Eco-Uplift Articles

 

Don't Try to Save the Earth...Uplift and Appreciate Instead!
By Amy Phillips-Gary

"Save the Earth"
"Protect Your Mother"
"Save the Earth, or Die!"
"Save the Trees"
"Save the Planet"


...And the list of environmental slogans goes on and on. Whether it's on a t-shirt, petition to Congress, poster, or coming from an activist's mouth, phrases such as these seem rampant these days.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Earth. I want to do everything in my power so that this precious and amazing planet that houses me and all of its inhabitants continues to thrive.

That's right, I said "continues to thrive."

I believe that if we want to do whatever we can to bolster the Earth-- and ourselves-- we need to make a radical change in how we're viewing this whole situation.

Instead of focusing so intently on what's going "wrong," the "imminent tragedies" ahead and trying to "save the Earth," we need to lift it, ourselves and others up and appreciate and celebrate everything that is actually going well.

Yes, of course, the world is not a perfect place.

There is smog in the city I live in some days that feels oppressive and makes breathing uncomfortable. But there are many many other days that feel better-- even crystal clear and easy-flowing breathing days.

It's all about what you decide to shine your light upon, how you shine that light and the impact that approach and decision has.

Here's an example...

Several years ago, some friends of mine and I organized a swap meet in our city.

We put up fliers, sent out press releases and spread the word among friends that they could come to a specific parking lot, bring their gently-used unwanted clothes, toys, etc. and then take other people's unwanted items home.

It was a free-for-all and much fun was had by all who participated.

A group of kids sold lemonade and cookies and we accepted donations that went to a local organization which creates community gardens. My family moved a lot of stuff we didn't want anymore out of our home and we came away with some new-to-us items we were happy to receive.

We billed this as an eco-friendly event and we even named it the "Save the Earth Swap."

Looking back on the swap meet, I most remember the feeling of community, the fun, my de-cluttered house, the excitement of my kids as they found "treasures" and the good feeling of making a financial contribution to the community gardens project.

There was nothing about the day that felt dire or in need of rescue to me. In fact, I don't think any of us were motivated by a fearful sense of having to save anything, anyone or our planet for that matter.

Emphasize that which uplifts.
If I were to organize a swap meet again, I would definitely name it something other than "Save the Earth Swap!" Today, with a different approach to life and the environment than I held those years ago, I heartily sign petitions and add my support to causes that are focused on uplifting and abundance.

I would love to see more organizations calling for volunteers to take action in positive and affirming ways. You can literally get the same work done!

"Plant Trees"
"Recycle Your Plastics"
"Bike to Work Week"
"Help Support an Organic Family Farmer"

Events and calls for action like this do happen-- but it seems to me that they are too frequently over-shadowed by "Save the Earth" fear and guilt-inducing pleas.

If you would like to enhance your environment, I suggest that you seek out people, groups and causes that emphasize that which uplifts.

When you speak out or take action, do so in ways that affirm what you want and not what you don't want.

Add to the Abundance and Expansion.
"This is all just semantics," you might be saying to yourself right now. I assert that the words we choose to label things, people and our planet with do matter very much.

Not only do the words we choose have deep meaning and affect our approach, they also help create a feeling and a reality.

As spiritual teacher Abraham points out, there are many realities out there-- you get to choose the one you want to focus on and continue to manifest.

There really are scientific studies predicting dire consequences for the future of our Earth. There really are people who have to wear masks when they go outdoors because of poor air quality. There really are people who cannot drink the water that is coming from the wells or taps available to them.

There are also many other possibilities and realities going on that demonstrate that this can be experienced as a thriving, beautiful, healthy and expansive Earth.

Of course, I want all people to have clean air and water and I believe we can all have that. We live on an abundant and adaptable planet. As we expand, grow and change, so too can our planet.

It is up to us to beneficially add to the renewing and sustaining that's already going on all over the place on this beautiful Earth.

It is up to us to keep renewing and sustaining ourselves so that we can energetically, physically, mentally and emotionally enrich our planet with our
thoughts, words and actions.
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Amy Phillips-Gary is a free-lance writer, homeschool mom and  personal growth adventurer.

 

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