What I Learned on Earth Day

This Earth Day my family and I went to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands to learn a little about the eco-system of this southern California coastal wetland. We knew it was an ancient sacred site for the Tongva and Acjachemen Indians. We knew it was possibly an astro-archeology site (a place where they measure and honored the sun, moon and planetary movement). We did discover new things. The rinky-dink size of the Great White shark’s brain was pretty cool. We stroked the back of a ray. REI gave some great tips on how to be in nature and not take over nature. But what we all really wanted to do was plant some indigenous plants. We are a family of hands-on creatures and don’t mind a little dirt, or a lot as the case may be.

Some say (and I am one of those) that for adults, our greatest teachers are our children. One of my sons is my mirror and the other son is my oracle (Spirit speaks to me through him). My daughter is an enigma to me, whose greatest value to me rests in getting comfortable with the unknown and quiet. Of my mirror child, I gained precious insight into one of our shared obstacles toward happiness and fulfillment. I want to share that with you in letter form.

Dear Skyler, I want to tell you what I learned on Earth Day. You know how we are both so excitable and love to be the clown? You know how we are impatient and rush from A to Z on some kind of single-minded, fanatical course? We both know that we miss a few things along the way, in all this rush and excitement, but we just can’t seem to help ourselves. Well, I figured something out the other day. You would be impressed. I think. I thought when we were all digging out the impertinent tall grass at the Bolsa Chica to plant the natural plants that we learned the same things. We dug out the grass in a three-foot ring and planted the native plants. The space we created will give the young plant strength to push back and defeat the grass that does not feed the native animals. This daunting task will take years. And yet, I was shocked and comforted to realize that what each person I asked came away with something totally different and yet so personal and true to their heart’s desire.

Craig, the engineer, shared how when Pacific Coast Highway is raised onto a bridge and the sand dredged, the ocean water will be able to reach the stagnant water recessed so far inland. This great engineering feat will breathe life into those dank places. Deborah, the aromatherapist and an East-Coaster, found a California indigenous plant that smells like rosemary. That was a comfort and joy to her. Kevin, the restless cowboy, loved the fact that the grass was planted by farmers for their cattle to graze. I think he misses the days of wide horizons. Don’t we all? I was overjoyed to finally understand the simple reason we rip out the usurping plants and replant the indigenous plants. These plants provide natural food for the animals (coyote, rabbit, ground squirrels). And so Life will prevail. I also discovered one plant that is so beautiful, but if it doesn’t get its dormant time (beauty rest) it will not survive. That reminded me of the fast race to the finish line.

My dear Skyler, even though we all were there at the same time, enjoying the same warm sun, ocean breezes, and familiar faces, we each had a uniquely different experience. When we hurry to be done or praised, or whatever, we lose the little gifts all along the way - the baby steps that will awaken us to the different ways of seeing things. The instant gratification and ease with which we race through A to Z does not make us iconic, praise-worthy, or even a finished work of art. There is always another task, or experience to have. There is much more value in being open to whatever can be gained in one experience. Why do we race? There is so much beauty in steps B through Y. Each letter could represent a different musical chord or a Rune, with a whole story behind it. Each subtle difference is like a new facet cut into a diamond that brings in a whole new ray of light.

My dear Skyler, we are here on Earth to experience the light shining through our unique expression – to be so multi-faceted that our light is so brilliant it heals. Notice I didn’t say multi-tasking. When I watch you get frustrated and mirror all my tendencies to rush ahead to the feeling of completion, I will smile and push back that usurping non-native fear and hold the belief that you and I will find comfort in the growing up process called Life. And that little plant will take over, though it may take awhile, but soon it will reach to the wide horizons. Thank you for listening.