Earthy In The City — The Lexington Line

This year the Earth has reminded us that she is, in fact, in control. After the worst winter New York City has seen in ten years, we are having a undeniably bipolar spring. For reference, my whole stomach is burnt from laying out on my roof all morning yesterday, and today I had to wear fuzzy gloves, my winter layers, and bring my large umbrella out to try to defend the sideways pelting rain.

However, this past week was Earth Week! The Earth showed us really who is in charge during her week, and the patrons of New York City tried to bless her for her work. Sometimes I feel extremely existential about living in this huge city that was created by humans that destroyed so much land in order for later generations just to enter the money-making rat race and buy $10 matcha.

So, here are my ideas of how an existential girl living in one of the biggest cities in the world can still show Mother Earth her grace.

I live in Chelsea, which is not only home to the most sex stores per capita (I made that up, but it’s probably true) but also the high line. The high line is an old set of train tracks that have been completely grown over and now reconstructed into a beautiful trail with gardens on either side. Some parts wind through outdoor eating areas, reminding you of your urban surroundings while you’re in a gardening oasis. The high line leads to Hudson Yards, which I find a little ironic but very New York that the beautiful nature trail leads to a massive mall.

Prospect Park is the most underrated square footage in this city. While it is a little bit deep into Brooklyn, I find it to be the most incredible day trip to get away from the bussle of the city. It’s huge, and while having many different sections of the park, there are trailways that are completely enveloped within a forest. While I was walking on these small trails through the trees, I could not believe I was still in New York City, I was indeed thanking mother earth. This is also home to Brooklyn’s botanic garden, which is a portal not only into a new city, but into a whole new universe.

The city as well has taken initiative to thank the Earth. While yes, this is more green washing than actually doing something. The city shut down 20 roads this Saturday to encourage people to walk or take the subway instead of driving. While they only did this for one day and it likely created more frustration than productivity for actual greenhouse gases that are produced in this city, it was a nice thought.

In my efforts to fight winter depression while living in a shoebox apartment, I decided as soon as I moved in I would make my room into a garden of sorts. My entire window sill is filled with plants, which is where I get ready every morning and it makes me feel like a garden fairy. That’s a really great every day tactic to not only feel really special and beautiful, but also breathe in the Earth in all times while living in this unearthed city.

I personally find it really important to take a step back from where we live and recognize everything else the Earth has to offer. While yes, New York City is an incredible final destination, this was created by humans, not the Earth. You can find the Earth in small doses or large, but it’s important to honor her often. The Earth gives us everything we could need to survive, and we are, at the end of the day, her apex predator.

Will you take time to appreciate Earth and all the things it has to offer? Leave a comment down below!