What is eco-grief?
Nowadays more and more people, especially the younger generations, are experiencing eco-grief or ecological grief. It can be defined as:
"The grief reaction stemming from the environmental loss of ecosystems by natural and man-made events." (Rosenfeld, J., 2016)
However, it also extends to the general tendencies in society, climate change and injustice towards various species. It is a compassionate reaction to all that is happening on our planet, including the destruction and exploitation of nature.
Often eco-grief can be brought up by watching documentaries, following or taking action as environmental activities or simply by observing the way some people treat nature, each other and themselves (we are nature, too). This can surely bring a lot of heaviness, helplessness, guilt, sadness or even anger.
So how to paddle through the river of eco-grief? The point is not to bypass feeling eco grief but instead to acknowledge, integrate the feelings and act from that view. Living from a standpoint of anger and disappointment doesn't really help you or the world. There is space for these feelings - to go through, integrate and act on them. But don't just cultivate and sit in the heaviness of eco-grief. Ideally, it ought to be transformed into something beneficial for all.
How to tend to eco-grief?
Participating in mindful ecological practices such as Nature Therapy
Meeting like-minded people, learning to hear yourself as well as Nature, and developing further understanding of how to navigate grief. It can provide you with self-regulation tools that serve as oars for paddling through the river of eco-grief.
Focus on what you CAN control
Be mindful of who/ what you support with your purchases
Reduce, reuse & recycle
Find trustworthy organizations that might make a difference
Educate yourself on the topic & tendencies
Connect to the land
Physically spending more time in Nature will allow you to experience the benefits to your physical and mental health first-hand, and you might also find some guidance and a sense of trust in Nature.
Reciprocity
Give back in your own way. Be it picking up garbage, caring for your pet or watering some wild plants when in need. Know that the more-than-human world also appreciates your presence and enjoyment of Nature's beauty! You are a needed and appreciated part of the Earth.
