"Given the right inward state, right action is inevitable."
~ Howard Brinton
Here in the western United States, we are already experiencing impacts of climate change as we cope with drought, wildfires, and extreme weather events. Nearly every day we hear of new disasters and warnings that more climate chaos lies ahead. What strengthens us in this time of uncertainty, when the old system is dying, and the new is yet to take form? How do we grieve for all we cannot save? What is ours to do?
While there is much that is beyond our individual control, what we can do is cultivate the inner resources needed in this time of dissonance and spiritual challenge. As Britt Wray writes in her 2022 book about ecological distress, Generation Dread: "The influential figures shaking up how things are done are often driven by emotion; it's a fact that lasting change is propelled by inner clarity, meaning, and purpose."
While there is much that is beyond our individual control, what we can do is cultivate the inner resources needed in this time of dissonance and spiritual challenge. As Britt Wray writes in her 2022 book about ecological distress, Generation Dread: "The influential figures shaking up how things are done are often driven by emotion; it's a fact that lasting change is propelled by inner clarity, meaning, and purpose."
How we respond to the crisis now upon us is in critical part a matter of choice. We can choose to expand our capacity to be of service, respond with love to the challenges we face, and take joy in the precious life we've been given. That is the inner work that is fundamental to all else we may be led to do.
In doing our own inner work we open still more fully to what Spirit is calling upon us to do, regain our joy in living, and become a more loving and effective resource for the work that is needed. Below, you will find some ways to prepare.
In doing our own inner work we open still more fully to what Spirit is calling upon us to do, regain our joy in living, and become a more loving and effective resource for the work that is needed. Below, you will find some ways to prepare.
Connections, Inspiration and Solutions
Click on the images below for more information on these topics.
Click on the images below for more information on these topics.
Practice active hope |
connect to heal our histories |
Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone is a classic and much beloved book among climate activists and the climate concerned. Practicing active hope allows us to strengthen our capacity to face the climate crisis and respond with unexpected resilience and creative power. The authors of this invaluable resource have created a free, video-based online course designed to "nourish our capacity to make a difference in the world." Don't overlook this amazing resource. It is available now and you can start at any time.
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A critical part of building a livable future for all involves learning, unlearning, and confronting difficult truths about our past. Healing our histories involves looking at not just this lifetime, but at the heritage of those who came before us and releasing the internalized beliefs that do not serve our Beloved Community or our Beloved Earth. When we dispel our myths and take an honest, critical eye to our stories we can more authentically begin the work of reconciliation, reparation, rebuilding, and realizing a truly livable future for all.
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An excellent documentary on inner climate change work
INNER CLIMATE CHANGE is a Findhorn Foundation production inspired by the people who participated in the April 2019 Climate Change and Consciousness conference held at the Findhorn Foundation, Scotland. The one-hour film weaves a touching and often intimate narrative from their personal insights and resolutions in the face of inner and outer climate change.