We are made of stars | Earth Care Blog
‘Just as the Earth is not only the Earth, so too are we not only human. We have the Earth and the whole cosmos within us. We are made of stars.’ Thich Nhat Hanh
A skein of geese, their feathers turning pink in the glow of sunset as they fly west; the arrival of swifts in late spring; dappled sunlight filtering onto woodland paths; dewdrops in morning grass flashing like gemstones. Moments like these inspire me, as does my confidence that practising together in community can bring radical change. My aspiration is to be part of such a community so that in fifty, a hundred years time, our grandchildren and their grandchildren can be moved by their own moments of wonder.
Here, three more people involved in building the Earth Care sangha write about their inspirations and aspirations. They are Andrea Mitson, who convened the first meetings, which lead to the forming of a small core team of organisers; Claire Debenham, a member of that core team, which brought the sangha from idea to reality; and Bill Crook, an Earth Care resources group member and long-term climate activist.
Intro by Debs Knight
Andrea, what inspired you to initiate an Earth Care Sangha?
Andrea writes: I have always had a strong connection with the Earth and always aspired to impact the Earth as lightly as possible, step by step in my daily life and daily actions.
When I first came to Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings they resonated with me immediately and then with delight I learned of Thay’s engagement and understanding of the Earth too. Here was a tradition, the Plum Village tradition, which encapsulated Buddhist teachings along with a strong relationship with the Earth. This has become my very foundation.
When opportunities have allowed, practising with Thay’s teachings whilst practising with the Earth have been wonderful. The opportunities from Dharma teachers and the Earth Care group have included a short PV UK course and Days and Mornings of Mindfulness.
Most recently I attended the PV Earth Holder retreat in France last year – all emotions were fully embraced, which was amazing. At this retreat the aspiration for an UK based Earth Sangha became even stronger, this missing element to my practice.
So I am delighted that an Earth Care Sangha is starting soon and very much look forward to joining like-minded practitioners to share our joys and worries together.
Claire, in what ways do you see the Earth Care sangha serving the Community of Interbeing and Mother Earth?
Claire writes: Many of us have a deep longing to create peace and find ways to live now that protect Mother Earth and reduce the negative effects of climate change. Many people, animals and other beings are already deeply affected by the suffering of climate chaos and the many injustices that come with that.
Coming together in the Earth Care Sangha is a chance to find support and inspiration, new ways forward. To ask together ‘how to live?’ and how to create a more beautiful, inclusive future. Connecting with sangha wisdom, the wisdom of many cultures, different generations, there is a chance to learn new ways to honour and protect the wonders of life on this beautiful planet, as so much is changing, rapidly, all around us.
A monthly Earth Care Sangha for the UK can be a still, calm place to listen and learn, and be heard, so that we can see more clearly. We can share about our passions, joys, concerns and experiences: allowing new paths to unfold. And to connect with sangha friends, far and wide.
With all the practices that Thay has taught us, and strong spiritual friendships, we can make a real difference. We can build our resilience and support each other. Holding and honouring our feelings collectively, taking new steps together to take care of Mother Earth, who knows what we might discover and create?
Bill, what is your vision for the future of the Earth Care sangha?
Bill writes: When I started thinking about this, I wrote a list of words that came to mind. I then sat back and looked at them. This was going to be some challenge. There is nothing however wrong in aspiring to great things.
My first words were “Beacon of Hope”, that what we communicate within our Plum Village Community is realistic but also hopeful. That it empowers us, rather than creating feelings of helplessness as is so often the case. That we accept what is and the interconnectedness, rather than attributing blame.
It is so challenging to face up to climate change and mass extinction, so another word was “Sanctuary” to create a safe space to be sad about what is happening to the earth, to share, and to feel you are not alone in this.
Another word “Green Bodhisattvas” to create within our practice community champions who focus on compassion and relieving what suffering we can of all our amazing interconnected life on our planet.
Another word was “awareness” being aware of social injustice, of the different impacts around the globe. Of how things are changing, of how we and life can adapt.
Finally, “embedded in our practice”; with our beloved teacher Thay, our practice of mindfulness and our amazing local Sanghas, whatever challenges we and our Earth Care Sangha face, we have such incredible tools. How wonderful to be on the cusp of a new beginning, a new wonderful online Sangha for Earth Care.
The Earth Care Sangha meets for the first time on Monday 16th September, online from 7pm-8.30pm. It’s to be a monthly sangha, meetings taking place on the third Monday of the month. There will be guided and silent meditations, a reading or video clip, with an emphasis on and ample time for Dharma sharing in small groups. You are warmly invited to join this new national sangha to practise caring for ourselves and each other as we care for the Earth. Sign up here: https://plumvillage.uk/event/earth-care-sangha/
