Wake up to Gaia!
by Susan Meeker-Lowry
A couple of days ago the local radio station reported on
a recent study on the impacts of global warming in New England. It was so
disturbing I havenít been able to get it out of my mind. What stood out in
the very brief news report were three statements: A hundred years from now
Bostonís climate could be like Atlantaís is today. Snow could be a thing
of the past. The white pines and maples could die out.
I live in Fryeburg, a small town in Maine just over the
New Hampshire border in the White Mountains. White pines and maples are
everywhere, along with oak, birch, beech, and numerous species of fir. I
grew up not far from here, in North Conway, New Hampshire. I love these
mountains and the crystal clear streams and rivers that abound here. The
view from my back yard is drop-dead gorgeous: fields and a few stands of
young birch and white pine, then more fields and then, rising in the
distance to the west is Kearsarge Mountain, a rounded triangle topped with a
fire tower that is easily seen on clear days. If I wake up early enough, Iím
treated to what is called alpine glow - an otherworldly red/orange/pink
light that seems to emanate from the very heart of the mountains. I am
blessed to live here in what must be one of the most beautiful places on
Earth.
The thought that in a mere hundred years all this could
be so changed as to be unrecognizable except for the shape of the mountains,
that my great grandchildren may not have the opportunity to frolic in snow
or jump in piles of fallen red, orange, yellow, and burnt orange leaves
fills me with a sadness I canít shake. I ask myself how anyone could hear
that news report and then simply go back to whatever they were doing as if
it was just another piece of information that wonít impact them. In fact,
when the announcer read the report he paused for a moment afterwards and
then said, as though to make himself feel better, "Well, none of us
will be around then." I feel as though Iím in mourning and time, that
healer of wounds, can only make it worse.
Global warming isnít a new concept for me. Neither are
deforestation, pollution, biotechnology, genocide, corporate dominance, or
any of the other very real issues that face those of us living in these
times. Iíve been an activist for many years and have, at one time or
another tried to make a difference in each of those areas. Pointing out the
problems is important, and Iíve done that, but Iíve also focused on
alternatives to the status quo, specifically economic alternatives -
small-scale, ecological models for land ownership, business creation, money
and financing such as land trusts, co-ops, revolving loan funds, co-housing,
community currency, and community supported agriculture (CSA). What is
missing from most of these models, however, is a conscious awareness of our
relationship with Gaia: the Whole Earth Community - the land, trees,
mountains, rivers, all species who share the Earth us. Most of the projects
were created to correct social and economic injustices -lack of affordable
housing, banks that red-lined poor communities and neighborhoods where
people of color live, and lack of financing for small businesses. (The
exception is CSA which has an incredible potential to bring diverse people
together on the land: farmers, consumers, children, teachers, and artists
all working together to nourish themselves and the land and the cultural
dynamic of the local community through seasonal celebrations, fairs,
participation in farmersí markets, and so much more.)
The idea that human beings are impacting the Earth to
such a great extent that whole landscapes will be altered beyond recognition
is untenable to me. And while I know that any changes I make as an
individual will have little impact, I cannot accept that things are as
hopeless as they seem. Or rather, I cannot accept that thereís little I
can do about it so I might as well give up. Instead, I put my trust in Gaia.
Knowing that the life force that flows through trees, insects, fungi, birds,
and Kearsarge Mountain is the same life force that flows through me provides
comfort and hope. Thereís power in our connection with Gaia, with all of
life. Power that is stronger than the politicos in Washington, DC, stronger
even than that of the corporate Goliaths that seem to rule the world. I have
to believe this.
The fact is, all the well-meaning projects in the world
will have little long-term impact until and unless we change our
understanding of what it means to be human, alive in a living world of which
we are just one part, one tiny part in a vast, intricate web of life that
sings in beauty and vibrates with love if only we would open our hearts to
what is real. "We are one" may be a trite phrase and overused, but
itís true nonetheless. I believe that the most important act we can
undertake in these times is to open ourselves to the relationship we have
with the Earth, with Gaia. This will cause a shift in how we see the world
and influence our actions in ways we can only begin to imagine. We need to
do this as individuals, certainly, and we need to come together in groups to
join our energy, our thoughts, our prayers, and our work in the world in
conscious integration with Gaia. I trust that we will be given the strength
we need to change how we live and to reach out to others, like-minded or
not, with love and compassion for our strengths and as well as our
weaknesses (for we are not perfect). And I further trust that somehow our
conscious participation in the Gaian process of life will have a positive
impact on the ecology of the Earth. Remember: we are not alone doing this
work, we have the wisdom and power inherent in Gaia - not just on our side
but in our hearts and minds, in the very cells of our bodies. We have only
to wake up and listen - and act. Will we? I donít know. I just know it is
possible.
