In my Fireside Chat with Becky Hirst in South Australia on February 13, 2024, we explored the interconnectedness of personal well-being, professional fulfillment, and the health of our Earth.
It was a fascinating conversation that she will release as a podcast.
It’s become increasingly clear that these aspects of our lives aren’t separate entities.
Rather, they’re deeply intertwined. When we’re grappling with stressors in our personal or professional lives, it can be challenging to muster the energy and resources needed to address broader environmental concerns. This underscores the importance of finding balance and caring for ourselves to effectively engage with issues like climate breakdown.
To do that, metaphorically and practically, we need to give Nature a seat at the table. The table where decisions are being made.
My delightful friend, Brisbane-based writer Lillian Curthoys, drew it this way in 2008 (when she was very young).
Speaking of climate breakdown, its impacts reverberate across the Earth, affecting communities in diverse and profound ways. The effects of climate breakdown are far-reaching, ranging from the rise in extreme weather events to health risks, economic instability, and mental health challenges. Perhaps most concerning is its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and disparities. Recognizing and addressing these disparities is essential for building a more just and sustainable future.
However, amidst these challenges, there is hope. Prioritizing personal and professional wellness can be a foundation for effective action on climate breakdown. When prioritizing self-care, seeking mental health support, and cultivating a healthy work-life balance, we’re better equipped to sustain long-term engagement in climate advocacy and mitigation efforts. It’s about recognizing that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary prerequisite for meaningful action.
Moreover, collective action and environmental advocacy are crucial in addressing climate breakdown. By collaborating within our personal and professional spheres, we can amplify our impacts, influence policy decisions, and drive systemic change. This collective power extends beyond individual actions, demonstrating the potential for transformative change when communities unite around shared goals.
In our pursuit of climate action, it’s imperative that we adopt intersectional approaches that prioritize equity, justice, and inclusivity. This means listening to diverse perspectives and amplifying the voices of those historically marginalized within the environmental movement. By centering equity in our climate efforts, we can build more resilient and equitable communities that are better prepared to face the challenges ahead.
When it comes to practical steps for action, there are myriad opportunities for individuals to make a difference in their daily lives. Every action counts, whether adopting sustainable lifestyle choices, integrating wellness practices into our routines, advocating for climate-conscious policies, or supporting organizations prioritizing human and environmental well-being. It’s about recognizing that even small changes can contribute to larger systemic shifts toward sustainability.
In contemplating the emotional toll of environmental degradation, the concept of solastalgia – emotional distress caused by environmental change – comes to mind. Amidst the distress I’m aware of, we can find solace in the healing power of Nature. Spending time in natural environments can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, offering a sense of connection, tranquility, and renewal. By integrating Nature-based activities into our personal and professional lives, we can tap into this inherent source of well-being and resilience. Moreover, there is potential for integrating Nature-based interventions into therapeutic practices, further highlighting the reciprocal relationship between human well-being and environmental health.
As I reflect on publications such as David Abram’s powerful book, The Spell of the Sensuous (1997), I’m struck by the profound implications of our sensory engagement with the natural world. Abram’s insights underscore the importance of rekindling our sensory connection with Nature, fostering deeper appreciation and reciprocal relationships with the Earth. By embracing direct, embodied experiences in Nature, we can awaken our senses and recognize the intrinsic value of the Earth. It’s about shifting our perceptions and cultivating more intimate and harmonious relationships with the natural world, recognizing that our well-being is intricately linked to the health of the Earth.
An ecocentric sensibility leads us to an understanding that all life is equal. All life has value. Not just human life. No life is more valuable than another life. Humans are not the pinnacle of the evolutionary pyramid, sent to the Earth to have dominion over, “steward” and “manage” other species.
We’re all in this together.
Understanding this fundamental principle of human rights and responsibilities as members of the Earth community must underpin all of our decisions going forward. In community planning and community engagement, making a place for Nature at the engagement or negotiation table is one direction that we should be pursuing. We need to partner with Nature.
C’mon, folks! We’re all in this together.
To find out more about how Becky and I plan to include nature in 2024 and the future workshops we are planning in South Australia in 2024, please go to:
or contact me: wendy@sarkissian.com.au
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