DEFINEarth: thoughtful thursday
Today is Earth Day. And, there are a lot of powerful images to express the harm we have caused the earth. But, I’m not one to focus on the negative, so instead, I would like to say this…take this day and make yourself slow down to “stop and smell the roses”. Even if you are driving, and notice a beautiful sunset or feel a refreshing breeze. Take a moment to enjoy!
I notice that many of us don’t take the time to stop and take care of ourselves. Something as simple as a 10 second break from reality, just a brief moment to take a deep breath. Whether we treat ourselves this way due to feeling overworked or just too many responsibilities, at one point in today, give yourself a moment to reenergize, rejuvenate, and restart. By doing so, you will not only start treating yourself with more compassion, you may even start treating others with more compassion.
When I taught in the South Bronx, NY, many of my students would throw coke bottles and chip bags and all sorts of trash on the floor and on the ground. Sure there is some laziness involved, but mostly, there was a lack of respect and compassion. Lack of compassion for the person who has to pick it up, and a lack of compassion for the beauty of a community. However, once my co-teacher and I were able to develop a sense of community in our classroom, there was an immediate shift in how the students respected our classroom.
So I propose this… Be a little selfish today! Is that counterintuitive to Earth Day? NO! Take a moment to enjoy something simple. Maybe this simple little act will let you see how valuable it is to slow down. Once you slow down, you might even build a sense of compassion. And with this new felt compassion, maybe you will even share that sense with others, the community, and possibly even beyond?
Enjoy this video and give yourself a moment to “stop and smell the roses.”
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