One of my most favourite places to be in London is Springbank Park. It is a remote, natural wonderland. In comparison to the city-like atmosphere of London, you can literally get a breath of fresh air just by stepping into its arena. The beauty demands silence, no matter what the weather; shade from sunbeams or rainfall is everywhere you look, as is exposure to the elements if you so desire.
The biggest reason I love it there is because I can easily feel how small I am next to the vast landscape of the hundreds of centenarian trees. The park does not need human beings around to function efficiently, and, really, I bet it barely notices our presence. Gandhi said something to the effect of “Almost everything you do will seem insignificant, but it is very important that you do it“. From a few perspectives while being absorbed by the natural world of this park, his words are so obviously true.
However, from a different perspective, it is very sad to think that the human species, as a whole, have actually created a very significant impact on the planet by destructing it. We have turned ourselves into a burden and an exploiting machine against the existence on which we depend. Can we breathe without trees? When the wildlife, who become poisoned and infertile after drinking contaminated water from our industries, cannot perform their duties in supporting the soil, plants cannot flourish; the same plants who, in turn give us the filter from which we directly breathe into for survival, and who house millions of other species who also hold significant roles in maintaining the global biosphere, also become burdened. Whether it is directly or indirectly, humans are ignorantly ruining the earth on which we (‘we’ meaning humans and every other life form) depend.
Feeling grateful for Springbank park is easy. Acting grateful and appreciative for nature, and sorrowful for what our species is doing, are simple concepts, however may not be seen as easy by some. A shift in our perspective is due.
Instead of thinking “how can I help the environment”, why not think this instead: “the environment does not need my help, in the sense that I am not capable of doing much to help it flourish more than it ever could on its own. I can, however, do things to reverse and repair the damage that I, and my species, have done to date. How can I help reverse what we have done?”
So, what are you doing? I hope more than buying a refillable water bottle and calling it a good day. :)
Enjoy this beautiful day on EARTH,
Emily