Does the Earth Love Us? Does Food Hold Any Hopeful Evidence?
In a recent podcast, storyteller Leah Lamb shared stories about her work with whales and how, among many other amazing contributions, whales are “known as being able to influence fields of energy with voices that calm the nervous systems of all the other animals around them.” This and other experiences in nature led her to profess that “I really believe the Earth loves us. I really do. I think she wants us here.”
The podcast host quickly jumped on that last statement. “While there are many people who love the Earth,” she challenged, “How do you have the conviction that the Earth loves us back?”(1)
That question caught me by surprise. Indeed, how can the Earth love us humans, especially given all the silly and stupid things we do to her?
Evidence? But the very next night, the sunset was so magnificent that people were stopping in the street to photograph it. And the next morning the sunrise was just as spectacular, As those displays came to mind, I had to think: Aren’t they exactly evidence of the Earth’s love for us, silliness, stupidity and all? What’s more, could they also be a demonstration of the unconditional nature of love?
Food, Too? Of course, being so immersed in the food world, I couldn’t help but take the next step, questioning whether food isn’t yet another indication of the Earth’s love for us? And of course, the answer has to be a resounding “Yes!”
Consider the food Nature gives us:
- The vibrant colors of the summer vegetables
- The winter root vegetables that can be stored through winter to provide warming sustenance for the cold months
- The wide variety of whole grains, nuts and seeds that add heartiness to meals.
The sweetness of fruits - Vital proteins in the way of toothsome beans and savory meats
- Not to mention herbs and spices galore for a flavor carnival
- And all of these together providing the perfect balance of nutrients we need for wonderful health
Makes you wonder why we would replace this perfection with food manufactured in factories and packaged in boxes?
Could our modern way of eating explain why we don’t feel the goodness food was meant to offer, i.e., the Earth’s love for us?!
So where does this inquiry lead? Whoever thought whales, sunsets and food belonged in the same conversation?
Comfort in a Chaotic World For me, this inquiry leads to a simple sense of comfort. These days the world can certainly feel chaotic and conflicted and maybe even dismal and frightening. So it was heartwarming to acknowledge the love coming at us from something bigger than our little selves–whether whales, sunrises or food.
May we all make and eat and thoroughly enjoy our meals in the coming months, and feel the comfort–and love–that food was meant to give us!
Happy New Year!
Mary Collette
(1) Leah Lamb: Stories Show Us the Way, November 25, 2025, SoundsTrue