Loving the Earth

(Editor's note: This article was originally published in the ENews, November 2010.)

By Kristin Barker



Our earth is suffering and most of us are suffering right along with it. Recent events, such as the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and the failure in Congress to pass climate change legislation, highlight both increasing violence to our environment a painful lack of response. On Wednesday, September 29 at Tara Brach’s Wednesday class in Bethesda, we examined how we have held this in our hearts and minds.

Tara’s talk, available for download, shared how mindfulness practices and the Buddhist path might guide us in healing the earth. She illuminated the belonging we have to this planet, the confusion that creates separation, the numbness, grief, despair or helplessness that can arise in seeing the destruction and the danger of withdrawing. Mindfulness practices, engaged Buddhism, and spiritual activism can help us to hold, transform and respond to the ongoing harm we as a species are causing. Even as the impact of our actions may be uncertain, as Tara observed, “we don’t have to be optimistic but we need to be present.”

We then broke up into smaller groups of 8 to 10 people, each with a facilitator and explored with each other what happens internally when we touch into this destruction. We shared skillful responses to what arises within us as individuals, the steps we are taking with others and in our communities, and what happens internally when we take action. Members also discussed ways that we might take action together as part of the IMCW community.


One person said of the meeting, “both Tara’s talk and the small group sharing deepened my awareness and commitment.” Another shared, “it is always affirming to speak with like-minded people and it helps me feel less alone in my efforts.” In addition, from a third, “the small group discussion was truly healing for me I came away feeling more optimistic and motivated.” Members responded favorably to the idea of taking collective action as IMCW. By acting as a community, we can share ideas, encourage and support each other, affirm the truth of interconnectedness and make a bigger difference. Here are some specific ideas that arose: 


• We might develop a "Middle Way List" that lists specific ways to reduce emissions and other waste and consume less. We can then invite all IMCW practitioners to commit to three items on the list and track our overall contribution. 
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We might identify restoration projects organized by the (very local!) Earth Sangha, which we can attend as a group to help restore distressed ecosystems. 
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We might examine IMCW's carbon footprint, set goals for reduction and then go about reducing it. For instance, with a little work and promotion, we might substantially increase the ride-sharing to IMCW classes and, in doing so, the diversity of those classes. Get on the Buddha Bus!

• We might invite the community to commit to reducing our collective ecological footprint through steps like converting to renewable energy sources, purchasing carbon offsets, conducting home energy audits, and reducing energy consumption. Ideally, we can track our collective savings and impact.

• We can share ideas for reducing material consumption, especially with the holidays fast approaching!

We’re just getting started. If you would like to get involved in IMCW’s ongoing “Loving the Earth Project” (or “Green Team”--we still need a good name), please contact Kristen.

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