We Are the Earth

A recent sunset in Vancouver, WA

Symbiosis is my word for today.

Here's how Dictionary.com defines it:

sym·bi·o·sis

   [sim-bee-oh-sis, -bahy-]  Show IPA

noun, plural -ses  [-seez]  Show IPA.

1.

Biology .

a.

the living together of two dissimilar organisms, as inmutualism, commensalism, amensalism, or parasitism.

b.

(formerly) mutualism ( def. 1 ) .

2.

Psychiatry . a relationship between two people in which each person is dependent upon and receives reinforcement,whether beneficial or detrimental, from the other.

3.

Psychoanalysis . the relationship between an infant and itsmother in which the infant is dependent on the mother bothphysically and emotionally.

4.

any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationshipbetween two persons, groups, etc.

Lately, I've been possessed by an interesting idea: 


                              The earth is in turmoil because it's inhabitants are.  


Yes, I know it sounds a bit crazy but bear with me.  Hasn't the United States experienced wild and unusual weather this year?   Record heat for some, record rains for others, a huge hurricane, deadly tornadoes, floods.


Don't forget the East Coast earthquake, an rare event.   That's just for the US and we've yet to factor in the turmoil and unrest that leads to war, military conflictand revolution all around the world.  Libya and Egypt have risen up and deposed long-time leaders.  Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia are not happy places.


Recently, in London, unhappy youth with little hope for employment and a better future, rioted in protest of government budget cuts.  Pictures captured a world on fire, a furious earthly hell.


A restless earth reflects a restless people.  Peace, satisfaction, achievement, success, prosperity are words we don't hear enough.  So many lives don't reflect these qualities. Neither does our planet.  A planet, we continue to abuse.  As the rain forests continue to disappear from the face of our earth, we have yet to grasp the truth.   


 Killing the planet, its resources and each other will only bring about more death and destruction.   


We tumble through space and time, lost souls desperately seeking comfort.  Few know where to find it.



Maybe, the earth isn't alive but you'll have to prove otherwise to me.   The Earth is troubled and I know its people are.  Instead of dividing, conquering, looting and pillaging, maybe we could try working together for everyone's mutual benefit.  What a revolutionary idea.  It is not mine alone. 


Today, all I ask, is that you:


* Think harmonious thoughts.  
* Try to work well especially with the difficult people.  
* Learn to listen to what others are saying.   
* Know where you end and where others begin   
* Focus on the positive things we hold in common.  


In doing so, we could create a different world, a more peaceful and more productive one.