| "The human race is challenged more than ever | | | | ourselves is the real meaning of green |
| before to demonstrate our mastery - not over | | | | compassion. Today this concept is shaping the last |
| nature but of ourselves". Rachel Carson | | | | green branches that have grown from the seeds |
| Green living spread its initial roots years ago to | | | | of environmental preservation planted years ago. |
| preserve our environment. In recent years the | | | | Awakening and developing the human spirit has |
| definition of green living has expanded to include | | | | certainly been an integral component of many |
| compassion for our fellow man. We still hear | | | | religions, charitable organizations, and foundations |
| about preserving our environment. However, we | | | | all over the world. For example, the Anthony |
| also hear about providing philanthropic efforts for | | | | Robbins Foundation is committed to the |
| the less fortunate as an essential component of a | | | | passionate pursuit of a better quality of life. They |
| green lifestyle. | | | | are focused on self-empowerment, spiritual |
| At first glance, protecting and preserving our | | | | growth and selfless charitable giving. They have |
| environment doesn't seem to be directly related | | | | successfully accomplished their continuing mission |
| to how much we gave to the heart foundation | | | | through the development of products and |
| last year. Buying pesticide free organic fruits or | | | | programs based on the efforts of "an international |
| organic cotton apparel means supporting a cleaner | | | | coalition of caring donors and volunteers". The |
| and healthier environment. Reducing our air and | | | | Robbins Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation and |
| highway travel reduces pollution and our carbon | | | | similar organizations have been implementing green |
| footprint. All of these deeds on behalf of the | | | | compassion before it was called green. Likewise |
| environment may even enhance our self esteem | | | | green companies are starting to assume their |
| and make us feel good. But the dollars we can | | | | eco-friendly role toward spiritual growth, positive |
| afford to give to our favorite charity or the time | | | | thinking and charitable giving. |
| we can spare to volunteer seems barely related | | | | For example, one green company providing |
| to pollution. | | | | organic cotton clothing, focuses on spiritual growth |
| What did Rachel Carson mean when she spoke | | | | and positive thinking by displaying inspirational |
| about mastering ourselves and not nature? Green | | | | messages on their apparel such as "Be |
| living is all about personal sacrifice, changing our | | | | Compassionate...True Beauty". They also have a |
| lifestyle and how much we are willing to give for | | | | charitable giving program including volunteering in |
| what we believe. A green lifestyle relates to what | | | | the community and donating their organic clothing |
| we think about ourselves and our feelings of | | | | for environmental education. They also provide |
| compassion for our planet and our fellow man. | | | | funds to the Anthony Robbins Foundation, the |
| What is the source of our feelings of compassion | | | | Kennedy Krieger Institute and other charitable |
| for others and the environment? The answer lies | | | | organizations. |
| deep within our minds... the human spirit. | | | | Green living requires green compassion. An |
| Our spirit provides each of us with the drive and | | | | evolving human spirit is the source of our |
| desire to grow and become better than what we | | | | compassionate thoughts and deeds. Progress |
| are. This unique capacity for positive thinking and | | | | requires that our collective spirit of compassion is |
| spiritual growth facilitates "progressive evolution". | | | | in harmony with the needs of our planet and our |
| In other words, positive thinking can evolve into | | | | "fellow man". |
| positive living. A positive lifestyle can result in social | | | | Will your spirit join others in extending a hand of |
| responsibility which leads to compassion for our | | | | compassion? |
| fellow man. | | | | This is a deeply spiritual issue...Do we want to |
| Compassion is demonstrated through our deeds | | | | spend more time trying to care for our fellow |
| and actions. Charitable giving is compassionate | | | | man or do we want to just pursue more virtual |
| thinking in action. It means personal sacrifice and | | | | reality? That's the issue before us...and it's being |
| setting priorities based on how much we are | | | | played out in the world of the environment." Ed |
| willing to give despite of our own needs. Giving of | | | | Begley, Jr. (livingwithed. |