As Real As The Earth

More and more frequently, I find myself asking the question, “Is this real?” - Before you ask yourself if this author is detaching from reality, or worse, delving into philosophical and metaphysical ponderings, know that I have pinched myself thoroughly and yes, it’s still being called the Gulf of America.

An AI-generated image from the prompt, "draw an image based on what you think Blue Earth Compost looks like".

Nearly every day, I view images and videos on social media that are designed to bend perception. I read news reports about governmental policies that demolish norms and blatantly break with precedent in a way that shows clear animus. The value of life seems more than ever to be an afterthought. And AI. And cryptocurrency. And more. I can’t be the only one that is asking themselves this question.  

In comparison, when I’m in the garden or in the forest, I have rarely asked myself this question. The connection of soil, trees, plants, insects, and animals is visceral. I’ve witnessed solar eclipses, algae that glow as bright as a highlighter, mushrooms that reminded me of popsicles, and a double rainbow, yes, a double rainbow. Never once did I question if any of that was real.

The wonders, big and small, of the Earth are not bending themselves in order to get my attention. They don’t care what I think. They are being and I am being and we are witnessing each other. There is nothing more real than that.

For Earth Month, I offer you an opportunity to refocus your attention on the real. Start some vegetable seeds with your kids, invite a friend for a hike, plant some native wildflowers on your property or a vacant lot, volunteer to remove trash and invasive plants from a common area, or do whatever makes you feel connected with the Earth.

Will this solve the aforementioned issues? Absolutely not! Addressing those issues requires mass collective action and an evolution of our priorities as a society. What it will do, though, is remind you why you are doing whatever you doing. It will center you amid all the illusion and shock that tries to knock you off your balance.

Happy Earth Month everyone! May you breathe in and remember that your air comes from the trees. May you eat and remember that your food comes from the soil.

Blue Earth Compost

Writer’s note: While none of the text of this message was created by AI, the image above was AI-generated.