How You Can Change the World

Sustainable Wellness 101

By Cristina Smith

As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world — that is the myth of the atomic age — as in being able to remake ourselves. -Mahatma Gandhi

Do you read the quotes that often appear at the end of people’s emails? I do. Not only does it make me feel a closer connection to that person, it is interesting to discover what inspires them and offers me new perspectives. Have you ever thought about that just by sending out your favorite inspirational quote with every email is one way you can help change the world? From an energetic perspective, your small act can

Enlighten and inspire another and as a result help raise the vibration of humankind.

Many of us have big ideas on what we, as a species need to do to save the planet, right wrongs, and raise humanity’s vibration and consciousness. The tricky part is how to go about getting everyone else on board with our ideas. The truth of the matter is that the only person you can change is yourself. And by changing yourself you change the world. Just like with the email message quote, there are a number of easy ways to do so- all it takes is enhanced awareness and intention.

Do you want to preserve Mother Earth? Do something about healing the damage done by the gulf oil spill? Save an endangered species or place? Put your life practices to work. There are many simple things you can do to set an example for others.

Here are 10 practices you do right now to help change the world:

1. Take your own mug to work and the coffee shop
2. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
3. Pick up trash whenever you see it and throw it away.
4. Recycle everything you can even it if takes a little extra effort.
5. Donate rather than discard usable items.
6. Turn off lights and TVs when you leave the room.
7. Use a cloth shopping bag rather than plastic.
8. Put your money where your beliefs are. Buy products that support your causes even it costs a little more like organic food, recycled paper and handmade/fair trade products.
9. Spend at least 10 minutes a day outside, breathing in the beauty of the earth and exhaling your appreciation of our planet. If you have a passion for a particular place or challenge, like the oil spill, focus on that during your practice.

10.  Take action on issues you care about. Express yourself and participate. Post on Facebook, write a letter, attend a meeting and/or call into a talk show. Be sure to vote- it really does count, particularly if you don’t.