Unconventional ways to celebrate this Earth day!

Earth day is an event to support global environmental protection. This article is neither long praises of Earth nor a listicle on how to go green. Nope, We all have read thousands of writings on how to go green in ten simple steps and yet we fail to follow that. This piece is about something different. It is about understanding the way to harness magical powers possessed by this ecosystem. Presenting to you two unconventional ways to celebrate this Earth day.

Idea one!
Down to earth:
This or any other article cannot do any justice in capturing all the benefits this Earth provides us. In ways unknown, Earth purifies our thoughts, calms our anxiety, and grounds us. We, humans, are organisms that live and grow and depend entirely on this blue planet, yet we are so very much disconnected from it. And let us not just blame covid for our separation from the ground. Okay, let me ask you a quick question first — When was the last time you were grounded? And by grounded I mean standing barefoot on the soil.

Barefoot. Really?
In today’s world, it has become totally weird to slip off our shoes and walk barefoot in roads and gardens. Moreover, “why should I walk barefoot on roads?” is the first question that pops up in your mind right? Let us dig a little deeper to find answers. Connecting bare skin to the ground for long periods of time is known as “earthing” or “grounding,” and it can dramatically decrease stress, resulting in sometimes profound health benefits. By the way, It’s just not us who are saying this. Filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell take us on a healing journey through their film “The Earthing Movie”.

Source: CNET

Ponder in the ground
If you don’t have a garden, spend at least 15 minutes every day, on your way to or from work, walking through a beautiful park. Sit in the dirt, feel the ground, Watch the blades of grass dance to the rhythm of the wind. Carefully see the ant that climbs up from the stones in the soil and ladder up on the grass. Ponder how it blends into the grand scheme of things, where it belongs… and where you belong, too! Happiness is a sure bet! So next time you go for a jog or walk, give this idea a shot.

Be one with the Earth
Grounding implies more than just putting your bare feet on the ground. It also addresses putting your hands in the soil and exposing your whole body to the daylight. We are actually happiest when we are outdoors, gardening, feeling the soil, and nurturing plants or seeds. Our bodies release endorphins, which nourish us and make us feel balanced and comfortable. But remember, all in moderation: don’t spend too much time in the hot sun! Nature must be valued, which means we must understand how much of something is acceptable. Too much of anything is bad. For example — We need sun, too little can cause deficiency and too much of it can cause dehydration and skin redness. Hence, find how much of it works for you!

Idea two!
The boom is close and time ticking:
We are undoubtedly the most depressed of all generations that have lived on this planet. All of us foresee the end of Earth and somehow we all know the day is exceedingly close. We are educated enough to point out our mistakes but aren’t brave enough to correct them. Well, of course, the world has to change. The change just takes us all. Me and you too. But what do we change and how do we change? Can a single person really make a difference? Huh! Here is the second unconventional yet so simple way to celebrate this day. (So, simple that a three-year-old can do it).

What’s the challenge?
You can take up a challenge. Nope, not an ice bucket or the no make-up selfie. This is a 356 give challenge. As already mentioned, the millennial generation is sad on average. Here is the secret that Jacqueline Way, the founder of www.356give.ca believes will change the world. It is one give, one day at a time. In our everyday lives, we forget to give back to this universe as much as we take. We are so consumed by all glitters, that we forget the real gold. Giving whatever we can is a real joy.

How much to give and whom to give?
To find personal satisfaction, you don’t have to be Bill Gates and throw away a lot. All you have to do is offer in tiny ways to trigger the part of your brain that makes you happy. And you don’t have to just plant trees and water them. Remember earth is as happy as the people living in it. You can do good to your family, friends, your circle of people. Or donate your old books to a library. Also, you can plant a bird feeder, make dog biscuits for an animal shelter, hold the door open for some stranger today, call your grandparents, distribute lemonade for an hour day, give someone a hug, and of course plant a tree.

Source: Hastag for 365give

As Victoria Erickson says, “If you inherently long for something, become it first. If you want gardens, become the gardener. Want love, embody love. If you want mental stimulation, change the conversation. You want peace, exude calmness. If you want to fill your world with artists, begin to paint. Want to be valued, respect your own time. If you want to live ecstatically, find the ecstasy within yourself. This is how to draw it in, day by day, inch by inch.”

The swarm and charm of influence:
Just find what you can give today, and it doesn’t always have to be different. In a matter of very few days, you will see a difference in how you feel and how happy people are around you! And when someone asks you what is your secret? Tell them about this personal challenge. One can influence five, and five can influence twenty-five, and that’s how the dots get connected. I have to begin with me and you can begin with you.

Ending note:
This Earth day gets connected with the soil! Play in it and just be with it. Give someone a smile, donate something and take the damn challenge. Meet me after a year and let us re-evaluate our experiences! Till then take care, Bye- Bye.