“Nature gives us everything for free. Nature doesn’t charge us money. All that nature asks of us, is that we protect it.” -Unknown
Living in cities, being bombarded with screens, and eating food from plastic containers- we sometimes forget that we are of this Earth. That our bodies are a microsom for the world around us. Our relationship with the Earth is a direct reflection of our relationship with our bodies.
This is especially true for women and female bodied people. As the Earth houses our bodies, we house the bodies of future generations. Whether we are conscious of it or not, every change that the Earth goes through, we feel in our bodies.
The uprooting or devastation of trees and forests, we feel it in our lungs. The insane amounts of trash clogging our oceans, we feel as discombobulation in our nervous systems. The further we get away from grass, the less grounded we become.
With all that’s happening in our world, it’s easy to become disheartened and disillusioned. But if our goal in these bodies is to become more open hearted, more connected, more loving- then how do we grapple staying aware of the world around us, without being filled with fear?
The first thing we need to do is check in with ourselves on the deepest level. In what ways am I choosing fear over trust and love? What steps can I take to first care for my body and soul in a way that I am constantly reaffirming that I am a part of this Earth?
This can be done through any number of ways. Breath, it all begins with your breath. Breathing in love and grace, breathing out anything that must be purged and cleansed. Practices that you already hold sacred to yourself such as Yoga, meditation, time with loved ones, and artistic expression. Putting your feet and hands in the dirt, if you don’t have any nearby, try rubbing the dirt from your potted plants in your hands. Go in water. If you don’t have a natural body of water near you, taking a salt bath is an incredible way to neutralize any anxiety, and connect with the elements.
Do what resonates with you to come back to center. From this place, we can then go out into the world, and see what we can do on a bigger level.
How much we stay up to date on current affairs, is such a personal decision. One that we often have trouble discussing, for fear of disagreements- because there is so much emotional charge to it. But part of being an active and engaged citizen of the world, is paying attention to what is happening around us. To do this in a constructive way, I recommend setting limits and boundaries. Use incredible discernment as to where your information is coming from, and where their information came from.
Set time limits for how long you spend absorbing social media and news. Notice signals in your body, like clenching from anxiety or fear, that may indicate it’s time to sign off. While engaging in discussions and healthy disagreements are necessary for expanding our understanding of the world- it may be necessary to set boundaries as to who you engage with on these topics, and how often.
As we grow our awareness of ourselves and the world, we begin to adopt more and more everyday behaviors as to how we can change our daily habits to lessen our environmental impact. Here are some of the biggest areas that we can change to make a difference.
- Food. Eating is something we do multiple times a day, which means that every time we put something in our mouths, we have the choice to make it as conscious as possible. Shopping locally, minimizing animal products and cutting back on packaging are two huge steps you can take in your food consumption journey. Buying in bulk with your own containers, as well as going to your farmer’s market for produce are two awesome ways of doing this.
- Self care. Changing the products you use during your moon time can significantly impact your consumption as a female bodied person. “About 43 million women in the United States use tampons. A woman who uses tampons monthly will buy more than 11,000 in her lifetime.” (1) Not to mention the many harmful chemicals in conventional feminine care products. By not using them, you are preventing them from being absorbed by your body, as well as the Earth. By making the choice to switch to a menstrual cup like the Mahina Cup, you are making an impact- one period at a time.
- Transportation. Walk, run, carpool, public transportation, dance, skip, crawl, or swim to your destination. If you have the option and ability to not drive somewhere solo- then by all means do so.
- Communicate. Communicate what you learn, how you have lessened your consumption, your love and reverence for the Earth. Be open to new ideas and ways of living. Communication is key. Passion and understanding creates a ripple effect.
- Donate. Your dollar goes a long way when you contribute to organizations making an active effort to protect, converse, and restore our planet.
No matter how you choose to navigate the world of climate change, consumption, and personal impact, I invite you to lead with love. Frustration and fear can make us push up against walls, that can polarize or paralyze us. Coming from a place of love, allows us to be open to what blindspots we may have, and addressing those of others’ from a heartfelt place.
Little by little, day by day, we can and will make a change. For ourselves, for the Earth, and for all the beings that inhabit it.
with love and an open heart, Alilia Rose Grace, CEO Mahina Menstrual Cup
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