The Earth and I
What is my relationship with the Earth? I have so much affinity for this beautiful planet. In focusing on my relationship to Earth, I first noticed what I am doing to physically respond.
- I avoid plastic and reuse or make things. For example, I stopped buying yogurt and face lotion and make them. By reusing the containers, I have eliminated the use of that source of plastic.
- I buy clothes at consignment stores and enjoy sewing to refashion and mend old clothes. I also give away or sell clothes and usable items.
- I use a clothesline to hang my sheets and towels and some clothes, weather permitting.
- I recycle and avoid plastic bags and buying things with plastic packaging.
- I buy secondhand or locally before ordering online.
- I buy food from the farmers market or from local sources and grow my own. When I buy meat, it is grass fed from a local butcher.
- I collect water and use it to water my garden.
- I compost all kinds of things to minimize my garbage and use the compost to enrich my soil.
- I use ideas for sustainable landscaping including planting primarily native plants.
- I have been known to pick up garbage from a given area, including a beautiful but littered Island while on vacation.
- I ride my bike and walk enjoying a lifestyle that minimizes driving and even flying for that matter.
It is a commitment for me to continue taking the time to make beneficial choices for our planet and it’s often fun. There is still much I can improve upon and learn about to tread lightly on Earth. For example, I want my next home to be smaller and more environmentally friendly. I see how connected we are in that our individual choices impact our collective whole and our home on this planet.
When I communicate with our planet, I am aware of the spiritual aspect of our relationship. I see that I need to be in present time with the planet in this life and value her. The main message I hear is to release fear and allow myself to receive. This will help me achieve balance in relationship to the Earth and all of us abiding here.
I am seeing that balancing, for example my ability to balance giving and receiving, helps me to work in harmony with myself and others. Last year I had an abundance of grapes from my backyard vines, rather than letting them waste, I gave them to friends and neighbors. When I still had boxes full of them, I dropped them off at the food bank. In this way, I allowed the Earth’s bounty to provide for people who needed nourishment.
Giving may be easier for me than receiving, though I am grateful for what I have been given. I can use the gift of grounding and other spiritual techniques to release any discomfort around receiving. When we find balance with the many dichotomies in life on Earth, there is a flow of healing energy in which our needs are met and all things are possible.
