CFN – Do you see your surroundings as your community? Do you feel connected to that spider who has taken up residence on your front porch or the tree in your backyard?
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” – Aldo Leopold
This quote really caught my attention this past week. We as people just don’t seem to show much respect and caring to our home…earth. We travel forward in a direction we call progress, ripping down forests, polluting waters, mummifying our living earth in concrete and pavement, silencing orchestras of life forms for what we affectionately term “economic development”. The place in which we rest our weary selves each evening is in reality an extension of our own bodies. Our homes shelter us from the elements, are our sanctuary. Our environment, our earth is a greater extension of our immediate homes which shelter our bodies and souls. Whether we can clearly see it or not we continue to cut off our own circulation for the sake of money or in the name of evolution.
Our own earthly bodies depend on healthy habitats and resources which feed and nourish us and the life forms that feed us.
I have lately found myself wanting to scream at the top of my lungs…what in heavens name are we doing? We seem to be blindly marching forward without love and respect for each other or for the habitats and life forms around us. In response to this I give the word co-flourish. Co-flourish you say…yes co-flourish. I implore you to ask questions. Is this material earth friendly? Can I get more life out of this appliance? Look for new ways of transacting, traveling and communicating with each other, ways that embrace co-flourishing. Embrace living that embodies win-win, mutual respect and love for each other and all life that surrounds us.
I passed two dead snakes on the road today. Not on the same stretch of road, on two different roads. They had obviously been run over by cars. I deduce that it is the time of the year when they are searching for places to over winter and in their travels found themselves directly in front of a traveling vehicle. Sad to see another life wasted at the hand of man. Further to Mr. Leopold’s quote above I would suggest that each and every living thing is part of our community. Furthermore, our continued health and welfare is dependent on a vibrant, respected and loving community.
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Keeping this in mind, I have a huge spider, about the size of the top digit of my thumb who has taken up residence at my main entrance. Now I don’t mind spiders however I will hazard a guess that he/she will definitely intimidate a few who decide to visit. I will not harm her, however in an effort to meet both of our needs, in the interest of co-flourishing; she will be moved to a nearby cedar hedge. Hope you understand Charlotte.
Your commentary is most appreciated and always welcome below or to earthmatters@jmilner.com
I stand with you Jacqueline in the quest to co-flourish with all of life on Earth. It’s really only as people realize that it is our responsibility to care for these innocent creatures that we can make a difference. There are now places in various parts of the world where roads are closed off when animals migrate. That may be what is needed here but it won’t happen unless and until citizens take a stand on the issue. Thank you for caring.
Thank YOU for caring Shirley. Your caring and
example has tremendous potential for positive change.
When did we forget that humans, animals and all sentient beings are as one. Thank you for your post!