Hitting Send

To truly know the world, look deeply within your own being; to truly know yourself, take real interest in the world.

This 22 April marks the 40th annual Earth Day celebration! It was back in November of 1962 that Earth Day’s founder Senator Gaylord Nelson first conceptualized an idea to bring environmental issues into the political arena, persuading President Kennedy to give visibility to environmental issues by going on a national conservation tour. Unfortunately, the President’s five-day, eleven-state conservation tour in September 1963 did not garner the attention it deserved. Taking note of the popularity of anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, called “teach-ins,” which were spreading to college campuses all across the nation, Senator Nelson took a gamble and announced at a conference that in the spring of 1970 there would be a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment, inviting everyone to participate. With the assistance of colleges campuses and local communities, his idea took off, and as he himself said, “That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.” Beautiful!

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.

I find the end of Muirs’ quote to be so relatable, as I have sought refuge in the outdoors since childhood, and have found that going outdoors, was, indeed, really going in. Whether surrounded by blissfully sunny Summer days on the beach, rainy days amongst the Sacred redwoods in the Northern California forests, or enjoying morning meditation in the garden, I am closer to source energy and feel at home. I consciously decided years ago that a healthy, constructive outlet for my inner Warrioress energy was to channel it into Environmental causes, which so clearly spoke to my heart. At my first college, I became the squeeky wheel demanding that we have a recycling program on our campus. I have been an active member of NRDC for years, often write letters on behalf of Mother Earth, and try to include many little rituals into my everyday life to decrease my carbon footprint.

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.

I recently read a NY Times article explaining the ‘Self-Centered Case for Environmentalism’, which points out that beyond our need for clean air and water [to which I will add land, where our life-sustaining food is grown], being in nature not only increases our healing abilities, it makes us happy. I’m not here to tell anyone what their calling should be, nor call anyone out on how to make greener lifestyle choices. That is another post! *giggle* Today, I only wish to bring light to the Beauty of the Planet we, as Global Citizens, share with each other. Our home is an Amazing place with so many types of rich Beauty, all of which gives so very much to us, and thoroughly deserves compassionate respect. Let’s face it, after many years of the Bush administration, there is a tremendous need for conscious Love to protect and sustain our Planet.

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul.

I admire that Senator Nelson created a grass roots environmental movement which is celebrating its 40th year. It’s truly Wonderful, and there are some impressive events taking place this year in its honour. From the larger Earth Day at the National Mall of Washington D.C. event, to the smaller community events, it is an opportunity for people to get educated and inspired to preserve and protect our valuable natural resources. I personally feel that every day should be Earth Day, as it is the only home we have! But, I shall certainly share in the day by doing something special, in the great outdoors. What’s calling to you, Dear Reader? What do you feel inspired to do?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

p.s. If I could give Mother Earth a theme song, sung by Global Citizens it would look like this.