Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, we need each other.
On 30th September 2019 by SatyaThis is me and my Buddhist teacher, Dharmavidya. I was just with him in Spain with my colleague Khema, meeting with Buddhists from all around Europe. You are particularly beautiful in Sant Iscle de Vallalta, dear Earth. Wandering around the temple are horses and semi-wild black pigs. There is a magnificent fig tree. The gompa
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, it’s impossible to save you.
On 26th September 2019 by SatyaToday I will be flying to Barcelona. I bought the ticket before I woke up to the climate and ecological emergency. I am going to honour my commitment to the meeting I’m attending, and also, flying feels like having to eat a bloody steak bought before becoming vegan. After this flight, I vow to never
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, I am tiny.
On 23rd September 2019 by SatyaI am one of your seven point seven billion humans. Just 1, out of 7000000000. Since I was born, you have given me all I need. Your dark crumbly earth has fed me. Your clear water has quenched my thirst. Your raw materials have clothed me, housed me, entertained me, inspired me. Your rich atmosphere
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, I have a question.
On 22nd September 2019 by SatyaI committed to the challenge of not buying any new clothes for a year. I’m taking part in the rebellion in October, and I’m afraid of being cold on the bridge at night. My coat is thin. I can’t find a good second hand one. Do I buy a shiny new one? Do I carry
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, I trusted them.
On 20th September 2019 by SatyaI trusted the scientists. If they discovered our house was burning, I thought they would scream ‘fire! fire!’ until we were all out and safe. I trusted the media. I thought they would make the climate crisis front page news until we acted to save their children. I thought they would tell the truth. I
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, breakfast was astonishing.
On 19th September 2019 by SatyaJust ordinary porridge with cinnamon and toasted sunflower seeds. Where did you grow my oats, Earth? You grew them in Cherrywood, New Zealand. They ate and drank with their toes from your dark soil, and your brother fed them with light. Sunflower seeds, cute nuggets of goodness my Little Dog loves – born on flowers
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, we are all hungry babies.
On 18th September 2019 by SatyaAt the weekend my jagged edges rubbed up against the jagged edges of someone I love, and sparks flew. We were both wrung out and dispirited. We were at the end of our rope, and we fell. When we are tired, hungry, angry or lonely, we can lose access to our compassion. We don’t notice
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, not being in denial sucks.
On 17th September 2019 by SatyaI knew about climate change for half my life. I knew about the greenhouse effect and the disappearing rainforest. I knew we were heading in a bad direction. My life went on as before. What changed? Why am I now waking in the night, my adrenaline fizzing? Why am I obsessively reading the news? Why
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, help me receive your love.
On 16th September 2019 by SatyaWe were visited by an 88 year old Reverend Canon, the friend of a member of our Buddhist congregation. She joined us for service, chanting nembutsu, circumambulating around the tall golden Buddha, and bowing as far as her body would allow her to. Afterwards over decaffeinated coffee she spoke of a retreat she’d recently attended.
Love Letters . ֎
Dear Earth, I feel superior
On 14th September 2019 by SatyaYesterday I became a skull person and, with fellow rebels, walked slowly and silently through the streets of Worcester. We were delivering a letter about our disappointment in the County Council, who have failed to declare a climate emergency. As I walked, I felt sad. Everyone was going about their business as if nothing was