Dear Earth, I have a question.

I 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 on visiting the good vet who wants immigrants out? As a vegan, do I strike matches made with animal products (all of them) or use plastic lighters? Do I poison the rats living under the temple kitchen with their families?

How do I balance my self-care with your needs, Earth? When I’m weary, can I use the car? Do I buy pizza wrapped in plastic? Do I go to the march or lie beached on the sofa?

We all have these impossible questions, Earth. Some of them square up to us and stare as if they want a fight. Some of them flicker away in the background like embers on the breeze. Most we shut our eyes to.

We can’t win. This is where we begin. It’s a great relief to admit it. Everything we do causes some good, and some harm. Whenever we act, we are motivated by a mixture of love and fear.

We can’t win, but we can see how fallible we are, and forgive ourselves and others. We can’t win, beloved Earth, but we can swoosh these questions around in our hearts before we act. We can’t win, but we can edge towards love, like following a distant star.

Look how bright it is!

Love, Satya <3