By Wendy McDonnell

The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 – 322 B.C.) referred to Earthworms as “the intestines of the earth”.

When I facilitate lessons on earthworms with children there is often a great deal of screaming involved.  “Yuck”, “Eww”, “Gross”, are but a few comments heard by children asked to dig in a garden or sort through compost.  Their ability to move without a spine, their very cool smell, their egg sack that they can just slip off, their ability to use mental power instead of senses to locate food and each other, their five hearts of love are all completely overlooked. The scream is solely due to a child’s lack of knowledge and is based only on the idea of what constitutes an attractive species.  Fuzzy, warm, cute, clean, well dressed are not the distinguishing qualities of an earthworm.

Interestingly, when I speak to adults about the amazing feats of earthworms, the idea is often disregarded more politely, but is also based solely on the appearance and texture of an earthworm.  “Those disgusting creatures,” I have heard countless times.  These adults also display a complete lack of compassion and knowledge.

It is no wonder children often put an enormous emphasis on the appearance of each other.  Acceptance, friendships, encouragement all depends on the exterior of a person.  Empathy programs try to diminish this social conditioning, but how is a child supposed to understand unconditional acceptance of each other when the natural life that surrounds them, calms them, challenges them and teaches them is disregarded because of the “disgusting”, “dirty” appearance of those creatures that work it.

Earthworms bring children, who have not been socialized to judge, ridicule or disrespect, great joy and wonder.  Considering earthworms are an excellent source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, reduce cholesterol and have been proven to contain compounds that are anti-carcinogenic, children and adults in certain cultures also depend on them for nutrition, health and wellness.

Inside, we contain intestines that are equally slimy, functional, and valuable as the devalued earthworm.  We do not question their function to our health.  We take their workings as solely an obligation of them to do their job unconditionally for our egocentric self.  Unfortunately, we do neglect our intestines as much as we do the worms of the earth.  We pummel them with artificial flavourings, colours, preservatives and pesticides that we expect them to eliminate without question.  We choke our intestines with wax cheeses, glutens and unnecessary medicines that make them work harder than they should have to, and strip them of their helpers. Then, of course, we punch them for entertainment.  Yet we still expect them to bounce back when needed and wonder why colon cancer is on the rise.

Likewise the earthworm, the earth’s intestine, is bamboozled with pesticides that it cannot survive or is choked with garbage that, although it can penetrate and sometimes digest, can shorten it’s lifespan considerably.  They are stepped on, pulled, scared, and chopped on a regular basis; without question.  Compassion for life is one element, but it’s the complete disregard of the indispensable necessity of these earth intestines that is overlooked.

Earthworms’ gift to us is our food.  They complete the cycle of life so completely that without them the earth essentially would be useless.  At present, the earthworm industry is a million dollar industry where farmers import worms so that their soils can be more fertile.  The worms castings or “poop” is like a multi-vitamin for any soil.  Crops grow faster, better and healthier with worm castings then any man-made chemical.  Worms break down our waste, aerate our soils, and even neutralize toxins and pathogens for us.  They also have not only treated diseases for centuries but they may provide a cure for cancerous tumours.  No payment necessary.

So take out your children and dig in the soil.  Start a vermicomposter in your home and appreciate the gifts of the earthworms.  Have a worm race.  Save the worms when they are drowning.  Teach them that they are just like their intestines and that the intestines of the Earth give themselves unconditionally as well.  Get dirty and get connected.   It is a good start to empathy, compassion, good health and well-being.  Those who appreciate the natural beauty on the inside of every life will begin to see their own gifts within.  Isn’t that what life fulfillment is all about?

Filed under:
Articles by Wendy