Earth

Take a moment to really look at the image above. Taken from space, this wide perspective of our planet has been referred to by astronauts as the "God's eye view". It has been found that many astronauts upon seeing the earth from this wide-angle view, return with a shift in perspective that we are all neighbors, inhabiting this big blue ball. It's said their feelings of compassion and connection increase from having this experience. I love the idea of getting such a broad lens on things that it lessens our focus on all that divides us.

The theme this week is Earth, inspired by the upcoming Earth Day on Sunday, April 22, with the focus on 2018 being ending plastic pollution. Earth Day began in 1970 as the birth of the modern environmental movement in order to protect and preserve the environment, reminding us of our inherent duty to be stewards of the planet. I try to think of every day as Earth Day and really think that if we can individually make daily, often small commitments to being environmentally friendly, the sum total of the collective could have quite an impact. One of my favorite recent stories is about a restaurant/bar in Washington state that is no longer using plastic straws. If people ask for a straw, they're given a paper straw...how retro! If we think about the impact of just that one act, it will have an impact as plastic straws are not only non-biodegradable but often end up in our oceans and waterways. In fact, as reported in LA Yoga Magazine, "Every day, 500 million plastic straws are used in the US alone. That number represents enough straws to wrap around the Earth 2.5 times. These straws take more than 200 years to decompose and are rarely recyclable. Plastic straws have become an epidemic that is littering our oceans, streets, forests, and natural lands. Every year, our excessive use of plastic straws contributes to the death of over one million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals. Communities and organizations around the world have begun initiatives to address this problem." 

Two other simple ideas are to stop buying single-use plastic containers (bottled water tops the list) and bringing our own shopping bags to all stores. These are things that we can enact today and so many people and communities are doing an amazing job of this, yet more is definitely better!

Another aspect of the Earth theme is connecting it to our yoga practice. Just as I was leaving Australia to move back to the United States, a very powerful image came to me. It was of me standing ankle deep in the rich red Australian soil. Looking back, I recognize this as a way of grounding myself into the Earth's energetic grid, a way of acknowledging and thanking the Australian continent for her magnificence before leaving her shores. I needed to feel grounded before making such a huge life transition. This rings true for anyone who is undergoing shifts and changes. If we can slow down enough and ground our energy by connecting to the base chakra, we aren't as easily disrupted when change occurs.

Further, the first of the seven chakras (energy centers in the body) has the element of earth. The Muladhara chakra has the color of red, the seed mantra/sound of "LAM", and is all about stability and safety. Take a moment to notice where you are as you read this. Do you feel safe? Do you have a home and easy access to food? Are you involved and connected to your local community? If yes, then the primal need of being in a stable situation is likely being met. As I contemplate my connection to my base chakra, my reaction is one of gratitude. I have the luxury to make choices around straws. I have an abundance of just about any food I wish to enjoy. I have a beautiful peaceful home within a safe community. This gratitude comes from the unfortunate recognition that many of our neighbors on this planet are in transition, particularly people who are refugees fleeing from their homes. They may no longer know where they can call home. They may not know where their next meal is coming from. They may feel completely vulnerable, exposed, and in danger. If someone handed them a bag of water punctured by a straw, I would bet they'd receive it without a second thought to the environment.

And herein lies the connection. I am in a privileged position to act on behalf of the earth and her beings when others may not be in that current situation. It is my duty to steward this planet to the best of my individual capabilities and to realize it doesn't just affect one, but all. I have a desire to take only photographs and leave only footprints so that my grandkids and future generations can see the immense and breathtaking beauty of this planet that we are fortunate to call home.

How will you celebrate Earth Day? Today or always?