Modern Environmentalism, An Intro

What is “modern environmentalism”? At its core, it is living a full, authentic life grounded in love. In practice, it is noticing, paying attention, and feeling gratitude. All very accessible and natural behaviors that all of us possess. Being a modern environmentalist is that simple. These small acts of awareness are the subtle beginnings of every meaningful relationship, including our relationship with Earth.

But where is the environmental part, you might ask? It is all around, everywhere, in every thing and every being. Being a modern environmentalist is living in awareness of our surroundings. It is appreciating the interconnectedness of life all around us, in any moment and, aspirationally, in every moment. It is noticing the details and making decisions with intention as much as we can. It is slowing down to stop and smell the roses, so to speak and literally. When we embrace these simple ways of noticing our lives, something shifts within us and begins to awaken a deeper sense of connection to everything around us.

You notice the vibrant fall leaves. The grocery store clerk who is always smiling and warm. The brilliant blue sky on a clear day. How nice it feels to exchange smiles with a stranger. Each becomes its own tiny miracle, always there and waiting to be seen. These often overlooked realities surround us every moment. What a gift to ourselves to notice them! We can feel the highest energy of love simply by paying attention to what is right in front of us. Every day becomes an invitation to recognize the small miracles that linger within view. When we move through life with this perspective, we cannot help but feel connected to the natural world we are part of because we finally see it. And this shift in awareness, multiplied across millions of people, is what can change a culture.

Once we begin appreciating the small things, the larger truth of our existence comes into clearer view. One of those larger truths is life on Earth. Every day on Earth is a chance to thank her for her mere existence, which in turn makes possible our own mere existence. We can regularly appreciate just how extraordinary it is to be alive on the one planet that we know to harbor life, and not just human life, but an endless bounty of biodiversity and beauty that is more spectacular than any of us could ever imagine had we not been so lucky to be living in it. Every day we have the opportunity to express love and gratitude to our very special home planet. It can be as simple as saying “good morning and thank you Earth!” to start the day. (I know, because I do this when I look out the window each morning.)

Being aware of how special our planet is is a “yes and” way of life. Yes, you are fully yourself. And you are connected to the home that makes your life possible. Your life and all that exists in it, including your family, your friends, your favorite foods, your favorite activities, your work, all of it is only made possible by the perfectly precise conditions here on Earth.

We have created endless ways to use and enjoy these conditions, which is part of the wonder of being human. Yet it is also our responsibility as intelligent beings who share this space vessel with all other living beings to ensure that our home continues to support life in the most ideal and plentiful way.

Does that not make common sense? Without a healthy balance of interconnected support, the very things we love about life are jeopardized. So if we can help maintain that balance and influence it to any degree (and we can), then why would we not? Why on Earth would we choose anything other than an ideal planet that supports us all? This concept of an abundant home that comfortably supports life is a universal pursuit we all share as a human race. It can and should be the foundation upon which we go live our own unique lives.

That is what being a modern environmentalist is. We are ourselves. We live the best lives we get to create. And we stay awake to the gift of living on this one of a kind and remarkable planet. We prioritize this gift, because we know that without it, an ideal life cannot exist.

This enlightenment does not mean our lives need to be lesser versions of what they are now. To the contrary, the modern environmentalist’s life is enriched by the awareness of all the beauty and rarity that each moment provides. We share this home with abundant other life forms, and our decisions and choices impact that life, including our own ability to thrive. So we respect the delicate balance that supports us all, for the good of life today and life to come.

Being a modern environmentalist is the truth of our nature. You are a modern environmentalist simply because you are alive here now on planet Earth, and it is in your best interest to cultivate a healthy home environment. Right now, Earth needs our attention and care if only for the love of the lives we get to live here. This awareness is where everything begins. So, will you embrace your true nature and step into modern environmentalism? It’s right there waiting within you.