Change; for Better, not Worse

We all know, even if the knowledge is buried deep within our subconscious, that change is inevitable. Life is impermanence. This fact can be overwhelming to sit with, but we should allow ourselves thoughts and feelings about change, impermanence, and our own personal evolution. Perhaps surrender to uncomfortable or fearful realms, or remembrance of how precious the present is in a state of gratitude and wonder. One of the most beautiful things about being human is our ability to accept truths and experience emotion based on our individual journey. 

Acknowledging change is a catalyst of adapting to it, and in doing so we get to expand our human experience. During cycles of growth we innately recognize, and embrace further, our nearly inexplicable adaptability. Although our capacity to become part of the change we initially fear or deny may often be a conundrum, this constant evolutionary process is a beautiful enigma of life to be embraced. The best part is quite possibly the fact that all of humanity shares this reality; impermanence ceases for no one. In that concept we can find comfort in the simple connection to each other and the entirety of the natural world.

The heart and soul of ECO-MAD is utilizing the incredible abilities inherent to humans, so that we can be conscious of our constant, personal evolution and how it relates to everything else. This awareness allows us to be in control of our own thoughts, feelings and actions, and of the effects they have on the world around us. If we scale out in perspective, the view may show us that we have no control over the natural process of change happening throughout the world. But if we zoom in, and look at ourselves introspectively, we see a completely different scene. When it comes to our individual minds and bodies, we have immense potential to govern how we react to, deal with, and move forward in the uncontrollable situations. As difficult as the choices may be sometimes, we do have choices. The more we practice recognizing these choices available to us, and the more aware of them we become, the more often we can utilize them advantageously. 

All this to say, basically, that we can't always control what life has in store for us but we can control our attitude towards it all. Over time, this mantra can help create a mindset of confidence and adaptability when unexpected change arises. Instead of potentially feeling upset, anxious, fearful or angry, we can be mindful, receptive, decisive and deliberate. 

**Put It Into Practice**

The mind is a truly powerful thing. We may not be able to materialize anything we want from the ether in a matter of moments with positive thinking, but with solely the influence of our own mind we can manifest happiness within ourselves. And if we focus on that internal joy, it can lead to an irreplaceable inner peace. That self-fulfillment is a great tool for coping with this ever-changing environment within which we all cohabitate. 

Concentrate on Compassion

An idea/ mantra/ meditation to consider during tumultuous times:

Compassion, openness, understanding, empathy, love, and respect aren't simply words or concepts to idealize - they are tools that we as humans are gifted with and should most definitely utilize. 

To be mindful of thinking outside of ourselves, considering others, caring about how we make each other feel and moving through our lives with kindness, that's how we emphasize the best aspects of our species. 

Human connection is vital to our survival and our happiness. If we are closed-off, distant, angry, mean, egotistic, disrespectful or violent then we are taking for granted the capability of our conscious minds and failing to achieve a part of life we all deserve. 

For each of us it begins within. We make the choice. 

To examine our own behavior, to confront our own biases, to envision ourselves in another's position, to see a situation from an alternate perspective, to accept our past and heal any emotional wounds - it is healthy and helpful to do this work.

It sounds cliche but the differences that separate us are insignificant when we focus on the bigger similarities that unite us.

We're humans. We all share this planet. Each of us have feelings and emotions. We want to thrive and we endure struggles. We strive to experience joy but go through times of inevitable sadness. We crave love, we try to avoid loneliness, and we each face the inevitable fact that life eventually comes to an end in a single, unknown moment. 

Thus, we share the knowledge that every up, every down, and everything in between is our own precious journey. The world is a classroom in which we can constantly learn lessons and move forward in a wiser way.

We want it to be as pleasurable of an experience as possible. We can only hope for good things to hit us the hardest and tough things to sting as little as possible because what's thrown at us is out of our control.

What we can control is a decision to focus our energy on cooperation and positivity without sacrificing any to divisive differences or other negative, less-coveted aspects of the human condition.

If we mistreat others or push our inner, unchecked strife onto them, we extract enjoyment from their reality and hinder our own progress.  

Our individual energy can and should go towards our own healing, our own contentment, and the creation of positive interactions with others that lead to human connection and life's beautiful relationships. 

This is what we are capable of and this is what we all deserve. 

It's futile to expect a Utopia of perfection, but as citizens of a global society facing unprecedented challenges, is it too much to ask that we try exude more good into this world than bad?

**Put It Into Practice**

Just try to remember we're here for a short amount of time; treat yourself, others and the planet kindly. Concentrate on compassion. 

Inspiration & Motivation, not Frustration

Well humans, here we are, 2021. Trying to live our lives amidst the many repercussions of climate change and other human-made, unjust destruction. Inundated with headlines to which we each react differently: "Mass Bleaching of Coral Reefs", "Mass Shooting in ________", "Floods Displace Thousands in ________", "Record-breaking Heat Waves", "Hurricanes Cause $___ of Damage", "Dead ________ Discovered with Stomach Full of Plastic", "Global Pandemic Death Toll Reaches 2.5 Million", "________ Killed by Cops in ________," "Major Biodiversity Loss In Midst of 6th Mass Extinction". 

What to do with all of this? Maybe we read part of an article or see a news story and take a moment to acknowledge it but feel discouraged or defeated so we continue our day with work, errands, chores, social interactions, parenting, and other musings of life which take priority over what we've learned. Perhaps a portion of us will be affected by the news in a way that inspires activism or changes to our daily routines in hopes of helping a particular issue. And some of us will be moved deeply by the constant reminders of the condition of our world; reading every article, piecing them together into a bigger picture of what homo sapiens are doing to each other and the planet. This hyperawareness might overwhelm us with feelings of anxiety, depression and helplessness, but it can also motivate us into action, tackling issues of the global crises we know humanity faces. 

Citizens at every point on the spectrum, billions of us, contribute to our current situation for better or worse. Many of us fluctuate, doing better some days and worse other days. In certain areas we could be doing really well and in others, not so much. It isn't always easy but we need only strive for improvement, not perfection. We are an intelligent species with the ability to learn, adjust, grow and change. Our habits and behaviors are not chiseled out of stone but even if they were, the right tools would allow us to carve new ones. One thing I urge humanity to do is emphasize the importance of focusing our energy on inspiration and motivation rather than feelings of frustration or apathy.

Informational resources are out there. The how-to's, the products, companies, initiatives, leaders, support, others who are trying - better options are becoming more plentiful and accessible as the urgency becomes more apparent. Steps toward sustainability on personal and mass scales are attainable for a lot of us, even if availability is often too limited to those with certain privileges. It may be impossible for some people wanting to help to find the means to do it, while at the same time there are people who do have the means and don't help. All I can say is, I hope that is changing. Our voices and our actions can spark that change. It's incredible how fast the status quo can transform when the masses demand it. With ingenuity and support, spectacular innovation is possible. I envision a future where sustainability is not only affordable but encouraged and rewarded in all facets of our lives. 

With that said, this post is not meant to discourage or point fingers but to motivate and inspire all of us, no matter where we are in our journey of awareness and action. Take the first step, or more small steps, or a giant leap toward making a positive impact on this universal home of ours. I began writing this blog because, well, I like to write and I'm passionate about the Earth and sustainability, but also to remind everyone who reads it that our individual actions matter. They matter because there are billions of us making many choices every day that add up throughout our lifetime, and because each action sends out ripple effects which affect and/or influence the life-choices of others, and so on. 

But most importantly, our thoughts, choices and actions matter because we make them consciously. We have control over what we think, say and do. We can't take that for granted. Our autonomy is powerful and we must never forget it. Especially when systems tend to restrict options more than create them for so many people in all sorts of situations, attempting to weaken our strength of unity and influence. We must keep up the good work and always remember ECO-MAD: Exert Conscientious Options - Make A Difference!!

It's past time time to exercise the power we have in order to shift our standards so the paradigm includes everyone, as well as considers the health of this planet we live on. Send out more than ripples if you can, create tidal waves that lift others up and carry them over the barriers holding them back. We can utilize our individual acts to push for the necessities of a thriving global society such as equity, justice, cooperation, innovation and sustainability. What we have to do is think outside of ourselves, conceptualize the bigger picture and include all other living things in our thoughts with compassion. We are part of this living universe, not separate from it. 

Conscience Over Convenience

During 2020 - amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a massive human rights movement, and natural disaster atrocities mostly attributed to climate change - it has become clear that many, if not most, of our systems are broken. The majority of the world's citizens are flagrantly oppressed, exploited, abused or overlooked when it comes to political, economic, social and environmental agendas. Not only are most of our supposed 'leaders' complacent, but they are actively deceptive in order to benefit off the suffering of the planet and all of its inhabitants; a complete lack of ethics, abuse of power, and sign of obvious corruption. 

Besides total upheaval, a revolution, and complete restructuring, what is there to do? 

Well, there are citizens who fall somewhere in the middle of the extremely polarized conditions (myself included). We may be overlooked and/or abused by the current systems but we still have many advantages and are not exploited nor oppressed. We are able to, and so we should, recognize and accept a responsibility to do our part to regularly make the conscientious choice over the convenient one. 

ECO-MAD. Exert Conscientious Options - Make A Difference. 

There's no reason not to make meaningful decisions and take purposeful actions. In fact, it can be beneficial on social, political, economic and moral levels, as well as for the environment and ourselves. Is there more that can and needs to be done? Absolutely. But until there's a true shift in systemic ideals, it's necessary to emphasize how much our individual choices really matter. 

I recently came across an article written a few years ago that makes many good points on the topic of 'doing more'. The author states:

 "I’m not saying that we should all give up, or that we should stop making the small positive decisions we make every day as responsible humans. And if you’re choosing the greener product for health reasons, by all means, do what feels right. But when it comes to combating climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, what we need to do is take the money, time, and effort we spend making these ultimately inconsequential choices and put it toward something that really matters. Beyond making big lifestyle decisions such as choosing to live in a dense urban area with public transportation, cutting red meat out of your diet, and having fewer children (or none at all), there are diminishing returns to the energy you put into avoiding plastic or making sure your old AAs end up in the appropriate receptacle. Globally, we’re projected to spend $9.32 billion in 2017 on green cleaning products. If we had directed even a third of that pot of money (the typical markup on green cleaning products) toward lobbying our governments to ban the toxic chemicals we’re so afraid of, we might have made a lot more progress by now."

It goes on to give practical alternatives that would be a more impactful use of our time, energy and money in terms of systemic change. 

First, I would argue that if enough people contributed to making these so-called "inconsequential choices" like avoiding plastic or reducing overall consumption, it would absolutely be significant and make a difference. Second, why shouldn't those of us who are privileged enough to do both, take on that challenge? It is possible for many of us to adapt the lifestyle changes and contribute to the creation of a system which is more fair and works better for everyone. 

We can pick up trash and petition for better enforcement of littering laws. We can buy the local, organic, more ethical option and put pressure on companies to do better. We can make our own products and vote for politicians who will push for higher standards. We can use reusables and volunteer for good causes. We can conserve resources and donate to important organizations. 

If we can, then we should. For ourselves, our global community, our planet, and for those who can't.

Often the better choice for the environment and society is also the healthier one for ourselves and this should be a world where everyone has access to those options. For those of us who are able, it might not be cheap or convenient but it's ethical and conscientious and if we're persistent it will make a real difference. 

Over the next 50 years it very well could be the difference between a livable, just world and a struggling species on a burnt-out Earth. 

**Put It Into Practice**

There are many posts on this blog offering practical changes we can adapt into our lives to be healthier, more aware and more sustainable. I encourage browsing but there are a couple in particular that have a lot of information and links:

1. See the Big Picture; It's the Little Things
2. Focusing In (on plastic)
3. ECO-MAD Traveling
4. Focusing In (on the seas)

On the systemic side of things, we can:

• Contact our representatives
• Stay informed on legislature
• Write to companies/corporations with our comments/concerns
• Do our research and VOTE 
• Run for office
• Volunteer and donate to non-profits/NGO's/other good causes we believe in
• Get friends and family involved
• Hold each other accountable and support each other in pushing for positive change

The Youth and Their Future

Since online learning from home has become the 'new normal', and the spread of misinformation in society seems to be at an all-time high, a spotlight has illuminated the complexity and urgency of education. The idea of passing along knowledge and wisdom in order to prepare youth for the important role of becoming engaged, thoughtful citizens of a global society is essential to the future of humanity. This is one main reason why the teaching profession deserves much reverence and credit (way more than it gets). This scenario should also remind us that every experience a child has is an opportunity for them to learn. As parents, grandparents, aunties/ uncles, godparents, or role models, we have many opportunities to be teachers, mentors, and inspirational leaders for the next generation.

A shift is happening. People across the globe are becoming more conscientious and making changes in their lifestyles which contribute positively to the overall health of the planet and all life on it. They are (especially the younger generations) taking part in this movement because they understand what's at stake - their or their children's/grandchildren's/great-grandchildren's future. Doing what we can individually is a fantastic first step in the right direction. But when children and teenagers worldwide are striking for the climate and demanding more from adults and leaders, it's time we all rise up and charge ahead to meet the challenge.

Now, more than ever, young people need to be prepared for an uncertain future. Anyone paying attention to the current environmental, economic, political and all around social climate should clearly understand we are on the brink of uncertainty. One way to combat the unpredictability of what's to come is to encourage acknowledgement of the past, involvement in current affairs, awareness of the possibilities of the future, and willingness to work together cooperatively. It's essential that the generations inheriting this planet are able to participate in the creation of their future circumstances.

So what can we (older generations) do to help?  We can begin by not underestimating the youth's intellect, their judgement, their understanding, their aptitude, their capacity for comprehension or their ability to perceive. In many ways, young people most likely discern the consequence of our current reality much differently than their elders, which is something we must not only take into account, but emphasize. Their reality in 10 to 50 years will be much different from ours today, and this is why it's significant to listen, learn, share our expertise and cooperate.

We need to address the concerns, ideas, and feelings of today's youth, and respond in a way that allows them to be heard, entices them to be open with their emotions, and inspires them to believe in their intentions. From young children to young adults, we must assist the younger generations in developing tools for diplomatic communication, navigation and assessment of information, cooperation, strategizing, unifying, adapting, taking action, and anything else that can improve their quality of life as a global society. We all have that responsibility and we can all make a difference.

**Put It Into Practice**

There are many resources to help get young minds of any learning level interested in and educated on environmental issues. These are just a few places to begin, as naturally the issues branch out, leading to many other consequential situations that affect all aspects of life as we know it (cultural, social, economic, etc.). They can also be fun summertime activities.

Oxfam education is a website that offers resources for younger ages, like a short climate quiz and many others.

The Environmental Protection Agency's website has a 'Planet Protectors Club' with information and fun activities to help children learn all about environmental issues.

The NOAA website offers a printable activity book as an "introduction to the essential principles of climate science".

NASA's Climate Kids website is a fun and interactive choice for young learners.

Educational charity The Eden Project has a fun website to explore, with a section of interesting science/climate resources for everyone and anyone, and a section with tips/ ways to help fight climate change and biodiversity loss.

WWF has an interactive website section about climate change and one on deforestation. It also provides a carbon footprint calculator questionnaire.

The Alliance for Climate Education website is empowering for older children and teens, with videos and a link to an award-winning video experience called Our Climate, Our Future (you have to sign up for it but an account is probably worth having for other resources).

The Campaign Against Climate Change website has a plethora of information and resources for schools that can really be utilized by anyone. They mention most, if not all, of the resources previously listed here. Taking time to browse this site is highly suggested for all people of all ages!

Here are some ideas on how to involve young people in community organizations.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development offers a lot of research and information regarding current issues and wellbeing of young people across the globe with their Youth Inclusion Project.

Stanford Social Innovation Review did a great series of articles a few years back on "Preparing Today's Youth for Tomorrow's World", there is a lot of great insight from all over the world.

Finally, UNICEF's Voices of Youth website is just one more of a plethora you can find with a simple google search or two (search something like "youth involvement in environmental/social issues"). It's informative, inspirational and encourages action from young people. You can browse articles, poems, artwork, and even submit your own. 

2020 Thoughts

Maybe, just maybe, this tragic pandemic plaguing the globe will initiate a metamorphosis that could serve as the transformation humans need in order to live more harmoniously with Earth. As we face impactful realizations of what's truly important and how precious those things are, hopefully we can cultivate deeper forms of vital qualities within ourselves like compassion, humility, gratitude, generosity, forgiveness and understanding. Perhaps, as a society, we can begin to emphasize concepts of simplicity, minimalism, sustainability, inclusiveness, acceptance, cooperation, and unity. The truth is, it doesn't have to be a 'maybe'. As a civilization we can make the conscious choice to evolve into a better version of humanity. We have an opportunity to positively progress out of a seemingly terrible situation.

During this unique time of life-altering change occurring around the world, unease is ubiquitous. Emotions and feelings of confusion, uncertainty, fear, sadness, anger, helplessness, loneliness, disappointment, anxiety, exhaustion, worry, stress, and frustration permeate the energy of the universe in a very palpable way. The global, human population is being affected and the future is dubious. But when we take a moment to reflect, we can remind ourselves that the reality of life on this planet has always been preciously uncertain and ever-changing. Usually, the act of living our lives provides fantastic distraction from those facts. Now, however, the threat of our fragility is literally infectious and spreading right before our eyes. Suddenly, we're forced to cope with this unfamiliar, distressing situation over which we have very little control. How do we begin to navigate this new, chaotic realm of existence?

A practical and poignant place to begin is with awareness, acceptance, mindfulness (being present), gratitude and reframing. As many wise people have said, "we cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to it."

Awareness of the present catalyzes acceptance of our true reality. To be mindful of the present moment is a lifelong practice; an intentional focus that we must remember and choose to return to. Concentration on the in and out of our breath, the sensations within our bodies and of our surroundings - these are the things we can hold on to as we aspire to let the rest go. Worries. Anxieties. Incessant thoughts. We can allow the present to be what it is while releasing concerns of the past and future. As we affirm our current reality, we can create a safe space where we give ourselves permission to experience the catharsis of purging whatever thoughts, feelings and emotions we need to. Always coming back to the breath, our rhythm of life.

Realization of what doesn't serve us, along with the cultivation of what does, lies in mindfulness and gratitude. As human beings possessing consciousness, we're gifted with the ability to be grateful. Being cognizant of what makes us happy or brings us joy, and acknowledging it, is a powerful thing that can lead to so much goodness. Even when we're aware and accepting of a harsh reality we're currently facing, we can choose to focus on gratitude and positivity in order to shift our mindset. We may cry hard, scream loudly, contemplate silently, laugh uncontrollably or react however we need to, but when we're done and we return to our breath, we can reframe our perspective in order to regain motivation during a trying time.

To focus on the good things we have or have to gain, instead of the bad, is again, a powerful choice we can make. If we're scared a family member might get sick or maybe we're worrying about our income, or the safety of healthcare workers, the homeless, and the elderly - we can hold all of that in a positive space in our thoughts, react in our own safe space, remember our breath, and then consciously shift focus to gratitude of our loved ones, modern medicine, selflessness of others, and the securities we do have. If there's more we can do to ease our worries or appease our fears, then we should do them if we believe it will make a true difference. But being present, being aware and accepting of reality, as well as reframing negatives into positivity and gratitude, are some great tools to use to stay healthy and maintain balance mentally during these unprecedented circumstances.

We are a resilient and intelligent species. Not only can we survive this pandemic and whatever the future has in store, but we can utilize all that we have and are in order to redefine what it means to thrive.

Ripple Effects Require Energy

Ripples are waves of energy, essentially. So what type of ripples are you sending out?
Think for a minute about how the ripples you create are affecting and multiplying by the billions of other people all across this one, precious Earth...

Kenai sending out ripples in the Eel River.

The intention and purpose of the ECO-MAD movement is to connect with ourselves on a deep level, hopefully allowing us to discover and develop true contentment through selflessness and then setting examples which cast that contagious conscientiousness into the world. Every single one of us has control over our own thoughts, choices and actions. Each individual has the power to manifest and exemplify positivity, kindness, compassion, love, personal growth and evolution, action and achievement, and amelioration of our lives and the state of all living things on this planet. Every passing day it becomes exceedingly vital that we focus more on what it is we are emanating from within ourselves to the rest of the world.

Initiating proliferation of these meaningful conceptions and intentions unfortunately requires more time, energy and thoughtfulness than most may be willing to give or more than we believe ourselves capable of giving. But as of today, let us make no excuse nor justification for denying this planet, the future generations of our species (our children!) and ourselves of what we know we need to do. Put as simply and generally as possible, we are capable of and imperatively need to Exert Conscientious Options regularly in order to Make A Difference which is urgent and crucial.

The way we should view this idea is that every step in the right direction helps. We may not get everywhere we're going in one quick sprint, but every time we put one foot in front of the other we are closer to our goal. And everyone goes somewhere at some point right? So there's no denying that we're technically all in this together, and there's no reason to walk in opposition because it only does more harm than good for everyone. In other words, no matter what someone believes about ideas of humanity, climate change, social justice, ethics, etc., there's absolutely no reason not to use our personal power as individuals (and our combined power as a species) to try to improve the systems that influence everything and everyone on this planet. A movement of collective action meant to have only positive effects!

**Put It Into Practice**

Yes, this does mean putting in the extra effort and energy to do things like choosing the less-convenient alternative; taking the time to research candidates and policies and then voting; researching before decision-making so we support people/ companies/ industries doing it right; investing extra money into something more ethical or sustainable; washing/ bringing our reusables instead of buying disposables; denying ourselves the coffee if we forget our reusable cup (or at least refusing the plastic lid and going 'topless'); remembering our own bags for produce and groceries so we don't have to use/ dispose of new ones every time (I personally make bags out of old t-shirts); shopping at bulk food stores whenever possible; seeking out whole foods to snack on instead of plastic-wrapped processed things; opting for second-hand clothing (and taking care of the clothes we own) before buying new; spot-washing garments instead of putting it all in the laundry, and keeping in mind that there is always an option which is better for us, others and the environment.

As the ripples undulate they begin with us and move outward, affecting our close family and friends, acquaintances, strangers, community, society, and the global populace. Try it! Make a few changes in your lifestyle and see how others notice, then realize how you feel knowing that you're making a positive difference in the world around you. Then make a few more changes. You don't have to promote it or preach it, simply do it. In my experience, setting an example always leads to other people being curious and initiation of a conversation. Plus, it feels great to be a trend-setter for normalizing things that should be routine already (sure, you may get some 'looks' or have to deal with some patronizing attitudes, but what does that matter when you know that what you're doing is helping?).

Making informed, ethical, sustainable decisions ripples beyond just those who immediately recognize it, as well. And it's no secret that money makes quite the splash - sending out some of the most gigantic, far-reaching waves. So for example, if we choose to buy something sourced, made and/or sold locally, we're most likely contributing to our community (money stays local, supporting local industries/ artists/ shop owners), society (helping strengthen society's sense of community with human interaction, less packaging so less waste) and the global populace (not supporting sweatshops or child labor or other unethical practices on the other side of the world somewhere out of sight and mind). No matter what we decide to spend our money on or where we purchase from, it's significant to understand the power our consumerism has (vote with your dollars) and the importance of researching the different aspects of where/ what/ how/ by whom things are made. We must not take it for granted that many of us have access to this privileged resource called the internet, which if used right, can unveil immense amounts of credible, applicable information useful in our decision-making.