Isn’t Earth Day Every Day?
Dear Earth
I suppose it’s only from a bird’s eye view that we can truly understand the magnitude and scale of anything.
This place we call home, our cosmic nest, is a miracle. So much of Earth’s operations are on auto-pilot — much like our breathing. We don’t have to “think” of the planet spinning, the sun shining, the trees growing, or the oxygen flowing. Because it happens naturally…as it was intended.
That’s not to say that our species hasn’t gotten in the way of these magical processes. We have. We know it. And without going into the whole global warming and Going Green arguments and political debates, I think we are all onboard with doing everything we can to keep our planet safe and glowing.
It’s in our best interests to respect Earth — daily as well as for the long haul. We don’t know what the future brings, but science tells us all physical mass changes. Everything is cyclical. Things grow. Things die. As humans, we understand this logically, but we’re uncomfortable with our unavoidable mortality. But that’s a limited viewpoint…and we should widen our scope.
Those who’ve been fortunate enough (or unfortunate enough depending on your feelings about the nauseating effects of g-force and anti-gravity and all that) to have experienced space travel, have a perspective most of us will never acquire. We can look at photos and video footage until the comets come home, but it’s the rare human that gets to observe the majesty that is planet Earth. Looking from the outside in, must be a sight beyond description. Many an astronaut has simply stated, “it changes you.” I can only imagine.
Perspective is essential. Our regard for nature, and its ability to sustain us, is critical. Much like a child inside the womb, we are tethered to Mother Earth. We are fed and kept warm by our planet. We are enveloped by the life water around us. We are protected by our atmosphere, safely tucked below the clouds. We are infants in the care of our Earth elder.
We should return the favor. Sure, there are million global initiatives one could participate in. As well as local programs geared toward preservation. But it’s the individual daily reverence that will make a difference. We can remind ourselves each day to be awestruck by the sunrise and sunset. We can look down and up and take a deep breath and pause — as our planet rotates under our feet. We can practice gratitude, even from the teeny tiny place we hold in this world. But most of all, we can channel the knowing of the pioneers who have seen and felt the wonder of space and wholeheartedly agree — this place changes us.
