The Government of Anguilla’s Departments of Natural Resources and Health Protection, Environmental Unit, have organised an islandwide clean up for Saturday, 18th September 2021, from 7:30 am to 10:30 am, in commemoration of World Clean Up Day. The theme for this activity is “Take the Pledge of Cleanliness: Clean Spaces Create Happy Faces!”
It’s a worthy endeavour that all of us need to focus attention on to help create less waste in our homes, yards, villages, regions and globally. We must cooperate collectively as individuals, families, neighbours, communities, businesses, governments, and at all levels of societies, to recycle, re-purpose and re-use materials.
The Corito Landfill is overflowing with waste. As we walk, run, swim and drive across the roads, beaches and areas of Anguilla, we notice an abundance of abandoned vehicles, dilapidated buildings, glass bottles, tin cans, plastic, Styrofoam and an assortment of other items strewn here and there. These sights are troubling because they show the disrespect that so many people have for the planet on which we all reside.
Humans aren’t the only inhabitants of God’s green earth. We’ve been given dominion over every living creature. And yet, we are the sole beings that have caused the most harm and damage to this living entity and all of the animals, insects, forests, rivers, lakes, oceans and soil. Why is it that we are so destructive and uncaring of everything that was divinely brought into existence?
It’s amazing how various organisations initiate special days to focus on what’s impacting everyone’s life. Yet, if truth be told, we really need to practice teaching ourselves how to do these things daily. We must create a world in which the human impact is minimal on the planet.
Weekly, I collect trash that has blown from the adjoining neighbour’s yard. It’s a task which I don’t relish doing. Nonetheless, I do it because I recognise the importance of keeping a clean environment. Remember the saying that cleanliness is next to godliness? That’s my philosophy of how to live life.
I’ve always been a person who likes things to be neat, clean and organised whether at home, in the office, whilst travelling or visiting family and friends. On many occasions, I’ve done selfless service helping other persons to clean up their spaces – clearing out a bedroom, work room, garage or wherever.
In Asian cultures, persons are taught the art of feng shui – literally translated into English as “wind-water”. Wikipedia describes this as Chinese geomancy which claims to use energy forces to harmonise individuals with their surrounding environment. Feng shui is one of the Five Arts of Chinese metaphysics, classified as physiognomy (observation of appearances through formulas and calculations).
A feng shui practice blends architecture in terms of invisible forces that bind the universe, earth and humanity together. This is called qi. Feng shui is widely used to orient buildings, dwellings and other structures in an auspicious manner. Bodies of water, stars or compass can be used to determine the orientation.
Everything that exists, whether animate or inanimate, is composed of energies. Practicing feng shui benefits us in designing a space where the energy blends harmoniously. As a practitioner of this method, I incorporate it into every aspect of my surroundings, both garden and household. I rearrange or release things based on my eternally shifting energy.
As we move through our lives, we shift, change and transform in diverse ways. To allow new things or energies to come in, we must release what and/or who no longer serves the good of our highest Self – which refers to the part of our souls that is divinely connected to the Creator.
If we’re to be collaborators creating a better world in which we and future generations live, then we must examine how much waste we produce, determine where we can reduce our negative footprint on the planet and in our homes, offices and communities. Simplifying our needs versus wants – those things which aren’t essential, but desired – is one big step in making this adjustment. Knowing what’s necessary and what’s luxury is another.
Clearing out our surroundings every day and doing major clearings quarterly or bi-annually help eliminate what is collecting dust and packed away. If we all reduce our consumerism and learn to live with less, our world can become waste-free.
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Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who uses a nom de plume, The Empress Extraordinaire. Her words encourage us to explore who we are, evolve as human-beings and transform our world. Link with Kay at anguillawriter@gmail.com.
