Self-Sustainability

Self-sustainability: good for your soul and for our planet

Self-sustainability entails connecting with our commitment to being in this world by taking care of ourselves internally and externally. Read more to learn how.

We're told: "knowing ourselves is part of living well." We're also told: "it's important to leave a positive sign in this world." What does it mean to know ourselves? I think it's more than just knowing that we prefer hazelnut ice cream to pistachio ice cream or that we love the color green. Knowing ourselves includes understanding our basic temperament, facets of our personality, and our natural inclinations. Perhaps, it involves understanding our talents, limitations, values, and true passions. It means knowing the vocation we feel called to, our biggest fears, what we want for every aspect of our life, and how we manage thoughts and emotions.

Yes, I know, that's a lot of stuff! But defining this "inventory" is less complicated than we think. It's also vital if we want to live according to our values.

In exploring our inner ecosystem, Nature is our best friend. She teaches us powerful food for thought and helps us better understand how we function and operate. Below are some life lessons to consider:

No. 1

Implement universal environmental conservation practices. Some examples are: recycling waste, reducing the consumption of disposable plastic, not wasting water and perhaps reducing using polluting means of transport, and buying environmentally friendly products. I define these practices as "universal" because every human being can put them into practice with consistency and a sense of responsibility.

No. 2

Become positive, ecological mentors who, with their practical example, make those close to them reflect on environmental issues, encouraging them to take action in the first person. I wrote, however, with a practical example and not by being a teacher in the chair who arrogantly beats anyone who doesn’t behave according to a virtuous ecological model. It’s obnoxious and distasteful for people to put themselves on a pedestal showing teachings left and right with the conviction of having the absolute truth in their pocket.

No. 3

Recognize one's Green Mission: the particular task the Earth calls each of us based on our potential. For everyone, therefore, a different mission: to create a book club dedicated to environmental issues in their city, to found a shelter for abandoned animals with friends, to create a dissemination blog on ecological issues, or to apply for a political role linked to the environment. In one's city: perhaps cultivate a community garden, or participate in urban gardening actions. There are as many possibilities as there are people who populate the planet! How the Earth calls you to act on her behalf is personal and honors your deepest self.

Finding one's sustainability, therefore, at the center of which is the quality of your daily life and your level of well-being, is essential to ensure the sustainability of the entire planet. When you start to take care of yourself and the planet, you offer yourself the possibility of becoming a proactive and passionate Keeper of the Earth.

It won't always be easy to pursue your sustainability. It will be something that you will have to choose for yourself every day. It's a daily journey of moving in small steps without claims of drastic changes. At times feelings of guilt for what you still cannot do or be will arise, and the craving for perfectionism will be in the background. Still, continue your path with an increased awareness that you are only responsible for yourself and each step matters.