Defining Eco-Intelligence
Eco-intelligence is a term I’ve coined in my work as an Eco-Intelligent Lifestyle Mentor. And, if you’ve never heard me talk about it before, I’ll offer you a short definition:
“Eco-intelligence is the innate intelligence that you, and I, and all living things are born with, that guides us to live in ecological balance and harmony, and make choices that protect, sustain, and nourish life within our bodies and the earth.”
So, tell me, are you and your family members relying on your eco-intelligence to live well in today’s world?
When I study the natural world all around me, I see eco-intelligence at work within the lives of animals, plants, insects, and ecosystems, which work together to create ecological balance and harmony. Where I often don’t see eco-intelligence at work is in the behavior patterns of humans who have learned to relate to the Earth (and all living things) as a profit-making commodity, rather than a system of life whose precious natural resources are meant to be jointly managed and cared for.
So, tell me: When do you think we humans stopped listening to our innate eco-intelligence? And why did we?
Exploring Our Erroneous Belief that We Are Separate from the Earth
For a long time in our modern history, we’ve been taught to view ourselves as “separate” from the earth. This separation mentality, you might agree, has led to some of the greatest challenges we have ever faced on our planet. It has led us to dominate the earth, pollute it, fight wars over the use of its resources, erode its quality of life, and threaten its future ability to support life. In treating our earth with disrespect, we have grown blind to the fact that we have also been treating ourselves with disrespect. What our eco-intelligence guides us to know and remember is that we humans and the earth represent one giant, interconnected system of life, and that we are always exchanging energy. Is the energy we are exchanging healthy or unhealthy?
Our Human Lungs, The Earth’s Lungs
Have you ever thought about the idea that the Earth’s respiratory system is a macrocosmic version of the human respiratory system? The earth’s trees, which function as its lungs, breathe in the carbon dioxide that we exhale and they exhale oxygen. We humans then breathe in that oxygen through our lungs.
Our Human Digestive System, The Earth’s Digestive System
Have you ever thought about the idea that the Earth’s digestive system is a macrocosmic version of the human digestive system? The Earth’s digestive system is the land upon which seeds are fertilized and grow. Likewise, our human digestive system is made fertile by the nutrients we consume to build health and vitality.
Our Human Circulatory System, The Earth’s Circulatory
Have you ever thought about the idea that the Earth’s circulatory system is a macrocosmic version of the human circulatory system? The Earth’s veins are its rivers, lakes, and streams, which deliver sustenance to all parts of the natural world. Likewise, our human veins deliver nutrients to all of the organs, tissues, and cells within our bodies.
Mother Nature is a Brilliant Teacher
When I muse about the biological functions that our bodies and the Earth share, I’m amazed by Mother Nature’s brilliant way of teaching us about ourselves and our relationship with one another. I’m also inspired to practice reciprocity; to give back to the Earth what I take from it. To “give back” to the Earth doesn’t take a lot. It just takes intention and follow-through.
It can be as simple as:
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Being a consumer of organically raised foods, whose production strives to be kinder to our bodies and the Earth than industrially raised foods.
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Being a consumer of organic, earth-sourced medicines, whose production nourishes our bodies and the Earth, rather than being a consumer and disposer of pharma drugs.
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Recycling and repurposing the things you no longer need or use.
- Appreciating the natural world around you and giving nature ‘a voice.’