Thank you for your honesty, it does feel better to know that the despair can be shared. Recently I have found myself wishing that I didn't have children and wonderful new grandchildren, I am so sad to feel that I cannot be heard or effect the change dear earth needs.
I feel lucky to not have that particular sadness, having no children, but I do feel sad for other's children - my nieces, my friend's children... I hear you. And, I think the Earth (and SOME people) hear you too - but it's hard to know that the changes won't happen in the way we need them to. Sending love.
Thank you, Satya, for all your efforts to bring attention to the urgent need to act regarding human-induced climate change. When I read about your efforts, it reignites my own efforts and reminds me not to get discouraged and to continue to do the necessary work. It is hard not to get down at times but then when I read posts like yours, I feel more hopeful. Also, I am sending you a big hug regarding the loss of your father. Thanks to your post, I'm going to call my Dad right now.
What a very honest, truthful and courageous statement. I am not an activist by nature, but I do admire and support those who are. Thank you again for a very thought provoking article.
I'm sorry about your Dad. I hope you and your Mum are doing well.
I too am sad about what we have done to this lovely and wonderful planet. I am trying ever more carefully to not waste food and to combine trips and to buy less and I know it isn't nearly enough and that I'm not doing some bigger things that also wouldn't be enough, but they'd be more.
One thing I am especially paying attention to is how much energy I put into judging others for the things they are doing that I see as worse than what I do when it comes to healing and protecting our dear Earth. I will sit there angry about their big gas-guzzling car, while I sit in our care that guzzles only the tiniest bit less. As just one example. This being upset about what others aren't doing is not helpful, I think. It only adds the heat of anger to this too hot world.
Thanks Elaine. And yes great call - I do that too and also have to remind myself how I do much less than others do... Not adding heat to the already hot - yes!
I feel your frustration and admire your commitment and those who shared their comments about similar frustrations. A spiritual teacher once reminded his followers that single drops of water eventually fill a bucket. When my father passed my husband and I spent some of what he left us on solar panels and a new heat pump to reduce greenhouse gases. We compost, recycle and do what we can to step gently on the earth. Our consolation is that at our age and given our health we do what we can. Our comfort is from knowing so are many others are doing the same. The massive flow of day to day examples of indifference, senseless violence, and self interest can feel overwhelming. The only way not to collapse under the pressure is to do what we can knowing others are too. Love and light to all 🙏
I am concerned about so many things and at loss as to what to do and how it would make a difference- but i do remember reading about a zen master saying to his student about indecision "Just do sumsing!" 😂
I think these are the main reasons why people don't act, Paul - 'I don't know what to do' and 'it won't make any difference anyway'. And yes, great advice!! I like the idea of activism or compassionate action as being a practice, which helps detach it from outcome (just do it because it's good to do) and also helps remind us that it needs to be ongoing - just a part of what we do. Hope you find a small thing to do which feels like the right thing/your thing to do 🙏🏻
Thank you for this personal testimony. I will restack, though have far fewer readers than you do. I'm just glad you're here to tell your stories and share your wisdom.
Thank you Kostas, appreciated. And I don't think numbers aren't the best way of measuring impact or reach or meaning - even if one of your readers connects with my writing a little bit, I will be happy. Happy Earth Day 😊
Timely words. Sitting here in Buffalo NY feeling pretty crazed. Our country seems to have adopted a Shoot First, Ask Questions Later policy for all situations, and all the voting and petition-signing has so far not changed that. I don't know what will change it, but I'm looking for more to do.
Ah, crazed sounds like an appropriate feeling... It's so tough isn't it? Hope you can find the right things to do, and the right company /support structures to keep you as sane as possible. You're not alone 🙏🏻
Hi Satya, Thankyou for your heartfelt and soul felt messages. First of all- I am so sorry to hear of your loss and send you big hugsxxx
Like you, I have found these last months and the last year difficult, awkward and have withdrawn from committing myself to just about everything that is important to me outside of my essential daily commitments , including being involved in organisation of local protest activism. I am overwhelmed by the scale of the climate crisis, Political gas lighting and unwillingness to care for Earths inhabitants human and other life forms. Overwhelmed by the angst that is clearly felt by so many struggling people. I am torn even in my work life, where to steer my energies, how can I change my role/ job in a cost of living crisis? It’s all connected and leaves me in a spin.
I went to London for the first day of The Big One yesterday and was delighted to do how many others were there and how many different groups had joined together to make a stand. However, my lack of of being involved more deeply, left me feeling somewhat out if the loop, a visitor, didn’t feel I was serving in any way.
My husband had the freedom to be able to stay for4 days and step into a helping role to help things go smoothly and I admit I feel a little jealous that he could do that. I wonder what prevents me from doing that myself-forgoing and forgetting my my essential roles and leaving my day to day life to just be there and stay the duration, feel more part of the call for change.
Things are terrible, the future is bleak, we have to come together and make the change happen to lessen the suffering of our fellow humans and life forms-plant and animal.
Thankyou for reminding me that I am not alone with this anguish. Somehow, remembering to stay with the small joys of each passing moment-the seasonal fauna and flora, a little laughter and song, is important to help to relieve the itchy discomfort of feeling torn between the greatest pull on my heartstrings and the humblest of my responsibilities.
Sheila - so helpful for me to read your note, and I identify with much of what you've said. I know that XR's brand of activism isn't the only to serve our planet (and you offer so much in many ways!) and, it still feels to me like the one that makes the biggest noise & has the biggest impact on how the nation sees what's going on. I'm sitting with the koan of my involvement for now, and will wait for guidance rather than rushing back into organising. And, I'm so grateful to Steve & others who are there with their steward jackets on today, or manning the phones, or everything else that's necessary to put on such a big event. And so important to enjoy what nature offers us - I see it as our sacred duty. Namo Amida Bu xx
Thank you for your honesty, it does feel better to know that the despair can be shared. Recently I have found myself wishing that I didn't have children and wonderful new grandchildren, I am so sad to feel that I cannot be heard or effect the change dear earth needs.
I feel lucky to not have that particular sadness, having no children, but I do feel sad for other's children - my nieces, my friend's children... I hear you. And, I think the Earth (and SOME people) hear you too - but it's hard to know that the changes won't happen in the way we need them to. Sending love.
Thank you, Satya, for all your efforts to bring attention to the urgent need to act regarding human-induced climate change. When I read about your efforts, it reignites my own efforts and reminds me not to get discouraged and to continue to do the necessary work. It is hard not to get down at times but then when I read posts like yours, I feel more hopeful. Also, I am sending you a big hug regarding the loss of your father. Thanks to your post, I'm going to call my Dad right now.
I'm glad. And thank you x
What a very honest, truthful and courageous statement. I am not an activist by nature, but I do admire and support those who are. Thank you again for a very thought provoking article.
Thanks Daphne. Lovely as always to have you here.
I'm sorry about your Dad. I hope you and your Mum are doing well.
I too am sad about what we have done to this lovely and wonderful planet. I am trying ever more carefully to not waste food and to combine trips and to buy less and I know it isn't nearly enough and that I'm not doing some bigger things that also wouldn't be enough, but they'd be more.
One thing I am especially paying attention to is how much energy I put into judging others for the things they are doing that I see as worse than what I do when it comes to healing and protecting our dear Earth. I will sit there angry about their big gas-guzzling car, while I sit in our care that guzzles only the tiniest bit less. As just one example. This being upset about what others aren't doing is not helpful, I think. It only adds the heat of anger to this too hot world.
Thanks Elaine. And yes great call - I do that too and also have to remind myself how I do much less than others do... Not adding heat to the already hot - yes!
I feel your frustration and admire your commitment and those who shared their comments about similar frustrations. A spiritual teacher once reminded his followers that single drops of water eventually fill a bucket. When my father passed my husband and I spent some of what he left us on solar panels and a new heat pump to reduce greenhouse gases. We compost, recycle and do what we can to step gently on the earth. Our consolation is that at our age and given our health we do what we can. Our comfort is from knowing so are many others are doing the same. The massive flow of day to day examples of indifference, senseless violence, and self interest can feel overwhelming. The only way not to collapse under the pressure is to do what we can knowing others are too. Love and light to all 🙏
Absolutely! Thanks Kim x
I am concerned about so many things and at loss as to what to do and how it would make a difference- but i do remember reading about a zen master saying to his student about indecision "Just do sumsing!" 😂
I think these are the main reasons why people don't act, Paul - 'I don't know what to do' and 'it won't make any difference anyway'. And yes, great advice!! I like the idea of activism or compassionate action as being a practice, which helps detach it from outcome (just do it because it's good to do) and also helps remind us that it needs to be ongoing - just a part of what we do. Hope you find a small thing to do which feels like the right thing/your thing to do 🙏🏻
Thank you for this personal testimony. I will restack, though have far fewer readers than you do. I'm just glad you're here to tell your stories and share your wisdom.
Thank you Kostas, appreciated. And I don't think numbers aren't the best way of measuring impact or reach or meaning - even if one of your readers connects with my writing a little bit, I will be happy. Happy Earth Day 😊
Timely words. Sitting here in Buffalo NY feeling pretty crazed. Our country seems to have adopted a Shoot First, Ask Questions Later policy for all situations, and all the voting and petition-signing has so far not changed that. I don't know what will change it, but I'm looking for more to do.
Ah, crazed sounds like an appropriate feeling... It's so tough isn't it? Hope you can find the right things to do, and the right company /support structures to keep you as sane as possible. You're not alone 🙏🏻
Hi Satya, Thankyou for your heartfelt and soul felt messages. First of all- I am so sorry to hear of your loss and send you big hugsxxx
Like you, I have found these last months and the last year difficult, awkward and have withdrawn from committing myself to just about everything that is important to me outside of my essential daily commitments , including being involved in organisation of local protest activism. I am overwhelmed by the scale of the climate crisis, Political gas lighting and unwillingness to care for Earths inhabitants human and other life forms. Overwhelmed by the angst that is clearly felt by so many struggling people. I am torn even in my work life, where to steer my energies, how can I change my role/ job in a cost of living crisis? It’s all connected and leaves me in a spin.
I went to London for the first day of The Big One yesterday and was delighted to do how many others were there and how many different groups had joined together to make a stand. However, my lack of of being involved more deeply, left me feeling somewhat out if the loop, a visitor, didn’t feel I was serving in any way.
My husband had the freedom to be able to stay for4 days and step into a helping role to help things go smoothly and I admit I feel a little jealous that he could do that. I wonder what prevents me from doing that myself-forgoing and forgetting my my essential roles and leaving my day to day life to just be there and stay the duration, feel more part of the call for change.
Things are terrible, the future is bleak, we have to come together and make the change happen to lessen the suffering of our fellow humans and life forms-plant and animal.
Thankyou for reminding me that I am not alone with this anguish. Somehow, remembering to stay with the small joys of each passing moment-the seasonal fauna and flora, a little laughter and song, is important to help to relieve the itchy discomfort of feeling torn between the greatest pull on my heartstrings and the humblest of my responsibilities.
Thankyou Satya 💚
Sheila - so helpful for me to read your note, and I identify with much of what you've said. I know that XR's brand of activism isn't the only to serve our planet (and you offer so much in many ways!) and, it still feels to me like the one that makes the biggest noise & has the biggest impact on how the nation sees what's going on. I'm sitting with the koan of my involvement for now, and will wait for guidance rather than rushing back into organising. And, I'm so grateful to Steve & others who are there with their steward jackets on today, or manning the phones, or everything else that's necessary to put on such a big event. And so important to enjoy what nature offers us - I see it as our sacred duty. Namo Amida Bu xx