Here we are at solstice time. The longest day of the year has come and gone – summer is now here.

What a beautiful time of year – so much is in bloom: lupines, irises, geraniums, rhododendron, phlox, sweet William … and, so much more to look forward to. What a beautiful world we live in!

When I go walking or kayaking, I am struck by the beauty of nature that is ours to enjoy and protect. I also am saddened by how much our world is out of balance. Too many extremists affirm their causes over the most basic and simple concerns, which include protecting life and protecting our Earth.

Religious and political fanatics behead their enemy, gas minority groups, threaten to use nuclear and biological weapons and destroy our precious natural resources – all done at the expense of our beautiful blue and green planet.

This is a sad and overwhelming time.

The quality and diversity of Earth are suffering. Our world leaders, especially our own president, are unable to maintain international environmental standards. The Kyoto Treaty on climate changes, an international environmental agreement, for some reason is considered substandard for President Bush and for the United States to continue to honor.

And even nationally our environmental regulations are being reduced: The quality of our air and water and forests is being sacrificed in order to support business concerns such as drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and mining in nationally protected areas. The current Bush administration has cut over half a billion dollars from the National Park Service, endangering our country’s natural wonders.

If only we would all go out and smell the roses or tend a garden or bask in the sunshine or gaze at the stars or help maintain a path or somehow personally care for the Earth on which we live.

These days I am happy to be maintaining two paths, which I walk regularly. I no longer walk them simply to enjoy the walk. I walk these paths as one who preserves their access and pleasure for me and for others. It is such a wonderful feeling to be personally invested in caring for a small part of our world. I recommend it! Whether it is a path on your way to work or a walk near your home or a trail in a park – make a part of our shared Earth your own by helping maintain it for yourself and for others.

In our Jewish calendar cycle, usually during February, we celebrate Tu-Bishvat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat. On this day in Israel, Jews plant trees. This holiday dates back about 2,200 years when it was established as the day on which to honor trees and their fruit. In our more contemporary period, Tu-Bishvat has become our Jewish Earth Day. We plant trees, discuss ways in which we can protect our planet, teach about recycling efforts and other ways in which we can live more harmoniously with our natural world.

We all so much need to start putting the welfare of Earth above our own more immediate desires and needs. What can we do?

Drive less and move away from our addiction to oil while moving toward an energy independence that is clean and safe.

Grow a small garden. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Buy local and organic foods as much as possible. Avoid unhealthy foods that upset our bodies and pollute our Earth.

Enjoy the summer! Walk, hike, bike, kayak, swim – our lives are a blessing and we are blessed with a precious planet. Help maintain Earth’s health.

Live in balance. Find some time for love, meditation, prayer, relaxation and fun. Enjoy life – it is such a gift.

During this time of extremism, when fanaticism rules, when causes are more important than life and the health of our planet, it would be helpful for us to more deeply enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the world we live in and make a commitment to maintain its health.

Have a great summer!

Rabbi Barry Krieger is the rabbinic facilitator for the Hillel organization at the University of Maine in Orono. He may be reached via bkrieger56@aol.com. Voices is a weekly commentary by five Maine columnists who explore issues affecting spirituality and religious life.