A Happy and Not Depressing Earth Day
Come Celebrate Earth Day With Me
It is 10:30 at night on Earth Day 2024. I just realized that didn’t do a single thing to recognize Earth Day. With as much concern that I have about the Earth, I don’t want Earth Day to go unrecognized.
It is difficult to think about Earth Day and not think of the things that threaten the Earth. And, from some light Wikipedia research, it seems like that was Earth Day’s original intent in 1970. They had good reason. It behooves every human to regularly consider the things that harm the planet.
Quite frankly, I don’t want to recognize Earth Day in this way. Anybody who gets any sort of climate anxiety might understand. I don’t need to consider these concerns any extra today. I’m tired.
Instead, I actually want to celebrate the Earth. This planet is more incredible than anything humans have ever built or done. There is so much to appreciate, and no reason not to. Since this year’s Earth Day is almost over, a planet Earth appreciation post will suffice. So here I go.
First and always, I appreciate the conditions of this planet that make our existence possible: the balanced makeup of the molecules in our atmosphere that we breathe, the fresh water that we drink, the sources of our food, photosynthesis, and how plants and animals exchange carbon and oxygen to help each other out.
I had to mention those things, but my appreciation of the Earth goes beyond human ability to survive here. I want to share some of the things I am especially appreciating these days about planet Earth. In honor of Avatar: The Last Airbender, I will go by element: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air.
Water
Water provides relief and comfort. Cold water on a hot day? Hot water on a cold day? Yes and yes. Water can absorb so much. It absorbs things like salt, but also, heat. It helps neutralize the climate. It flows underground, underneath landmasses. Underground rivers: I hardly ever think about them.
And then the cycle of water. It evaporates, it goes up, it comes back down, endlessly. What it would be like to track one water molecule for a year.
Earth
How are those redwood trees so tall? How deep do their roots go? Imagine if we could see all that happens below the surface of a forest? How do some plants and animals go dormant in a cold winter and “come back to life” in the spring? I barely sleep 8 hours.
When conditions are tough for a year, some trees leave more seeds behind. I believe that the scope of the wisdom of trees is mostly hidden from humans.
How impressive is it that the Earth can shake whole regions. Earthquakes are undesirable for humans, but you can’t deny their impressiveness and power. The same applies to volcano eruptions. I recently heard that areas around volcanoes tend to have the best soil. Maybe at least the volcanoes have good intentions for us mortals.
Fire
When I think of appreciating fire, I mostly think of the sun. So, until we get a Sun Day, I am going to cheat. Also, Earth as we know it exists because of the Sun. Without the Sun, most things that I appreciate about the Earth become null.
I am still thinking of the total solar eclipse that I just witnessed. Seeing the corona, as well as visible solar flares during totality really exposed what the sun is. A crazy and active huge ball of fire. With the sun obstructed and Venus visible, it also showcased Earth’s place in the solar system. The Sun provides us unshakable gravitational support.
Air
On and near the Earth’s surface, air leaves no space empty. It is always there, ready to vacate space. I often fail to notice it when it is relatively still. However, I regularly notice and appreciate the air when it moves.
Air has become central in helping me to be present, or to meditate. Much of meditation focuses on the breath. I also like to think about the air around me. Is it moving? Can I notice it? Do I feel it on the tip of my nose? My right ear? My fourth toe? Is it warming me? Cooling me? Does it have a scent? Is it dry?
If you have ever been in the car while I am driving, you probably already know this. I love having the windows cracked or fully open, even in cold or hot weather. If my hair is longer, I often bring a headband just for driving with the windows down. I regularly sleep with a fan on. I open the windows of my living space as many days out of the year as possible. I love feeling the air move.
Writing this, I notice that there are an infinite amount of things one could appreciate about the Earth. I am thankful that I can say this about the planet I live on. Thank you for celebrating with me, and Happy Earth Day 💚
Thank you for reading!
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Photos by Mattiac1337, WikiImages, and jplenio from Pixabay