Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 every year, and it is also my birthday. It seems that God had a purpose in letting me be born on this day.
It makes me happy to pick up trash: I try to clean the mountains when I go hiking, and clean the beaches when I go fishing.
When I go to the park almost every day, I take a walk around to clean the area, picking up litter as part of my daily routine. I am a professional ophthalmologist, and I enjoy being an amateur cleaner.
I am now in my 70s, and I have been picking up trash for at least 30 years. Some often jokingly call me “Dr Trash” (垃圾醫師), but I do not mind. On the contrary, I take pride in the title. After my birthday, I would like to share some reflections.
For me, picking up litter is the best form of exercise. It benefits me and those around me. My hobby reminds me of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s claim that there are two books a person must read, one is “nature (自然), and the other is “oneself” (自我).
In the park at dawn, the morning light filters through the green leaves, casting a golden glow upon me. A gentle breeze blows, birds sing and flowers bloom.
Immersed in the warm, tranquil flora, I quietly observe nature’s wondrous changes, and my body, mind and soul are deeply refreshed.
Hectic medical work can be overwhelming sometimes. Luckily, the process of picking up trash allows me to calm my mind, face myself honestly, engage in self-dialogue and seek reconciliation with myself.
Picking up litter involves two simple actions: picking up and letting go. Is that not what life is all about?
In our youth, we are busy accumulating fame and fortune. But in our twilight years, what should we let go? This question is worth pondering.
Occasionally, when I am cleaning the environment, I encounter small dead animals such as dogs, cats or birds. Their bodies are often covered in maggots and can be very smelly.
Most people cover their noses and walk past. I am willing to be an “undertaker,” finding a lush green tree nearby, digging a pit beneath it, and burying them there so they can rest in piece. Through this, I also cultivate my compassion.
My spiritual mentor, the late Catholic Cardinal Paul Shan (單國璽), once said to me with a smile: “Dr. Chuang, the trash you clean will turn into an equal weight of gold when you reach heaven.”
Although I have never had such a grand hope, in the process of cleaning I have found a spiritual fulfillment that money cannot buy. Bending down has also made me more humble in life.
My birthday wish this year is that my beloved Taiwan, while pursuing economic growth, will not neglect environmental protection.
I hope more people will participate in environmental efforts so the Earth that nurtures us can remain healthy, clean and beautiful
Chuang Chung-chi is an ophthalmologist.
Translated by Eddy Chang
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