Heaven on Earth

I just submitted the following to Examiner.com as my formal application to become an Examiner writer.

Merriam-Webster defines heaven as the dwelling place of the Deity and the blessed dead; a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God. Why are the living not privy to this blessedness? Why can’t our gods live among us? If we have a relationship here on earth with our god(s), why must we die for it to be cemented?

We have the capacity to create heaven on earth. We must begin by treating the planet as we would a heaven. When interviewing several people on this concept there was a general consensus that heaven does not have a problem with litter or pollution. Heaven also does not have any form of conflict (i.e. war). It would seem that war, litter, and pollution are the tools of humanity that have created the quagmire of what could be considered “hell on earth”.

So what is the denominator common to every man, woman and child on this planet? Doesn’t it seem reasonable that people would prefer the earth/material experience to be more heavenly, uplifting, and less painful? This can only be accomplished through a prevailing vision of understanding and teamwork among all individuals. Ask the population of this planet what their idea of heaven is, and you will receive an endless supply of answers; however, most can agree that a heavenly space includes the following:

Freedom from persecution by others:
• individual and group responsibility for actions do to no harm to another
• each and every person to have a care for their physical surroundings - the planet, the earth, other animal’s habitats, etc
• exercising self-control

A lack of constant wanting:
• don’t want more than you need
• moving away from a society of consumption
• share resources
• responsible procreation (understanding the impact a new life has on personal and world environment)

Ultimately each and every man, woman and child on this planet would have to want for a better Earth. We have the creativity and the power to create those things that injure and kill other humans and species. We need to harness that creativity for good. In the end, Heaven has already done that.