Finding Calm Amidst Climate Change

Discover peace and purpose in the chaos of climate change.

It’s becoming increasingly hard to ignore the signs of our climate crisis.  Climate change is an overwhelming issue, and it’s natural to feel anxiety about the state of our planet’s and humanity’s future. Recent extreme weather events serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the potential consequences humanity’s impact has on the planet. But we don’t have to let anxiety take over.  Finding calm is possible when we utilize mindfulness practices to stay grounded, connected, and hopeful.

Mindfulness is a gentle but valuable tool we can use to navigate the complex feelings we have.  This practice encourages us to focus and connect to the present moment and empowers us to contribute to positive change in small but meaningful ways. Here are some simple practices to help alleviate climate anxiety and foster a sense of hope:

Ground Yourself in the Moment

It’s natural to worry about the future.  But focusing on the present can provide a sense of calm.  Utilizing techniques such as deep breathing exercises can quiet the mind and create a space for relief.  You can also ground yourself through body scans, which involve gently observing physical sensations to lessen your anxiety.  Pausing – even for a few minutes – is a simple and effective way to reset your brain and refocus your energies on the present moment.

Explore how mindfulness can help you with our recommended read:

The Miracle of Mindfulness evolved from letters written during a dark time in Vietnam.  The author teaches readers how to introduce mindfulness into your life when the world outside our home feels chaotic.

Reconnect with Nature

Spending time in nature, even for brief periods of time, can be restorative. This practice, known as forest bathing, encourages you to pay attention to the details of the natural world around you.  The colors, sounds, and textures you encounter are soothing.  They are a powerful reminder of the beauty and natural resilience we are working to protect.  Connecting with nature in this way can foster a sense of peace and purpose.  

Dive deeper into the practice of forest bathing with our recommended read:

Dr. Qing Li shares the science behind our need for nature and how forest bathing can positively impact your health.

Embrace What You Can’t Control

The enormity of climate change and its implications can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. Mindfulness teaches us to accept that some aspects of life are beyond our control. Acknowledging this can alleviate anxiety and allow us to narrow our focus on the meaningful actions we can take. 

Tracking your individual habit changes in the One Planet Life app is a great place to start!  There are six preset sustainability journeys in which you can choose to participate.  Or you can create a custom set of Joyful Changes that best fits your lifestyle.  Explore the sustainability journeys offered on the One Planet Life app:

Cultivate Gratitude and Compassion

Practicing gratitude, even in small ways, can shift your focus from worry to appreciation. Consider making a daily list of the things you are grateful for – clean air, supportive relationships, or moments of natural beauty.  It’s also important to practice self-compassion and understand that you’re not alone, no matter how anxious you may feel.

 Take Small, Purposeful Steps

At One Planet Life, we firmly believe that every action, no matter how small, matters.  Reflect on what matters most to you, then choose to take meaningful actions that align with your values.  Our collective sustainable choices create a ripple effect that benefits our communities, our planet, and our own wellbeing.  

There are many ways to live a more sustainable life.  Choose actions that best fit your lifestyle, like reducing waste, supporting local and sustainable businesses, and educating others about their impact on the planet.  Track your positive steps on the One Planet Life app, and watch how your progress adds up!  The app measures how much carbon emissions your individual actions are saving.  It also allows you to connect with like-minded members of the OPL community to see how many tons of emissions we can offset together. 

Small actions truly do make a difference.  Each step we take to reduce our carbon footprint is a step towards hope!

One Green Thing breaks down the overwhelming enormity of climate change into small, manageable steps for anyone to follow.

Hope’s Edge: The Next Diet for a Small Planet is the story of Frances and Anna’s journey around the world to learn how people are transcending consumerism to benefit themselves and the planet.

Move Forward with Hope

While mindfulness cannot solve the climate crisis, it can equip us with helpful tools to manage stress, connect with our values, and take purposeful action.  By embracing the present moment and practicing self-care, we can make a positive difference for ourselves and the planet.