Here is a sobering fact: Homo sapiens (modernday human beings) appeared on Earth around 130,000 years ago, whereas our planet is around 4.5 billion years old. This means we've been here for about 0.000028% of the Earth's existence.
Yet, in this remarkably short period, we've contributed to global warming that has heated the oceans by the equivalent of dropping one atomic bomb into the ocean every second for the past 150 years¹. Each second, one Hiroshima bomb dropped in the oceans.
How long will nature tolerate our transgressions?
Cataclysms like tsunamis, wildfires, and hurricanes, don't judge individuals and selectively punish. They are blunt and brutal. Reversing climate change is not an act of altruism towards the planet. It's our only option for survival.
You may have heard of the example of a frog in a bowl of heating water. The frog enjoys the warmth but doesn't realize the water is getting warmer. Eventually, the water gets hot enough to kill the frog.
But it's not entirely true. In real life, when the water becomes too hot, the frog realizes the danger and jumps out of the bowl. The frog is wise enough and knows when to jump. We may not have the time to jump, and we have nowhere to jump.
The story of Easter Island, famous for its monolithic stone sculptures, is a cautionary tale. Most ethnologists believe that Easter Island was once rich in vegetation and resources, but the tribes on the island plundered them. They cut down all the trees and fought over resources. The soil eroded into the seas, the birds left the island, and the fish moved to new waters. People kept fighting and most of them died of starvation. Easter Island is still there, but the human societies disappeared.
If my tone sounds alarmist, it is an alarming time.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Does Fear Affect Our Roles as Mothers? - Neelam Shivhare explores some of the great ancient texts of India on motherhood, compares the behavior of Kaikayi and Yashoda
Neelam Shivhare explores some of the great ancient texts of India on motherhood, compares the behavior of Kaikayi and Yashoda, and realizes the importance of removing fear from our hearts in order to nurture our children.For young women like myself, who are future mothers, I trust we are on the path of becoming selfaware and brutally honest with ourselves. We are creative beings, never forgetting the gifts with which we have been bestowed— the love and tenderness, natural instincts, and intuition to feel the right path. It all lies in the mysterious meanderings of the heart. Are we really listening to our hearts, or confusing the bombarding information on social media with reality?
Aging Gracefully - For a few months now I have been asking the question, “How to age gracefully?”
Victor Kannan explores the process of aging, with a focus on aging gracefully. How can you be at peace with yourself as old age approaches? How can you develop maturity in behavior and focus on life’s best interests?
Portrait Painting
FABIO KOHLER is an artist and musician.
The Mountain of No Return
SARA BUBBER tells a beautiful Japanese folktale on valuing wisdom and experience and asks you to do a personal reflective exercise.
By Acts of Love
CHRISTINE PRISLAND shares her love of books, good storytelling, and a particular author that inspires and delights her
The Difference Between Trust and Respect
DR. ICHAK ADIZES shares some thoughts on the nature of mutual trust and respect, and why we can trust without respecting, and respect without trusting.
A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE Your Health and the Health of the Planet
DAAJI explains why a plantbased diet is good for your health and well-being, and for the planet. Some of the reasons may surprise you. Yogic science is very comprehensive on this subject, and now medical science is catching up. Daaji then challenges us all to do an experiment for three months.
International Cities of Peace
J. FREDERICK ARMENT is in conversation with CHRISTINE JONES about his organization, International Cities of Peace, as well as other ways he promotes peace in the world. The foundation of it all is the importance of relationship, community, and love. This is the first of a series of conversations.
THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE
SARA BUBBER shares a story from the Upanishads about knowledge, communication, truthfulness, and courage. She then gives us a few reflections and an activity to connect with Nature.
Serving Smiles: FROM HEART TO TABLE
NIROOP PRABHAKAR owns and runs the restaurant 615chutney in Nashville, Tennessee. 615chutney started as the only Indian food truck serving vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free South Indian food. Niroop's goal was to bring South Indian cuisine to the US. He believes that customer service is the key. The voices of his customers and employees matter to him. Here he is interviewed by the Heartfulness Wellness team.