I frequent a very special beach on the Jersey Shore every year. It’s the only place like it in the area. While peaceful during the week, the weekends are full of crowds, many of who are not there for the beauty and uniqueness of this shoreline. A friend of mine taught me to do a garbage run before packing up to leave. We take along extra plastic bags and fill them with as much trash and litter as they can hold and then dispose of them at home.
Many people remark how nice this is and what a wonderful idea it is. We accept their kudos, but I also suggest they do the same, either on this visit or their next. But why pick up after others who obvious don’t care? It is because we do care.
If we are constantly concerned with who has done what to whom, or what someone else ought to be doing, we will become increasingly dissatisfied with life and the world. It is much easier to find fault with others, rather than look at our own lives and see where we are lacking. It does have some appealing points, though. People who engage in such a waste of time are rewarded with an attitude of arrogance, superiority and elitism. This might be appealing to some, but far from desirable to anyone concerned with the peace of our planet.
The next time you look at a cigarette butt on the sidewalk and scowl about an inconsiderate smoker, think about using the paper on the ground somewhere nearby (there will be some) and picking up the butt to throw it away. Take a large trash bag through your neighborhood once a week and collect anything that is unsightly. When neighbors notice what you are doing, enroll them to help you. Even if people think you are crazy, who cares? It does make a difference, at least to the planet. We all seem to enjoy making our mother happy. Why not take a moment and give Mother Earth a smile?
In Spirit, Truth and Playfulness,
Dr. Terry
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