Earth’s spin cycle needs to be rebalanced

Change is the one thing we can be sure of. It is inevitable. Yet as change occurs, a state of balance is important to maintain our equilibrium, lest we lean too far and fall. Think of a washing machine that starts the spin cycle with too many clothes on one side. As it speeds up, it will begin to wobble and will eventually either shut down or self-destruct.

In the context of our society, balance is measured by many things, including the state of our health, economy, environment, conflicts and happiness. Climate change, recession and war are all signs of a fundamental imbalance. The Hopi have a word for it: koyaanisqatsi. It means “life out of balance” or “a state of life that calls for another way of living.” It seems an appropriate term for our current situation.

Even with our lack of balance, or perhaps because of it, this is an amazing time to be alive. We are living in a very special period in the history of our species. Never before have we had the power to literally change the entire world. As Bill McKibben pointed out in his landmark book “The End of Nature,” we are now responsible for pretty much everything. Our actions affect every aspect of life on Earth. With such power comes an awesome responsibility. Like it or not, we have become the primary stewards of this planet.

Are we up to the task?

There is no clear answer to that question. I’m convinced that we have the potential, but so far, based on results, we have some serious catching up to do. True, there is a groundswell of interest in green living. From homes to cars to products to energy, more and more people are making wiser choices. Some are even learning that there is more to life than constant growth and that, more often than not, less can definitely be more.

Less is more. That short phrase packs a lot of wisdom. In the context of green living, it is especially apropos. Think about it. Efficiency is really about using less and getting more — creating a beautiful xeriscape with less water, using power from the sun to reduce the need for fossil fuel, and living in a right-sized home that meets our needs while avoiding the waste of McMansionitis. These are all examples of how less truly can be more.

Modern Western culture has become increasingly complex and disconnected from the real world. There is a tremendous focus on markets, economics, growth and profit, but real wealth is found in the simple things that make up the essence of our lives at any given moment. A baby’s smile, a hug from a good friend, a breath of fresh desert air at sunrise, the sublime taste of freshly picked organic fruit are simple pleasures that form the essence of life’s enjoyment. Human beings all over the world value the precious experience of friends and family more than anything else. There is no cost, but the value is priceless.

Living within our means is a simple concept that restores balance and well-being for each of us and the biosphere. It’s a lesson we have yet to learn. Humanity is currently exceeding the Earth’s carrying capacity by a substantial margin. This is made possible primarily by our profligate use of fossil fuels, a temporary but dangerous condition that we must ameliorate. Once again, the less is more concept applies. Restoring a state of balance is of primary importance if we accept our role as stewards.

There are many who are providing inspiration, taking on that role and leading the way. For example, I recently listened to Susan Holecheck, the mayor of Mesquite, as she eloquently described the stand her town has taken in an effort to preserve its clean air, land and water from the effects of a proposed coal plant. Her passionate leadership on this issue is powerful because it is grounded in truth, scientific fact and clear logic. Most importantly, she speaks to the fundamental essence and quality of life itself.

That is the point. Our quality of life depends on our ability to respect and nurture things that really matter. In doing so, we honor and restore the sacred balance of our world.

Koyaanisqatsi was significant to the Hopi. They framed problematic issues within the bigger picture. We watch news reports about shootings, foreclosures and drought, but treat each as a separate problem. They are not.

Everything is connected and we are out of balance. The washing machine is gyrating wildly. The good news is that we are learning how to fix it.

It’s an amazing time to be alive.

Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, specializing in renewable energy, green building, alternative transportation and lifestyle choices for both residential and commercial clients. The company is committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. Rypka can be reached via e-mail at steve@greendream.biz. More information relating to this column is posted at www.greendream.biz.