NATIONAL ARBOR DAY is observed today in New York.  Arbor Day is celebrated to encourage tree planting and the care of trees in all states. In New York the last Thursday in April is designated as the day for the  tree planting and care. I know this is a difficult time of year for persons with allergies. However, they can enjoy the ‘fruits’ of labor at a later date.

New trees have been planted in my community and others have received care. The cherry blossom and magnolia trees are in full bloom.

This national day is very much in line with Earth Hour on March 29 and Earth Day on April 22, which impact the health and wellness of individuals, communities, cities, states and countries. This ripple effect is, indeed, is very positive! There are those of use who love the smell of  fresh, turned soil of the earth. My African violets are in full bloom now because I ‘cared’ for them.

Centenarians have an understanding of the connection of humanity with the earth and their well-being. Are you adding more years to your life by planting trees or caring for your house/outdoor plants?

The Wellness Inventory Tool has been a tremendous aide for me in my continuous quest for optimal wellness and life changes. I’ve become constantly aware of my breathing pattern during the course of the day and the impact of colors on my well-being. Since I’m a seasonal person, I’ve been aware of the effect light/lighting has on my well-being. My waking and sleeping patterns and my fingernails are  affected by the seasons of the year.

I know Spring has arrived because at winter’s end my fingernails became brittle and dry with breakage . With the advent of Spring my fingernails are pink, growing and look healthy.

Awareness on many levels can bring a deeper sense of well-being that was not considered previously. Awareness of thought, awareness of the spoken word, awareness of the internal flood of blood in our veins, awareness of touch and a sense of comfort from that touch, awareness of a pleasant feeling  that comes with giving with no strings attached and the awareness of the universal energy and love that surrounds us.

‘Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened — as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding — she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another’. Watch the video here.

Today, Saturday, March 29, 2008, from 8:00 PM-9:00 PM , Earth Hour invites people to turn off their lights and non-essential appliances for one hour for energy efficiency. This global effort emphasizes the need for increased awareness and positive actions to alleviate the destructive pattern of global warming and the drain on our environment. Sidney, Australia has been the first city to turn off its lights for this year’s Earth Hour.

Global warming and overuse of global resources are certainly impacting  humanity’s health and wellness.