Last month’s article spoke about eco-anxiety, a growing issue which is understandable in the context of the climate, nature and other intersecting crises we are faced with. It is human to be concerned about the things we care about and love.
When hope appears to be hard to find, it can help to turn to nature for inspiration. After the darkness of winter, spring is the season of hope, with new shoots aplenty emerging from the ground. Where there are signs of life, there is hope. But hope needs nurturing. For hope to be fulfilled it needs to know clearly what its intention is and actively work towards it.
For a sprouting seed the first task is to send up a green shoot to find light, whilst simultaneously sending out roots to seek connection with moisture and nutrients and anchor itself into the ground.
We can nurture hope for the future through seeking light in creativity and courage, and seeking nourishment and grounding through connection and compassion.
Creativity
Imagine what a better future might look like & communicate this vision any way you can – through poetry, song, visual images, storytelling or by living it! Look out for positive, innovative ideas and help bring them to life.
Courage
We need courage to sit with our feelings, to acknowledge them, rather than turn away, and give ourselves space to process them. Accepting reality opens up the possibility of change and can help us step into the responsibility of what it means to be alive at this time.
It takes courage to turn away from the “normal” way of things, to step away from the systems that are bringing harm and into uncertainty, to find new ways towards practices that bring life and hope.
‘May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears’
Nelson Mandela
Connection
We are a part of the interconnected and interdependent web of life. We thrive when we are connected:
Connect with those with similar values, or values you aspire to. Look for groups of people who understand the seriousness of the current situation to share your feelings with and find support.
Show up and take opportunities to connect with others. Move to build bridges between different groups, learn from different experiences and find ways to enjoy doing things together. Help to build diverse, resilient communities.
Volunteer some time to help those working collectively towards bringing a more healthy, equal society.
Practice being fully present, as this enables us to listen, pay attention more deeply and discover new things. Spend time with nature – walking, sitting, observing, listening.
Help things grow. Feed the soil. Make space for native plants which sustain insects and birds. Help move towards a society that lives as part of nature, rather than apart from nature.
Compassion
Practice compassion for ourselves by taking time out to do something we enjoy, which nourishes our soul.
Cultivate an open heart and compassion for the world in all its beauty and diversity – of nature, of our human and more-than-human family – this helps us to find common ground and inspires us to act to help life thrive.
Hope lies in playing an active role in the flourishing of life.
Jakki Phillips
Connect with us at Green Westcott – email info@greenwestcott.org or come along to Westcott Community Garden – Saturdays 11am-2pm.