The 22nd April is the annual Earth Day which serves as a profound reminder that we do not own this world; we are merely renting it from future generations, and it is our sacred responsibility to protect the home we’ve been lent.
This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” helps us concentrate on personal agency, something that is so important because the scale of environmental change can feel overwhelming and can easily see us throwing up our ours in frustration and defeat. However, in these moments one must remember the advice of Lao Tzu: “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”.
That one step to making more earth friendly choices can be a mindful pause. It is in that pause we can be more conscious, more aware about the decisions we make that impact our carbon footprint. We often flick light switches or leave chargers plugged in without a second thought. Instead, bring mindful awareness to your usage. By being fully present, you might notice the sun providing enough natural light to delay turning on a lamp, or realise that unplugging electronics that we are not currently using is a simple way to start making your own impact. From such small acorns, mighty oaks can grow.
And this can be just the first step. Whether we realise it or not, advertising and social media has championed the idea of “the new”, of the latest thing, of constant consumption. This has led to environmentally disastrous concepts like fast fashion and an unceasing production of electronics, gadgets and other consumables for an already saturated market.
Being mindful of our impulses to purchase can help us ride out those impulse buy moments and help us to appreciate the inherent value of what we already possess. Before clicking “buy,” ask yourself “do I need this, or am I seeking excitement or avoiding a difficult emotion”? Choosing to renew, repair, or upcycle breaks the cycle of waste and allows us to appreciate what we already have.
Perhaps the most grounding way to support the environment is through mindful gardening. Tending to a small vegetable patch or even a window box connects you to the natural cycle of growth. Feeling the soil between your fingers anchors you in the “now” and if you are able to grow yoru own food, even if just a small amount, we can reduce food miles, packaging and the wider environmental cost.
By integrating these small, intentional choices into our daily lives, we transform “environmentalism” from a chore into a lifestyle of awareness. This Earth Day, let’s choose to be present for the planet we call home.
If you are interested in developing a more mindful and compassionate approach to life, then why not check out our Compassion in Action Weekend