We are in a watershed moment of environmental crisis. This moment calls us to make physical and behavioral adaptations to the changing environment and to take action to prevent further environmental harm. But what changes do we make? How do we know what actions to take?
The Voyager’s inclusion into “Washed Away” is not only because it is boat-themed. There is a deeper meaning within its symbology. Polynesian wisdom has been transferred into this creation through my personal experience from that region, which expanded my knowledge about the importance of Listening to Nature. Being in touch with that which sustains us is of utmost significance.
Listening to Nature
The sculpture “Voyager” has its roots in French Polynesia and a young man, Tahiarii. Tahiarii was born on Raiatea, the second largest island of the Society Islands.
As with many ancient cultures, the intrusion of white explorers disrupted and nearly destroyed the teachings, language, and ceremonies of those who first lived on the island of Raiatea. Tahiarii is one of a growing number of Polynesians to reunite with their ancient heritage.
Tahiarii took us to a sacred ceremonial site and explained how, from this island where, his ancestors, in homemade outriggers, made their way to New Zealand, Rapa Nui, and Hawaii. His reconnection with ancestral roots led him to the older people who still held the ancient knowledge of navigating and building ocean-going outriggers. After three years in training, Tahiarii navigated, in a replica of an original outrigger, from New Zealand back to Raiatea. The distance is approximately 2600 miles, without the aid of modern-day navigation systems.
Standing in a spot reserved for Navigators on the ceremonial platform, he explained that way-finding is not limited to observing just the stars. Guiding information also comes from the currents, waves, winds, birds, clouds, and what he would describe as “felt forces.”
Tahiarii brought us to where outriggers are launched. I watched him walk over the embedded stones to the water’s edge. He bent down quietly and ceremonially, scooped up some ocean water, and drank. As he walked further into the water, I followed, stood beside him, and closed my eyes. I felt him transform, becoming one with the Ocean, Air, and all that lives in those realms. He became the Navigator filled with the Wisdom of his Ancestors.
Knowing nature is the starting point for understanding how to live in exact harmony with what we are a part of. Humans need not to control Nature. We are to watch, learn, ask, and act accordingly. Once we respect the Land, Water, Air, and All Living Beings, we will be motivated to stop harming what sustains us and find solutions. Getting in touch with the natural world will shift our mind from a self-centered orientation to an interdependent reality mode.
What can be done?
We are one world with currents of air and water. What happens in one place will eventually find its way around the world. The harmful effects of climate change are costing lives and impacting economies.
Once we understand the degradation of our planet’s ecosystem and the multi-level causes, then we take action.
Start with small changes.
Reduce buying plastic items.
Recycle. If your community does not have a recycling center, get involved.
Set to work on big industry that is the root cause of global heating. The burning of fossil fuels is the major source of greenhouse gases. Deforestation, industrial livestock farming, and landfills are other sources that are over-heating the planet.
We need lobbyists in Washington. D.C. to be the voice for the people and the environment.
Use your voice.
Call or write your and other’s congressional representatives that are listening and taking money from polluting industries.
Peacefully, firmly, and persistently protest.
Join Together.
Support organizations working to make a difference. More than ever, they need our support. They need to pay lobbyists, pay environmental lawyers, conserve ecosystems, and do all those details that seem endless.
If you cannot become a member of an organization that is doing essential work, then Volunteer.
Here is a list of Organizations:
350.org"350.org is building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. Our online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions are led from the bottom up by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries."
Alaska Wilderness League"Alaska Wilderness League’s mission is to lead the effort to preserve Alaska’s wild lands and waters by engaging citizens and decisionmakers with a courageous, constant, victorious voice for Alaska."
Earth Justice"Earthjustice is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth, and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment."
Environment America"Environment America is a federation of state-based, citizen-funded environmental advocacy organizations. Our staff and members work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment."
Food & Water Watch"Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainably produced."
iLoveMountains.org"Local, state, and regional organizations across Appalachia are working together to end mountaintop removal and create a prosperous future for the region. Through iLoveMountains.org, members of the Alliance for Appalachia have come together to use cutting edge technology to inform and involve Americans in their efforts to save mountains and communities."
League of Conservation Voters"The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is a national non-profit organization that works to turn environmental values into national priorities. To secure the environmental future of our planet, LCV advocates for sound environmental policies, elects pro-environment candidates who will adopt and implement such policies, and provides state LCVs with the resources and tools to accomplish and sustain their mission."
National Resources Defense Council"NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.3 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals."
Oceana"Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices in North America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance."
Population Institute"The Population Institute is an international non-profit that educates policymakers and the public about population, and seeks to promote universal access to family planning information, education, and services. Through voluntary family planning, we strive to achieve a world population in balance with a healthy global environment and resource base."
Rainforest Action Network"Rainforest Action Network (RAN) is headquartered in San Francisco, California with office staff in Tokyo, Japan, plus thousands of volunteer scientists, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens around the world. We believe that a sustainable world can be created in our lifetime, and that aggressive action must be taken immediately to leave a safe and secure world for our children."
Save Our Environment"A collaborative effort of the nation's most influential environmental advocacy organizations harnessing the power of the internet to increase public awareness and activism on today's most important environmental issues."
Union of Concerned Scientists"The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices."
Nature Conservancy"The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people."