A system is considered sustainable when outputs are offset with at least as many inputs. As a culture, we are entitled and used to taking. In the long-term, however, that doesn’t work, not with people, who burn out, nor with nature, which deteriorates.

Every year for the past three years we have planted hundreds of native conifers, deciduous trees, and shrubs we’ve obtained from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to restore the havoc the construction of our house caused. We feel compelled to replenish and heal this little spot on earth that we are now stewards of. Trees and shrubs were removed where the driveway was cut in and the foundation was poured. Wildlife habitat was disrupted and destroyed. Now, however, free lay stone walls we built all around the property over the past years have created new habitats for lizards and snakes. The new shrubs we planted everywhere are creating new places for birds to hide, and their roots ameliorate the poor clay soil as they expand underground to a wide web, while the flowers we add to the garden each year attract bees and other insects. Each year we see more wildlife as we give back, make the soil better, add and diversify the plantings.

Healing means balancing by adding back what has been removed or is missing. Elsewhere I wrote that you ask in German “Was fehlt Dir?” or “What do you lack?” when someone is sick or out of balance. We knew what we took from the land and what was missing, and we are putting it back and then some. Try this exercise with anything or anyone that’s out of balance. Just ask “What’s missing?” Then you can give back, and then some.