I’ve wondered this at different moments in life. Most recently feeling helpless watching the devastating toll of the bushfire season in Australia, the massive loss of human, animal and plant life, and the depressingly inadequate responses from our political leaders to address or even acknowledge the root causes of the unfolding disaster.
It’s easy to plug into the collective anger, disbelief and despair, and to feel powerless. But how totally amazing and inspiring to see the leadership, inspiration and activism from the new generation – the likes of Greta Thunberg that have given voice to the mood of millions and mobilised communities globally to take to the streets.
Its reminded me that in every moment, I have a choice. My choice matters, and if all of us collectively exercised this power, we could affect great change. We vote with our dollars, with what we choose to consume. Every time I forget my reusable coffee cup and opt for the disposable cup – I’m choosing convenience and actively ignoring the environmental cost of my choice. Pretend though we might, because we’re busy, or focussed on what we’ve collectively been told is most import – jobs, productivity, the economy – if we’re honest, in our heart of hearts, we know too much now about what’s really at stake.
So, in my own small ways, I’m choosing positively. Less packaging, less single use plastic, less driving where I can. For the first time ever I actually wrote a letter to my MP, to make my views known, and to express how I wish my vote to be represented in parliament. I’ve chipped in with donations to charities that are helping on the ground, as well as supporting tree planting reforesting programs.
I’m also doing my bit energetically and vibrationally. Energy healing is wonderful to shift stuck and heavy fear based energy, thought forms – individual and collective, and for relief of suffering of sentient beings. I’ve been blessed to learn and to be able to offer mantras for healing and balancing the earth and elements. At a recent chant event I was leading in Sydney, it was a powerful and profound experience for the group to offer their love and intention through our collective shared voices. We felt we’d shared something quite special through the combined power of chant and prayer – an amazing service to offer love and energetic support for those in need.
Our choices, thoughts, attitude and actions do matter, and all make a difference, in small ways, every day, even when it’s not immediately apparent.