Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 10, 2024 5:00 pm GMT
New Spiritual Movement Addresses Climate Anxiety
As climate change accelerates and its consequences become more apparent, many individuals are grappling with feelings of anxiety, grief, and despair. A promising new movement has emerged to help people process these emotions: eco-chaplaincy. This unique form of spiritual leadership is taking root in communities across the United States and beyond, providing support for those affected by the psychological burden of environmental crises.
What is Eco-Chaplaincy?
Eco-chaplaincy is a contemporary response to the rising mental health challenges associated with climate change. This spiritual movement aims to support individuals facing “climate grief,” anxiety, and burnout. According to a report by NPR, eco-chaplains work within various traditions—Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and secular—to provide guidance and comfort tailored to the diverse needs of those seeking support.
Growing Demand for Support
The need for eco-chaplains has become increasingly evident. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognized the phenomenon of climate anxiety as early as 2017, labeling it as a “chronic fear of environmental doom.” Their findings revealed that two-thirds of Americans report experiencing such anxiety, a sentiment echoed by eco-chaplains like Rev. Alison Cornish, a coordinator from The BTS Center in Portland, Maine. In 2023, her organization witnessed a surge in interest, with 80 chaplains enrolling in training programs—eight times her original expectations.
The Roots of Eco-Chaplaincy
Eco-chaplaincy is a 21st-century innovation that draws from various traditions. Despite being a relatively nascent field, it is gaining momentum across the Western world. Eco-chaplains conduct therapy sessions, online support groups, and climate grief circles to help individuals unlock their feelings related to environmental concerns.
Eco-chaplains provide support to individuals processing climate anxiety and grief in various settings, including protests and community meetings.
Sessions and Rituals
Rev. Cornish noted that eco-chaplains are not only addressing personal grief but also creating rituals that signify the collective mourning associated with the loss of species and environmental harm. These sessions often combine elements of traditional therapy with communal sharing to foster emotional healing and connection among participants.
Community-Based Support Groups
In various locations, such as Oregon, eco-chaplains lead support groups that blend meditative practices with discussions about climate anxiety. One such session, led by Rev. Liz Olson, a certified hospital chaplain, provided participants with a space to express their concerns while engaging in reflective exercises. Attendees enjoyed coffee and homemade snacks, emphasizing a relaxed environment where emotions could flow freely.
A Diverse Demographic
The makeup of these sessions is broad, encompassing different age groups and backgrounds. Older participants may reflect on their long-standing environmental advocacy efforts, while younger individuals express fears regarding their future in a world afflicted by disasters like wildfires and floods.
Broader Context: Mental Health and Climate Change
The rise of eco-chaplaincy is not isolated; it is part of a larger movement addressing the mental health implications of climate change. The Good Grief Network, founded by Laura Schmidt, aims to build resilience among individuals facing eco-distress. Schmidt’s research initially focused on providing support for climate activists feeling isolated, ultimately growing into an international nonprofit organization that runs peer support groups.
Climate Anxiety: A Shared Experience
In addition to structured support programs, informal climate cafes are emerging in coffee houses, college campuses, and online spaces. These gatherings allow individuals to process their feelings in a low-pressure environment, facilitating connections among those grappling with similar concerns.
Joanna Macy, a pioneer in this space, established “The Work that Reconnects” to address existential anxiety and grief related to environmental issues. By fostering community and connection, both Schmidt and Macy emphasize the importance of sharing experiences rather than bearing the weight of climate anxiety in isolation.
Recent Developments
In recent months, the conversation surrounding climate anxiety has only intensified, fueled by global protests and increasing media attention on climate issues. Activists have raised awareness about mental health in the context of climate change, driving more individuals to seek help through eco-chaplaincy and support networks.
Mor Keshet, an art therapist based on Long Island, noted a significant uptick in clients seeking help for eco-anxiety. To broaden accessibility, she has initiated climate cafes in communities often overlooked, facilitating deeper discussions and creative outlets for processing emotions tied to climate change.
Creative Solutions for Climate Emotions
The merging of art therapy and climate conversations offers participants a unique way to express emotions that can be difficult to verbalize. Keshet’s workshops, for example, include creating mandalas—a traditional art form that allows individuals to visualize their feelings surrounding climate change.
A Collective Journey Towards Healing
As eco-chaplaincy continues to evolve, it serves as a necessary support mechanism for individuals facing the profound mental health impacts of climate change. By fostering environments where people can share their grief, anxiety, and fears, these spiritual leaders are not just addressing personal distress but advocating for a more interconnected approach to tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time.
As more people recognize the emotional toll of climate change, eco-chaplains are poised to play a crucial role in helping society navigate this complex and daunting reality. Their efforts to create community, foster resilience, and process grief may be integral to not only individual well-being but also the broader movement for climate justice and action.
Conclusion
Eco-chaplaincy is becoming more popular because people see how mental health and climate change are connected. As we face big environmental challenges, these spiritual leaders help those who feel overwhelmed by the crisis. They offer support through group meetings, creative activities, and community rituals. Eco-chaplaincy helps people understand their feelings of sadness and strength when dealing with climate change, bringing people together in shared experiences and hope for a better future.
