Above photo of Earth from outer space made by NASA on January 2, 2017.
We in the USA can begin by offering an apology.
We hear and use the phrase: LET’S MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Notice that phrase assumes that the word “America” refers to citizens of the USA.
We apologize to Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America for our arrogance and presumption. We ask for your forgiveness, and we ask for the Greater Powers to enable us to relinquish our hold on such a limited identity. Such arrogance flourishes in the USA but is a virus in most humans schooled in current global Civilization.
To make Earth great again we humans will need to do something that is a very difficult stretch. We need to humble ourselves as we look around the web of life. We need to open our eyes to the beauty and majesty of all creatures great and small.
Can we bring ourselves to acknowledge that we are simply a species among species? Can we apologize to the rivers for drilling under them and compromising our water supply? Can we apologize to the oceans for filling them with plastics? Can we apologize to the forests for our clear cuts? Can we apologize to our Sun for not using her power that she offers so freely?
We apologize to the indigenous people around the world and especially here in the Western Hemisphere.
In order to make Earth great again, we need to digest mounting scientific evidence that evolution is cyclical not linear. Such an embrace of new science means that there were likely advanced civilizations within Earth before the illegal immigration into this hemisphere. Sure. These ancient cultures had their limitations. But it now appears they in some instances knew how to live sustainably with rivers, seas, and forests. They likely even had technology that in some ways surpasses our own.
So to make Earth great again will likely mean we need to humble ourselves and know that we stand on the shoulders of those who went before us. We can learn from their advances and from their mistakes. We repeat: To our indigenous elders who still practice ancient ways, we offer a heart-felt apology.
Still, no matter how advanced were these ancient civilizations, their downfall seems to be massive changes in weather and climate. Can we learn this lesson before it is too late?
To begin in simple ways, everyone can collect solar power even on a small scale.
Everyone can collect rain water even if it is one bucket.
And as we collect we can give substance to our apology by pausing each day to say to our local environs, “We cherish you. You have rights. We will speak for you to our fellow humans whose values exclude you.”
Some of us say we love the Earth. If so, the least we can do is humbly to speak and act that truth.
I am pondering how I might make restitution concerning my judgements of our current administration as being Other than parts of me; parts that dominate, parts that agree to my right of privilege where others are denied or ignored. It’s easy for me to talk about and to imagine having humility about how blessed a life I have had but more difficult to feel the humility in my bones; to live in a state of gratitude and to stand up when faced with abuses of our relations; Plants, Animals, Minerals, Water, Earth, Air, Fire and The Many Colored Humans and their personal beliefs.
For me, to make an apology also involves restitution and re-commitment to communion with the other. Pondering ways I might do this in today’s modern, frenetic world is the challenge. I will be giving this concept much consideration with an intention toward committed action.