Musings of an Earthling on shifting climate leading to drought, fires and floods
We act astonished, in disbelief, at today’s unraveling of our institutions and ecological systems. But for those watching the shifting climate and dwindling natural resources for decades, there was no ambiguity that humans’ domination on planet earth was unsustainably out of balance.
Still, it’s shocking when these structures we’ve built our lives upon crumble so quickly! Fires encroach upon city borders, air so unhealthy we don’t go outside; drought, flood and heat events are increasingly extreme; our gardens fry; a pandemic strikes our most vulnerable; local businesses shutter; people go hungry, lose their homes and incomes; kids don’t go back to schools or playgrounds; trauma and lack of close contact increase anxiety.
And yet we don’t connect the dots as we ignore carbon pollution, groundwater and rain disruption. We cling to a local economy based upon an outdated model. We’re defensively reluctant to own and grow beyond the violent reality of our racism.
We worry about the direction of our country; about livability on Earth; about our ability to tackle the existential issues when our priorities are chronically short-term.
How do we cope?
We breathe; get our paperwork in order; keep our go-bags at the front door; remove brush; keep our cars fueled but walk and bike more. We conserve water, catch the rain, pollute less, and improve the soil. We humbly learn to unlearn racism because fearing those who are different divides us.
We demand local government put earth and people first; and only support policies that make it possible for all, not just the entitled few, to thrive in Healdsburg, now and into the future.
We share what we have: our wealth, skills, love and gratitude. We do this because we’re caring people and because we must in order to keep our community strong. We accept the present situation while pitching in to correct what we humans have done to create an imbalance based upon an old belief that we have the God-given right to use Earth without loving her.
We feel our feelings—including anger. We remember to laugh and that it’s ok to cry when sadness is overwhelming. We recognize fear and don’t let it control us. We stay curious and open to new ideas. We notice when we judge ourselves and others and offer understanding and kindness. We observe our constant busyness and practice more being-ness. Restoring environmental equilibrium asks us all to courageously open our hearts moment by moment.
By Merrilyn Joyce, Healdsburg resident and local rep to the CAAC
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