Written by Laurence Overmire

Ask yourself…

How many of your friends and neighbors are making conscious decisions to help heal the planet?

Have they changed their transportation habits, their eating habits? Are they recycling? Conserving water? Reducing their consumption of unnecessary or harmful products? Shopping at socially and environmentally responsible businesses? Are they engaging in the political process and supporting leaders who have positive, creative ideas for a better future?

Please listen to my conversation with Green Diva Meg in this GD Green Dude podcast episode… then read on for more.

Anyone who’s paying attention knows that our world is in big trouble.

But when I look around me, I don’t see people doing much of anything to change the situation. They’re still driving huge, gas guzzling vehicles and consuming products that are damaging to their own health and the health of the planet. They’re living in denial and going about their lives with little or no environmental awareness.

We’re in the midst of social, political, spiritual, economic and environmental upheaval. Scientists and other concerned citizens have been sounding the alarm for decades, but still our voices are not being heard enough to reverse the planetary devastation that is ongoing on all fronts.

The Sixth Great Extinction

Some are calling this The Sixth Great Extinction and indeed the path we are on right now is a suicidal path. Many species will not survive and humans could be among them. 

A lot of people who do understand what’s going on are really getting depressed about it, and understandably so. But instead of succumbing to our darkest fears, we need to rally around our fondest hopes. There is no greater personal mission in life right now than to commit ourselves to doing everything we can to avert planetary disaster.

There has never been a more important time to be alive. We are the last generation with a real opportunity to save the world. All those who have gone before—our parents and our grandparents from time immemorial—and all those who will come after—our children and our great great grandchildren—are cheering us on!

Everything is on the line. This is humanity’s last stand on planet Earth. Will we rise to the challenge or won’t we?

Earth consciousness

You hear people all the time saying, “But what can I do about it?” The question itself belies the complete lack of awareness most people have. There is plenty each of us can do about it, and it is urgent that we do as much as we can and be a significant part of the constructive change.

But remember, you are not alone. Every day, good people from all over the world, from all walks of life and from every belief system are joining the bucket brigade to help put out the fire. 

We are One. Everything is interconnected and interrelated. Every ecosystem is intricately balanced. And every positive action will have a positive ripple effect.

We must have respect and teach respect for Mother Earth and all living things. Each of us must become aware of how our personal and communal thoughts, actions and feelings affect the Earth itself and all life upon it.

This is what I call Earth Consciousness. It is the fundamental shift that must occur if we are going to be successful in achieving a sustainable future.

Once we recognize how we are contributing to the collective illness of the planet, then we must take steps to rectify, to heal and balance, our own relationship to this Universe of which are all a part.

Take a look at your own life

Are you educating yourself about green issues in all areas of your life? How do the things you say and do affect others? How do they affect the health of the planet? How can you make changes?

Transportation and diet are two areas where each of us can make a huge difference. Do you drive a fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicle? Can you walk or bicycle more frequently? Have you reduced your meat consumption? Perhaps even adopted a whole-food, plant-based diet?

Focus on the things you really care about. Find others who care about the same things and will support you. Work together. Cooperation is wonderful and joyous. Especially when you’re working together for all the right reasons.

As you make positive changes that are consistent with your values, you will find yourself becoming healthier emotionally and spiritually. You will become your best self. You will have achieved a level of personal integrity that will be an inspiration to others.

Remember, this is all about love. It is our love for one another, for Mother Earth, for our fellow creatures that compels us to act on their behalf. In doing so, you will make a huge difference in the lives of others and that, in itself, will not only help the planet, but will make your own life infinitely rewarding.

Bonus:

Listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show….

Listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show—and other green and healthy living podcasts—daily onGDGDRadio.com (or get the GDGD Radio app)! Green, free radio!

Asst. Ed. Green Diva Grace | Images Via Shutterstock

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Laurence Overmire is a poet, actor, genealogist, environmentalist and peace activist. His book, The One Idea That Saves The World: A Call to Conscience and A Call to Action, has been endorsed by Bill McKibben, Thom Hartmann, World Business Academy and many others. He is a signatory on the International Declaration on the Future of the Arctic and a contributor to Global Chorus: 365 Voices on the Future of the Planet.