 Olympian - Mother Earth and then with these eyes simple awakened, she dives into the depths of the night for a moment. The truth is I wanted to take the time to think and reflect about the 2106 Rio Olympic Games. Watching the Olympic games in The UK whilst growing up was always a tradition. The games would always stay on for most of the day, even when we were busy, we would still take the time to watch. I remember the magical moment when Micheal Johnson won the 200 meter and the 400 meter sprint (running) in the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta. I clearly remember watching this with family. It was such a lovely time. Fast forward - As nations gather together for the Rio 2016 Olympic games. Watching the opening ceremony was both a time of happiness, but also sadness missing and remembering time with family members. The opening ceremony was full of vibrant colors, music, arts, and a sea of colorful athletes. Watching them carrying flags was a time of honor and pride. I think that just to make it to these Olympic games is an achievement in itself. It takes hard work, dedication, commitment and determination for any achievement. However, what sparks me the most about these athletes is their tremendous sense of overcoming of obstacles. Whether these are health or personally related. The fact that they battled to pursue their goal is a tremendous accomplishment. And the cream of the crop is to actually win a medal, along with the experience of a lifetime. This is truly life changing.  As the ceremonies took place I became interested specifically in the educative aspects of climate change. This was different to previous ceremonies as it contained a specific message to viewers offering facts about the climate. Including topics of pollution, green house gases, global warming, heat waves etc. I found this interesting because, yes we do see these effects through the rising of sea level or the melting of Ice caps. We see this, but what is the causation? As consumers, or individuals we should do our part to take care of the environment. This is true. Everyone should do their share. This could be through recycling, composting, or purchasing sprays that are not damaging the ozone layer. We can all do our share. However, the level each individual will contribute is dependent on their knowledge of these practices, as well as a countries progress.  As I begin to extend my thoughts, I ask can we put a blame on the consumer, or an individual? We must expand our thinking at the level of economic progress or Government structures. Can we have economic progress without impinging the environment. For example: If there was a plan to build a road in the middle of a forest, to access natural resources for importing and exporting industry. Who is deciding about the development of the road? This could be a company who has put forth a plan to Government officials or even a Government making a decision. Throughout history, and to this day we have put a focus upon the growth of the economies, but have not taken the time to really understand the impacts upon the environments. We cannot predict when there will be a shift because of a Carbon Dioxide overload or other harmful chemicals. These are being released at the micro and macro levels. Even if humans were to stop all of these emissions now, these effects and damage to the Ozone layer would continue because these substances are already emitted into the air. So the question is, if these substances are continuously being emitted what should we do? As we are reminded at the individual level we have these tools available to do our small part. However, at the level of economic growth, should this be the model? We may decide to ask should economic growth continue to be the pre - dominant model, or the highest purpose of human civilization? Although there is progress where industries are recognizing the need to consider, and help Mother earth. We can still ask the question, should this be the way to move forward? If we are asking this of the consumer and the producers. Then we should also take this a step further, at the level of political structure. Governments and political structure continuously use wars, bombings, killings, and firings as solutions to conflicts. How are these contributing to the health of our planet? How are their solutions contributing to air pollutants, and damage to the ozone layer? We only have one planet, only one Earth. As we strive to attain our goals and desires to overcome our personal, social, and emotional battles this topic must be considered at a much more broader level. As the Olympic games seek and strive to send messages of unity through sportsman / women ship, through music, arts, and sports. We can extend this theme: How can this unity be extended beyond the Olympic games? How can the larger constructs seek solutions other than war pollutants to gain peace, and unity nation to nation? 
 Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to all of the Olympic Athletes. Your stories are truly inspiring. Each and everyone of you are all winners! Unity. My thoughts to share with love & kindness.
Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written August 8th, 2016. Image 1 Web Link Image 2 Web Link Image 3 Web Link Image 4 Web Link Image 5 Web Link
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
