Earth Day: Starting from within

Happy Earth Day! Today, we honor our planet and renew our commitment to its well-being. However, this dedication did not appear out of thin air. The first Earth Day, held in 1970, arose from a growing public outcry about environmental degradation. The Cuyahoga River, which caught fire as a result of pollution, became a symbol of a troubled planet. On the first Earth Day, Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes rallied millions of people to support environmental regulations such as the Clean Air Act.

Our planet's health has always been a moving target. Throughout history, humans have transitioned from coexisting with nature to exploiting its resources. The Industrial Revolution kicked off an era of rapid change, with factories spewing out pollutants and forests vanishing to make way for cities.?

Climate change is currently the most serious threat to the environment. As an initiated Celtic Shaman, I have dedicated myself to working with and for Mother Gaia to help us combat this human-influenced crisis. The most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) paints a stark picture:?

• Global temperatures have risen by an alarming 1 degree Celsius since pre-industrial times. This may not seem like much, but it is enough to disrupt weather patterns, resulting in more extreme heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires. Sea levels are rising, threatening coastal communities. These changes are affecting ecosystems and bringing some species to the brink of extinction.

What is the good news? We still have time to act. The IPCC report outlines a strategy for keeping warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, a critical threshold for avoiding the worst consequences. It necessitates a quick and dramatic shift to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. We need to increase energy efficiency in our homes, buildings, and industries. Protecting forests, which absorb carbon dioxide, is also critical.

This may appear daunting, but here's a message of hope: we have faced significant challenges before. The Earth Day movement itself demonstrates our collective power. We can transition to a more sustainable future by working together as governments, businesses, and individuals. Small changes in our daily lives, such as using public transportation or conserving energy, can add up.

Earth Day is a reminder that we all share this planet. Let us use this day not only to celebrate but also to renew our commitment to protecting our home. Here's how you can contribute to the solution:

• In the spiritual realm, spend some time sitting quietly in nature, taking in the fresh air and reflecting on your place in the world. Recognize that we are sharing this space.?
• Look inward and see what is there for you to confront and heal.?
• In the physical sense, contact your local representatives and ask them to support strong climate change legislation. This could include policies that promote renewable energy, limit carbon emissions, and invest in clean technologies.
• Join or support organizations dedicated to climate solutions. Many groups are actively campaigning for change, ranging from local environmental groups to international non-governmental organizations.
• Make your voice heard. Inform your friends and family about climate change, and encourage them to take action. Together, we can build public support for a healthy planet.

We can ensure a healthy planet for ourselves and future generations by collaborating and working with urgency. Imagine a world powered by clean energy, where our cities are green havens and nature's wonders are preserved for all to enjoy. This future is within reach, but it will take all of us to step forward and be the change we want to see.

The change starts within us. The second hermetic principle is the Law of Correspondence: As above so below, as within as without. This means that we have the power to heal and shift the planet by looking inward and doing that inner work for ourselves. Mother Gaia, or planet Earth, however, you want to designate our home, needs us to heal ourselves, and in doing so we can heal the planet.?

Brandon Boucher

Veteran, Healer, Guide

Initiated Celtic Shaman

Renewable Energy Engineer