Saving the World, Part Deux: Start Within

Stop.

Be still. 

Look within. 

Stop thinking about recycling, oil spills or plastic bags for a minute… (hey, I was thinking that, too!)

Time to get a little philosophical, people.  

If you’re going to help save the world, you have to start with yourself.

When was the last time you spent a significant amount of time with yourself?  Just you and your thoughts, no distractions:  no iPod, no BlackBerry, no kids, no TV, no computer… More importantly, no wheels turning about what you ‘should’ be doing, or planning for the next activity.  

Try your workout or your commute without your iPod once in a while. Stop doing for a minute and just be. Slow down. Be in the present. Think about you. Try yoga, or meditation. Or just write your feelings in a journal.  “Soul searching” is just that, and it’s good for you. 

Now don’t tune out and think I’ve gone all new-agey, or I want you to sing Kumbaya with me.  I don’t claim to be an expert – there are enough self-help books out there to fill the Grand Canyon if you want ‘em.  But it is a fundamental truth:  if you don’t make yourself happy, nothing else will. (No lover, new car, piece of jewelry, handbag, or pair of shoes will do it)

It all begins with you.  If you’re centered and feeling good everything else falls into place. Being happy with yourself allows you to wish others happiness and ultimately recognize the importance of making sure the planet (and the beings on it) thrives. 

I don’t mean we should be self-indulgent and self-centered in a self-ish way.  To be happy you have to know yourself. As Buddhist scholar Pema Chodron puts it: 

"We might think that knowing ourselves is a very ego-centered thing, but by beginning to look clearly and honestly at ourselves, we begin to dissolve the walls that separate us from others.

To know yourself is to forget yourself. This is to say that when we make friends with ourselves we no longer have to be so self-involved. It's a curious twist: making friends with ourselves is a way of not being so self-involved anymore.

When we are not so self-involved, we begin to realize that the world is speaking to us all of the time. Every plant, every tree, every animal, every person, every car, every airplane is speaking to us, teaching us, awakening us."

Getting to that point can be a tall order for many of us, since society is always telling us how to be and what to want, and shoving distractions in our faces at every turn.  It took me a long time to realize that you have to Love Yourself First.  Not the self that you wish you were (skinnier, smarter, whatever) but the person you are NOW.

Loving yourself also helps you to feel empathy for others. A recent study found that ‘Generation Y,’ or whatever today’s college-age group is called, has barely  half the level of empathy we did 20 or more years ago…  Little wonder, since we live in over-stimulated, reality TV-dominated, instant-gratification, money-strapped times.  Without empathy, one has less concern for others’ feelings, and welfare. That study explains a lot about the sense of apathy and lack of civility which seems to permeate our society lately.  We seem to be much less conscientious. All the more reason to get back in touch with our ‘true selves.’ 

I've been practicing yoga for about seven years now. I still have a long way to go before I can cross my legs behind my head (it’s not really a goal of mine!) or do a handstand, and I may never get there. But I have learned a lot about myself, through the practice and teachings of yoga. Yoga is about physical and mental connection. (and spiritual, too)

A man named Patanjali, who lived in what is now India in the 2^nd century B.C., is said to be the ‘father’ of yoga.  Pre-dating Christ, he came up with a set of teachings on how to be a good human. Yoga is not a religion, but has long been a way of life, and these Yoga Sutras are at the core of it. There are hundreds of principles in the Sutras, which could be called the ‘moral code’ of yoga. They are guidelines to living a life of inner peace and living harmoniously with others.

Below are Patanjali's five ‘Yamas,' part one of the eight ‘limbs’ of ashtanga yoga.  But they apply to everyone, not just ‘yogis.’   

• Ahimsa:  Non-violence. This means non-violence in feelings, thoughts, words and actions (including toward yourself).  Maintain compassion for yourself and others. Be kind, and treat all things with care. 

• Satya:  Truth/Honesty.  Be truthful in thoughts, words, deeds. Be true to yourself. Integrity. But, have compassion to know when not to speak a truth if it will hurt someone else's feelings (Ahimsa)

• Asteya: ‘Non-stealing’. In addition to not taking what is not yours, it also means do not take more than you need. Do not neglect yourself and rob yourself of potential.  Be conscientious.

• Bramacharya:  ‘Non-Lust’.  Sometimes translated as celibacy it means act in moderation, have self-discipline, show fidelity (avoid meaningless sexual encounters). Live life in balance; control your impulses to better control your life.

• Aparigraha:  ‘Non-greed.’  Do not be greedy in terms of material things, but also do not be jealous, envious, impatient. Let go of material stuff, since it just gets in the way of enlightenment. Live simply.

[Note the similarities with the ‘10 Commandments.’ There is a lot of evidence to suggest that Christ was actually influenced by Buddhist and Hindu philosophies during the years not accounted for in the Bible.’]

These basic tenets of human interaction are so relevant, even after more than two centuries. 2200 years ago, humans were grappling with the same crap we deal with now!  But if we can find the courage and commitment to work on ourselves – then the world will be better off in the long run. And maybe 2200 years from now things will be different?

"How are we supposed to focus inward when everything around us is always ON and clamoring for attention?" you ask?  

Stop and just sit. Contemplate the wind moving the leaves, or the shifting shapes of the clouds. Stop judging others. Take a good look at yourself.  Be grateful.  It will help you appreciate others, and the wonders of everyday. 

“We need to be the change we wish to see in the world…” (Ghandi said that)

Remember, real happiness can only be found within.  If you truly love yourself, you can love the world.  And if you love the world, you want to save it!  

Now go put that plastic bottle in the 

recycling bin!  (Please…)

Good links: 

Ode Magazine post about 'reclaiming our true selves'

The Happiness Project

Special thanks to Lewis Rothlein, Shari Bolduc-Masters, Erica Boucher, and all of my yoga teachers past and present.  

All photos by me, except the post-it note.  

Synchronicity

It's amazing and inspiring to see the synchronicity happening all over.  No, not the old Police album/song (man, that was a long time ago!).  I mean the mysterious interconnectedness of all of us...  

Since my "Save the World!" post, information and links have popped up -- some sent to me, some posted on Facebook by others, some I found -- of related articles and information, some of which were being created at the same time I was writing my post!  It shows that the world is paying attention, slowly but surely, to what we are doing to the planet.  And people are making  positive changes!  Woohoo!  

Here are a few quick reads that elaborate on, or reiterate my message of plastic awareness. Just another nudge to get everyone to think about what you consume, and where it goes....

An assistant editor of the Herald Palladium in Michigan wrote such a similar message on his paper's website yesterday, I wonder if he read my post... I like his title,  'Stopping the Plastic Menace.'  Sounds like an old science fiction flick.  Hide the kids!  Bring the pets inside!  Lock the doors!  Beware the Plastic Menace!!! 

Here's a great source for 'biodegradable' plastic bags.  Not sure if they are ever truly biodegradable unless they are made of vegetable plastic, but these are a good start to get away from the Plastic Menace.  They also have a great option of reusable sandwich bags.  Check out the fast-moving counter a the top right of the page, showing how many GAZILLION plastic bags have been used so far this year.

Discovery Network's "Planet Green" site has a great, short article on 5 things we can change to help save the oceans.  Number 2 is about the Plastic Menace.  

Wondering what to do with all of your beauty product containers?  They come in all shapes and sizes, but here is a guide to recycling your bath stuff. I'll elaborate more on plastic types and recycling in an upcoming post... 

And finally, here's a two-year-old -- but still very relevant -- inspiring article on taking action to help stop the growing ocean 'garbage patches' around the world.

Now get out there and do your part to fight the Plastic Menace!!!

All photos by me, except (of course) the Synchronicity album cover.  From Top:  Caladesi Island, Gulf of Mexico; Dolphins in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand; Low tide, Fiji; the Eco-Dominatrix!

You can SAVE THE WORLD!

Simple things you can do NOW 

to save the planet 

(and by planet I mean you, me, and all our friends)

My friend Diedra's daughter, A.R., was so excited to turn 12 last week.  She told us she has been waiting to reach that ripe old age, because now she can start her mission to "SAVE THE WORLD!" 


Why is it that children seem to understand the urgent need to make positive changes in our current lifestyle, but us grown-ups don’t? Are we just in denial?  Is it too big of a reality to face (peak oil, deforestation, overfishing, extinction, starvation, poverty, war, greed, corruption)?  AAAAAAHHHGH!

Well, before you close this page, or hang your head in despair: SMILE!  Here is the first in a series of things we can all do to start moving in the right direction.  WE CAN MAKE THINGS BETTER, AND SAVE THE WORLD!!! – if we start now with small steps… 

Part 1:  WHERE IS AWAY??

Do you ever stop to think about how much waste is generated in one day? In your house, in the city where you live, in the whole country?  Ever notice all the bins on the curb on garbage day, and how full they are?  It is mind-boggling to think about the volume of stuff that is ‘thrown away.’  In our modern, pre-packaged world, most everything generates some sort of trash:  that granola bar wrapper, your Starbucks cup, the packaging from your new iPhone; even a lot of fruits and veges come wrapped in something… 

When we throw these things away, where do they go?  The reality is, there is no away – just big “landfill” piles, out of sight of most neighborhoods, getting bigger and bigger.  Many states and countries are making money by taking our trash, so it ends up in a big pile in some faraway location instead.  Many of the things we trash do biodegrade, but many more don’t.  Some get incinerated and contribute to air pollution.  Some just sit there, and will sit there for hundreds of years.  One of the biggest things you can do is to become aware of the size of your waste-line.
   (actual action items are listed below... read on)

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

We’ve all been hearing this for years.  But really, the most important parts of this trio are the first two words.  

Let’s talk about plastic (sung to the tune of that old Salt ‘n Pepa song).  

We’ve all heard about the HUGE mass of garbage floating in the Pacific, and apparently there are others like it floating around the globe, too.  Mostly made up of bits of plastic and large plastic items,  it is growing steadily and the plastic bits eventually end up in the food chain (little fish mistakes plastic for food, bigger fish eats little fish, and so on).  “How does that affect me?” you ask?  If it keeps growing, it will eventually disrupt more marine life, and inevitably reach our beaches.  In more basic terms, if you eat affected animals, you are affected.  Chemicals from plastic (Bisphenol A, or BPA, phthalates, etc.) are linked to decreased fertility, diabetes, cancer, hormone disruption, and even neural and behavioral problems in children (can you say ADHD???). As the plastic bits float around the oceans, these harmful chemicals are leaching into the water and the air. Not to mention the effects on the animals who eat this crap. 

So be aware of what you buy, use and discard.  

YOU HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE:  PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS 

I know you've seen everyone walking around with those ubiquitous green square bags... Do you have any?Considering recycling centers DO NOT accept plastic shopping bags (many supermarkets do), we should avoid them as much as possible by using a 'green' re-usable bag. Also consider that plastic bags are made from ethylene gas derived from nonrenewable natural gas or crude oil using water, energy, and refrigeration.  


Do you really need a bag for that one little item you bought?  Just hold it, put it in your purse or pocket, or better yet, bring your own bag if you really need a way to carry it to the car.  If you must have that flimsy little plastic sack, at least recycle it – don’t throw it in the garbage!!! (especially if you use plastic garbage bags!) This also goes for bags you put fruit or veges in, which end up inside the plastic shopping bag.  You really don't need to put your bananas, tomatoes or potatoes into ANOTHER bag that may be dug up by an archeologist 500 years from now, do you??  

Less than 1 percent of plastic bags are recycled every year.  The remaining millions end up in landfills, flying around streets and choking wildlife and marine life.  We’ve all seen bags flying in the wind, lying by the side of the road, and floating in a body of water somewhere.  

It takes HUNDREDS of years for a plastic bag to biodegrade.  It may break up into tiny plastic pieces, but it will not biodegrade. Since they are a petroleum-based product, using fewer plastic bags will have an impact on reducing oil dependence, too! 

But, you say, “I reuse them for picking up dog poop, cleaning out the litter box, as a garbage can liner…”  That may be, but try using paper bags (I know, they take energy to produce, too – but in the long run are less harmful), they are usually already made from recycled materials and they biodegrade.  Think of future generations of humans, and dogs. 

ACTION!

It drives me crazy when I tell the person behind the counter “I don’t need a bag” and they put my purchase in a bag anyway! And sometimes, when I give the bag back after reminding them, they throw it away!!!  And why do supermarket baggers need to double up the bags so much!   

What YOU can do:  

• Bring your own bag (don't be lazy!)

• Tell the manager (or send an email to corporate HQ) that it would be great for them to train their workers not to automatically shove stuff into a plastic bag – especially if it is just a box of crackers, tube of Preparation H, or bottled water (what?!?).  It could actually save them money, and you know that will get their attention!

• And, it would be great if they would provide incentives for those of us who bring our own.  Whole Foods, Target, some Walgreens, and other stores give you money back for bringing your own  

• Urge stores to offer plastic bag recycling. Last year, New York implemented a new law for in store recycling 

• Recycle!  While you're at it, why don't you recycle your bread bags, drycleaning bags (or go without), newspaper bags and all sorts of wrappings from household items  

• Search here to where to find a location that recycles plastic bags, wrap, etc.,  wherever you live!     

• Whole Foods, Target, and If you live in the SE United States, Publix, have bins at their stores  - JUST DO IT! 

• Note:  Don't forget to wash your 'green' bags regularly

Many countries either tax the use of plastic bags (giving people incentive to bring their own) or have banned them altogether.  California, and many U.S. municipalities are considering doing just that.  

In our land of convenience, we need to be aware of the effect our actions have on our environment and the planet. 

Now start SAVING THE WORLD!  One little step at a time....

More on the Pacific Garbage Patch  

Top bee-in-flower photo by me, other photos courtesy of the interwebs... 

Happy Happy Joy Joy

I came up with my blog title "Open the Curtains” for a couple of reasons:

• First, I think it’s really weird when people keep their curtains closed all day long, even when the weather is gorgeous*.  And when it‘s gloomy, all the more reason to open them and let in more light.  Living in perpetual dim seems like a sure indication of mental imbalance (either that or a meth lab!) and a desire to avoid facing the world outside.   *(caveat:  I do think when the sun is so hot it starts melting the carpet, then it’s good to close the curtains and keep the heat out)

• The second reason is a metaphor for the first:  people don’t want to open their mental curtains and face the facts about humans’ abuse of, and disregard for, the well being of the planet (and each other).  And how this mistreatment of our one-and-only ecosystem will be our undoing, as long as we remain oblivious to the catastrophic effects of our use-it-up-and-throw-it-away lifestyle.   

After reading my ‘Clotheslines and Coal Ash’ post, a good friend told me, “the first part was good, but the second part was a bummer – and people don’t want to read something that will make them feel bummed-out.“  This perfectly illustrates my point that most people are living in a self-imposed darkness of firmly shut curtains – they choose to live in the dimly lit, ignorance-is-bliss, status quo room of ‘I want to be a consumer my way and not think about the consequences.’  We can’t go on living in a place where we shut out the knowledge of how our individual actions make an impact not just on our own reality, but on that of the whole bloomin’ world!   

No one likes a “Debbie Downer,” especially me. So even if the message is hard to come to grips with, I always try to provide a solution/suggestion that gives hope – since I remain hopeful. Because (DUH!) if we continue to ignore the problem it will just get worse…

I am definitely a lover, not a fighter. But this is such an important time and I feel very strongly that I have to do my part to get the message out. If people need to be forced to wake up and smell the crude awakening, then I guess I’ll have to get down and dirty and do some forcing!  If we can handle getting a little bummed-out by facing reality now, then maybe we'll avoid getting really bummed-out when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan.  And if we do wake up and make some changes, then maybe the sh*t won’t hit the fan so hard! 

So, after careful consideration (and a reminder from my friend Liz of a name she suggested I use a while ago), you can now call me…  wait for it –

That's right, just call me the ECO-DOMINATRIX! 

You don’t wanna be bummed-out?!?!  I’ll make you LOVE being woken up and slapped around by the shocking facts you’re avoiding!!

I have a virtual whip and I’m not afraid to use it! Now click on that link and read, dammit!

And put that plastic bottle in the recycling bin, NOW!

Click on these links, dammit!

Great local group helping clean up waterways (sign up for a trip!)

Peak Oil explained

Help fight Global Warming 

Recycling facts

Where your stuff comes from

Discussions about fossil fuel consumption 

The "Transition" concept

The "Transition" concept in action

60 Minutes story on coal ash

Coming next:  Simple things YOU can do to save the planet (and yourself)

All photos/graphics by me (except where noted below).