I learned something this Earth Day from organizing and leading a “pick up and dance” celebration at Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth. I learned that I actually enjoy picking up trash! Here’s what occurred to me: Picking up trash is…

Satisfying: I love how immediate and impactful the act of picking up trash is. It’s simple, easy to do and immediately rewarding!

Beautifying: I love how the environment is immediately improved by this simple act. Where there was an ugly wrapper, cigarette butt or plastic bag… there is once again simply the beauty of nature.

Visually Stimulating: I noticed how keen my eyesight became scanning the ground, shrubs and bushes for ‘what doesn’t belong.’ I was reminded of those pictures in the back of Highlights magazine for young readers that would ask the reader to spot the differences between two almost identical images. I felt my eyes becoming laser-like in their mission to distinguish seaweed from plastic, shell from cigarette filter, wooden stick from straw, etc.

Community Building: I love how being a part of a small group of like-minded ‘picker-uppers’ helped me feel part of. I sensed belonging and camaraderie with my fellows who, like me, wanted to do something small yet impactful to honor and celebrate the natural beauty of our planet.

After an hour of picking up we gathered and danced to a shortened playlist of the NIa routine “EarthSong”. Though our ages spanned many decades (under 10 years to over 70 years!), we danced in unison and shouted “Yes!” and “No!” and even voiced some “Maybe”s as we moved to the music in the wide-open outdoors.

I love how spacious and free I feel doing Nia outdoors. In fact, I am inspired to offer another outdoor class at Kettle Cove… so stay tuned for more information on that coming soon!