5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
When you think about what makes you feel loved, what comes to mind?
Being seen? Being cared for? Being trusted to hold someone during the hard times? Being told how loved you are?
Here are five ways my family and I like to show our love for Mother Earth.
Take a Wonder Walk. If you read the Sacred Nature Field Guide, you know how I feel about Wonder Walks.
Having a bad day? Take a Wonder Walk. Feeling stuck on a project? Take a Wonder Walk. Restless? You get the idea.
Wonder Walks can be as short as walking to the end of your driveway. The important thing is to bring a sense of (ahem) wonder and curiosity.
If you’ve ever taken a walk with a toddler, you know they marvel at every roly poly, weed growing in the sidewalk, or bird perched nearby.
Channel that.While you're on that walk, collect trash near your home. Kids love getting in on the action -- just wear gloves, slip an extra bag over your hand, and/or make sure to scrub up extra well when you get home.
Make an easy swap. A few years ago, we traded our paper towels for a basket full of rags on our kitchen counter, and you couldn't pay me to go back.
I got the basket off of my local Buy Nothing Group, painted it white with leftover paint, and cut up a stained crib sheet for rags. We tuck dirty ones in an old makeup bag, and toss them in the hamper at the end of the day. Not only has this saved us scores of paper towel rolls, they work so much better.
If you want to make your life easier and help the planet, this is an easy, money-saving way to start.
4. Lay on the earth, letting her hold you. Let any worries melt off of you and into the earth. Feel the solid ground beneath you, holding you with ease.
If it feels a little too strange to lie down in a public park or in sight of your neighbors, try standing barefoot instead.
(Though, I promise you – people really don’t care. And laying down, fully relaxing your body, can be incredibly healing.
5. Write (or speak) a love letter. My six-year-old and I did this this morning while waiting for her strep test results (positive!), and it helped shift both our moods.
Magnolia’s list included Mother Earth’s colors, gravity, and a human-friendly atmosphere. My short list started with piglets, lilacs, funny clouds, and healing herbs.
I’d love to hear what makes your list, and what other earth-friendly swaps have made your life better.
