Climate March Gratitude

Today on the autumnal equinox, on the day after the largest climate march in history, the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor toward the Sun, making the lengths of night and day equal. I find this day’s balance deeply significant.The beginning of Fall signals birds and butterflies to migrate, plants to end their growth cycles. For humans, the coming of Fall has long meant a time to pause for gratitude. Yesterday, by turning out in thousands to petition for 100% clean energy, people at 2808 solidarity events in 166 countries showed gratitude to the Earth.

May all of us acknowledge our bounty and balance our consumer habits with a practice of gratitude for life on earth, with authentic praise and valuing of our harvests, whether it be the reaping from our work, from our loving relationships, from our community contributions or from the garden. How do we start a daily practice of gratitude for life on earth? Like any practice, it simply has to be begun, and then continued, until it becomes an attitude that shines out from us every day. Scientists tell us that the habit of gratitude strengthens relationships, improves health, reduces stress, and makes us happier. I believe it can also change the world. Today’s Autumn Equinox is a wonderful day to begin cultivating the habit of noting exactly what it is we are grateful for each day.

Here are brilliant photographs from all over the globe of people just like me and you showing gratitude yesterday in the People’s Climate March.   https://secure.avaaz.org/en/climate_march_reportback/?bqicubb&v=46379

And here’s a youtube to get you going, a TEDxSF talk on gratitude by Louie Schwartzberg              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDMoiEkyuQ

Child in Melbourne at People’s Climate March September 21, 2014