Photo credit:
jude, flickr
When it comes to the environment, despair and discouragement are luxuries we can no longer afford. Let those who want and need change take a breath and calmly recharge with more wonder and less worry today.
To insure that you don't drown in discouragement, here are 5 quick antidotes to the bad news everywhere:
1. Micro-wonder
The smallest views are often the most luscious. Take your keenest eye to the ground to watch for ladybugs, butterflies, seedlings, grasses and the like. Simply copy the crouch and explore method used by most children and doggies.
2. News fast
Andrew Weil suggests including a news fast as part of good mental health practices. The idea that simply turning off and tuning out the news for awhile could make a difference in one's peace of mind might seem far-fetched. But give it a try; and witness the full-scale lowering of your blood pressure. Not to worry, there'll always be more bad news waiting for you whenever you're ready to return.
3. Artful nature
Whether Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, or the Super Eco's flickr group, our loveliest encounters with nature can often begin on page or screen. In art, these delights can be seen again and again; a split second frozen for our enjoyment.
4. Delight over dominion
We come by our utilitarian view of nature honestly. Most industrialization occurs at high cost to forests, waters, and wildlife, yet many of us believe we cannot live without our cars, electricity, or other modern conveniences. But fast hasn't resulted in happy after all. Not sure about that? Check out the joyous efforts of those endeavoring to live and thrive off the grid.
5. Act out
Participate in something straightforward like Earth Hour 2009, the worldwide lights-out effort begun just 2 years ago that has taken off. Better yet, get your kids excited about having your own family pioneer day and live without electricity for 24 hours.
How do you keep yourself from environmental despair?
How we can green our Summer
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I have long believed that each one of us can make a difference. We may not be able to solve a problem, but we definitely can do our part. I have been a recycler for years. And I am working harder on being a reducer and reuser. I think reducing what we use is the most important activity.
I will be taking part in Earth Hour. Our household will turn off all lights and appliances for sure. And we live near a park that has a great view of the city. I hope to take along my camera and tripod to see what difference there is this year. I think Earth Hour is the perfect event for overcoming despair. It shows that if we change our habits even for just an hour, we can make a difference. And yes, one hour should lead to many more.
Hope is required, I believe, to live a healthy life. One of Joni Mitchell's songs proclaims "Happiness is the best face lift." I'm a believer!