Happy Earth Day!

I feel especially joyous this Earth Day 2014. Yes, species extinction and environmental destruction are at an all-time high and there is great suffering in the world. But everywhere humans are coming together to create a kinder, more compassionate society. There are now millions of grass-roots organizations promoting green energy, cultivating local, organic food, ending the use of dangerous toxins, building alternative transportation systems, preserving and restoring threatened ecosystems, and justly redistributing resources to include the poor and marginalized in the flow of planetary wealth. Individuals are simplifying lifestyles and reducing their consumption of animal protein and material goods. More and more of us are tuning out the commercial messaging of our caustic economy—one dependent on growth at any cost—and tuning into the nourishing joys of family, friends, and the bountiful world. And last week, I had an opportunity to spend time with a group of men and women on the forefront of awakening by participating in the Earth Holding and Protecting Theme Weekend at Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, California.

Twenty-five mature Buddhist practitioners already engaged in Earth-healing action in their professional and volunteer lives walked mountain trails, sang songs, sat in quiet contemplation, soaked up ancient teachings, and shared the pain and joy in their hearts—what it means to be alive and aware at this moment in history. As a member of the group, I felt profoundly understood and comforted.

Under the light of a nearly full moon, we carried candles to the mountain top, silently negotiated a labyrinth, absorbed a reading from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Love Letters to the Earth, and gazed upon the glow of city lights in the distance. The complexity of that moment was disorienting; I felt dizzy with sadness and elation.

We worked together to rescue a grandmother oak tree struggling for survival in California’s drought by removing thirsty invasive weeds from near her roots. The tree’s continuation is uncertain, but I was glad to take action to ease her discomfort.

We considered ways to maintain our freshness in the world as we work to bring an end to harm. Spontaneously, friendships knitted within the group and I felt deeply grateful to others for their help in carrying the load.

Thay Phap Ho (Brother Protection), and Order of Interbeing members Nomi Green and I co-led the retreat. In organizing the weekend, we wanted to uncover ways to promote Earth-healing activities throughout the global network of Mindfulness Communities practicing in the Plum Village tradition. To this end, Brother Phap Ho invited participants to create—in pictures and words—“Mandalas of Possibilities” for sustainable living and life-giving continuation. People got to work making mandalas that shed light upon their deepest aspirations, gifts and talents, realistic challenges, and skillful actions.

In the days ahead, I will share with you what emerged as a collective vision for sustainable and life-giving planetary continuation. Also, I’ll tell you about the next steps supporting an Earth Holding Initiative within the Plum Village Tradition. Now, however, I am going for a walk to celebrate this extraordinary day on planet Earth. I invite you to do the same.

Happy Earth Day, dear friend.