Yes, the government shut down, our prisons are past capacity, the climate overheats, and guns proliferate. Society is a mess. But, I will not let my unhappiness–my anger, fear, and sadness–add to the sorrows of those around me. I will live a life of sacred activism, healing the world by first healing the suffering in my own heart, then helping others. To accomplish this, I activate seeds of happiness and turn to nature to cultivate joy.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I do my best to catch myself focusing upon what’s wrong, what’s missing, what’s undone. My waking consciousness is perpetually drawn to problems that need fixing. I find the media is exceptionally skilled at feeding my fears. Seeing the suffering and the causes of suffering is important, but nourishment requires a healthy diet of pain and joy.
To counter balance these forces, I set aside regular time in my day to turn off the news and devote my attention to beauty. This simple act helps me maintain a healthy perspective, nurture a sense of equanimity, and gladden the mind. The natural world offers a steady source of beauty that makes me feel supported, safe, and nourished.
Here is one example of a quiet contemplation that calms my senses, opens my heart, makes me feel happy.
Breathing in, I feel the oxygen created by trees circle in my lungs.
Breathing out, I feel grateful for the generosity of trees.
Oxygen from trees,
Grateful.
(Three mindful breaths)
Breathing in, I feel sheltered from the sun by the tree’s leaves.
Breathing out, I feel grateful for the generosity of trees.
Shelter of leaves,
Grateful.
(Three mindful breaths)
Breathing in, I rest on the wooden seat, the tree’s body.
Breathing out, I feel grateful for the generosity of trees.
Gift of the tree body,
Grateful.
(Three mindful breaths)
This contemplation shines light on gifts from trees in my everyday life, but the truth is countless acts of creation support my existence. I am happy for the ocean that floats my sailboat, nurtures wildlife, evaporates to create rain, and waters crops that I eat. I am happy for the sun that lights the earth, warms my body, and fuels photosynthesis–the basis of all life. I am happy for the moon that pulls the tides, illuminates the night when the sun is hidden, and reminds me that I am never alone in my journey through space and time.
A growing mindfulness of natural elements shifts my awareness from what’s broken to the abounding love and support present in an abundant universe. I do my nature-based gratitude practice as I quietly sit or walk, or when I am writing in a journal. Opening to what’s well, I find myself suddenly surprised and nourished by the kind attention of a stranger’s eyes. I find joy in the sound of laughter–an explosion of delight that leaps from conditions unexpected.
Concentrating the mind and intentionally activating seeds of happiness in the here and now is an essential practice of self-defense during troubling times. It helps me stay balanced when it appears humankind has lost its way because I feel connected to the workings of the world, Nature’s order, as it stands steadfast and unblemished in the chaos.
I loved this and it came at a perfect time! My consciousness is also “perpetually drawn to problems that need fixing”. As a new meditator on the path of mindfullness, I still find myself slipping into the same habit energy. Asking “why” and getting upset about what is. Thank you much for your “balancing” guidance.
I’m glad you found this helpful, Roger. Thank you for chiming in. And, best wishes for your practice!
In Australia we have a new conservative government who’s first act was to close the independent climate commission. People responded by contributing $1 million in three days to ensure the work would continue. People are waking up.
Thank you for your beautiful writing.
Thank YOU for sharing this inspiring story! A bow of gratitude to the citizens of Australia–H