By Heather McCauley
The world just participated in Earth Hour on March 27th. Born in 2007 in Sydney, Australia as a statement against climate change, this year’s Earth Hour involved entire city skylines going dark for the event. A growing theme for the month of April involves Earth Day celebrations. Earth Day, soon to be 40 years old, will be celebrated on April 22nd this year. It seems that more individuals, small businesses, corporations and countries are making it a higher priority to consider the health of our planet in their activities and they are giving serious thought to possible long-term consequences. It makes sense to hold the health of our planet in high regard, as one of Earth’s most amazing qualities is her ability to renew and rejuvenate - that is, to offer us healing when we allow ourselves to connect with her.
Anyone who has ever witnessed a sunset, walked barefoot on a beach, stood next to a tree that is centuries old, sat in the grass and listened to birds sing, or simply watched fish swim in a tank - knows the peaceful and calming effects that nature can have on our psyche. In order to reap the benefits of this connection with nature, one doesn’t need to witness or experience anything profound. I would consider it a once-in-a-lifetime treat to cruise Alaska and see whales swimming - but I am just as easily moved by the sounds of thunder and a heavy rain that makes everything appear new and clean.
The key to reaping the benefits of nature’s everyday healing effects is to surrender yourself to the experience entirely. Be aware, be conscious, be in the moment. The most meaningful meditation I’ve ever experienced was while sitting on a beach, listening to the waves crash and watching the sun set. Until that point, I had merely thought of these things as recreation or background noise and scenery. When we allow ourselves to focus with intent, we see that being stewards of our environment is an honor and not a duty.
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