I love that recent science now shows there is a unitive field connecting everything.  We are not separate from our planet, we are linked in a unity despite our many differences, and living in the reality of this relationship benefits us as well as our planet.  For me, looking after the planet stems best from loving and appreciating its wonders rather than from fear of climate change or biodiversity loss.

The culture when I was brought up stressed my individuality and separateness, not an awareness of this unitive reality, so I have been finding ways to realise and experience it.  I now look at the trees and plants that I pass, not just appreciatively but more open to them, almost like listening.  And when I do that, I nearly always get a sense of welcome back from them.  I often talk to them, and sometimes sing!  And I switch my perspective from seeing them as something out there, to realising that my sight and hearing and touch bring their presence inside me.  I breathe the air that they give out and they breathe mine.

What helps you to relate more deeply?

Welcome

I can walk past
the trees that I pass
as backdrop to my thoughts,
or I can notice
their beauty and form.

Or I can remember
that they too
have a level of consciousness
that I can relate to,
and so see them differently,
aware of their inner nature,
as if they, too,
are aware of mine.

And then it is as if
I can sense a smile,
their welcome and enjoyment
of our interaction together.

It is like a hug
from a friend.