Today, Saturday March 28, is the annual observation of Earth Hour at 8:30 pm local time. It’s the time when people across the globe turn off their lights for one hour as a symbol of their commitment to Earth. Of course it’s not meant to stop at turning out the lights. And yet using that hour to think about what you might do; what causes you can support; what you can commit to in being a blessing to Earth rather than a burden can be a powerful start.
I think this poem by John Daniel, entitled A Prayer Among Friends is a perfect poem to contemplate today.
“Among other wonders of our lives, we are alive
with one another, we walk here
in the light of this unlikely world
that isn’t ours for long.
May we spend generously
the time we are given.
May we enact our responsibilities
as thoroughly as we enjoy
our pleasures. May we see with clarity,
may we seek a vision
that serves all beings, may we honor
the mystery surpassing our sight,
and may we hold in our hands
the gift of good work
and bear it forth whole, as we
were borne forth by a power we praise
to this one Earth, this homeland of all we love.”
What will you do for Earth Hour? What will you do beyond the hour? How will you celebrate this one precious Earth? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Well, I plan to strum my ukulele by candlelight…probably with wine…Aloha
p.s. homemade soy candlelight…cedarwood vanilla…
Most excellent.
Sounds wonderful Vicki – wish I were there to join you.
I think this is the very first time I’m disagreeing with you… I still love you but during the Earth Hour I celebrate human achievements and civilization. I’m grateful for not living in North Korea. I’m turning all the lights ON.
You know I’m all about honoring what your heart says. And I’m glad being divergent in our opinions doesn’t mean the love ends.
What a wonderful poem by John Daniel….
may we seek a vision
that serves all beings, may we honor
the mystery surpassing our sight,
and may we hold in our hands
the gift of good work
It brings tears to my eyes…. just lovely.
OX Corky
It’s a keeper isn’t it?
We use such little electricity now that turning off the lights isn’t really that much for us. I think that I’ll water my plants and spend some time in the garden.
That sounds like a wonderful way to observe Earth Hour Linda!
Oohhh, I missed it. I put it in my calendar for next year. Thanks.
Great! It’s always fun to be part of a global observation with thousands of others, but in truth we can celebrate Earth Hour as often as we wish. She enjoys it. 🙂
I missed it too, Elda. Is it always on March 28th or some other indicator? I did it last year, though. It was cool to think that around the world people were doing this. I love that. Thanks for the reminder!
It’s the last Saturday in March.
By the way, I looked it up and the next one is March 16th, 2016 from 8:30 – 9:30 PM local time. I will add this to my calendar next year so I don’t forget. Put it on your calendar, Elda!
Oops Amy – better change your calendar. The correct date is March 26.
I’ve never celebrated Earth Hour, but I think it would be a good thing to do with my kids, possibly next year. It would be a good starting point to start a discussion about the way things are around the world. I’m always trying to impress on my kid how blessed we are and also how we need to take care of our resources or they won’t be there forever. Right now we’re working on water, because that’s near and dear to my heart, but having access to electricity is such a gift and blessing as well.
Excellent plan for next year Melissa, and how wonderful you’re having these discussions with your kids.
Deborah, I’ve learned about Earth Hour too late to participate with the global hour this year, but will remember it next year. Thank you for the post to bring this to our awareness!
Glad you’ll be joining next time Harmony.