Nature as Part of Our Kindness Journey

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth
find reserves of strength that will endure
as long as life lasts.
Rachel Carson

We have talked a lot about the importance of kindness in our daily lives and in the community. We have also talked about our vision for a kinder world, in which we live with love and kindness to one another.

We have not talked much about kindness to the world in which we live - the world that sustains us, even when we have not acknowledged the debt that we have to her.

Today, we are focusing on our gratitude and commitment to Mother Earth. We hope to raise awareness of our dependence on her and to inspire more appreciation for the gifts that she provides for us every day.

This week, in reading a blog post by Khanna Johnston of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), I was reminded of the important contribution that Rachel Carson made to our awareness that we must protect our environment from the poisons that threaten our very existence.

Rachel Carson was a marine biologist who, early in her career, focused on studying the ocean and its many inhabitants, then sharing her findings through a trilogy of books that became best sellers in the 1950s.

Her greatest contribution came later, through her concern about the threat to our environment caused by the increasing use of synthetic pesticides in the world. That led to her shifting the focus of her research to conservation.

Rachel’s book, “Silent Spring”, presented the results of her research and that of other scientists who were concerned about damage from the use of pesticides. She predicted that, unless we stopped the poisoning of our planet, we would face a world without birds that would, eventually, be unable to sustain life.

The book was a bestseller, and it was a major factor in a growing awareness of the importance of protecting our environment. That led to a ban on DDT and other pesticides and eventually led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Today, we are faced with an equally dangerous threat from Glyphosate and other chemicals used worldwide in agriculture. Many of our plant foods arrive full of chemicals that are toxic to our bodies. Equally important, the process of factory farming is depleting nutrients in the soil and poisoning the soil in which plants are grown.

So, what can we do?

First, in order to protect ourselves and our families, we can buy produce locally whenever possible. Depending on where you live, you can take advantage of Farmers’ Markets and/or a subscription plan with a local farm to receive a weekly supply of freshly harvested organic food.

Second, you can bring nature to you by growing some of your own food. A small plot in your yard or even a tiny garden on your balcony will supply more food than you think. The internet is full of ideas and instructions.

Another option is offered by the Tower Garden company. This aeroponic tower system can be used indoors or outdoors, and it produces nutrient rich food, using less water and less space than usual gardening methods.

Normally, I invite people to advocate for what they want. At this point, Monsanto and other big agriculture and chemical companies have bought law makers at all levels. I believe that our best way forward is to become less dependent on factory produced foods. I suggest that you take whatever action you can with #1 and #2.

Spend more time with Nature

Above all, we encourage you to develop your relationship with Nature. Add time in nature to your weekly schedule and give it a high priority. You will benefit physically, emotionally and spiritually.

The more time you spend experiencing your connection with Nature, the more you will increase relaxation and peace in your life. As you do, you will develop more gratitude for all that Nature provides for us and expand your understanding of our interconnection with her.

We are much more likely to protect what we love.

We wish you joy on your journey and peace in all that you do.

     Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

With appreciation for my sources:

Rachel Carson - “Silent Spring”
Tower Garden
Khanna Johnston
Wikipedia

What are your thoughts? Do these ideas speak to you? Please leave a comment below. Thank you.

Help us to spread messages of kindness. If you know others who might appreciate these ideas, please share below.

We’re grateful that you are on this journey with us.

With love from our hearts to yours,
Pat and Larry