Fierce love is one of the most powerful and generative forces in human history. Love that is willing to sacrifice and protect, that is poured out to sustain and care. This Earth Day we pause to connect with that which we love about Earth.
Most of us have read the frightening facts and stressful statistics about biodiversity loss and climate change. The latest synthesis report from the IPCC released in March again confirms that climate change is happening, it is caused by humans, and immediate and systemic action needs to be taken. Often we feel powerless waiting for governments or corporations to take action. Fear can awaken us to the threat but it can also paralyse us. It is LOVE that will energise and move us into good action– action to protect and care.
This Earth Day, we are inviting you to pause and reflect, think about what part of Earth do you love? What creature, what plant, what element of our beautiful Earth evokes wonder in you, reminds you that it is such a gift to be alive, and inspires gratitude in you?
Is it the smell of bread baking, or the taste of a ripe orange?
Is it the nourishing warmth of umngqusho or the way dhanya adds that special something to your curry?
Is the way rain drops hang on the succulents long after the rain, sparkling like little gems or is it watching the humpback whales who visit our coasts in Spring to calf?
Is it the sound of that little bird outside your window or the ancient tree that stands next to your village in the Eastern Cape?
There could be a thousand different ways that Earth speaks love to you. Robin Wall Kimmerer, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation explains “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.”
Love shared is love multiplied, love shared moves us from being lone individuals to a collection of people who care and can take communal action.
Share your love with us by filling in this form https://forms.gle/
Share your love with us by filling in this form https://forms.gle/
Come join us in person on Earth Day 22 April between 11am and 1pm as we display our Love for Earth along Sea Point Promenade, near Rocklands Beach. Meet others who also Love our Earth.
Protect what you love. Climate breakdown and biodiversity loss threatens every aspect of our natural world. Commit to making time to learn about the element of Earth that you love, find out what needs to be done to protect it and let that LOVE energise you to join with others to take action.