Earth Day is this week, and I’ve been thinking about how the pandemic, although a big-time bummer for us at the moment, has been a boon for the planet. I’ve seen pre-lockdown and post-lockdown pictures around the world of improved air quality, including in India, China, and Europe. NASA shows some interesting statistics on its website for America. See for yourself by searching for “improved air quality” in your favorite search engine. The images brought tears of joy to my eyes, even though scientists say we’ll go back to pre-lockdown skies as soon as industries are running again.

There have also been reports of wildlife in our parks, and even our towns, coming out to play, reclaiming some territory because few people are around to frighten them off.

Although we won’t be able to participate in outdoor group activities for Earth Day this year, there are ways you can still celebrate and honor our planet. Take part in online events, enjoy a walk in nature—while practicing physical distancing—or volunteer in any way you feel called; visit the Earth Day website to find out how.

You might also enjoy a couple of related blog posts I wrote a few years back:

• The death of one of the last of the world’s northern white rhinos
• My memories of Earth Days past

Most of us in America are still permitted to get out for some exercise, so take the time to appreciate the clear skies, fresh air, and wildlife. And thank Mother Earth for supporting us.

I’ve been writing about retreating and self-care since October 2019, which has become even more crucial during the COVID pandemic. If you have coping tips or self-care strategies you’d like to share, send me an email. I’ll write about them in future posts.

Read more about self-care on this blog. For the time being, my memoir is available at a reduced price on Kindle ($2.99) and Amazon paperback (random Amazon price slash, so it could be anything on any given day).

Be well and take care.