How do we revitalize the Earth? Although it’s important to plant trees, cut down on driving, and refrain from buying goods from places on the other side of the world… there is another thing we can do every day, no matter where we are.

Charles Lawrence, a teacher and visionary of mixed European and Blackfoot descent who has worked for decades to interweave teachings and shamanic practices of First Nations people around the world, recounts the advice of a 92-year-old Siberian shaman, Mikhail Duvan of the Ulchi tribe. On a trip to Washington state in 1995, “Grandfather Misha” became upset when attendees at a ceremony complained about pollution, mining, and other depredations on the land.

“In Siberia,” he said, “there is mercury in the streams from gold mining. The fish are dying. But we don’t dare say how awful it is, because the Earth is listening and she will be upset. We must tell the Earth how beautiful she is.”