In December, I took the opportunity to clean up our neighborhood. We continue to see fast food takeout containers, and it felt good to do something about these eyesores.
As I was picking up the trash, I contemplated – does trash on the ground signal that it’s okay for someone else to drop their trash too? I feel that the presence of garbage invites (maybe even subconsciously) invites more garbage.
In the personal development work that our Clean Planet leadership team does, we have a distinction called creating a “clearing.” When we figuratively clean something up in communication with someone, or tie up loose ends by completing something that was incomplete, there is a spaciousness that gets created. Almost like a new energy that inspires the creation of something new.
So as I was out during this month’s event, I realized that cleaning up trash, I feel, helps signal that this is not a place to litter. In this sense, our Clean Planet Day efforts create a “clearing” for our neighborhood to be clean.
The vision I have for the future is that our neighborhood and our city are clean because people expect it to be clean. Of course, this requires teamwork. I want to create accountability for all of us, and I am willing to be that catalyst.
As you read this, I invite you to avoid looking at the your efforts in your community as singular and small. Instead, look to see how the difference you make, however small it may seem, creates a clearing. What becomes possible for you, your family, and community through the ripple effect of your actions?
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