Sharing about "Ecological Grief"

Let's talk about "ecological grief" this time.

(If the weather's fine the event might be outdoors.)

"Ecological grief (or eco-grief), also known as climate grief, refers to the sense of loss that arises from experiencing or learning about environmental destruction or climate change. Environmental grief can be defined as 'the grief reaction stemming from the environmental loss of ecosystems by natural and man-made events.' Another definition is 'the grief felt in relation to experienced or anticipated ecological losses, including the loss of species, ecosystems, and meaningful landscapes due to acute or chronic environmental change.' For example, scientists witnessing the decline of Australia's Great Barrier Reef report experiences of anxiety, hopelessness, and despair."
(June 19, 2022, Wikipedia on Ecological Grief)

Do you know about ecological grief yourself? If so, how do deal with it? Do you feel it somehow paralyses you and prevents you from taking action, something you'd rather like to do?

As this topic involves one's emotional attitude towards the ecological state of the world, which might be assessed different by others, the ground rules of this group are important:

1. Refrain from interrupting until a group member has finished speaking, or having side-conversations during this time
2. Feel free to comment on the thoughts of others after they're finished (it's a discussion, after all, and it should feel organic), but try to refrain from diminishing their viewpoint, or trying to shift their opinions "debate-style"
3. Try to relax! You will hear some unfamiliar opinions and experiences- that's okay! Allow it to be expansive and thought-provoking, with an understanding that our differences can sometimes feel uncomfortable- that's just human.
4. Also let's remove the awkward from "awkward silences" because sometimes we just need a little bit of time to think before answering an unusual question.

We don't want to give short, factual answers, but also explain the "why" behind our answers. Participants are also encouraged to add their own questions freely. We encourage everyone to bring their unashamed and radical honesty- you never know what new thoughts you may inspire in others by being truly vulnerable and authentic.
New, and at first strange questions can lead to inspirational new ideas, radical honesty, and a real connection. Come ready to learn more about others, about yourself, and hopefully, reconnect to some meaningful aspects of being human through a new (to us, but really old) understanding of relationship to community.
Notes:

• If you can't come please sign off, so we know for how many people we should reserve a table

What to bring:

• Curiosity
• Honesty
• Respect
• Empathy
• An open mind
• An awareness of your boundaries

What not to bring:

• Prejudice
• Judgement