The Sum of Steps
By Chess jakobs
Arielle Bobb-Willis, New Jersey, 2019, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Ralph M. Parsons Fund, photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
Perhaps we fear having a footprint because
We know we’ve taken too many steps
In directions that ultimately were not worthwhile
What if our worlds were simple enough
That our footprints were both sustainable and meaningful
What if we lived in such a way
Honoring every moment
Welcoming every loving being
Seizing every opportunity to enjoy humanity
That we then experience our footprint as
The endorphins released when hunger has been satiated
The presence of a person which improves your air quality
The silence of locked eyes becoming louder than solar installations
The sound waves of acoustic guitar generating enough energy to power the earth's axis
Maybe then
Our footprint becomes the sum of
What was given to receive an experience
What was done to ensure a moment
What was removed to clarify meaning
Our footprints become large because we are
hoarding un-excitement
But what if the most delightful version of having a footprint
Is honoring the simple moments that are always taken for granted
The planting of a seed.
The first drop of rain in a drought.
The introductory gust of wind in a storm.
The spark of a fire.
The quake of the earth.
Perhaps it’s about slowing down.
Before engineering.
Before imagining.
Before re-innovating.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to revel in the simple company of a person
Or thing
That creates awe just by being
Then, that footprint is worth every single step you take.
Chess Jakobs is a writer, creative producer, and environmental sociologist. As the Head of Social Impact at Culture Amp, Chess leads a grant portfolio that spans access to decent work, climate, criminal justice reform, education, and technology. Chess is also a leadership fellow with Justice Outside, on the voting committee of the DC Environmental Film Festival, and a Senior Consultant to Counterstream Media, having produced Season of Dissent at NYC Climate Week. Previously, Chess was a Board Member at Girl Plus Environment and a Co-Organizer for Black in Environment. Chess is an alum of the University of Michigan.