As the news about environmental degradation multiplies, and headlines keep announcing extreme weather events, coupled with scientists’ growing concern for the future of our planet, isn’t it normal to be concerned, and even very worried? This may often lead to feelings of helplessness and eco-anxiety, causing people to shut down, or become depressed. Others may tend to become very upset, and express eco-anger. What about when the ecological distress is too great or paralyzing among ourselves and/or among our clients?
For many decades, there has been a focus on the physical impacts of climate change, mainly coming from a medical perspective, but ecological loss and psycho-spiritual distress are also taking a huge emotional toll. As terms like “eco-anxiety,” “climate grief” and “pre-traumatic stress” become more common, the climate movement is starting to take emotions seriously.
This workshop will explore the psychological and spiritual impacts of climate changes among people, and will share some practical strategies for building the emotional resilience to cope with loss over the long haul.
Participants will also be introduced to different key concepts and terms on various climate emotions, their underlying mechanisms, and they will learn how to appreciate them as a normal and healthy ways to be more attuned to oneself and others, and the rhythms of nature.
The two co-facilitators will create a safe space for attendees to check in on themselves and their well-being during a period of intense exposure to the reality of climate change, and share those feelings with others.
As participants will explore ways to channel these painful eco-emotions, they will be invited to channel these various emotional responses in order to explore and transform them into creative and meaningful ways to take care of oneself, others and the planet.
Finally, the workshop is also designed to lead participants to creative actions aiming for more climate justice and peace on earth. Since meaningful engagement comes in many forms, we will invite participants to explore how to put their unique gifts, skills, connections, interests and experiences to build more resilience in themselves, their clients, and loved ones.
Connect via this Zoom link!