Earth Hour happens this year on March 27th.  At 8:30pm local time, tons of folks and businesses across the world will be turning off non-essential lights to not only conserve energy but also to show commitment and respect for our home, earth.

If this will be your first year participating in Earth Hour you may be super excited to show your support but you also may be wondering what you can even do for a whole hour or how to get started. 

Here are some things to consider:

Get your candles and lighter ready now, while it's fresh in your mind, so that you don't have to go searching for them minutes before.  I know you have "good" candles you've been saving for a special occasion, right?  What better time than Earth Hour to pull them out and actually use them?  Some of us hoard candles like we do the good china in grandma's glass hutch and then we never end up using them.  Now is the time.  You are worth it!! 

If you don't have candles take yourself right now to the dollar tree and pick up all the tea lights your heart and home can hold.  Tea lights are perfectly sized and really set a beautiful mood.

Mindful things you can do for the hour either solo or with family/friends:

Need some "me" time?

If you haven't had much "me" time this week this is the perfect chance to journal, read, stretch and/or make time for stillness all by candlelight.

Get your kids involved!

What's more fun than setting up a pillow fort, putting a puzzle together,  reading stories or sitting outside on the porch to gaze up at the night sky?

How does an indoor picnic by candlelight sound?

With your family or even solo, this is a wholesome, more intimate way to experience the food you are eating.  Don't forget to pull those pretty plates out I mentioned upthread.  My daughter has wanted to create a Charcuterie board for a few weeks now and I think this would be the perfect opportunity to give it a go along with a nice wine for me.

None of this needs to be overly complicated or "perfect" so don't overthink it.  Check in with yourself during the hour.  How does your body feel?  What are your senses saying to you as you move throughout your candlelit environment or while you are outdoors?  Are there ways to allow yourself the chance to be further planted in the moment?

Remember, If the lights are off and you are intentionally present, it's a huge win not only for the planet but for you as well.

If you need more tips on Earth Hour or want to check out some of their events, be sure to check out Earthhour.org.

Will you be participating in Earth Hour this year?  Let me know in the comments below.