Everyday is a chance to embody your body & our larger body – Earth.

“Joanna Macy writes that until we can grieve for our planet we cannot love it—grieving is a sign of spiritual health. But it is not enough to weep for our lost landscapes; we have to put our hands in the earth to make ourselves whole again. Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants

I've been realizing that environmental justice and action goes beyond, but includes, our individual choices and direct action – but also our interactions with larger communities, mindsets, and relationship with the Earth.

I've been finding hope through following a path of leaning into ecodharma - which is rooted in the practices of embodied mindfulness / engaged Buddhism (an indigenous Earth-based practice at its core), and helps us face the fear and the joy simultaneously when we think of our beloved planet and face the realities at hand.

Each day you deserve time, even if only a moment, to notice the Earth supporting you, and notice that you are an integral part of it.

I've been able to remember that we are a part of this planet for a reason – our species is only a problem when we exist disembodied or deem ourselves separate from nature. At the root of it all, this Earth holds us. and leaning into this feeling is such a gift. Teachers, organizations and books I've found helpful and want to share with you are:

Thích Nhất Hạnh said, "Only love can save us from climate change". This isn't love and light bypassing – it's a truth that we have to remember the beauty and meaning in order to feel rooted enough to be present in this movement of restoration and better relations.

This weekend, 30% of proceeds from all orders via cyclesjournal.com & my art shop rachaelamberdesign.etsy.com will go to the Indigenous Environmental Network @ien_earth.