Throughout the life of a climate activist, there is sometimes an inevitable feeling of guilt, trauma, and forms of anxiety or depression. The prevalence of despair regarding climate devastation is at an all-time high and many individuals have lost a sense of hope for our future generations. The media coverage of the environmental crisis can be overwhelming and can cause a decline in our mental health and wellness. However, there is an opportunity to heal oneself, feel a sense of empowerment, and create internal and external coping strategies. The Resilient Activist is a community-building resource that guides personal resilience in the Kansas City area.
On February 6th at the Gorman Discovery Center, I was honored to be apart of The Resilient Activist experience where I engaged in self-healing mechanisms through guided meditation, group discussion, honesty, and mindfulness exercises. This environmental group focuses on optimism and self-care strategies to break the negative thinking cycles associated with the health of our planet.
How we see something that scares or angers us often becomes fixated in our minds and the ability to take a step back and shift our perspective can be challenging. The Resilient Activist encouraged and provided adaptive coping behaviors that left me feeling happier, more confident, and less stressed. This experience reminded me to not only connect with nature and respect the life around me but to reconnect with myself and to take the time to replenish my body and mind.
For more information on upcoming events, visit www.theresilientactivist.org
