Dear Earth,
There are times I experience lack … such as not enough money, time, energy, or support. On this day of celebrating you, I want to appreciate, name, and thank you for the very fundamental and essential gifts you give freely and always.
I thank you for the…
…newly sprouting grass I sit on now as I write these words.
…light breeze that enlivens me and the warm sun that hugs my body.
…paper I write on and the pencil I write with … both from your trees.
…green salad and red strawberries you give for lunch.
…safe home you give me through the lumber of your trees, keeping me grounded and protected when the world gets to be too much.
…roof over my head, keeping me dry when you decide to take a shower.
…air you give that keeps me alive. I breathe because of you.
…sound of birds chirping, reminding me that spring has arrived and life is a cycle.
…inspiration of constant creation. Through you, I see growth as natural and organic—no matter the circumstance. Life always strives to live.
…quiet stillness, the moss muffling all but your music and the sound of my heart.
…loud crinkle of dried leaves as I walk in the forest, reminding me that my footsteps are unique, each step a declaration of the sacred duty to savor this life.
…grand sight of mountains in the far distance and the bend in the dirt road ahead, showing me the value of both long-term goals for tomorrow and the hidden possibilities of today.
…steady pace and reliable rhythm of your spin, allowing me to know a dark night of rest and a bright day to work, play, and grow.
…time, lighting a fire of urgency that compels me to live life now—waiting is a waste.
…surprising sight of the black bear in my backyard, reminding me to notice novelty and the unexpected even in predictable cycles.
…quick, high energy of spring, the deep stillness of winter, the abundance of summer, and the letting-go transition of fall, inviting me to honor and work with each moment’s rhythm.
…solid stones for a fireplace that radiates heat with the warmth of your wood through the coldest winters.
…vibrant color of happy daffodils after a long winter.
…open, flat ground where I lie prone, hugging you when I feel sad, overwhelmed, or exhausted. You feed my soul.
…wonder of it all. You remind me that lack is an illusion in the face of your huge abundance.
Megan McDonough is CEO of Wholebeing Institute, an educational organization co-founded with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar. WBI is committed to spreading ideas and practices that can help individuals and groups live life to its fullest.
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What a lovely tribute. …with plenty to share for everyone willing to stop and take it in and notice.
Your sing of praise took my breath away and I am uplifted by the majesty you describe
I’m finally reading this, a little late. I will keep this beautiful tribute close as a reminder to notice and add my own appreciation. This morning it is for the budding trees and new growth all around. Thank you, Megan!
Thanks Laurie, Phoebe, and Sonja. Glad you enjoyed the reading…I thoroughly enjoyed the writing!
Thank you for your letter to the earth . I have also be blessed by the abundance of nature . This past weekend as I walked the grounds of Salisbury University in Maryland I was struck by the beauty and variety of the trees – some had to be a couple hundred years old and the quiet strength they inhabit . I struck up a conversation with a woman and her husband as they were admiring a particular species . She had a knowledge of which I often aspire ( I can’t tell a maple tree from a Elm but I do know an Oak or a Linden , a flowering cherry tree and magnolia – these were all about the campus and amazing – though most people just walk right bye . So , yeah thanks for reminding us all about the beauty in the natural world .
Hi David,
I agree…trees are such a beautiful model of stability and strength. Although I’m with you–identifying the type is not my strong suit. I’ll never forget years ago when my son’s preschool was at our maple farm. I was giving an overview of how we make maple syrup, showing them branches from a maple tree as an example. After the group left, my husband said, “You know, Megan, it’s better if you actually use a branch that is from a maple tree!”
Thank you, Megan, for this beautiful tribute, so full of gratitude, humility, joy, and beauty.
My pleasure Mary, I loved writing this piece! So glad you read and enjoyed it.
Megan…On this beautiful Earth Day…I am glad to be sharing the planet with you!
Right back at you, Polly. Love sharing the planet with you, too.