You have most certainly heard the term and at this point in the event’s development, as well as by name alone, you probably have a good idea of the focus of this event. You may even have participated in a celebration, or practiced an environmentally friendly act on your own to acknowledge it. But what exactly is Earth Day?

The first Earth Day happened on April 22, 1970 to increase public awareness of the human actions and behaviors that are harming, and ultimately destroying the planet. This event brought environmentally conscious individuals and groups, as well as those new to the movement, together in support of improved earth health. Visit EarthDay.org to learn more about its interesting history. This worldwide celebration continues annually.

Google Earth Day 2022 in your area to find out about about any live events that are happening. There are also virtual events you can participate in. That includes an Earth Day Meditation that I will be facilitating at 7:00 PM PST via Facebook. This free, public, online event is designed for beginning meditators, so all are welcome.

Earth Day’s theme this year is, “Invest in Our Planet.” Learn more about Earth Day 2022 at this link, also on EarthDay.org.

I like the thought that everyday is Earth Day. Because it really is. It is so easy to go about our day grabbing for an extra paper towel, throwing away a bottle instead of recycling or walking by the piece of trash on the ground. None of us are perfect. All of us are busy. There are many ways to help our planet, whether getting physically involved with volunteering, giving financially to a legitimate, environmentally friendly organization or attending an event in support, as well as for further education. It initially starts however, in our own life. What we do with our trash, what we use to clean, our choice of transportation and more.

It begins with being more aware of what we are doing. We all have habits. Many come about by simply living in a convenience loving society. I recently quit my abundant paper towel habit. I was a self admitted paper towel-aholic. While there may still be an occassional need for a disposable paper towel in my life, for the last 30+ days I have been drying my hands, wiping up spills and doing all that I need to without them, using reusable cloth instead. Why the switch? Did you know that over 51,000 trees are cut down every day because of North America’s paper towel usage? I love trees! It is part of why I moved back to Washington state. I chose trees over paper towels.

Another way to help the earth is by helping ourselves. By acknowledging not just the physical, but also the affects of the energy that we share with the world. By letting go of energies that are harmful to us, by healing ourselves, we are in turn, healing our planet. In tonight’s Earth Day Meditation, we will be grounding, to connect to the earth. Centering in our bodies to be more in the present moment. Releasing unwanted energies so we have more of the energy that we want in our lives and on the planet. We will honor and celebrate the earth and feel more relaxed while doing it! I hope to see you meditating at 7:00 pm PST. Happy Earth Day!

As I sit comfortably with a roof over my head and a full stomach, sipping soothing green tea, I am reflecting on the period over the last several years that has held both unique and familiar, now historical, events. These times have included challenges, trauma, and unfathomable happenings, not only in the US, but worldwide. In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen violent, political unrest, publicly displayed social injustices, devastating natural disasters and the horrors of war, the most prominent currently being Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While there has been a long running competition between the two countries, Russian President, Vladimir Putin’s decision to physically advance, was still startling, even with his known beliefs of Russian superiority and Ukrainian prejudice.

We all go through times of discomfort, disturbance, stress and trauma. When we see the big picture of our planet, it can help put things into perspective. Those in Ukraine, humans, and wild and domesticated animals, are experiencing the terror of nearby active gunfire, explosions, loss of loved ones and a focus of meeting the bare minimum of their survival needs while avoiding injury and death. People having to unexpectedly flee their homes and country in search of safety. With some choosing to stay in Ukraine with loved ones, animals, or for some other personal reason.

It can make our bodies sad, afraid, and angry to think about what is being done and what is going on in Ukraine. There are many individuals and organizations working to bring food, water, and other aid, as well as help bring Ukrainian residents to safety. Unfortunately, there are also those that take advantage of situations like this, and prey on kind-hearted, compassionate people that want to help their fellow humans and the world’s animals.

In case you are not aware, there are websites that publicize lists of legitimate non-profit organizations based on their thorough investigations and specifically met criteria, such as what percentage of received donations goes towards helping a cause. I like CharityWatch.org, but there are others. I find Charity Watch easy to navigate and I like seeing an actual person that is representing the organization. You will see what I mean when you watch their videos! However, I highly recommend taking a little time to do your own research and ensure that you are comfortable with your donation decisions.

While the war is physically happening further away than most of us will be able to travel, is there anything we can do from here? Yes! In addition to giving financially, as you are able, to legitimate aid organizations, help by being mindful of your thoughts. Physicists have proven that everything is energy, including the air you breathe, your body’s emotions and thoughts. If you are thinking fear, you are giving fear. If you are thinking peace, you are sending peace. If you are thinking love, you are giving the gift of love. You may also find practicing grounding and meditation helpful. To not only to help calm your body, but also to gain more clarity and control of your thoughts. Grounding is the foundation of my meditations. It is also a technique that you can use to release energy. You can let go of stress and any energy that you no longer want, including overwhelming emotions, and disturbing thoughts. This clearing makes more room for energy and thoughts that you do want and that are more beneficial.

The war in Ukraine has led to destruction, terror and devastation. The fact that the war is affecting all of us in some way demonstrates how we are all connected. Not only is it evoking fear and other emotional responses, but the effects are also manifesting physically with increased prices and food shortages. This is just the beginning. Give thoughts of love, peace, and compassion to those in Ukraine, to yourself and to all life. Give this energy, these thoughts of love, peace, and compassion to the earth, our planet.

We are all connected. Even if you do not agree, it certainly can’t hurt to change your thoughts from fear and anxiety to love and compassion. If nothing else, it will help your own body to feel better.

If you know of legitimate organizations helping in Ukraine, please let me know. Thank you! Feel free to reach out if you want to talk about this, or any other topic. Love to you and your animal friends. sindi@apetpsychic.com

* I have included links to the Pixabay.com pages of the talented photographers that freely provided the photos in this blog post. You can buy them “coffee” on their pages. Perhaps this is another way to help Ukraine. Donating directly to its generous artists.