International Mother Earth Day
- Ravi Shanker
- Apr 22
- 9 min read
A Happy Story of Emotional Wellness
A Dawn of Gratitude
I rolled over this morning, still half‑dreaming of verdant forests and rolling oceans, when my phone buzzed with a cheerful reminder: April 22 — International Mother Earth Day. Immediately, warmth spread through me—an energetic cocktail of responsibility, wonder, and joy. As an emotional consultant who likes to spend time helping clients harness their inner strengths, I know deep down that our bond with the planet is more than poetic metaphor; it’s a vital lifeline for our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Today, I invite you into my world: a sunny narrative of how Mother Earth Day came to be, why it truly matters for our minds and hearts, and how we can each celebrate her in ways big and small. So, pour yourself a cup of green tea or coconut water, find a comfy spot (preferably near a plant or window), and let’s embark on this happy story together.
A Surprising Smile Over Coffee
My morning ritual is simple: A Glass of Milk or Herbal Tea, a quick stretch, and ten minutes of journaling. But as soon as the reminder for Mother Earth Day glowed on my screen, I laughed out loud. Despite all my years in emotional consulting, I’d almost treated this day like any other Tuesday—until now.
With my favourite journal open, I scribbled a question at the top of the page:
“What can I do today to honour the planet and nurture my own soul?”
That single sentence set off a cascade of ideas: a barefoot walk in my nearby park, sketching the gentle sway of banyan leaves, even a short guided meditation focused on connectedness with all living things. My mind buzzed with possibilities—a testament to how a single reminder can pivot our mindset from routine to reverence.
The Roots of International Mother Earth Day
To appreciate today fully, let’s dig into its history—much like planting seeds for tomorrow’s blossoms.
2009 UN Resolution: A Global Pledge
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution officially proclaiming 22 April as “International Mother Earth Day,” recognizing “that Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit.” This resolution called on all Member States, UN entities, and civil society to participate in activities that promote harmony with nature and the planet.
Stockholm, Rio, and the Rise of Environmental Consciousness
Yet the UN’s 2009 declaration didn’t emerge from thin air; it was rooted in a broader environmental awakening that began in the early 1970s. In 1972, the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm galvanised world leaders around the notion that human well‑being and ecosystem health are inseparable. That landmark gathering also led to the establishment of the UN Environment Programme and World Environment Day on 5 June, both of which underscored the importance of sustainable living.
The First Earth Day: A Teach‑In Turns Global
Even before Stockholm, April 22 had already etched itself into history. In 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson—moved by massive oil spills and inspired by student anti‑war protests—proposed a nationwide environmental “teach‑in.” On 22 April 1970, more than 20 million Americans participated in rallies, clean‑ups, and educational events, leading to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act.
While that first Earth Day was initially a U.S. phenomenon, its success inspired global celebrations by 1990, eventually culminating in the UN’s adoption of Mother Earth Day in 2009.
Why Nature Matters for Mental Health
As someone who has guided clients through stress, anxiety, and burnout, I’ve witnessed firsthand the balm that nature provides. Modern psychology offers compelling explanations for this intuitive truth:
Biophilia and Innate Affinity
The biophilia hypothesis suggests humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. When we immerse ourselves in green spaces—gardens, parks, forests—our parasympathetic nervous system activates, leading to reduced heart rate, lower cortisol levels, and heightened feelings of calm and contentment.
Attention Restoration
In urban settings, our directed attention is in constant overdrive: emails, deadlines, notifications. Natural environments engage our involuntary attention gently (the rustle of leaves, birdsong), allowing our fatigued mental faculties to recuperate—a process known as attention restoration.
Emotional Regulation through Awe
Moments of awe—witnessing a sunrise, gazing at ancient trees—expand our sense of self and time. Research shows that experiencing awe can decrease stress and increase generosity, empathy, and overall life satisfaction.
Eco‑Anxiety and the Antidote of Action
While legitimate concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss can trigger eco‑anxiety, engaging in meaningful environmental actions—tree planting, beach clean‑ups, advocacy—provides a sense of agency, combating feelings of helplessness and despair.
Collectively, these mechanisms reveal that celebrating Mother Earth Day is not merely symbolic; it’s a direct investment in our psychological resilience and emotional well‑being.
My Morning Walk—A Personal Ritual
Let me share how I turned those journal sparks into a tangible practice today:
6:45 AM: Barefoot Grounding
I stepped outside, and felt the cool grass beneath my feet. With eyes closed, I took many deep breaths, imagining roots growing from my soles into the earth’s heart—an ancient gesture of belonging and balance.
7:00 AM: Nature Sketching
Back inside, I set up my sketchbook by the window. Using soft pastels, I captured the silhouette of the neem tree dancing in the breeze. The strokes weren’t perfect; they were joyful. By the time I finished, thirty minutes had whisked by like moments in a dream.
7:40 AM: Gratitude Meditation
Settling on my yoga mat, I guided myself through a brief gratitude meditation: naming three natural elements I love—mango blossoms in spring, the call of the Koel bird, the first monsoon drop on my rooftop. Each image delivered a small electric jolt of happiness, reminding my brain that wonder is always within reach.
These simple acts grounded me in the spirit of Mother Earth Day, illuminating how ritualised nature engagement can become a cornerstone of emotional wellness.
Structured Celebrations—Bringing Psychology and Ecology Together
In my corporate wellness workshops and one‑on‑one consultations, I’ve designed repeatable activities that fuse environmental celebration with psychological growth. Feel free to adapt these for your team, family, or personal routine.
Activity | Purpose | Duration | Materials |
Eco‑Mindful Journaling | Enhance self‑awareness & gratitude | 15 mins | Journal, pen |
Forest Bathing (Shinrin‑Yoku) | Restore attention & reduce stress | 30 mins | Headphones (optional), nature |
Plant‑Your‑Story Workshop | Foster narrative therapy through planting | 60 mins | Seedlings, pots, markers |
Community Tree‑Planting Brainstorm | Promote collective coping & agency | 45 mins | Whiteboard, sticky notes |
Nature Sound Meditation | Induce flow & positive affect | 10 mins | Smartphone, headphones |
Eco‑Mindful Journaling
Prompt participants: “Describe a place in nature where you feel most alive. How does it feel to be there?” This practice cultivates gratitude and shifts focus away from routine stressors.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin‑Yoku)
Inspired by Japanese practice, guide groups to walk silently in a green space, noticing textures, smells, and sounds. Evidence shows this practice lowers blood pressure and fosters mental clarity.
Plant‑Your‑Story Workshop
Invite individuals to pot a seedling and, at each planting step, share a chapter of their personal journey—challenges, aspirations, sources of strength. The growing plant becomes a living metaphor for resilience.
Community Tree‑Planting Brainstorm
Encourage teams to ideate a sustainable tree planting event for their neighbourhood. This collaborative innovation not only benefits the environment but also enhances team cohesion and collective self efficacy.
Nature Sound Meditation
Play recordings of rain, ocean waves, or jungle ambience. Ask participants to close their eyes and synchronise their breathing with the rhythm of the sounds, cultivating a gentle flow state.
By weaving these rituals into organisational culture or personal practice, we transform Mother Earth Day from a mere date into a year round ethos of ecological empathy and psychological flourishing.
A Healing Vignette—From Isolation to Interconnection
Let me tell you about Meera, a client I’ll never forget. Meera, a software engineer with a client in my “Happiness Consultant” program, struggled with chronic loneliness and digital burnout. Her eyes were perpetually glazed by screen fatigue, and she confessed, “I haven’t touched real soil in years.”
On Mother Earth Day last year, I invited her to a guided “earth‑scavenger hunt” in a local park: find five things that represent each of the classical elements—earth (pebble), water (river shell), air (fallen feather), fire (sun‑warmed leaf), ether (open sky). Reluctantly, she joined.
By the end of the exercise—holding a smooth stone, listening to flowing water—Meera’s usual stiffness gave way to a soft smile. She mused, “It’s like I’ve opened a door to a part of me I’d forgotten existed.” That afternoon, she pledged to incorporate weekly nature visits into her routine. Six months on, Meera reported a substantial reduction in anxiety and a renewed sense of belonging—no longer just to her virtual networks, but to the vast, vibrant network of life on this planet.
Practical Tips for Everyday Eco‑Wellness
You don’t need elaborate ceremonies to honour Mother Earth Day. Here are five simple, research backed habits to nurture your mind and our planet:
Morning ‘Earth Affirmations’
Each dawn, whisper three affirmations acknowledging your interdependence with nature: “I am rooted like a banyan tree,” “My breath is the planet’s breath,” “My actions can heal or harm.”
Two Minute Leaf Observation
Pick a leaf—notice its veins, edges, colour gradients. This brief, focused attention engages your mind in involuntary attention, fostering rest and clarity.
Green Screen Breaks
Every hour, stand up, stretch, and gaze at a potted plant or window for one minute. Studies show that even brief exposures to greenery can lower stress hormones.
Eco Creative Expression
Write a six‑word memoir about your relationship with Earth (e.g., “Dust to dust, green souls connect”). Share it with a friend or social media community.
Micro Composting
Set up a small compost jar in your kitchen. Turning food scraps into soil not only reduces waste but also reinforces your sense of stewardship and agency.
Each micro habit stitches moments of mindfulness and care into your day, reminding your mind that you are both a part of and a guardian for this living ecosystem.
The Future of Eco‑Psychology
As we honour International Mother Earth Day today, exciting frontiers beckon at the intersection of psychology and ecology:
Virtual Nature Immersion
Advances in VR are creating digital forests and oceans where urban dwellers can experience simulated forest bathing, offering therapeutic benefits where real green spaces are scarce.
Neuroscience of Earth Connection
Emerging brain‑imaging studies are mapping the neural correlates of awe, connectedness, and ecological concern—revealing how our brains literally rewire when we fall in love with the planet.
In each of these domains, the guiding ethos remains constant: our emotional wellness and the health of our planet are woven into the same tapestry. By nurturing one, we nourish the other.
An Open Invitation
On this beautiful April 22 today, I invite you to step outside—literally or metaphorically—and engage in one small act of reverence for Mother Earth. Whether it’s tending to a houseplant or organising a neighbourhood clean‑up, every gesture amplifies hope and resilience.
To close our happy story, here are three parting prompts:
Reflect: What natural place or element grounds you most deeply?
Act: What is one tangible step you can take today to protect or celebrate our planet?
Share: Who in your life needs this reminder that our well‑being is rooted in the Earth’s well‑being?
Thank you for joining me in this celebration. Now, go forth with a joyful heart—plant, paint, meditate, march, or simply breathe—and let today’s Mother Earth Day be the first page of a year long love letter to our shared home and to your own flourishing spirit.
Happy International Mother Earth Day!
Happiness Consultant is an emotional wellness expert with years of experience in corporate mental health consultancy. Having worked with leading multinational corporations and startups, Happiness Consultant has helped shape innovative strategies that foster mental resilience, reduce burnout, and create cultures of empathy in the workplace. An advocate of emotional health Happiness Consultant remains dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of holistic health.
For HR professionals and organisations interested in implementing holistic wellness programs, consider reaching out to Happiness Consultant for a holistic emotional well being program for your corporate. Together, we can pave the way for a healthier, happier, and more productive future.
More than 48% working professionals in India struggle with one or the other emotional / psychological challenges and it hampers their day to day life, productivity at work and concentration. Timely help and support helps save the person, relation, career, wellbeing & life. If you feel you or any of your loved ones is struggling with emotional / psychological / relationship / professional challenges and need support, please book an emotional consultation with Happiness Consultant to discuss your challenges related to Children/Adolescents/Relationships/Profession. Please email at connect@happinessconsultant.in to ensure timely identification of challenge & support.
Happiness Consultant proudly announces the launch of
EMOTIONS ACADEMY
In today’s fast‑paced world, emotional well being is not just an add on; it is the cornerstone of a balanced, fulfilling life. The challenges faced by adolescents / adults in India, from academic / professional pressures and familial expectations to social media distractions and personal identity struggles, demand a comprehensive approach to Emotional & Mental Health.
Emotions Academy helps young people navigate challenges with confidence, resilience, and clarity.
Email: academy@happinessconsultant.online or
WhatsApp: +91-9-711-711-766 to get information booklet.
CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE
Comments