Going green is the latest buzz phrase. It is my belief that before we can become good stewards of our planet, we must first become caretakers of our inner landscape. Sustainability means being both environmentally and socially conscious. A sustainable culture begins with the individual, and then extends to the family, village, region, and the planet.

Each of us must learn to heal our self before we can heal the world. We need to be nurtured in mind, body, and spirit in order to become whole and realize our full potential. The path to becoming "a jolly green giant" is an inside job. Going green begins in our own heart, with self care and self-kindness.

Here are four important questions to ask when setting out to Green your heart:

1. Are you feeding your soul a junk food diet? Your inner spirit needs some quality time with you. Ask yourself, "What really nourishes my soul?" Is it quiet meditation, attending a religious service, reading inspirational material, or going for a solitary walk in nature? Promise yourself to do one thing this week that ignites your spirit.

2. Are you meeting your basic emotional needs through rampant consumerism? Aside from your basic physical needs, what do you really need in your life to feel at peace? What brings you joy? Is it being of service, or being heard, or being intellectually challenged, or feeling connected? Try to identify one or two of your emotional needs and ask yourself, "What am I doing in my life to get this need met?"

3. What are the major energy drains in your life? Make a list of all the things that leave you feeling worn out and depleted. Next to each one write down one of these action steps: Do it; Dump it; Delegate; Deal with it (accept, organize...); Divide it into manageable pieces; Discuss it and brainstorm for possible solutions; or Due date it. Then gradually check off each item one at a time as you resolve it. The long term plan is to reduce the energy drainers in your life and increase the energy enhancers.

4. What toxins and waste products are eating away at your heart? Are you filled with resentment, guilt, and regret? Are you blaming and complaining or constantly thinking, "I should have... If only I could have..." Just stop for a moment whenever you notice these thoughts running through your head. Observe what you are feeling. Then step in to the present moment and witness where your life really is right now. Let go of the past and live from this point forward. Focus on today and becoming the best human being you can.

The Golden Rule says, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." But sometimes, we first need to do unto ourselves what we wish to do for others. Because we can't give what we don't have! If we're run down and emotionally drained, we can't give our best to our family, our village, or our planet. Going green and having a sustainable life requires a well nourish soul and an overflowing heart.

Copyright (c) 2008 Karin Marcus