letterfrompublisher


After a hectic day, especially one spent in front of a comput- er screen, nothing rebalances me more surely than a walk in nature. In fact, most of my fondest memories are from times spent in nature, the great healer.


A Vision for Great Nature


by Tony Burroughs W


e envision a world where everyone sees the life in all things; where the animals, trees, plants, even the largest mountains and smallest pebbles are seen and honored for the spark of conscious- ness that resides within them. We see people beginning to treat Great Nature the way they would want themselves to be treated, and in response, Great Nature has begun to open her arms, reveal her secrets and share her abundance with us like never before.


Now we see a partnership formed between humanity and Great Nature whereby people everywhere are rejuvenated and recreated, because we are regularly walking the woodlands, visiting the shores, hiking the mountain trails and swimming in the lakes and streams. We see a grounding taking place within us now that we are touching the Earth and reestablish- ing our ancient connection—and as a result, the speediness of life has given way to a tranquility in mankind and womankind. Once we learned that something magical hap- pens when we take off our shoes, soak our feet and bathe and baptize ourselves in the natural waters, we gained a relief from our seriousness and the cares of life.


Now we see things more clearly, make better decisions and live happier lives, because we’ve made friends with the best friend we could have: Great Nature.


Tony Burroughs publishes daily at Intenders.com in support of The Vi- sion Alignment Project.


6 Collier/Lee Counties


Recently, I enjoyed the opportunity to powwow with kindred spirits around a campfire on the beautiful Happe- hatchee Center, in Estero (page 14), under the Spring Equinox full moon, listening to the music and wise heartfelt council of Native American performers. We had all come together to celebrate our connection and commitment to Mother Earth. The First People on this conti- nent practiced their respect for nature through sustainable stewardship of Earth’s resources; this practical understanding is critical today if we are to pass along a habitable planet to our grandchildren.


Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Professor Maria Roca, who helped or- ganize the event, beamed like a proud mother when her students recited principles from the Earth Charter Initiative they are studying in her class (EarthCharterIn Action.org). Drafted at the turn of the millennium, The Earth Charter is a worldwide people’s declaration of ethical principles of shared responsibility for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society. FGCU signed on as an affiliate in 2009. I left the gathering feeling a renewed reverence and connection to Mother Earth and how vital it is for us each to daily take time to connect with nature. If we had met at the FGCU auditorium for the evening’s gathering, I wouldn’t have felt awakened on so many levels.


Nothing can replace being in nature, as our interview with educator and author Richard Louv points out in his new book The Nature Principle. To motivate us, Louv has a message for humankind: “Think not what we can do for nature, but what nature can do for us.” He shows how a nature-infused lifestyle can enhance the quality of our health and relationships, benefiting every facet of our experi- ence. He asserts that the more high-tech our lives become, the more nature we need. The flip side is that the more disconnected we are from nature, the less we take care of it properly. (See our interview on page 30.)


Earth Day, April 22, arrives as a timely annual reminder of the vital need for us all to be kinder to our planet. No person, nation or continent functions in isola- tion. Life on Earth comprises an intertwined network of beings, places and expe- riences and we are increasingly realizing how our actions affect our neighbors around the world.


Throughout this month’s issue, you’ll find plenty of ideas and resources to step up your commitment. Imagine how much healthier our environment would be if everyone made every day Earth Day. Know that with every small change, you are making a difference; we’ll look for you at several of the events listed in our Earth Day Events Calendar, on page 20; Southwest Florida has much to celebrate and hold dear. Be sure to stop by and say hello.


Make every day an Earth Day,


Sharon Bruckman, Publisher swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com


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