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

~Rudolf Steiner~

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.

~John Muir~

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.

~John Burroughs~

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.

~Albert Einstein~

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

~William Shakespeare~

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.

~John Muir~

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.

Mother Earth Day Love has 13 Comments

1. Pati wrote:
   April 18th, 2009 at 6:38 pm

   Hi Antonia,

   I linked to your site from your Mother’s blog. You both have the best pictures. Thank you for sharing them with the world. I love the sentiment you wrote about — and reminded me to think about — the healing part of nature. I’ve been getting caught up in nitpicky things — looks like I need to go out, sit on a park bench, get lost in the glittering lake lights on the water, and find peace. Many, many thanks.

   Pati
2. Antonia wrote:
   April 18th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

   Welcome, Pati! Thank you for your visit and Lovely comment!

   Yes, nature provides a truly healing respite for us all. EnJoy!

   Much Peace and Many Blessings to you, ~Antonia
3. Kathryn/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com wrote:
   April 18th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

   Hi, Sweetheart! Thanks for this reminder that Earth Day is coming up and for honoring its history and the 40th anniversary. These are wonderful photos. Love, Mom xoxo
4. Antonia wrote:
   April 19th, 2009 at 7:40 am

   Hi Mom,

   Many thanks!

   Love you,
   Antonia
   xoxox
5. Cyndee wrote:
   April 19th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

   Oh Antonia~~It is always such a joy to come here. I love that you speak of your love of the redwoods. A friend came here on Friday & I took her out to Armstrong Woods. I was giddy as a little child. Just absolutely thrilled to share w/ her the magic of *my* redwoods.
   And even the other day when it was cold & windy, I took off my shoes & felt the magic of Mother Earth & just so deeply connected to her energy. Never knowing that Earth Day was so soon. Love that kind of synchronicity!!
   Blessings~
   Cyndee
6. Antonia wrote:
   April 19th, 2009 at 7:58 pm

   Hi Cyndee!

   Thank you so much!

   Awww! Your sharing your redwoods is Lovely, as is the barefooted connection.
   Being in Nature is truly special, and the Sacred redwoods are a dear treasure~

   Many Blessings to you, Dear Lady! ~Antonia
7. Artistgirl wrote:
   April 20th, 2009 at 9:45 am

   Antonia,

   I too have recently moved and just now had a chance to catch up on your lovely column. I am very concerned about the Earth or about us as people. We are the ones less likely to survive unless we nurture our home.

   I am a native Northern California girl and I noticed your pictures of Muir Woods. I have been there often it is nearby to you and the Northern California readers and is located 11 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take Highway 101 to the Highway 1/ Stinson Beach Exit. Follow the signs to Muir Woods. Be careful as roads to the park are steep and winding. Information can be found at
   http://www.nps.gov/muwo/.

   thanks again for your lovely column,

   Artistgirl
8. Antonia wrote:
   April 20th, 2009 at 10:04 am

   Thank you , Artistgirl! Always Lovely to hear from you!

   Congratulations on your new home!! I’m so happy for you!

   Thank you for the Wonderful suggestion, directions and link!! Very thoughtful!

   Many Blessings to you, ~Antonia
9. NineTomatoes wrote:
   April 21st, 2009 at 8:13 pm

   I could almost stay inside looking at your beautiful pictures and reading the accompanying quotes. About as good for my soul as hugging a tree! Thanks for sharing, Antonia.
10. Antonia wrote:
    April 21st, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    Welcome Nine Tomatoes! Thank you for the visit and Sweet comment!

    I’m so glad you enjoyed! Happy Earth Day to you!

    Blessings,
    Antonia
11. Jacqueline wrote:
    April 24th, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    Dear Antonia,

    What a wonderful delight to read this post and see these images! You write with a paintbrush.

    I’ve bookmarked this to return to often and enjoy again and again. It will be a pleasure to read through your other posts.

    Thank you for sharing your love and your art.

    Blessings,
    Jacqueline
12. Antonia wrote:
    April 24th, 2009 at 9:52 pm

    Welcome, Jacqueline! Thank you for your visit and Gorgeous compliment!

    I’m truly touched and am very glad that you enjoyed.

    Blessings to you, ~Antonia
13. Lakeside Mother Earth Love | Hitting Send wrote:
    April 23rd, 2010 at 9:02 am

    [...] was a Gloriously and Fantastically Beautiful, Sunny day. As it was also Earth Day, I decided to jump in my car, wind my way past the rows of awakening vineyards, their bright green [...]