A short Earth Day meditation inspired by Jack Kornfield, plus a reflection on how self-care can become an act of love for the planet.

You know that saying — the one about putting your oxygen mask on first?

This Earth Day, April 22, 2025, I want to take it a little deeper.

I used to feel a familiar pressure. A sense that I should be doing more — for the planet, for other people, for the greater good.

And I tried. I really did.

But the truth? I was often giving from a place of depletion. Helping others with a quiet undercurrent of obligation. Recycling, volunteering, or supporting a coworker or family member because it felt like a responsibility — not because it brought me joy.

Eventually, that weight caught up with me and it was time to look within myself to find the truth in my resentful feelings.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

My needs weren’t getting met. I wasn't filling my own cup first.

When I started truly caring for myself first — things like moving my body, breathing deeply and spending time alone to reset, chores like watering plants and recycling started to feel like acts of love, and helping others felt like connection, not obligation.

Another viewpoint, when someone tosses trash from their car window, it might look like carelessness — but I often see pain. Disconnection. A world inside that’s too overwhelmed to care outwardly.

"Hurt people, hurt people." And yeah, we hurt the planet too.

So let’s make a commitment to slow down to tend to ourselves — when we feel safe, grounded, and filled up — we show up better. Helping others becomes lighter and picking up trash feels like reverence.🗑️

I recorded a short meditation for you. Inspired by the teachings of Jack Kornfield, it’s just four minutes to return to your breath — and connect to the Earth.

You can listen below.

Let your breath remind you that you are nature. Not separate from it.

It is a quiet, powerful truth:
As we heal ourselves, we heal each other, and the world.

Instead of asking how you can do more, I invite you to ask:

How can I feel more whole?

What qualities do I want to bring into this world?

What needs tending inside me, so I can care outwardly from joy — not depletion?

The Earth doesn’t need your hustle.
She needs your presence.
Your breath. Your full, joyful heart.

You are your responsibility.

With love,

Mandy

Thanks for reading. I’d love to hear your comments and questions. Please email me at: mandy@homeandyoga.com

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, Home Yoga Therapy can help you in 3 ways:

• How Yoga Works Guide — a practical companion for understanding yoga and how it supports your healing journey.

• Yoga Therapy — thoughtful discussions and mindful practices that foster change, balance, and well-being in body, mind, and spirit.

• Practice with Me on YouTube — weekly yoga rituals on Sundays and mid-week resets on Wednesdays to keep your home practice steady and supported.