“You cannot start living your life until you start pushing the boundaries.” -E, 2018

 

It is the time to ask questions of yourself and of the world. It is time think outside the box. It is the time to get uncomfortable.

Why is ‘xyz’ the way it is? How did ‘xyz’ happen?

Living solely within the confines as defined by others will only result in disappointment and ultimate unhappiness.

 

Let us use 2018, a new year, to develop a new solutions or better ways to ‘keep the gears turning’ in our heads.

In terms of environmental implications, as long as we exhale CO₂, there surely must be a way to offset that impact (and generate O₂).

 

On a large scale perspective, the solution shouldn’t be argued as ‘too daunting’ of a task.

In general, a “single global-scale solution” cannot be executed as there are many facets to the problem of human impact on the environment. In this way, we can’t lead ourselves to believe that we are “too small” to “change how the world works”, at least initially. To be overcome by feelings of defeatism when faced with a problem, regardless of its size, will not lead to finding or executing probable solutions.

 

As we are aware, this is not a job solely for one person. Viewing it as such shouldn’t serve as justification for not making better choices today. Large scale changes do not take place over night. Generations of poor environmental habits can be reversed with new ways of thinking and new ways of implementing good habits.

We need to find a starting point. We can start by setting goals for ourselves, such as aiming to be a more (or the most) eco-friendly generation.

Each day is a new day to make the world more a “green” and clean place. If one person did one thing to offset one aspect of his/her environmental impact each day, not only would that immediately prove beneficial, but others can learn by this example.

 

Let us not forget the impressive steps that we have taken in order to get to this place of change.

The fact that humans have evolved to be social creatures and helpful towards one another, thus not wholly selfish, is impressive. As evidenced by our history, humans have evolved to come together to solve a multitude of problems and have thus developed solutions to a variety of issues, such as shelter, food, language, currency, etc.

The mere fact that we are able to think reflectively and ask questions of ourselves as to ‘how to make the world a better place’ is impressive. That is the front lobe of our brain at work! The fact that we can develop and act upon both short and long term solutions simultaneously is impressive. For example, we can choose to recycle a glass bottle and plant a tree on the same day. We can place a banana peel in our composter and simultaneously support a local environmental group. We can bring reusable bags to the store and yet, choose to take steps towards a sustainable plant-based diet. We, humans, are resilient, smart, and have the capacity to work individually and together towards a more sustainable future.

 

“Thoughts become words. Words become actions. Actions become habits. Habits become values. Values become destiny.” –Mahatma Gandhi

Each time you commit yourself to a more eco-friendly action, you are setting yourself up for a moment of teaching to others, either directly or indirectly.

 

This process is about finding a place for yourself in this world. This process is about challenging the confines of what was set before you and pushing boundaries of how to “do better”. This process is about visualizing yourself living in a world that you hope to see flourish and remain beautiful.

 

On my path towards becoming more environmentally conscious, I have matured and grown spiritually as a person. I have learned that my actions impact myself, others, and the environment. I understand that the world, or even my immediate environment, does not contain an infinite amount of resources. Every day, I strive to gain as much knowledge as possible and continue to learn the truth about the realities of the world. I also accept responsibility for my actions. In this way, I have come out of the darkness and into the light, so to speak.

 

Through this journey, I have learned that I also have the power to choose to not associate with others (the naysayers, so to speak). I have learned that it is not solely my responsibility to bring those who are in the darkness into the light. Sometimes the best way to show others the way is to lead by example and demonstrate how easy the environmentally conscious choice can be. How choosing the less environmentally impactful option does not infringe on one’s right to choose. How the world is everyone’s problem, not just those who choose to accept it. How people have the power to choose the world that they want to live in every single day.

 

Moreover, I have learned that I cannot progress in my life by overtaxing myself. Sometimes, those who are in the darkness do not want to be in the light, or are at least not ready to be in the light. Not everyone is on the same page. I have come to accept that those who are in the dark may, for one reason or another, be unfortunately aiming to dim my own light as well. Those who are in the darkness are not able to look at themselves in the mirror and understand the reality within themselves or the reality that is our world. It is all too easy to be comfortable within a bubble of egocentrism.

 

I have found that if I am near others who have given up, I start taking on those feelings as well. One must consider, what would have happened if those who became successful had listened to all the naysayers?

Negativity attracts negativity. Positivity attracts positivity. Seek out others who are also in the light and surround yourself with those who want to see positive changes in the world.

It may be difficult at first to feel like you are turning your back and leaving someone in the shadows. However, people can find the light by their own methods and in their own time. It may take longer for some than others. Maybe some will never leave the comforts of their bubble and never find the light. Given these facts, I know that I can never sacrifice the passion that I have come to know that is inside me or the truth around me.

Enjoy the Journey!    Push those boundaries!    Step into the light!    Happy 2018!

 

 

Find below an outline of my personal Journey of Mindfulness –a journey that has allowed me to come into the light and understand the realities of today;

1. Develop an open mind and gain knowledge on a variety of topics from variety of sources
   • Reading (Books, Articles)
     • The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
     • Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider
     • How Cycling Can Save the World by Peter Walker
   • Watching (Movies, Videos)

2. Declutter and Minimalize what you have already accumulated in this life
   • Start with the physical items in your apartment/house
3. Consider (the impacts of) what you are about to consume
   • Vote with your dollar
     • Buying eco-friendly products at store or even not buying (at all or as much) environmentally destructive products
   • Support local economy
     • Farmer’s markets, etc.
4. Rework what and how much trash you accumulate
   • Recycle!
   • Consider starting a compost bin.
   • Make the more eco-friendly buying choice from the get-go (a whole fruit vs individually packaged fruit cup snack packs)

 

See also;

Top Five Reads on Minimalism, Veganism, Wellness, and Navigating Food Culture.

Another 5 reads on Minimalism, Veganism, Wellness, and Navigating Food Culture.