Yesterday’s Washington Post had an article entitle “how to cope with the existential dread of climate change.” Although the article did not tell you to drink your fears away, it did offer some interesting ideas: Left unchecked, one psychologist commented, climate dread can lead to shame, depression, stagnation or denial.
This particular psychologist suggested all kinds of “coping mechanism” Talk it out, let your creative energies roar, let children draw, do yoga –all wonderful activities in themselves, but doing nothing about the problem. I can’t help being reminded of the figure of Mother Jones – yes there really was such a person – who went from being a demure Irish dressmaker to a fearless union organizer.
Yoga is nice and so is art – I do both, but the real way to deal with climate anxiety is to take the words of Joe Hill, a union organizer framed and executed, to heart: “Don’t mourn, organize!” The way to tackle the climate crisis is to get up and make change.
Prayer for the Day
Maker and Sustainer, we thank you for the infinitude of life:
From the shells of tiny whelks to the whale in the sea;
Holy Creator, you speak to us through the beauty we see around us:
As the leaves turn and are reflected through the sunlight,
So may we reflect your love in communities near and far.
Hold us in your heart and strength as we search to do your will.
We ask this in the name of him who shows us how to search,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
One blue sky above us, One ocean lapping all our shore
One earth so green and round, Who could ask for more
And because I love you I'll give it one more try
To show my rainbow race It's too soon to die.
Pete Seeger, songwriter, activist (1919-2014)
Thinking I should get all this dying off of my mind
I should really know better than to read the headlines
Does it matter if I see it? No really, can I not just cover my eyes?
Tamara Lindemann, from “Atlantic” by The Weather Station
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving, make melody to our God with the lyre;
God covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth,
Makes grass to grow on the hills
God gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry.
Psalm 147: 6-9