Celebrating Earth Day


"The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth"
-Chief Seattle



As I sit at my computer, stuck inside my apartment for what feels like forever when in all actuality it has only been a few weeks, I think about how only a month ago I was in New York City, venturing around Midtown, with its noise and flashy lights, its taxis and scaffolding. It was full of life, the city that never sleeps. Now if you were to look New York City is basically a ghost town, save for a few people brave enough to wander the streets. The noise has died down, the taxis are in the garage, and people are in their homes. Just the scaffolding remains. Police cars are lurking in the streets looking for rule breakers who have gone out against the Stay At Home order.

Our nation is under uncertain times, along with the entire world. We sit in our homes trying not to think about the future, when in reality that is all we ever did. Some people are working from home others have to tread these uncertain waters and head to work and many others were forced to leave their jobs and apply for unemployment. This is our reality now with tomorrow being as uncertain as today. To keep our sanity we think of ways to keep ourselves occupied. Some days I feel like I am wasting the day away by doing nothing other days I am packing my days full of activities; however that dreaded uncertain feeling still lurks in the back of my mind. If you are like me and are stuck at home focus on the positive. Focus on what you can do with your time and use it wisely. But do not feel guilty about spending your days on doing nothing productive. Life is about balance.  Enjoy the time we have now.

Cabin fever is a real thing, just ask Jack Torrence.

Venture outside; spring has not stopped just because it feels like the world has. The Earth is still growing and breathing, trees and bushes are still budding, and flowers are blooming. Everything is coming alive. Earth Day is next week, April 22nd why not take yourself outside, go for a walk, breathe in the fresh air, enjoy this time you have to notice the Earth. In the past it has been my tradition to get together with a group of my neighbors at a small park located in our neighborhood. A local yoga studio hosted an environmentally spiritual flow, where we showed the Earth our gratitude. Then we would spend the next hour in groups cleaning up trash from around our neighborhood. This had become my tradition. This year unfortunately we are not able to do that, so instead I put together a list of other activities that may be more appropriate in this time of social distancing.


Here are 10 things you can do next week to honor Earth Day

1. Make a nature craft... Here is a link to some fun 'At Home in Nature Activities' from my local metro parks. Or find a craft on Pinterest
2. Go for a hike (check your local parks webpage as there maybe some restrictions and be sure to maintain social distancing)
3. Give someone stuck at home a plant or plant one in their yard
4. Support an environmental organization you enjoy.. e.g. metro parks, local parks, national parks, recycling centers, the zoo
5. Recycle or reduce use of singe use plastics and paper products
6. Clean up an area in your neighborhood
7. Plant something
8. Show the Earth your gratitude by saying a prayer of thanks, drawing a picture or creating a painting to show thanks.
9. Support your local garden shop by buying a house plant or a plant for your yard (check for restrictions before going)
10. Enjoy time in nature, whatever it may be.


If you choose to go hiking explore the area around you, go off the beaten path, and identify some plants and flowers (a lot of these can be used for medicinal purposes). The PictureThis app allows you to snap a photo of a plant, flower, weed and more and it will identify the plant!

I still intend to practice yoga although it will be different this year. Yoga is my way of honoring the Earth, being grounded in oneness with the planet is very spiritual and I intend to keep that honor. If you are like me get one or two of your close friends together and head to a nearby park or even in your back yard, roll out your yoga mats and say thank you to the Earth. The Earth is a wonderful place full of life and little contributions to our overall well being. This Earth Day I hope you join with me in honoring this place we call home. Step away from your computer, go outside, stretch your arms and legs and breathe in. However you choose to celebrate Earth Day at least allow yourself time to enjoy the fresh air nature has to offer.


Namaste my friends.

Happy Earth Day!!


"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit"
-Emerson

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