Over the last twenty-six years, I have developed and grown into who I am today based on my experiences, circumstances, and the choices I have made. My thoughts and ideas have grown and branched out. My loving partner has been a wonderful energy in my life, always pushing me forward with positivity. Today, I am thankful for those whom I am surrounded by.  Human interaction plays a big part in who we are and how we live. I am thankful for family and friends, the people I have yet to meet and for everyone that I once knew — those that came in and out of my life, leaving a mark of change, influence, regret, or love. I am thankful that Mother Earth has been so kind, as she shares her life resources with all of us, no matter how poorly we give thanks in return. We all need to be thankful in our everyday lives. We seem to forget how important and special life really is.

Mother Earth is truly unique in every way, in everything; she is paramount.  She is a body full of life that we are all part of and connected to. She is you and I, she is the fox and the bird flying high above. She is the ant running at your feet and the wind rubbing against your skin. Her gifts and life energy are so special and unique.

Think about what we know of the solar system we are part of- Earth is currently the only planet suitable for life. Venus falls just before us yet is far too close to the sun and too hot for life. Mars follows just after us and it is far too cold for anything to survive at the distance it sits. The planet we live on has the perfect amount of energy, the perfect placement, and has provided us with everything we need and more to survive. It sounds so simple. Why is it that so many people take this for granted?

I ache inside from all the trash I see; all the litter that is discarded, as if the earth owes us or as if we own the earth. We live in a culture that believes that our reward is suppose to come later, with no reverence of Now.  So, what we do now doesn’t matter, as long as we have or practice faith? I want to help create a world of awareness, balance and of love. I believe that everything is connected and, at times, it can be an extremely overwhelming concept to fully grasp. If everything is so perfect, why is there so much destruction and disaster? Why do we focus more on what we could have rather than what we already have? Why do we choose the unnatural over what is natural? We cannot have good without bad but if the sun and the moon are willing to share the sky then we should be able to share ourselves and this earth with one another. The Yin and Yang is not just an example of opposing forces, but rather a perfect level of balance.

I imagine a world where we use our senses to their full potential. We are allowing our energy to flow at such weak levels. We do not allow ourselves to think about things relating to our inner self. We have lost our sense of appreciation for self and all living things. I want to be part of a world that doesn’t revolve around material goods. A world that allows us to be thankful and give thanks to one another and appreciate the meaning of living Now. We have put our focus on a material world and consumption has taken over, providing us with false stimulation and distraction. We expect, but do not give. We let this energy come and go with no transformation occurring, allowing our negative energy to build rather than transform and progress. When positive energy stirs within, it will also radiate outward. This flow of positive spirit multiplies, grows, and transforms like the branches of a tree, like estuaries of water. We must allow room to welcome positive energy by opening our mind to new ideas outside of our current western ways and vicarious lifestyles.

When energy is passed among friends, it is transformed and brightened. It is wonderful when we can recognize that happiness is here and now rather than somewhere down the road. I want to show compassion and love and allow myself to become more aware of this positive energy. I want to share this energy with everyone and help those focus on the positive rather than the negative. We can work to focus on our inner abilities of positive thought and connection rather than the external needs of material consumption and disconnect.

Nature is calling out to us all. Wild animals are seeking shelter, birds and insects have been forced off of natures’ course, and plants are trying to re-claim their rightful ground. We are turning away from these alarm calls. We must work towards respect for ourselves, respect for others, and respect for nature. We need to recognize the relationship we have with each living thing. If we kill off all of the precious creatures, we will no longer be able to survive. Without insects most of the terrestrial life forms on this planet would slowly disappear. Insects are a part of nearly every food chain, either directly as food for other insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals or indirectly as agents in the endless recycling of nutrients and energy in the soil. Worms (and ground critters) are extremely important in helping break down compost and dead plant and animal matter in the soil and leaf litter layer. With their help, the nutrients that plants need to grow can be released into the soil and renewed. Though these insects are often small, their importance is great and beneficial, especially if we plan on staying here a while. Our decisions affect not only our future, but the future of generations yet to come.

The diversity of life on this planet is part of what makes it so great to live on. If we reduce the diversity we will reduce the pleasure of every life. Picture the power and beauty of the magnificent tree. Just think of all the stories it holds, the lives it takes part in and the life it gives. Reflect on the deep power of water that gives each one of us life, energy, and movement. Keep in mind the perfect distance between Earth and the Sun and the power and energy that the space provides. We are free to enjoy each day and each night on earth without worrying about many extreme factors.

We must get over our physical egos and our mental blindness and help create a positive impact on the lives of others, help nurture the earth we share, and understand that love and energy can guide us and teach us. Anger and destruction will get us nowhere. I stand to practice appreciation and to become more conscious of the life that surrounds me. I stand to let my self go and become one with the natural world.

…so when your ego gets in the way, just remember…

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Peace and Progress,

Jessica Brothers