April 22nd approaches and with it the 46th anniversary celebration of Earth Day. In honor of the day, I encourage everyone to consider the wisdom of our First Nations people: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Many of our environmental problems have escalated over the years because we and earlier generations focused exclusively on short-term benefits with little regard for the long-term ramifications of our actions.
Holistic nurses appreciate the spotlight Earth Day focuses on the importance of protecting and preserving the planet we live on. It reminds us that we can’t function or live well if our water is polluted, air is contaminated, our land is poisoned, and ensures we consider the health of the ecosystem in relation to the health and safety of those within in our care.
Since we are taught to preserve the environment and encourage natural healing from sunlight, minerals, and plants, Earth Day is a day for celebrating how body, mind, and spirit come together and are supported by the environment in which we live. We find it heartening to see communities and industries implementing strategies for preserving earth’s resources.
With global warming, drought, and other extreme environmental issues increasingly commanding attention, we believe the time has come to increase individual efforts for preserving the world around us. Therefore, let us take a moment on Earth Day to remember this gentle reminder for promoting a healthy environment, and that we all can and should play a role in the betterment of the world around us.