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| Once upon a time, not too long ago humans lived in concrete boxes and drove around metal bubbles fueled by dinosaur remains to go buy their food from a store and get to work. Our ancestors did not think about where their waste went or how their food arrived in the grocery store. They rarely spent time in nature.Ā The tale I described above may be how future generations describe us. Stories are playing out everyday, history is made everyday.Ā Each day we are the center of our own story, creating our own history. The stories that we tell ourselves (consciously and unconsciously) have a major influence on how we act and view the world.Ā Ā This week I encourage you to bring awareness to the stories you tell yourself, whether that be bringing awareness to the self critic or the inner cheerleader. Use your mindfulness skills – curiosity, non-judgement – while acknowledging these inner stories.Ā Ā Rather than letting me tell you what to do or not to do I want to empower you to start where you are! There is no one right way to be sustainable, rather sustainability starts right where you are in your local environment and daily routine.Ā Ā One of the best ways to make a sustainable change is to add an element of fun! Before I give you some ideas I want you to reflect on the stories you already tell yourself about the planet and then we can go from there.Ā Activity: Today or when you have a moment to write a few thoughtful sentences Iām inviting you toā¦Ā First, write your current views on planetary health and what you believe the next 50-100 years will entail.Ā Ā Second, reread your views.Ā Third, consider what changes you could make to your views (a.k.a the story you’re telling yourself) about the planetās health and humanityās role. What if you changed it to an empowering story?Ā What if climate catastrophe is not inevitable and weāre not doomed?Ā What if this is the ultimate challenge that will unite the world and uplevel humanity?What if itās not difficult to embrace sustainability in our daily life?Ā Fourth, Rewrite your story to empower you.Ā Ā Fifth, consider how you can connect with this empowering story each week and how you may make changes to your daily life that align with this new story.Ā Ā As I said before, incorporating an element of fun will make this lifestyle change something to look forward to everyday or every week. Whatever you are passionate about, from cooking, caring for kids, brewing coffee, traveling, scuba diving, politics, pottery, making money, everything has a connection back to humanity and the planet. You can reframe how your passion impacts the world and how it can help serve the greater good.Ā Ā Now for some extra resources for friends who want orĀ need a list of ideas on where to start: . Head out to theĀ Farmerās Markets / Get to know your farmers . Cook with whole foods rather than packaged products . Reduce Plastic Use . Garden / Grow herbs on your balcony . Plant trees with your community . Compost / give your waste to someone who does compost . Get outside and Be with Nature . Go thrift shopping / Buy up-cycled goods / Swap clothes with friends . Stay accountable with a friend #ecobuddy and have eco-conscious chats togetherĀ Online Resources: Micheal Pollen has numerous books that are a great place to start understanding about our food system. He also has a list of resources on his site for anyone looking to make sustainable lifestyle changes!Ā https://michaelpollan.com/resources/Ā Ā This podcast episode interviews a climate scientist who doesnāt think we’re doomed, he believes we have more time than the media says!Ā Ā https://open.spotify.com/episode/76RdMG5Tne7H9jaP7mhkdk?si=DrhjTdvwQAu8_rJCudqntAĀ This podcast episode is with Zach Bush M.D. Who talks about the interconnectedness between soil health and our own intelligence. It may be a little out there but for anyone with an open mind he shares very interesting perspectives.Ā https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dOsQcYo6HFUG8Na9nvvtE?si=y4OsOJrCQIyVFZl9bUYEEw&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A228yVp1cCfR1J7lLOqeymo Join our facebook group and share your thoughts, your actions steps, and any ideas and suggestions for fellow treeĀ huggers. Together we can do this!!! With love and hope, Lizzie and all theĀ Sacred Treehouse Faculty |
Lizzie is a heart-centered entrepreneur who has a vision of helping people all around the world shine their light and live their most aligned life. She recently received her B.S in Horticulture at the University of Florida and Holistic Health Coach certification from IIN. She has combined her two passions, environmental stewardship and helping others, by creating an online coaching program that connects clients to their body, mind, soul, and nature. Taking inspiration from natureās interconnected designs, Lizzie works with clients to create a balanced life ecosystem that supports them in living an aligned life. Connect with her on Instagram @lizzie_shutt or www.lizzieshutt.com