Relax, Heal, Regain Energy
In the aftermath of the recent elections, the focus shifts to what comes next in the battle for climate justice. Amidst the whirlwind of campaigns, mobilizations, and training, it's crucial that environmental justice leaders remember to prioritize their own well-being.
Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, North America Director of 350.org, emphasizes the importance of rest and self-care in her approach. She makes sure to schedule downtime from the beginning of any campaign, using techniques such as meditation, journaling, and humour to combat burnout.
O'Laughlin is not alone in her sentiments. Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director of UPROSE, also prioritizes community care as a means of self-care. This includes checking in with others, sharing meals, and being present for each other in times of need.
Yeampierre and O'Laughlin both acknowledge that the fight for climate justice is a "relay marathon, not a solo sprint." As such, environmental justice leaders can practice self-care during stressful times through mindfulness, setting intentions, meditation, and actions that embody their values. These practices support emotional resilience and help manage eco-anxiety and burnout, common afflictions among activists in this field.
Mindfulness and meditation are key self-care practices. By sitting with one’s thoughts to find balance and reduce stress, despite natural resistance to quieting the mind, leaders can find a sense of calm amidst the chaos. Intentional actions, such as setting deliberate intentions for daily life to create personal balance and healing, as well as translating values into sustainable action, are also crucial.
Connecting with community and nature is another important self-care practice. Participating in retreats or activities that embed environmental justice leaders in nature provides emotional restoration and space for reflection and sharing. Programs like The Resilient Activist offer specific supports, combining nature immersion, community, and guided reflection to nurture this balance.
Leading by example is also essential. By practicing self-care personally, leaders can promote sustainable equity movements. This is a message emphasized by environmental justice advocates.
Yessenia Funes, climate editor of Atmos, urges readers to take time to recharge. Dallas Goldtooth, for instance, forces himself to disconnect from social media for at least two hours every day. Mustafa Santiago Ali, on the other hand, works 19 to 20 hours a day and runs five days a week, but makes time for meditation when needed.
A future with a living wage, paid sick days, family leave, and paid time off is important not only for individual leaders, but for communities to thrive. As the fight for climate justice continues, it's clear that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.
- Tamara Toles O'Laughlin and Elizabeth Yeampierre, both in leadership positions, underscore the significance of self-care in the fight for climate justice, emphasizing practices such as meditation, journaling, and connecting with others as means to combat burnout.
- The Resilient Activist program, which combines nature immersion, community, and guided reflection, offers specific supports for environmental justice leaders seeking emotional restoration and balance.
- Yessenia Funes, a climate editor, urges readers to take time to recharge, while Dallas Goldtooth deliberately disconnects from social media for at least two hours each day, and Mustafa Santiago Ali makes time for meditation amidst his busy schedule.
- A future that includes a living wage, paid sick days, family leave, and paid time off is crucial not just for individual leaders, but for entire communities to thrive, suggesting that self-care is not a luxury, but an essential component of the climate justice movement.
