Holding Up The Sky – A Chinese Folktale

One day an elephant saw a hummingbird lying on its back with its tiny feet up in the air.

“What are you doing?” asked the elephant.

The hummingbird replied, “I heard that the sky might fall today, and so I am ready to help hold it up, should it fall.”

The elephant laughed cruelly. “Do you really think,” he said, “that those tiny feet could help hold up the sky?”

The hummingbird kept his feet up in the air, intent on his purpose, as he replied, “Not alone. But each must do what he can. And this is what I can do.”

What are you doing for your community? Does your community share a responsibility towards our planet? We get so focused in our day to day life that we often lose focus on the impact we are having on the earth. The Chinese Folktale ‘Holding up the Sky’ reminds us that we must do what we can on an individual level. Our efforts on an individual level can lead to significant change.

As individuals are we striving for sustainability?

Humans are doing dramatic damage to our planet and we must change to help preserve the planet for future generations. Simple steps of supporting local farms and businesses lessens the natural resources required to transport food. Food in the United States, travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to your dining table, this contributes heavily to pollution. Food at farmers markets generally travels a shorter distance and many organic farms have a greater commitment to sustainability in comparison to big agricultural operations.

As we go through life, our passions may change to reflect phases in our life and/or career. Things that we are passionate about helps drive our sense of purpose and keep us motivated. As many of us move on into our careers and family life, taking time out for our passions becomes more and more difficult. This is where having a shared activity with loved ones can help feed your soul while helping you connect with your loved ones. Go out for a hike, enjoy nature and appreciate what it has to offer you. Participate in a community clean up or volunteer at a homeless shelter or food bank.

When we participate for the greater good of our society and environment the positive vibes we put out are returned to our life.

Do you belong to a community that shares a common goal? Whether is it a moms or a cycling group – do you share interests with a group? Does your family get together to meditate or pray? Do you recycle? Do you focus on reusing and re-purposing items to lessen your impact on our environment? There are so many things you can do to make a huge impact on your own life and on the lives of future generations.