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.

Urgently & Consistently ECO-MAD

ECO-MAD is a mindset. One of being regularly present, aware and prepared. It's a state of mind which reminds us to be conscientious, not just of the interconnectedness of the world, but also the impacts of each of our interactions within it. This attitude is based on the idea that we can each feel more fulfilled and content making choices we know will have a positive impact environmentally, socially and on the overall wellbeing of life on Earth.

Key to achieving this intrinsic and beneficial state of mind is practice and consistency, such as many things in life. No one is an expert immediately. Continuing to Exert Conscientious Options that Make A Difference in every circumstance is one of the most important elements of this evolving movement. It's also imperative that we leave space for error without being hard on ourselves; no one is perfect, just as long as we are trying. We must keep our mind on the ultimate goal and praise ourselves for all the victories (big and small) along the journey. As an added bonus, when we are happily and healthily living an 'ECO-MAD' lifestyle, others are often intrigued and inspired to take part naturally, essentially sending out ripples (maybe even waves) of conscientious awareness.

Since the recent UN report on climate, titled "Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science - Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services" (wordy, but effective), there's more urgency than ever to move in the right direction. We're proving to be an aggressive species, with a massive and growing population and an insatiable appetite for finite natural resources. Not to mention, we're living in an unbelievably delicate balance of life on this fragile yet miraculous planet.

Although there's been a slow shift happening for decades, it needs a change of pace. This is urgent - we need to hurry. And since none of us can singularly change the ways of our leaders/ governments/ industries/ corporations, it's up to all of us to work together with a common goal in order to influence sustainable outcomes and demand certain results. By focussing on our billions of individual choices and actions (ie. where/how/on what we spend our money, who and what we vote for) we can and will make a necessary difference. What we each decide to do now will add up to represent us as a global society and ultimately affect all living things.

Focusing In (on the seas)

None of us need convincing that this beautiful, blue planet's majority surface element - which also happens to make up 65% of our bodies - is magic, right? We all know that water is key to life. We also know that, on the contrary, pollution in its many forms is a prevalent problem for humans and wildlife, devastating environments around the globe. So it seems like a no-brainer that the health of the world's waterways and seas are an urgent matter as they're essential to the health of all life on Earth. Unfortunately, we are collectively (from individuals to industries and everyone in the process) polluting our global waters to the extent that we're doing significant damage.

Effortlessly floating in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Gozo, Malta.

Luckily, there's plenty that all of us can do to immediately lessen our aqua impact and help combat current, water-related issues if we just take some time to focus in. Many of the choices we make on a daily basis, some obvious and some not, affect the H2O all around us. From the fertilizer we put on our garden, to our dinner decision, to the leaders we vote for - the actions we take matter, for better or worse.

One may think, "isn't there a governmental body or an organization that oversees the seas?'. The short answer is yes, but that means at least two things for all of us individuals. 1) We must get involved and vote in order to make a difference in how these bodies of power are run, whose running them, how transparent they are, and how well they're working to protect sea life and human's rights to access clean water. 2) There's always more to be done. On a personal level, many of us are provided the privilege of knowledge and choice, which is powerful and can be extremely useful. We can take action ourselves and we can educate others; leading by example to help spread an ECO-MAD movement of ocean-friendly, sustainable, considerate, conscious decision-making.

**Put It Into Practice**

Things we can (and should) all do to help preserve waterways and seas:

• Conserve water - conserve, conserve, conserve!
• Reduce your waste - stop trash at the source, consume less, be mindful of what you purchase and how it's packaged. Here's some food for thought on overconsumption.
• Don't purchase anything that directly imposes upon marine wildlife.
• Stop sucking - refuse plastic straws, use paper if needed, and/or get a reusable one! 
• Ditch other single-use plastics - replace with reusable options.
• Beach cleanups- collect trash before it gets to the water, or while in the water if need be.
• Be aware of chemicals - use as little as possible (fertilizers, detergents, cleaners, etc.).
• Use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Know about the seafood you eat - some can be better for the environment than others and limiting your intake may even be better for you! 
• Be extra conscientious when on a boat - of wild animals, littering, cleaning products, maintenance, etc.
• Don't go on cruises. Period.
• Research which corporations/companies are the worst water polluters and avoid them and/or write to them about your concerns.
• Vote - use this political tool to ensure those in power are aligned with your environmental beliefs, or run for office yourself! 
• Educate - Always take time to do your own research and then lead by example and share knowledge with others. Maybe even consider hosting/organizing a workshop in your community or a documentary screening.

Globally Interrelated

We are all connected to each other, simply through the nature of life. Each and every one of us needs the same basic elements to survive, and we all depend on our environment - planet earth - to provide us these necessities.

The Dalai Lama explains that "interdependence is a fundamental law of nature", in his book, My Spiritual Journey. "It concerns more than just the more evolved forms of life, for even the smallest insects are social beings who, without the slightest religion, law, or education, survive thanks to mutual cooperation, based on an innate recognition of their interrelatedness."

If we truly hope to move our current civilization forward in a positive way, capable of overcoming the serious threats of our time, we must recognize our potential as individuals within a collective global society that is interrelated. We all need to cultivate an awareness of how our individual impacts ripple through the connectedness of humanity as a whole, creating our current and future reality.

Author John Perkins, in his book The Secret History of the American Empire, emphasizes how individuals can make a big impact and crucial difference within this realm of interdependence. He says "it is imperative that we develop an awareness that every action we take and every product we buy impacts other people and the places where they live; collectively, our lifestyles today determine the future our children and grandchildren will inherit."

Our inspiration for finding this awareness in ourselves and nurturing it, should be an intrinsically fulfilling, altruistic motivation to do what is fair and right for humanity and for all life forms with which we cohabitate on Earth. It may be difficult to tap into this concept at first for many reasons, including the fact that we're all experiencing life differently, along with all the distractions that accompany our personal, day to day lives. Once we acknowledge and accept our interrelatedness, our responsibilities as citizens of a united and connected world become clearer, making it easier and more effortless to choose and act in accordance with what benefits the global community and the future - not solely the individual and the now.

As the Dalai Lama states in his book, "universal responsibility is the best possible basis to ensure our personal happiness and world peace. It implies that everyone be given equal access to natural resources, by protecting the environment for future generations." He explains that "the human community has reached a critical point in its history. The world today forces us to accept that humanity is one. In the past, the various communities could allow themselves to think that they were separate. But today...what happens in one country affects many other countries. The world is becoming more and more interdependent." Closing the point he says, "without understanding and promoting the sense of our universal responsibility, our future itself is threatened." Explaining further that "many problems in the world arise because we have lost sight of the basic humanity that unites all members of the human family. We tend to forget that despite the diversity of race, religion, culture, language, and ideology, we all have an equal and fundamental right to peace and happiness."

Together we can do this. We can take individual strides to create a better future for everyone. And in doing so, we can shift the status quo, we can cause a mindset change toward simple, sustainable and satisfying lifestyles. Remember, ECO-MAD: Exert Conscientious Options - Make A Difference!

**Put It Into Practice**

There are nearly 7.5 billion of us on this planet. Think about that power in numbers. All it takes is cooperation. Even baby steps help if they're in the right direction. If we all use a single-use plastic cup, straw or bag even once in our life then that's 7.5 billion pieces of waste across the globe breaking down over thousands of years and causing environmental plight as it does so. But, if all 7.5 billion of us said no to the single-use option even just once, there would be 7.5 billion less pieces of trash existing across the globe! Imagine how much waste could be reduced from the consumption cycle and removed from our environment if even half the population of the world took steps to switch to a more sustainable lifestyle. Billions and billions of pieces of unnecessary waste not being created, not polluting the planet, not endangering our future - that's a win for all of humanity.

Inspirational Insight

What do we teach our kids, and any child in our life? That they can be whatever they want when they grow up, and that the possibilities are endless. But what if the choices we're all making right now are ultimately hindering their abilities to flourish in the future? Considering the reality of human-induced climate change and tragedies like the major plastic pollution problem, ocean pollution/acidification or mass-extinctions, we can't deny that our collective actions are not helping to provide a very opportunistic lifetime for kids today. Unless, of course, we all do our part to promote more sustainable ways of living ASAP. We still have a small window of time, to come together and use our innovative minds in order to change our collectively destructive ways and clean up the messes we've made. Remember, "we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

There's nothing wrong with thinking big, or having grand goals and dynamic dreams beyond what we think may be possible. In fact, our world needs more aspiration from everyone right now. Especially and specifically moving towards a more sustainable future. We need more people to believe in themselves and to push for positive global change on any and every level. The scales need to be tipped away from things like consumerism, greed, hate, divisiveness, and ignorance, and tipped towards ideals of conscientiousness, sustainability, inclusiveness, unity, love, and understanding. Working individually and together, it is possible to create a future where everyone's rights, no matter how simple or profound, coincide with the betterment of the entire global community and the preservation of the natural world for generations to come. Historically, groups of people working together have been one of the main and only catalysts for real, necessary change.

We must keep in mind there is strength in numbers. As much as our individual choices and actions matter, listening to and working with others is just as important. Opening our minds and our hearts, realizing we may have privilege, or we may be unfairly treated, or unfortunately judged based on something which we have no control - accepting our position and using it to an advantage is the best thing we can do. For me personally, it's privilege. I know and understand that my position as a white, middle-class, college-educated female living in a country with many freedoms gives me an advantage. So does the fact that my parents bought or inherited property and in turn so did I. The main privilege in my life, however, is that I was raised to be conscientious and aware of, not only my position of advantage in the world, but the state of the rest of the world. Sometimes it can feel like a curse, right? To be hyperaware of the conditions of people, animals and environments suffering across the globe - and feeling like I can't do enough to help - is agonizing. Understanding that as I sit here and write these words, trying to make a difference, people, animals, and the environment are oppressed, overworked and overburdened just so people like you and me can have commodities like the devises we're using now.

So what can we do? We can talk about it. Educate others (even if it makes them feel uncomfortable or get defensive), listen to others (really listen, try to understand another perspective and empathize without judgement in order to cultivate understanding and connection), and use these tools of communication and intelligence to spark action. Make the time to put in the extra effort to use the reusables, to grow our own food, to pick up trash, to find alternatives to over-processed, over-packaged convenience items, to write to companies and governmental bodies about using renewable instead of destructive, finite resources. Want less stuff. Need less stuff. Take care of stuff so it lasts longer. Make informed, conscientious decisions about the stuff we do consume. Stop using single-use plastic. Stop sucking (straws). Don't buy into society's trap of hierarchy by overconsumption and lack of consideration for life as a whole. Create relationships based on what people are like or how they treat others instead of what type of car they drive or whether or not they own a boat or the newest smartphone. Focus on how every little thought, decision and action each one of us takes individually, helps or hurts us all in the long run. Figure out what drives you and get inspired by it to make positive changes to yourself that will flow outward to others and the world.

What does a better tomorrow look like to you? And how can you begin to accomplish it? There's a role for every single person - even the naysayers and the ones with their head in the sand, forcing the rest of us to strive harder to change the current realities we know to be true. How will you make a difference? How will you be an example of positive change for future generations?

Money and Power VS. The People

Money should never be more important than any life. Unfortunately, in our current global social-economic situation, it has become just that. Right now, billions across the globe live in poverty. Even millions of citizens in the United States struggle to live off low wages while paying rising bills for basic (often inadequate) services like electricity and water. The gap between the very rich and the very poor constantly grows while the majority of those with power to lessen the polarity of wealth inequality, historically and currently, tend to turn their heads for ease or allow policies which favor lining their own pockets. It doesn't take much to realize that certain companies, corporations, their executives, and the politicians supporting/being supported by them, are clearly profiting greedily at the expense of working, struggling humans in the U.S. and all over the world.

It's unfair that hard-working citizens take the blame upon themselves; believing they're just unlucky, couldn't catch a break, or didn't work hard enough. Because the truth is, it's not just them, it's a huge amount of people being taken advantage of so that a few people in charge can have more money and possessions than they'll ever really need. This current state in our world clearly demonstrates that the majority of those supposedly representing "we, the people" and protecting our most basic freedoms - like rights to clean air, water and soil for starters - are not working to serve us (their constituents) but instead to please their bosses and fuel their own self-serving interests. Politics are ruled by money and even politicians will admit that. Powerful people bend or make the rules in order to manipulate the systems in their favor, often because they're simply greedy. But this is not just about pointing fingers and placing blame, it's about a call to action for all citizens and the promotion of demanding things like transparency, accountability, education, sustainability and positive solutions.

**Put It Into Practice**

We must take responsibility for the health of our planet, each other, and all other life. It begins with accepting ourselves, others, the truth of what's going on, and our ability to do something about it. When we're not divided by our differences, we are united by our similarities. We're all simply human, all needing the same things to survive, and we will all someday die, leaving the state of the world to our children and grandchildren. In the grand scheme of things we are a tiny fraction of this existence, the smallest of contributions to an infinite work-in-progress, and as a whole, humans in this current era are doing much more harm than good.

Our species possesses consciousness but we seem to be lacking integrity. We have full knowledge of, and control over, our thoughts, choices, and actions; yet, we are allowing ourselves to be ruled by convenience and money while destroying our only planet in the process. This can't be what's meant for us, for our highly-evolved species. A majority of us fighting for survival and suffering while too many are complacent, very few of the privileged help, and the truly powerful seem to do nothing. How can this state of affairs be what anyone stands for? As one human to another, how can we be okay with what some of us are inflicting on others?

Shouldn't we be coming together to decide what's important for us as a group and what will benefit our species as a whole instead of reeling with divisive hate that only pushes us closer to our own demise? It's too easy to sit behind a screen with a keyboard telling everyone who will listen why we are right, but what does that actually accomplish? If we stopped arguing and could find common ground by brainstorming practical goals, imagine what we could accomplish. Unfortunately, it's difficult to work toward a global community when the priority has become money and it's each person for themselves. Unity is tough when we are so polarized, when many work hard and are struggling to make enough to survive while being taken advantage of by a few who just scam and scheme to get as much as they can.

In a way I get it, because I, too, obviously need money to survive. Even the articles and videos this blog links to will no doubt have advertising, trying to sell anything from window cleaner to shoes or more personalized items based on what websites we visit, like camo gear or new facial cream. It's understandable that companies need to try to sell their products so they, their stock holders, workers, etc. can all make the money they need to keep their world spinning. It makes sense because when money is what keeps us secure and comfortable, we do what we have to do to keep it coming.

However, is having what we want worth swaying our moral compass? Is it worth the value of human life? Should money be a motivating factor so great that it forces us to do what we know isn't right? Success shouldn't be measured by how much power one has, how much money one makes, or how much stuff one owns, but by how we feel intrinsically, what we do for those around us, and how we treat all others. We shouldn't need big houses nor fancy cars nor the newest brand toys and clothes to legitimize our status, but sadly we do, because we have been raised in a capitalistic society and we've been taught this is the way to prove ourselves as successful. Because of this mindset, it seems we would screw over another human just to make a quick buck. We must challenge this notion, all of us, because really, our individual successes should reflect our success as a species and should be based on progress and prosperity of the human race as a whole. In other words, life should always come before money. In terms of this key fact, our race is currently proving unsuccessful. Let's be the change!