy our surroundings for things that do not sustain us as the human creatures we are. We don't do these things for love, companionship, sustainable food sources or sustainable shelter. We do these things for money, power and greed.
The joy of simplicity and balance is lost on us. We are a destructive force on this planet and in the universe...much like a 6 year old boy with no set bedtime...running on an exclusive diet of high fructose corn syrup and Twinkies. Live simply so others (ALL living creatures, from the largest to the smallest) can simply live. Never before have I understood the meaning of this amazing quote more than I do at this moment. We are at the tipping point, my friends...3 minutes to midnight and counting...all of us, all of the time.
I don't know what the solution is. I am mid-life crisis-ing my way through this journey with everyone else as I attempt to find a satisfactory place within this spider web of universal connections. But I have learned a little about a little, so here are three things I have found during my own journey toward a more sustainable existence that I would like to share with you.
1) Do what you can and start where you are.
Any little thing you can do to create a more harmonic vibration is helpful. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Plant a community garden. Become a child's mentor. Perform music, drama or comedy to entertain and help enlighten others. Write poetry. Write stories. Make a movie. Paint a mural. Don't worry that it's all temporary, everything in this life is. Donate, smile and reach out to those who may need a positive, human connection. Meditate on love and healing for the Earth and her children. Unselfishly wish and pray for the health and well being of others to contribute to the Maharishi Effect of One Universal Love. In the midst of this love, the seeds of planetary evolution and salvation wait patiently.
2) Never forget that every living creature wants to exist.
Living beings seek to live. It is a universal need; the desire to feel sun on our face and air in our lungs. Everything hungers for a life. If you are a hunter and you kill something for food to sustain your family, then you must allow yourself to feel sorrow and gratitude for that creature. If you harvest plants or cut down trees for fuel to stay warm, mourn the trees and plants you have killed, and give them your grace. I understand that hunting, gathering and harvesting can be a necessary aspect for our survival. But we must all understand that we are connected to the planet and all of the resources we utilize. Say a prayer for the Earth, and give her your gratitude. It may be all we have left to give.
3) Pass on our collective wisdom and teach our children.
Our kids have become orphans, raised by computer and TV screens. We have limited how far they can evolve because we have limited their access to natural surroundings. Children learn all they need to know about being human from us as parents and mentors, and if we are not feeding their desire for that information, they'll recieve it from someplace else. Do we really want our kids to define the idea of a healthy society by media standards? Do we want our kids to develop relationship skills from things like Facebook, Twitter and Reality TV? Hell NO! Teach your children about compassion, planetary stewardship and their responsibility for creatures smaller than themselves. Show them where their food comes from so they can develop a more healthy relationship with the Earth and the environment. Plant a garden together. Share stories. Teach your children how to give of their time by volunteering with them out among your community.
There are no easy answers and I am by no means an expert in...well...anything! But I try to learn everyday from everyone I meet, even during those "...don't do what they just did..." sort of learning opportunities. And I cultivate my compassion, which is like the garden of your heart. Daily cultivation will create a lush, growing space within your soul that can help elevate you to a higher level. Collect and share wisdom, ideas and kindness...and never stop trying, because we are all works in progress and we all have the innate capacity to create or destroy. Use your power for good, young Skywalker...and tell the dark side to suck it!
As always, be gentle with yourselves and others...and keep giving and feeling the love!
Namaste.
We actively seek to over develop and destroy our surroundings for things that do not sustain us as the human creatures we are. We don't do these things for love, companionship, sustainable food sources or sustainable shelter. We do these things for money, power and greed.
The joy of simplicity and balance is lost on us. We are a destructive force on this planet and in the universe...much like a 6 year old boy with no set bedtime...running on an exclusive diet of high fructose corn syrup and Twinkies. Live simply so others (ALL living creatures, from the largest to the smallest) can simply live. Never before have I understood the meaning of this amazing quote more than I do at this moment. We are at the tipping point, my friends...3 minutes to midnight and counting...all of us, all of the time.
I don't know what the solution is. I am mid-life crisis-ing my way through this journey with everyone else as I attempt to find a satisfactory place within this spider web of universal connections. But I have learned a little about a little, so here are three things I have found during my own journey toward a more sustainable existence that I would like to share with you.
1) Do what you can and start where you are.
Any little thing you can do to create a more harmonic vibration is helpful. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Plant a community garden. Become a child's mentor. Perform music, drama or comedy to entertain and help enlighten others. Write poetry. Write stories. Make a movie. Paint a mural. Don't worry that it's all temporary, everything in this life is. Donate, smile and reach out to those who may need a positive, human connection. Meditate on love and healing for the Earth and her children. Unselfishly wish and pray for the health and well being of others to contribute to the Maharishi Effect of One Universal Love. In the midst of this love, the seeds of planetary evolution and salvation wait patiently.
2) Never forget that every living creature wants to exist.
Living beings seek to live. It is a universal need; the desire to feel sun on our face and air in our lungs. Everything hungers for a life. If you are a hunter and you kill something for food to sustain your family, then you must allow yourself to feel sorrow and gratitude for that creature. If you harvest plants or cut down trees for fuel to stay warm, mourn the trees and plants you have killed, and give them your grace. I understand that hunting, gathering and harvesting can be a necessary aspect for our survival. But we must all understand that we are connected to the planet and all of the resources we utilize. Say a prayer for the Earth, and give her your gratitude. It may be all we have left to give.
3) Pass on our collective wisdom and teach our children.
Our kids have become orphans, raised by computer and TV screens. We have limited how far they can evolve because we have limited their access to natural surroundings. Children learn all they need to know about being human from us as parents and mentors, and if we are not feeding their desire for that information, they'll recieve it from someplace else. Do we really want our kids to define the idea of a healthy society by media standards? Do we want our kids to develop relationship skills from things like Facebook, Twitter and Reality TV? Hell NO! Teach your children about compassion, planetary stewardship and their responsibility for creatures smaller than themselves. Show them where their food comes from so they can develop a more healthy relationship with the Earth and the environment. Plant a garden together. Share stories. Teach your children how to give of their time by volunteering with them out among your community.
There are no easy answers and I am by no means an expert in...well...anything! But I try to learn everyday from everyone I meet, even during those "...don't do what they just did..." sort of learning opportunities. And I cultivate my compassion, which is like the garden of your heart. Daily cultivation will create a lush, growing space within your soul that can help elevate you to a higher level. Collect and share wisdom, ideas and kindness...and never stop trying, because we are all works in progress and we all have the innate capacity to create or destroy. Use your power for good, young Skywalker...and tell the dark side to suck it!
As always, be gentle with yourselves and others...and keep giving and feeling the love!
Namaste.