Enhance Your Environment

It's All Green To Me

A friend of mine has asked me on several occasions what it means to be green. He knows I'm part of the 'green industry' and that I speak professionally to 'green' associations and to organizations that are interested in learning more about being green. It seems you can't turn the corner today without some mention of the environment, which is one connotation of green - and rightfully so.  No doubt green means something to just about everybody. Some take it literally - green pastures, getting the golf ball on the green, etc..  Others recognize that the color green signifies life, the abundance of nature, or even the Irish.  I'm going to let that one go, because while I am 50% Irish by birth - I don't care much for "The Irish" --  my true loyalty lies with the Scarlet and Gray -- The Ohio State Buckeyes -- and on occasion the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.  Am I 'turning red?'   Let's move on.

What does this have to do with green?  There is a connection.  Everything is connected. You see - green is the most predominant color - and therefore - energy - in the universe (check your physics).  You could say there is a green 'thread' that connects all of us - an energy that we all share.  Does this sound too 'woo-woo?'   If you spend any time in nature at all you know it energizes you - it gives you creative thoughts - it nourishes you.  I just can't believe this is an accidental thing.  We ARE creatures of nature and when we become more aware of that we realize green is about awareness.  It's about who we are, what we do during our short time on this planet, and why we are doing it.  Green is the awareness that we have a responsibility to ourselves and everyone that is connected to us, which is why the current green movement to save the planet makes perfect sense. 

If you aren't buying -- try this -- maybe you like the thought of spending your green!  Oh, now there is a concept that connects most of us!  Money is a good thing, isn't it.  It enables us to accomplish what we want, and hopefully that includes taking the high road and helping others - which of course makes another connection.  These connections are unavoidable - which is why it's all green to me.

Get Fired Up About Your Environment!

Years ago it was considered a symbol of success to be fully employed.  This meant there was a steady paycheck that provided the resources with which to enhance your lifestyle - whether for taking a vacation or investing  in your home or landscape.  The word fired or laid-off had an extremely negative connotation.  Today it's a punchline - thanks in part to Donald Trump.  Being fired isn't a big deal today?  Why is that?

The reason is there is so much wealth today -- such an abundance of resources of virtually every kind, such that being without work is just a minor inconvenience -- even if it lasts for months.  We have so much abundance today that it's a challenge to really appreciate everything.  Now too much work is not only not appreciated - it's described with a new word - stressful! 

This brings me to your environment.  In many cases you probably take it for granted too.  Fresh air, the cool shade of a beautiful tree, the glorious color of summer flowers - these are all things to celebrate.  This appreciation and celebration redefines your environment.  It makes it better because you are part of it.  It comes alive!  You really can change your environment by infusing it with your attention, energy, enthusiasm and appreciation.  Bring your attention to your environment and it will continue to reward you with countless benefits - like, well...hmmm.... like a steady paycheck:).