I once read a story about an elementary class where children were asked to draw a picture of themselves; and another elementary class where Indigenous children were asked to draw a picture of themselves.

The first group of children drew their body, larger-than-life, front and center with a scattered tree, sun or house in the background; the Indigenous children drew their body to scale with Nature, complete with sky, trees, grass, birds, and mountains.  

Why did this simple story catch my attention? Because it speaks to what I've observed about people as they strive to define--and redefine--their relationship with the Earth.  Here are four Self-to-Earth scenarios that are showing up from coast-to-coast. Just for fun, why not see which one resonates with you:

Me, Myself and I
 
The first category is populated with people who view themselves as front and center beings and look out at the Earth with big, oversized eyes.  They perceive that they are at the center of Mother Earth's canvas. This group reminds me of a mind set in the Middle Ages where people were convinced, and society supported the belief, that the Sun rotated around the Earth.
 
Asleep at the Wheel
 
The second group is made up of people who are asleep at the Let's Look at the Big Picture wheel.  Busying themselves, day after day, with deadlines, to-do lists and other activities, this group is often too distracted or exhausted to engage their mind, let alone tackle deeper philosophical questions relating to their perception of Self, and how they fit into their natural environment.  
 
Stretch & Yawners
 
The third group is made up of reams of people waking up, shaking their head, taking notice, motivated to act -- yet hesitating because they are unsure about what questions to ask or actions take as they begin to explore this area. ("What would people think?", "What would I think?" Gasp!)

I find this group exciting because it is full of potential. The interesting part is that their views and actions are often up and down, and impacted by the ebb and flow of popular opinion. The good news is that with a little time, attention and self-education, the Stretch & Yawner group can quickly move into a motivated to shift, change, act stage. Then again, they may become discouraged, overwhelmed or distracted and move into the Asleep at the Wheel group.
 
Talk Walkers
 
The fourth group is an awake, connected collaboration of ordinary people, teachers, advocates and activists (of all ages, size and description) striving to set a optimistic example, while at the same time, respecting where others are situated along the happy trail.  In short, they are spiritually connected, mindful beings with Earth knowledge and wisdom to share, for your consideration. These are our thought leaders and catalysts for change. I like to call them "The Balancers".