As part of my journey many years ago I began to identify with nature.  Not only did it give me a sense of peace when I was away from the hustle and bustle of the city but many times I felt connected to the world in a joyful way.  It didn’t matter if it was a park, the mountains, the desert or the beach; spring, summer, fall or winter; just being in the presence of untamed beauty and hearing the breeze in the trees, the sweet melody of birdsong or the power of the ocean is always a treasured experience.  Mother Nature has so many gifts to share with us, yet unfortunately we have not been as generous in our treatment of her. 

It was with a sad heart I was finding trash in far too many places it is not supposed to be and witnessing the effects our actions were having on the environment.  About the same time my husband shared with me a something he had read that stated (more or less) once we see trash it is our responsibility to take care of it.  While a logical train of thought and somewhat motivating, I found myself becoming angry at what I was seeing, at being placed in a position of cleaning up after others.  I picked up trash at the beach, in my neighborhood, around my business.  I picked up trash wherever I encountered it, becoming more frustrated each time.  Anger and frustration, while understandable reactions, are not a solution.  Love is a solution.  But how could I love what had become a burden?  Could there really be joy in picking up after others?  

The solution to my dilemma came as I was listening to a sermon from a local pastor.  He was describing how perception is key at all times and that love can be brought to bear on any situation.  He continued describing various situations all dealing with relationships we all have with other people and yet I had one of those ‘Aha’ moments with my relationship and trash.  Not a very glamorous moment, but it has been transforming.  Instead of seeing the trash as someone else’s ineptitude I look it at as a way for me to show my love to Mother Nature by caring for her.  To give back a little to her for all the gifts she has given me.  I am still saddened by the harm and damage I see happening to our environment but with a reaction of love it relieves the burden of dealing with it.  

With this new found perspective it has also motivated me more to more mindful of my choices when purchasing items and how I use them.   And, whenever I see someone choosing to pick up the trash they encounter, I thank them for loving Mother Nature.  The responses have been awesome ranging from a quizzical look to generous smiles of appreciation and understanding.  I would love to hear how you share your love with Mother Nature and the environment!  Either drop me a message at aheartfeltjrny@gmail.com or in the comments below.  I’ll also be posting monthly about other choices I am making to share my love with our environment.

May you and your loved ones have a heartfelt journey as you share your love with Mother Nature! ~♥~