Global warming, endangered species, scarcity of natural resources, climate changes, plastic soup oceans… this is what you and I read and hear on a daily basis. And yes, it is something that we should worry about, that you and I are worried about.
The Dalai Lama summarised this in a very powerful quote:
“The only clear thing is that we humans are the only species with the power to destroy the earth as we know it. The birds have no such power, nor do the insects, not does any mammal. Yet if we have the capacity to destroy the earth, so, too, do we have the capacity to protect it – dalai lama“
Yes, we do have the capacity to protect earth! We might not be great influencers, but that does not matter. It is all about the little differences you and I can make on a daily basis. Recycle, grow your own veggies, do not waste food, no plastic bags, reduce your waste by choosing better alternatives, make your own natural cleaning materials, buy eco friendly soap, use ‘green’ power, buy organic food, eat less meat and so on.
I hear you thinking “what difference can I as a single individual make?” And yes, I have been thinking exactly the same. My believe is that even every tiny little thing you can do will contribute to a healthier planet. And will help to shape our future.
When I was in Molivos, Lesbos (Greece) a few years ago, I was very impressed by the Starfish foundation. A local group of people that were helping the refugees arriving on the island. It was there that I read the below little story about making a difference and I am very happy to share this story with you today!
“Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said,
“It made a difference for that one.” – Loren Eiseley
foto credits go to: Aniek Njiokiktjien
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