Quote of the Day: Native American ecologist and restoration thinker Robin Wall Kimmerer reminds us that our business as usual way of thinking just won’t cut it: “There was a time— before we knew better— when we trusted that incremental ecological action would propel the collective shits we need.. The trouble is, we don’t have time.”
Commentary: That’s right: we don’t have time to heal the earth and ourselves but hurriedly purring on millions of little bandaids, as if the “woulda” are superficial. We need deeper and most lasting healing and transformation toward the slow but steady Way of the Tortoise. We simultaneously need to slow down our society in its wounding proclivity, and take giant steps toward personal transformation to become better earth healers. It’s a paradox, that is right. Climate change has made us want to work faster but we need to work deeper not faster while the climatic clock is ticking.
Suggested Action #16: Put on your ‘earth stethoscope” as you walk around today. Where do you see sounds in the earth and its plant cover as you saunter through your neighborhood? Where do you see wound in your neighborhood community? Where do you feel wounds in your own heart and soul? To heal them, don’t go faster and more superficial, go deeper and more steadfastly toward lasting solutions.
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Gary Paul Nabhan aka Brother Coyote is a professed member of the Ecumenical Order of Franciscans, a graduate of the Living School, a conservation biologist, orchard-keeper and story-teller.
