Holding Joy and Concern Concurrently - Summer Amidst the Climate Crisis
As we enter into the most wonderful time of the year, Great Lakes summertime, many of us find solace in the beauty of the season.
However, amidst the climate crisis, the joy of summer can be tinged with a sense of urgency and concern for the planet. How do we reconcile these conflicting emotions? The reminder is multiple things can be true at the same time. Finding moments of joy, solace, and connection may bolster the resilience necessary to face climate concern.
Here are a few ways to connect and find joy while honoring what else may come up for you this summer season:
Connect with and in Nature:
Summer offers abundant opportunities to connect with the natural world. Whether it's taking a leisurely hike in the forests, basking in the sunlight on a sandy beach, or marveling at the vibrant colors of a sunset, nature beckons us to immerse ourselves in its beauty. Joanna Macy, climate activist and author, writes "we are as alive as we are awake to beauty." Spending time immersed in nature can be therapeutic. Emma Loewe, in "Return to Nature," emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of nature, stating, "Being in nature has a profound calming effect on the nervous system." By spending time outdoors and appreciating the wonders of the natural world, we can strengthen our commitment to protecting the environment while also reminding ourselves how spending time in nature can be a protective factor against climate distress. For some, spending time outdoors can lead to feelings of “solastalgia” or the grief of a place that has been irrevocably changed. A reminder, we must honor the grief we feel as the environment around us shifts.
Cultivate Resilience:
When spending time in nature brings despair, anxiety, helplessness, and nihilism, resilience is our greatest asset. Leslie Davenport, a psychotherapist and author, emphasizes the importance of cultivating resilience in the face of adversity. She suggests practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and journaling to help cope with eco-anxiety and build inner strength. Davenport writes, "Resilience is our capacity to bounce back, to adapt, and to transform." For some, a dedicated program like the Good Grief Network, where like minded folks create spaces to gather in community, process the painful feelings and realities of our time, and commit to meaningful action may be beneficial. For others, this may be creative expression through art, creative writing, or mindfulness practices.
Engage with Community:
The Climate Psychology Alliance North America emphasizes the power of community in addressing the climate crisis. By coming together with like-minded individuals, we can amplify our impact and create meaningful change. Summer provides numerous opportunities for community engagement, from participating in local clean-up events to joining climate action groups. Joanna Macy highlights the importance of community in her work, stating, "Active hope is something we do rather than have." By working collaboratively towards shared goals, we not only find support and solidarity but also experience the joy of collective action.
Consider Your Place in the Ecosystem:
In the grand tapestry of life, each of us occupies a unique niche within the ecosystem. As we navigate the complexities of the climate crisis, it's essential to reflect on our place in the natural world and the impact of our actions. In the words of Mary Oliver, "Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting–over and over announcing your place in the family of things." This profound reminder invites us to embrace our humanity and our connection to the Earth, reinforcing that we are a piece of a greater whole.
Consider how your daily choices and behaviors contribute to the health of the planet. From the products we consume to the energy we use, our decisions have implications for the environment. By adopting sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, we can minimize our ecological footprint and contribute to positive change.
Moreover, recognizing our interconnectedness with all living beings fosters a sense of reverence and responsibility towards the natural world. Indigenous cultures have long understood the importance of living in harmony with nature, honoring the Earth as a sacred and interconnected web of life. By embracing this worldview and acknowledging our role as stewards of the Earth, we can cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and purpose.
Practice Gratitude:
In the midst of environmental degradation and climate chaos, practicing gratitude becomes a radical act of defiance. Joanna Macy encourages us to embrace gratitude as a way of honoring the interconnectedness of all life. She writes, "Gratitude arises from paying attention, from being awake in the presence of beauty." This summer, take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures—a cool breeze on a hot day, the laughter of children playing in the park, the taste of ripe strawberries picked fresh from the garden. By cultivating gratitude for the beauty and abundance of the natural world, we can find joy even in the midst of adversity.
As we bask in the warmth of summer, let us embrace the joy of the season while acknowledging the urgency of the climate crisis. Let us deepen our connection with nature, cultivate resilience, engage with our communities, effect change, and practice gratitude. In doing so, we not only honor the Earth but also nurture our own well-being and sense of purpose.
Resources:
Recommended Reading list
“Return to Nature” by Emma Loewe
“Coming Back to Life: The Updated Guide to the Work That Reconnects” by Joanna Macy
“All the Feelings Under the Sun: How to Deal with Climate Change” by Leslie Davenport
