by Patricia Gray

Created on: July 30, 2008   Last Updated: August 05, 2008

We are indeed living in a precarious time. The overstressed earth and its resources have never been in such heavy demand. What this generation is experiencing firsthand is making history for all generations: bulging population, corresponding waste production, climate changes from a wider variety of polluting sources, rising temperatures, and the melting of the poles. The very existence of many species of plants and animals rocks in foreboding balance. Survival will be uncertain for much of life as we know it if these dramatic issues are not swiftly and creatively addressed. Our current world predicament is a hint that today's beliefs may well be tomorrow's pathology, if we survive to reflect on this age. The earth is speaking to us through flu like symptoms of chills and fever, while most of the dominant culture is intoxicated with greed.

"Going green" is nearly an overused term. But with passion, I hope we don't become callous to its brilliant intention. There can be little argument that "going green" needs to be embraced quickly. More options to soften our carbon footprint, another great buzzword, are coming to the forefront. Love and peace were buzzwords in the 60's that fell into a coffin of banality from overuse. I am for resurrecting these classic themes, since I believe our global solution, while complex, lies deeply in our hearts along with those cobwebbed dreams of love and peace.

Flipping a switch is so easy, and I always wish fixing the planet could be that simple. I teach yoga. I teach ideas that make sense to me. I hear my voice speak about being fully present and what happens when we embrace the moment. I always suspect that big answers can only come when were are fully awake. Also, when we enter a spirit of gratitude for the many blessings we are afforded, we can begin to see how being grateful, very grateful, can serve to strengthen the world in which we live. Global consciousness means that we recognize that each of us makes a difference. Each individual choice we make has a ripple effect. Karma 101: what goes around, as they say, comes around.

On vacation in the Caribbean, I overlooked a pristine beach. The island was largely uninhabited because the ports there are too shallow for most boats. The only way to see this particular beach was by hiking from its opposite side. Through binoculars, there was something shining along the beach. I zoomed in closer. With horror, I saw a thick band of plastic bottles washed ashore. A tear welled up, along

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