There is a connection between an intentional life and a greener world, and this 5 part series explores that connection.Getting back to this notion of interrelated scales, or “scale linking” (term coined by Van der Sym). Fractal geometry is the first example that comes to mind. It is repetition of form over and over, growing and shrinking in size (scale) to create the necessary function. Examples are all around us: notice how the ridges and hills in the landscape create sinuous lines with branching fingers (when seen from above), just like rivers branch into smaller streams, then creeks, then rivulets. That same branching form of course is seen in the structure of trees and many plants, from the crown to the roots. We see it over and over again – a similar form repeating itself across landscapes (water/hill systems), species, even on a planetary scale (the Golden Mean). This is known fact.
stars in the galaxy radiate at a precise ratio, the golden mean
snails build their shells at a precise ratio, called the golden mean
Imagine the millions of tiny tendrils that make up the very tips of the root system of a giant oak (that same form that shows up in the branch structure of the trunk and in the vein structure of the leaves). For some reason, it seems easier for us to understand the relationship, the utter importance of these microscopic structures to the life and health of the tree, than it is to understand our own role as an individual – one of millions – that make up the life and health of this planet. What we do does matter. What we do does have an impact.
Begin right now. Begin by living intentionally – thinking and rethinking about who you are, what you stand for. Begin putting that ideal forward in your actions. There is no such thing as too small a step.
One of my favorite slides from Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” is near the end. It shows a graph, similar to the many others, showing a line from the left gently climbing toward the right, then suddenly shooting up and off the edge. This particular one is showing the total energy use of people over a period of time. He is touching on this subject, the “how do we turn this around?” topic. As he is speaking, additional lines pop on the graph, starting from a point representing today: change standard light bulbs to compact fluorescent, .08%. It makes a tiny dent in the mountain of usage that is predicted. It makes such a small dent that it seems pointless, a drop in the bucket. Then comes using energy efficient appliances, .06% – another tiny sliver is cut into the mountain… by the time he stacks in 6 or 7 different steps, each seemingly small and insignificant, the mountain has not only disappeared, but has dropped even below levels seen prior to 1970. Amazing how those drops add up.
You are one of those drops. It is doable. Your intentions count. What you do matters. What you do does have an impact on our future. Hopefully it will be our sustainable future.
