I Love Earth Day

Below is a full bonus issue from Down to Earth, my weekly Health, Happiness, and Community newsletter. Be sure to Subscribe and check out the full archive here! ??

?? Continents: What The Planet Means to Me

?? Oceans: Take A Walk ???

??? Deserts: What on Earth?

What ever happened to Earth Day? Seriously. It hasn’t gone anywhere, but in just a few years, the sense of optimism attached to it has been lost.

Do grade school kiddos still make dismal (I mean charming) dioramas of the planet in a show of gratitude?

It seems like all the geopolitical strife, climate-driven panic, and generally lower morale have rendered a trivial holiday meaningless. Go figure.

I get it, this is tech’s world now, but are we just gonna pretend like the planet isn’t something to love, fear and nurture? Not us, Down to Earth readers.

If no one else will, leave us the mantle of Earth Day appreciators.

What The Earth Means to Me ??

I’m a sucker for reality.

I love what is true and real. The physical world, the animals that inhabit it, the beaches lining the coasts, the mountains towering over forests, the elements, the planet itself, (it’s literally a giant lava-filled rock surrounded by water and gas, and it’s hurdling at 66,600 miles per hour through space) and all the supernatural forces that seem to regulate it.

I love my own two feet and the ground they rest on. I adore my ability to breathe, sing, dance, lift my own weight, sprint, clap. All the things that the physical world has to offer, I’m a fanboy for it. I’m an Earth junkie. We have such a bold, dynamic reality with unlimited offerings, yet we can take it for granted and even mistreat it. We escape it with drugs, alcohol, or with tech, and watch as the only home we’ve ever known slowly becomes less compatible with our ways of life.

“Pale Blue Dot," taken from a record distance of 3.7 billion miles away. Other than displaying the loneliness of Earth in the infinite cosmic dark, the image underscores the need for humanity to care for one another on the only home we have ever known.

If it wasn’t obvious by now, Down to Earth isn’t just a weekly love letter to the planet, but an invitation to connect with what is true and real in every possible moment, whether it’s with other humans, animals, natural environments, food from the Earth, or the air we breathe. At the end of the day, we’re just apes in a pit competing for — who knows what at this point — but we all share the same arena of planet Earth.

I have no idea what Earth Day really means anymore, but my ideal version of a holiday is one where I give gratitude to the celebrated. In this case, the planet itself. It’s the perfect opportunity to go touch grass.

Let’s dive into one of my favorite ways to connect to the Earth — walking on it.

Barefoot optional.

Walking is a Super Power ??

I’m a compulsive walker. I walk anywhere I can, and try to get at least 10,000 steps a day. Walking clears my mind, gives me focus and clarity, all while incorporating a solid calisthenics leg workout.

It’s no secret; as nomadic peoples, humans have evolved to walk tens of miles each day in search of food, shelter and refuge. It makes sense that within our modern lifestyles, where movement is limited, walking would emerge as a portal back to the physical states of our ancestors.

Ever wonder how great great great great great great great great x24 Granddad was so ripped? He didn’t even have a Peloton.

For those who want to cut down on body fat, walking is a cheat code. For those who want to tone their muscles, walking gets you there quickly. For people working on their mental health, walking has been shown to clear the mind and stabilize emotions.

It’s the exercise with the most bang for your buck, seeming to align all of the mental and physical states of your being with ease. It’s almost like we were born to walk.

This Instagram video leads with the notion that you only get old once you stop walking, further solidifying it as a goated activity.

Physical Health Benefits of Walking ????

1. Cardiovascular Health ?? Regular walks, even the slow ones, increase heart rate, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the heart. It can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
2. Weight Management ?? Don’t have time for a workout, or just don’t want to work out? Go for a walk. Walking burns more calories than you might think —about 80-100 on average — knocking out that extra slice of bread you had for dinner.
3. Muscle and Bone Strength ?? Walking regularly strengthens muscles and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and muscle wastage as you age.
4. Improved Respiratory Function ??Walking enhances lung capacity and efficiency, leading to better respiratory function over time.
5. Diabetes Management ??Walking helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
6. Digestive Health ????Regular walking can help improve gastric mobility and promote a healthier digestive system.

Mental Health Benefits ??

1. Reduces Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety ?? When you walk, you release endorphins, known as "feel-good" hormones, which can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Walking outside in natural light further enhances this effect.
2. Boosts Brain Function ?? Walking increases blood flow to the brain, which can help enhance brain function. It is associated with lower risks of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Don’t be surprised when you see the old heads strutting along with a purpose!
3. Improves Sleep ?? Regular walkers often experience better sleep patterns. They fall asleep faster and sleep for longer. Catching the sunrise or sunset while on a walk will synchronize natural circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep.
4. Creativity Boost ??? Walking can stimulate creativity, as it provides a change of scenery, helps clear the mind, and leads to a fresh perspective on problem-solving. I can’t tell you how many Eureka! moments or newsletter ideas I’ve gotten from a solo stroll. There’s always something new to see.

Social Benefits ??

Walking with friends or family is a cost-free way to hang out and form close bonds. I don’t know about you, but my walks often serve as therapy sessions and bro moments. Great idea for first dates!

Overall, incorporating walks into your routine can supercharge your health and quality of life, providing a wide range of benefits that enhance physical, mental, and social well-being.

More steps, more life ??

What on Earth? ??

The name "Earth" is used to refer to the planet we live on, the third from the Sun in our solar system, and the only place in the universe known to support life. The origins and meaning of the name "Earth" have a few different aspects:

???Etymology: The English word "Earth" comes from the Old English word "eorte," which has cognates in various other Germanic languages like German "Erde," Dutch "aarde," and Norse "j?re." These words all refer to the ground or the soil.

Where else but Erde?

?? In many cultures, the Earth is personified or considered a goddess.

In Greek mythology, Gaia is the Earth goddess, representing the Earth as a living, nurturing entity.

The Nation of Gods and Earths ??Also known as the Five Percent Nation, the Nation of Gods and Earths is a cultural and spiritual movement that emerged in Harlem in the 1960s. Women are often referred to as "Earths" or "the Earth," in their cosmology, reflecting a distinct set of ideas about femininity, creation, and the nurturing aspects of their nature.

• Women are seen as "Earths" because, much like the Earth sustains life by providing all necessary resources like food, water, and shelter, women are viewed as life-givers and the sustainers of their families and communities. This symbolism emphasizes the role of women as essential and nurturing presences, who not only bear children but also provide the foundation and support for their communities.
• In the Nation of Gods and Earths, women are regarded as educators and the first teachers of children. This view aligns with the belief that the mother's primary role is to nurture the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of her children. The idea is that as "Earths," women have a profound influence on the future through their roles as mothers -and educators.

The “Gods” of the Five Percenters have a sacred duty to respect and protect the “Earths” at all costs.

That’s all from me! Go take a walk, interact with the planet, and learn its rules.

Be kind to it and watch how rewards present themselves ??

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