Try A Little Kindness

I try not to think in worst case scenarios. I have two beautiful little girls who are full of dreams. I have a beautiful garden and I live in the extraordinary Peace Country of Alberta full of rivers, prairies, forests and creatures. For all of these reasons I must remain optimistic that the will exists to learn to live in a sustainable way. Predictions for my part of the world include more severe weather, drought and more expense for those things brought into our community. While these things are worrisome in themselves, what worries me the most as we consume our way through our resources is how we will behave toward those around us as there is less and less to consume. How will we respond to the parts of the world that are now supplying us with cheap food as their countries suffer the effects of climate change? Who might eye our resources as things become scarcer? It's difficult to answer those questions because I have seen abundance bring out the worst in people, while crises can bring out the best.

I believe kindness is a key element in sustainability. Kindness to ourselves is critical. The kinder I am to myself it seems the less I need from the world and the easier it is to be kind to others. Kindness extended to those around me is reflected back. What is kindness? Seeing, acknowledging and honoring the intrinsic value in someone or something in such a way that they know they've been seen, acknowledged and honored simply because they are.