A virus and Earth have a little talk
corona. crown virus. the smartest balancing act of the earth yet. 30% better quality atmosphere world wide. what else could have grounded us so extensively? when i think of humanity, i wish for this virus to end this minute. It is so uncomfortable to live inside these times, with small children to keep hopeful and unburdened, elders to protect, obligations to try to keep. but when i think of earth, i wish for it to continue threatening our way of life until the veil on our eyes falls and we see that it could be different. this virus is a part of -is in fact--our planet asking us to live in balance.
“Being fully present to fear, to gratitude, to all that is—this is the practice of mutual belonging. As living members of the living body of Earth, we are grounded in that kind of belonging. Even when faced with cataclysmic changes, nothing can ever separate us from Earth. We are already home.”—Joanna Macy
I’ve been a part of the Work That Reconnects for some time. One of my most potent early experiences in this work was participating in the council of all beings, an exercise Joanna Macy came up with to explore all the different voices that make up a narrative. This is a powerful tool used to stir hearts to action. It’s often useful to give voice to our adversaries in this practice, offering a different means for digestion and metabolism of what’s happening. As we are ‘fighting’, ‘battling’, and ‘defeating’ the corona virus, I choose it’s voice to speak from. But also, as we ‘fight’ climate change with our fists and shouts - creators of the very problem we are fighting against - I choose to speak from Earth’s perspective. Here’s a version of that, a conversation between the corona virus and Earth. May it be of use somehow.
scene: a bright, sunny day back in december, everywhere all at once, like a whisper on the wind.
Virus: hello earth, how deliciously alive you are right now.
Earth: yes, I’m teeming with life, as always of course, but I’ve got a problem I’d like your help with.
Virus: yes?
Earth: well, one of the aspects of myself is a little at war with itself.
Virus: what do you mean?
Earth: I feel at odds. Maybe it’s a little like I’m attacking myself, you know? Like, I know that I’m perfect just the way I am…
Virus: of course…
Earth: …but I still am doing things to myself that are inherently damaging to my well-being. And, it’s gotten quite out of hand. This aspect of myself, I’ll it call human, is a part of me that has always had a tendency to be a bit selfish, short-sighted, and reckless, I admit. But lately in the past thousand years or so, this human part of me seems hell bent on destroying the rest of my exquisite self. Of course I know this is impossible, but other aspects of myself are truly beginning to suffer. I need a shift.
Virus: well, a thousand years isn’t much, but it seems wise to deal with this soon before it gets any harder to manage. What do you have in mind?
Earth: well, I’ve tried softer, site-specific ways of intervening: hurricane, floods, eruptions, you know my ways, but business seems to continue as usual. There’s always more voices coming in from another place trying to lull me back towards self-destruction. I’m thinking maybe you could do a little first aid support, directly impacting them all at once. Shake things up a little, send this aspect of myself into a more self-reflective mode, you know?
Virus: no problem. Should I do a complete wash, or be choosy?
Earth: Well, I don’t want to be harmed, or silenced. I really value this part of me, it’s my creative part, my gracious side, when operating well. Remember, I do need this part of me, i just need it awake.
Virus: shall i target anyone in particular? the young or old? Shall I focus on fatality, or sheer numbers?
Earth: hmmm. Not the young—too much heartache might send them all into darkness. Besides, the young seem to inspire change; nothing like a child to care for to make you change your stride. But yes, it needs to be widespread, all at once, as much as possible. This is what I’ve had difficulty doing on my own. Perhaps you could be gentle about it though? More of a confuser than a killer? I know it will be painful either way, but pain is how I know there is a wound, and how to begin to heal. It is time I reclaimed my voice with this part of myself.
Virus: ah pain, what a clear message that is. Of course I will help you with this grave task. Anything for you, really.
Earth: thank you so much virus, you have always been here for me. I don’t know what I did without you for those first billion years.
Virus: my dear, I am a part of you too, don’t forget! I am the part of you that is forthright, flexible, and the very definition of adaptable. I am born out of your collective, expansive psyche, and I am here when you need me. I am one of your greatest tools for staying in balance, which is of the utmost importance for your – and all of our existence. I have been with you so much longer than this human manifestation, I see how it is affecting you negatively. I will be quick, cunning, and yes, relentless. But I will also be gentle, inspiring, and life-changing. I will only do as much as is needed.
Virus: May I ask something though? Once we’ve got their attention, what will you do to help this human aspect change into what you need them to be?
Earth: oh, that will be the easy part. It’s the getting their attention that has been difficult. I am certain that once they pause, they will remember their right orientation as a working part of me. They will employ their greatest gifts to me: creativity, ingenuity, and complete adoration. When they love themselves, I become love. I know, it sounds a little woo-woo, but it’s true. Humans were made to be beautiful, and when they are beautiful, I am too.
Virus: my love, I see how you so desperately need this human aspect of yourself. I will do everything I can to halt them in their tracks, and trust their hearts to envision and implement a way of living that suits you, in all your beauty.
Earth: thank you virus. You have always been my ally in altering courses. Be swift now, and effective. Go show them how inextricably connected we really are. I await their loving attention, and utter surrender.
“In healing, the body is restored to itself.” - wendell berry