An Intro To Modern Environmentalism

Modern environmentalism is the foundation of our work at Generation Environment. Stripped to down to its very essence, modern environmentalism is about love and respect for life on Earth, now. In practice, it is noticing, paying attention, using our higher intelligence, and feeling gratitude for the wonders of life on our planet, all while living our own lives in these modern times. This kind of awareness and connection is present in any meaningful relationship, and we mustn’t forget the importance of our relationship with Earth. Being a modern environmentalist is you being you with a deep, personal connection to nature. It’s that simple. And the best part is, it comes naturally, if we let it.

To appreciate the gifts of Earth, you don’t have to be in a forest or at the edge of the ocean. Nature is all around, everywhere, in every thing and every being. Being a modern environmentalist is living in awareness of our surroundings, no matter where you are. 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 and consideration of the impacts. It is slowing down to stop and smell the roses, and to consider that those roses, too, need air, water, and food to survive. When we embrace these simple ways of noticing in our lives, something shifts within us and a deeper sense of connection to everything around us awakens.

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. The songs of birds from above as you walk to the subway. Each observation 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 more clearly into view. One of those larger truths is in the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Life in any form does not exist independently. Life depends on other life for everything from survival to play. Clean air and clean water are included and if it’s not obvious, required. Yet in modern times, this fact is largely forgotten and dismissed. That must change. It is imperative that we remember and honor these truths of life daily.

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 among it. Every day we have the opportunity to express love and gratitude to our very special home planet. Why not do it?! 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 authentically yourself. And you are connected to the home that makes your life possible. How do we treat our homes? With love, protection, and respect. 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 made possible by the perfectly precise conditions here on Earth. It is wise to remember that these perfect conditions are not fixed, they are not a given. They are susceptible to human activity.

We have created endless ways to use and enjoy these Earth 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 planet continues to support life in the most ideal and plentiful way. Humans have proven that this is largely in our hands.

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 planetary balance that supports us all? This concept of a comfortable home that abundantly 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 our best lives that we get to create, and we respect what it takes to create it. We stay awake to the absolute gift of life on this one of a kind, remarkable planet. We prioritize the balance of elements and biodiversity, because we know that without them, 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 that we and future generations get to live here. This awareness is where everything begins. So, will you reclaim and embrace your true nature, and step into modern environmentalism? It’s right there waiting within you. Make it yours.