Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy, and mutual valuing.
- Rollo May -
Communication. Such an integral part of our lives. We do it every single day - with our bodies, with our words. It ultimately brings us together, or at times, divides, when done in less conscious ways.
All beings communicate, despite, us, humans not being able to perceive that with our senses.
Trees “talk” with each other using the mycelium, the fungal networks running underground. They send each other signals of danger, such as drought or an attack of predators, effectively warning other trees of the threat. Many species of trees are also known for supporting each other - sending nutrients to those suffering, for instance, due to disease or human-induced harm.
Trees can also call in non-tree help. When pines and elms find themselves under the attack of caterpillars munching on their leaves, they have means to release pheromones attracting wasps, that effectively take care of the invaders.
Flowers communicate with pollinators by using their petals to create a blue halo which is exactly what bees pick up on - almost as if saying “come here! Amazing treats await!” and bees do come!
There could be books upon books written about this.
How about us, human beings communicating with all beings of the world?
We do not need the language to do that.
What is it about a wasp coming to sit on your arm and taste your skin?
What about a dog coming to you, looking into your eyes, knowing that you’re going through something challenging?
What about touching the tree and tuning in into its being and feeling its life force?
What about us being called to certain places and beings, seemingly without knowing why?
There’s so much mystery all around us. We’re part of an incredible world and we can deepen our connection with it, if we allow ourselves to open up to it. It’s not just animals and plants that we sophisticated ways of communication (that seem to be out of reach for us).
Maybe next time you’re walking in a park or forest, send out your loving intention to the trees you see there. Before you pluck a flower or pick up parsley from your garden, express your gratitude for the gift you’re about to take and ask for permission to do so?
Ultimately, opening ourselves up to more intimacy with the beings we share this world with.
And maybe… just maybe.. You’ll receive the response.
teaMORI SPOTLIGHT
Kenny is a professional leading a very full life, very busy, we might say. And yet, she still continues to create time for weMORI contributing with her written word, with no less commitment.
I invited her to share a bit more about her motivation, what drives her and how come she’s still with weMORI, when, let’s be honest, she could be doing so many other things with her “spare” time.
I’ve always believed in giving back.
From as early as I can remember I’ve been involved in volunteer philanthropic work. I started as a Red Crosser at the age of 11 in my high school back home in Jamaica. When I reached my final year of high school I coupled my Red Cross work with tourism from the perspective of community tourism and preserving our own. Environmental work is a new area for me but it’s no different from seeking to help those people who are in need. The only difference is the subject on which I’m focusing my efforts.
I do lead a very busy life but I believe we all have a responsibility to ensure the preservation and sustainability of our earth. It doesn’t matter how busy life gets, we can each find the time to contribute in some way. Some are able to give more of themselves than others but we all can give something in a collective effort for the greater good, not just for ourselves but also for future generations.
There are so many organizations out there but I believe in the people behind weMORI. The organization was born from a genuine place and the desire for change is real and pragmatic and that’s what I want to support. Young like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds who are truly interested in making a difference, coming together to contribute to environmental action in our different ways.
I’ve also realized that we don’t need to think it’s all doom and gloom. Yes, we’re in a bad state but we have the opportunity to make a difference now. We just need to educate ourselves and take action".
AROUND THE WORLD 🌏
by Kenny
NO GAMING MATTER
An oversized HD TV, snacks on the coffee table next to you and your console in hand, you’re ready and hit ‘start’. But, let’s pause to think of how video games really affect the environment, it’s not all fun and games. Probably few people have pondered this, but the video game industry is reportedly having a huge negative impact on the environment. Video games are no laughing matter. Video game consoles have been linked to a variety of environmental dangers. From the mining and manufacturing and use of fossil fuels to the challenges of recycling, the impact on the environment has significantly increased as demand increases.
Video games have increased in popularity over the years but when we consider the impact it’s really `no gaming matter’.
THE WHALE CRISIS
Whales continue to be threatened by human actions on a daily basis. Previously, the concern regarding the protection of whales was overfishing. But in recent years, ocean pollution has become a cause for grave concern. Based on a recent study, it was determined that whales are the largest consumers of plastic waste, consuming millions of microplastics a day. The blue whale for instance consumes 10 million pieces of microplastic a day and could potentially ingest up to 1 billion over a 3-4 month feeding season. This is an obvious threat to these cetaceans. The challenge is also now extending beyond these aquatic mammals. Recently, microplastics were reportedly found in people. This is not just a whale crisis, but also a human one.
COP15 - NATURE AGREEMENT
Dark yet powerful words reverberated at the COP 15 UN summit in Canada. "Humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction” and the “orgy of destruction” were among the sentiments expressed at the summit. Strong statements to bring home the effect of mankind on the world around us. The COP agreement aims to protect and “forge a peace pact with nature” through different goals such as restoring degraded ecosystems and protecting 30% of land and sea. Can humans come together to protect nature? Time will tell.
WHAT WE'RE READING
A new app to track the biodiversity in Papua New Guinea Read here
Limited recognition of indigenous rights in COP27 Read here
EU climate plan compromises carbon storage and biodiversity for biofuel Read here
Brazil, Indonesia, and DRC plan to strengthen their cooperation efforts for the conservation of forests Read here
Qatar World Cup may not really be carbon-neutral Read here
Lack of clarity in carbon market discourses in COP27 Read here
New studies claim that carbon should cost 3.6times more than the US price Read here
There you have it, dear friends!
I'd like to leave you with an invitation to communicate more deeply with yourself and with all that's around.
Till next time!
Joanna Arai
💛
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