“Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and celebrated in more than 193 countries each year.” -Wikipedia
In our journey in recovery, we will experience spiritual growth that will bring about a life of serenity, contentment and acceptance. As we move from separation toward a connectedness with our fellows and the world around us, life’s gifts become more apparent than ever realized. One of those gifts is the planet we live on. Her beauty and mysteries when looked upon with wonder and gratitude can and will bring constant contact with a power greater than ourselves and connect us to a source that brings peace.
In celebration of Earth Day, honour the Earth with the love and gratitude of committing to deepen our spiritual relationships with her and with these practices.
Shift Your Mindset
Nature is a part of you and you are a part of nature. Realize that you and nature are fundamentally connected and are one.
The water that makes up approximately 60% of your body is the same water that fills the Earth’s oceans and lakes, flows as rivers and streams and rains down to nourish the plants.
The carbon dioxide that you exhale feeds the trees and in turn you are provided the oxygen that you need to survive. Survival of both plant and animal is dependent on one another.
Practice meditation and spending time outdoors to express your gratitude in your connection with nature. Inhale slowly and deeply filling your body with the oxygen supplied by the Earth and giving back with each exhale.
Commit to Connect with Nature
Preparing yourself to listen and communicate with Nature is the first step to connecting with yourself. Our minds can be loud and busy which can take away from our ability to truly connect with nature. When you commit with an intention to connect, you allow for the power of the relationship to develop.
Spend Time Alone with Nature
Find a place where you can be alone with nature. It can be in a park, by a stream, on the beach or anywhere where you can find a place to sit for an hour. Here, you can spend your hour to relax and observe the beauty and power of what is around you and what you are a part of. Take this time to reflect inward, as well, and discover your inner nature of love and express it outward so that you can give back to Nature and those around you.
Give Back to Nature
Service and spirituality go hand-in-hand. The Earth has developed to support life. Giving back to Her can be as simple as taking the time to pick up any litter you see while walking down the street or while spending time in a park. It can be using less energy and turning off any unnecessary lights at home or at work. Taking extra time to walk or ride a bike rather than driving or taking transit can further preserve the air in service.
In recovery, we can deepen our spirituality by taking special days like Earth Day to unite with those around us and our beautiful planet. Everyday we must search and reach to connect. Everyday we must strive to grow in our spirituality. Use today as a stepping stone to an everyday of love, gratitude and connectedness.
Happy Earth Day!
How do you honour and give back to our planet on a regular basis?
