“My desire for knowledge is intermittent; but my desire to bathe my head in atmospheres unknown to my feet is perennial and constant.”

-Henry David Thoreau, ‘Walking‘

Looking back, I’ve realized this might not be the warmest Earth Day I’ve ever celebrated, but it is still the day of natural appreciation, and it warms my heart all the same.

It dawned on me that we can celebrate Earth Day from anywhere, seeing as being a citizen of Earth is the only prerequisite. Earth extends far beyond the beautiful forests, and even I tend to forget it. I’m still appreciative of the holiday, sitting here in my studio, where I’m typing this out! I’m still appreciative of Earth even within the city limits, even though I might be apart from pristine nature.

I personally had a very late start to the day, but with life’s rigid and never-ending schedule that persists during my Mondays-Fridays, I’m taking this Saturday as it comes to me. And that’s fairly slow. The peak action of the day has so far unfolded in the movements of my cat, Marina. She switches her position from the striped sofa-chair from which she departs, back to my bed, after a nap is complete. She’s undecided on which locale suits her loafish lifestyle best. Same girl, same.

I had initially intended to blog about my bicycle and its merits, post a fun time-lapse of me whirling through the neighborhood and a nearby trail, being eco-friendly. But as I sat there, also in my chair, drinking coffee and enjoying a simple breakfast, I realized that most of my days on Earth actually lie somewhere between the pillars of adventure and banal obligations, so why not write about what to do on those median kinds of days? The ones where we can’t necessarily sleep in the woods or ride (safely) down a trail, but wish to feel close to nature and Earth anyway?

The first step in caring for Earth is forming a deep-rooted connection with it (pun-intended). Even if you physically cannot go anywhere, pick up litter, plant a tree, or participate in the usual celebratory customs, there is something you can do within the confines of your apartment, house, car or whatever! Take a moment to consider your relationship with Nature. Have you contemplated nature recently, for what it is? Have you articulated yourself within its wonder and figured out where you fit, or would like to fit within it?

If you haven’t, today of all days is an awesome day to try it, or return to it. Although there are many ways to reinvigorate your connection with the Earth, I think one of the best ways I’ve found besides actually hiking has been to read about the great outdoors, particularly artistic renditions or descriptions. I think this is helpful because I can turn to natural works even if I myself am surrounded by screens, concrete and other material things, and I can picture the landscapes. Plus, some authors have put to pen the exact emotions I’ve felt when outside, and that is such a wonderful talent indeed.

Some of these writings I came across because they were assignments in my Nature Writing class, and others are scribblings I like ‘just because.’ Whether you read one or all, it doesn’t matter! Even if you don’t read any of them, I suggest taking a moment to write about your connection with the Earth; what are you thankful for? What has the Earth given you? What have you given back? Do you feel distanced from it? How can you fall back into your natural stride?

Regardless, developing and perpetuating your relationship with Earth is paramount. It is the first step in any conservation, preservation, or restoration effort you might be encouraged to participate on days such as this. You have to maintain your spiritual connection with it though; you can’t sustain a loving and productive relationship if you’re not feeling the connection- it just doesn’t work!

So here are my suggestions (please note, they may have to be purchased, but I think you’ll be better off in owning all of these books from which these poems and essays can be found! Also, they are not sponsored ads either, just some personal favorites!)

Poems:

1. Trees by Joyce Kilmer (from Poems on Nature, pg 39)
2. There will come soft Rains by Sara Teasdale (from Poems on Nature, pg 55)
3. My Heart is in the Highlands by Robert Burns (from My Heart is in the Highlands: Selected Poems of Robert Burns, pg 19)

Essays from The Norton Book of Nature Writing by Robert Finch & John Elder

1. From Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson (pg. 141-144) A classic- how could I not suggest this?
2. From Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau (pg. 172-180)- this is a particularly fun perspective on his surroundings where he likens the animals and ants to his contemporary world. We get both a history lesson and a beautiful narrative of his home.
3. Walking by Henry David Thoreau (pg. 180-205) A portion of this particular piece was assigned to us for class, yet I recommend the whole thing. I may be partial towards Thoreau’s nature writings, but if you read on, you’ll surely see why (and perhaps feel inspired to walk?).

A book…

Anatomy of Paradise: Hawaii and the Islands of the South Seas by J.C. Furnas (1937-47)- I am currently reading this among my various other literary pursuits, but I like the tone and the language; it does a great job at discussing the reality of the Pacific without romanticizing! While I read every narrative about exploration from the past century with a grain of salt (usually because authors err on the derogatory side of things), I’ve actually found that so far, this narrative has been ahead of its time in this regard. I picked it up from the San Diego Maritime Museum where they were selling older books from their library, and so far, it has been a captivating read about the land itself and has some intriguing quotes. I’ll probably update here once I’ve finished it!

Amazon link for other purchase options: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-paradise-Hawaii-islands-South/dp/B0007DNF84

These are just a few, but I hope these suggestions are useful, even if they serve as a mere starting point for your own nature-writing research!

I feel like this goes without saying, but I think Earth Day can be celebrated every day, not just April 22. As it stands though, I’m so glad that we have a day to ponder, to act, and to appreciate the ground we walk on and the protective atmosphere we sleep under. This relationship is constant and beautiful, so I encourage everyone to revisit it now and again, or really at any chance they can get!

Happy Earth Day, everyone!

If you liked these suggestions or want to share yours, I’m always down to discuss, just shoot me an email! 🙂