The Struggle for Sustainability

As global concern for the state of the environment rises, I observe how we face this problem in the same way we do most situations in our lives: we want to fix something that we perceive as terribly wrong. When this happens we look immediately to find someone to blame. But in doing so, we sidestep taking responsibility. When we see something outside that we don’t like, we can choose to complain, even to fight, but in order to give a real contribution to any situation, we must start taking responsibility. How do I take responsibility for something like the environment? Something that seems so huge and so unrelated to my own actions? I am not negating the positive effects of making greener choices or reducing your footprint, but I am talking about going inwards, to heal the root causes of destructive behavior within yourself.

We have so many judgments about what’s happening in the world; the destruction of the rain forests, the poisoning of our oceans… oil leaks, tribal peoples killing gorillas in order to make money to live; all these things are happening in the world, and obviously we want to change that. But what is the root of all these behaviors? Greed, lack, and separation. We feel like there is not enough – not enough natural resources, not enough money, not enough work – but although these seem like national and even global problems, this feeling of lack stems from our inner state, our own personal feeling of incompletion. If I feel unfulfilled, I experience need. Until I feel whole, this need will influence my actions, my responses. My giving will not be inclusive, it will not be unconditional. When we find internal abundance however, we start to transform everything into that abundance. If I’m abundant, I don’t let an aspect of myself starve. If I’m abundant, I don’t go and burn down the rain forest. If I’m abundant, I don’t throw poison into the ocean. So I become that abundance, and because consciousness experiences union, as it elevates, it affects all aspects of duality. Everything becomes that abundance.

Let’s stop pointing the finger, playing the blame game. Let’s start going inwards, and when something bothers us, asking where is that within myself? How can I heal that within myself? We cannot single-handedly change the world, but we can change ourselves. And that, my dear friends, is the most exciting, challenging and incredible adventure I have ever embarked upon.

Isha Judd will be touring Europe in May 2010, presenting her latest book and movie, Why Walk When You Can Fly? which explain her system for self-love and the expansion of consciousness. Learn more at www.whywalkwhenyoucanfly.com.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Past Member .

7:07AM PST on Feb 8, 2010

Yeah.. I agree.. let's begin the change within our selves and stop pointing fingers to one another... anyway, this is still our beautiful planet we live in and we are responsible to protect it...

send a green star

Odin T.

11:34AM PST on Feb 2, 2010

Oh oui mademoiselle! Thank you for this eye opening information, The reason that much of our environment is the way it is is down to too much encroachment and over populating the planet to name two. Yes, one person can't change this for the better on their own, but if we all join together to make changes, we can make a difference. The most important thing to remember is how to maintain sustainability for now and the futur. I will refer back to this again, cheers.

Patrick L.

9:50AM PST on Feb 1, 2010

Inner work yes.

It is painfully obvious "outer work" is necessary to heal this planet. Which comes first ? And, as we are cursed with our dual nature, can we separate the two.

At present, the survival of everything depends on us. It is the choices we make which now arbitrate every environmental system.

Can you, can I, can we, make these small choices which involve letting go of the "stuff" ?

Patrick

9:49AM PST on Feb 1, 2010

Rob S.

8:31AM PST on Feb 1, 2010

I 100% agree, to truly make a change in the world it all starts with ourselves. If each one of us were to begin doing our inner work, we'd see a global impact unimaginable!

Ina Eliza D.

9:35AM PST on Jan 21, 2010

Thank you! It looks that not only one aspect of our life is deeply connected to our inner-peace, but everything around us. The proces of inner-changing feels like a start for a new wonderful journey that can bring so much once we decided to take it :).

Kiara M.

7:58PM PST on Jan 20, 2010

thank you so much for sharing. With the way the economy is today, your health is the one area of your life that you need to invest into. . When it comes to your health, don’t be at risk of not knowing, or knowing too late.

10:59AM PST on Jan 19, 2010

wonderful, amazing .. thanks a bunch :).

Anne F.

1:53PM PST on Jan 17, 2010

I'm too much of a fighter to accept this advice. Will his trip and speeches help the people of Haiti or North Korea or Bangladesh?

Tammy N.

6:35AM PST on Jan 13, 2010

maybe people just emphasize on economic or industrial development and they ignore the importance of preserving the natural environment. that won't be sustainable, i think.