In any given moment there is always something to be incredibly grateful for. No matter how loud the noise of complaint might be, there is still a small voice beneath reminding us to expand our vision.
At the edge of even the most furious of storms, there are calmer skies. Finding them may help us and the planet navigate our ways to better health.
Amid the chaos of these challenging times, we can get lost in wanting. Whether it’s wanting more or wanting less, there is dissatisfaction with what is.
The reaction to such thoughts is often to self-soothe through consuming, numbing out or getting lost in a sea of dark emotions. Whatever the appeasement, it often steps heavily on the earth.
Buying things to move through internal disharmony costs the earth resources. Tuning out with various flavours of indulgence keeps us dumb to earth’s cries for help. Choosing to focus on what is lacking prevents us from appreciating and supporting what is beneficial.
In BC, for instance, we are graced with more than 20 separate recycling programs that are, in part, paid for by producers. It is valid to question the integrity of any such program, and yet also to be thankful for our access to so many options when many other nations have few.
Living in such close proximity to nature, as we do in the qathet region of BC, can also keep us ever thankful for all that the earth provides us with every day. With this perspective, we receive the constant reminders of what we so fiercely wish to protect.
When a new subdivision goes up, or a house is demolished without resources being salvaged, it can be rightfully disheartening. In the same breath, we could also choose to witness the organic forms of the exchange of goods between friends, family, and in the community – be they free items given away at the curb, book exchange cupboards, clothing swaps, entire homes being moved rather than torn down, or formal trades negotiated online.
However you might express your gratitude to the earth and her keepers, it will be a gift that gives back. An attitude of gratitude begins by filling the giver with joy.
If you find yourself tempted to fall into the abyss, bring light back in by tending to a garden, making a flower bouquet, shopping at the farmers’ market, thanking your garbage pickup driver, baking a local fruit crumble, going on a bike ride in the woods, or simply treading gently on the earth.
When it comes to the realities of the ways humanity is mistreating Mother Earth, it can overwhelm even the most diehard optimist. The cold hard truths must not be bypassed, and yet sometimes we would benefit from seeing what is working in her favour, as well.
Gandhi encouraged us to be the change we wanted to see in the world. Taking this to heart, we might do ourselves a great service by focusing on what it is we want for the earth. Putting our time and heart into co-creating a resilient, healthy community, rather than begrudging what could be better.
Let’s Talk Trash is contracted by qathet Regional District to deliver its waste reduction education program. For more information, email [email protected] or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
