I love to read the latest scientific findings, goes right back to my university days. And lately I have found myself drawn to articles about the science of happiness. Particularly I’ve enjoyed being reminded about the benefits of gratitude. It speaks to me: I’ve known throughout my time at Nature Canada that I receive back for all the outreach, appreciation and gratitude we show to our amazing members and donors. It brings me joy, and hope to know how deeply our members care about protecting and restoring nature so that future generations can also experience and enjoy all that nature offers us.
Gratitude brings biochemical changes to make us happier, bring us JOY and optimism and is linked with a sense of purpose. At this time of the year, we practice thanks and gratitude and enjoy time with family and friends. And practice giving to the many charities and important causes that are critical for the social fabric of our society. So a big thank you to all who have taken time to donate again this holiday season, despite the challenge of the Canada Post strike, going the extra distance to donate online or by telephone. We really appreciate your kindness as does the birds, butterflies and belugas that our community strives to protect and defend, giving voice to these creatures who do not visit Parliament.
I was recently reading by Robin Wall Kimmerer and she highlighted a thoughtful quote from Margaret Atwood: “Every time a gift is given it is enlivened and regenerated through the new spiritual life in engenders both in the giver and the recipient.” We are so thankful to Margaret who has been a champion of our efforts to save birds lives for many years now and is an excellent example and role model for giving back to society.
There is much natural wisdom shared in and I encourage everyone to take a moment to read this new release. It is a wonderful gift and treasure and can easily be read across the coming Holidays. Robin speaks to the concept of reciprocity and gift economy showing how this occurs so readily in the natural world and how we can learn, follow the pattern and reap the rewards, providing simple examples of how to do so.
She says, “Serviceberries show us another model, one based upon reciprocity rather than accumulation where wealth and security come from the quality of our relationships”. She invites us all to consider how to reciprocate the gifts of the Earth: “be it by giving money, time, energy, political actions, art, science, education, planting, community action, restoration, acts of care, large and small.” And it should not go without saying that the advance payment for her book was donated for land protection and restoration, being a role model herself.
I think it is so fitting I have a Serviceberry tree in my front yard, it will now serve as a reminder for me to continue to give back as it does for the many birds and chipmunks who visit it and enjoy its gifts.
And I love that many of our members recognize, appreciate and live reciprocity too:
Donna from QC says:
Teri from ON:
Caryn from BC:
Jodi Joy
Director of Development
1-800-267-4088 or 613-562-3447 ext. 239
