To Be Better Stewards Of The Earth, We Need To Unlearn This One Big Myth

Being a better lover of the earth requires us to start with introspection. It requires a willingness to look at uncomfortable truths and have the courage to unlearn what we thought we knew. It is only through unlearning that we can begin to see beyond the individual and collective stories that keep us trapped inside our own heads. In a world that is built on convenience and knowing, this process is, in itself, a revolution. 

Therefore, if our actions are detrimental to one part of the system, they are detrimental to the system as a whole. So the loss of species, the destruction of ecosystems, the pollution of habitats—these are ultimately a destruction of ourselves as humans, too.

By approaching environmentalism as a more spiritual practice, we can begin to untangle the myth of separation and create a more intentional life that serves something much larger than ourselves. Here are some actionable ways to dive deeper into the path of unlearning: 

We must drop everything we thought we knew and start asking more questions about how our daily actions affect the environment. Remember that it is not about finding a solution as much as it is about continuously seeking to ask better questions. 

It will not be straightforward. Unlearning is a process of discovery. It is complex, and it will take time and patience. It will drive you nuts, and that's OK. It doesn't always have to be that serious, so make sure you introduce some humor into the mix from time to time.

Meditation literally rewires the neural pathways of our brain. In the most tangible sense, it changes us. It changes how we see ourselves in relationship to the world. Adopting any meditative practice, from breathwork to yoga, can support us as we navigate this path. 

Making a point to seek out experiences that remind us of our insignificance can give us perspective. Look at the moon every night or track its cycles on your phone. Pay more attention to the stars, the mountains, the ocean, or any other natural landscapes to cultivate a sense of wonder and connection.

This, too, is social conditioning, and it limits our ability to act authentically. It is better to be imperfectly vegan, imperfectly zero-waste, or imperfectly minimalist than to not try anything at all. Be willing to find the beauty in the process instead of the attainment. This also applies to how we approach others: Everyone else is going through their own process. Shaming or guilting will not change or awaken anyone who is not ready. Judging other environmentalists for what they are or are not doing "right" is also incredibly unproductive. We must lead with openness and build bridges instead of walls. 

Taking an approach of unlearning is essential to moving past performative action and into authentic transformation. Unlearning allows us to feel humbled by the vastness of the universe both within and outside of us. It allows us to embody different ways of being and living in the world that we never knew were possible. In interconnection, we find belonging and purpose.