choices have consequences (p.12)
“Earth does not belong to us; we belong to earth.”
-Chief Seattle
Ivan Aivazovsky’s “Figures by a Moonlit Shore” painting
by Amber Tree
This week the earth has captured my heart.
I have always marveled at her beauty. She has been the muse for artists, and the museum for her masterpieces.
But what has been weighing on my mind are the changes she has made. She is adapting to our way of being.
To watch her evolve frightens me.
We are graciously hosted by earth and we have taken her for granted.
Thinking our actions would have no consequences.
She has been so patient with us, so giving, but I am afraid she is at her limit in which she can bear.
She has no choice but to change.
The fires around the world, in the West, in Greece, in Turkey…unbelievable devastation, saddens me deeply.
Floods, record heat, shrinking lakes, and water supply, one cannot escape noticing dramatic changes that are occurring.
And now our oceans are slowing, her currents are weaker…I have no words.
Our oceans may one day “standstill”. To that, we cannot bring ourselves to imagine, but to say, the world will not look the same.
We must change our ways. We must realize one person can represent 7 billion, together. We must not dismiss our own part. And we must not underestimate what one CAN do.
I am not an expert and do not have the answers. But I will learn and I will make better decisions.
So, this week, the earth has been on my heart.
Our choices have consequences, and we are the guests, not the host.
Let us remember our place. ❤️
