Gaia, the Great Mother

There is enough for all. The earth is a generous mother;
she will provide in plentiful abundance food for all her
children if they will but cultivate her soil in justice and in peace. 

--Bourke Coekran--

For centuries our precious Earth has been identified as a Mother Goddess.  The Greeks gave Her a name-- Gaia.  Her name means Earth. She is the child of Chaos.    Her magic exists in plants, flowers, trees, the seas, the stars, and the elements.    Everything that lives comes from Gaia.  We, too, are Her children; hence, we, too,  are connected to every aspect of nature.  But our daily schedules have become so hectic that we have forgotten that we are all part of the miracle that is called the Universe. Well, maybe forgotten is the wrong word.  No, we haven't really forgotten.  We just don't have the time.

Understanding the importance of connecting to Earth is an essential component to maintaining balance in our everyday lives. We cannot have one without the other...meaning we cannot destroy this planet without destroying a part of ourselves in the process. Our ancestors knew this.  That is why they only took what was necessary for their survival...and, whenever they did take something from the Earth, they not only gave thanks, but also gave our Mother something in return.  Today all we know how to do is take...take....and take without thought to future generations. There are still many people yet to come to live on Earth. Why are we killing them before they have even been born? 

When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.

--David Orr--

The other night hubby and I watched a show about the giant cats, and I was saddened to learn that both the lion and the tiger may both be extinct in a few years.  Polar bears, pandas...both heading for extinction.  The magnificent blue whale may soon be gone.  That's just a handful...and there will be so many, many more as we continue to over-hunt, destroy our rain forests, and pollute our oceans. 

Saving our great Mother is the responsibility of each and every one of us. After all, we love and respect our biological  parents, then why not the Earth Mother without which we would not be existing. We should think for anymore possible ways to save Earth.   So, as we enter this wondrous holiday season, let us not forget our Mother who has given us so much.   It may be frigid outdoors, but be sure to find a way to spend some time in nature and breathe in life.  Focus on your breathing.  Allow yourself to feel at one with Gaia...feel the life force which comes forth....

...and remember the symbiotic  relationship between yourself and all that is around you.  Harvest Her wonderful gifts and  make a feast of fruits, nuts, herbs and leaves.  Be sure to always  give thanks for the bounty She has provided for you....and remember to reach out and offer some  nourishment to nature's creatures who are struggling to survive the winter months.  Feed the wild birds who sing for us....offer the squirrels some nuts....remember the strays and put out some food.  Remember that we are all connected.

To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster
its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.

--Wendell Berry--