“When the last tree is cut, the last river poisoned, and the last fish dead, we will discover that we can’t eat money . . . ”
-- Unknown (often attributed as an ancient Cree Prophecy)
Today is Earth Day. You know - for that big hunk of rock floating in space that we all happen to live on at this moment. The one with Moon moon - the only moon in our solar system that we call moon twice. That one. It's our home and it's our lifesource - and it's the only one we’ve got.
So today is a day of reflection and appreciation - a day to pause and reflect on what responsibilities we owe to our space rock that gives us food, water, air and all the things that we as humans love and find value in. Each one of us carries a deep connection to this planet around us, a connection that can remind us of the power of balance, harmony and the interconnectedness of all things.
Nature, like the Force, surrounds us and flows through all living things. Humans included. It binds us to one another and extends far beyond humanity and outward to the countless other species that share this amazing planet with us. When we nurture the Earth, we are nurturing ourselves and each other. Every choice we make sends ripples that become quakes and trembles resonating deeply through this vast ecosystem - a reminder that we are a part of something much larger than ourselves.
I think that every small action we take has the potential to create massive ripples in our environment. While advocating for conservation and sustainability is a vital aspect of protecting our planet - I think our role as Jedi extends even further than that. It means extending our compassion to all living things, recognizing that their struggles and triumphs are so deeply intertwined with our own. When one part of the ecosystem suffers - we will all eventually feel the effects. It is important to acknowledge and to respect this shared experience so that we may learn to work together - human and not human, to find solutions.
I often call myself a Pagan-adjacent Jedi - meaning I my Jedi practice is deeply entwined with the earth centric traditions and practices of many ancient pagan practices. I personally feel the presence of the Force within the quiet swaying of the trees, the murmur of streams and within the heartbeats of the little critters I love so very much. Nature is an incredible teacher - it shows us the cycles of growth and renewal that each one of us navigate. Just like our planet, we transform as we learn and grow from both our challenges and our victories. When we slow down and connect with the plants, animals and fellow humans in this way we discover and come to better value the threads that bind us all so tightly together. In serving nature - we serve and uplift each other.
Each of us plays a vital role in this intricate web that is existence and it is our responsibility to honor those roles with deep love and respect. So as we celebrate Earth Day together today, take a moment to reaffirm your commitment to the planet and to each other. Remember your roots that run deep and the roots of the ancient and wild forests that run deep alongside them. Let us strive to be compassionate guardians that care for nature with kindness and with reverence - the human and nonhuman. And in doing so, embody the teachings of our Doctrine and contribute positively to our future on this planet.
Thank you for sharing in this reflection with me.
Happy Earth Day, and May the Forest be with you,
-- Senior Knight Tavi
