Welcome to day five of this challenge.
In day four,
We explored how to navigate grief and letting go.
In today's practice,
And in this safe space,
We explore inner conflict that can arise with eco anxiety.
Let's begin together by taking a few deep grounding breaths into the safe and supportive space.
Breathing in from the nose,
Holding and releasing through the mouth.
Do this two more times.
Many people feel guilt and shame when they realize that the way they have lived their lives has been part of the problem.
This is particularly true for people who are older and have known about climate change and ecological damage for a long time,
But haven't really acted on the knowledge.
It's very common and understandable to push eco awareness into the background and get on with life as usual.
It's hard to panic if people around you are not and easy to hope that governments will take care of the problem.
A sense of enjoyment from landing a cheap airfare or buying something new for yourself is understandable and something many of us are familiar with.
Regarding the impact of climate change,
Waking up to the fact that time is running out on the future is very hard,
Particularly if your life is woven into high patterns of energy use such as over consumption,
A long commute to work by car or frequent flights for business to visit family or for leisure.
Several things may help you here.
First,
Try reflecting on your values.
Think of what really matters to you about life,
Fairness,
Security,
Friendship,
Excitement,
Or family.
Many of the things which people value deeply don't have to rely on fossil fuels and high levels of consumption.
You can use your values to help you explore new ways of living.
Second,
Acknowledge that you are in conflict.
It's only by holding two sides of every struggle in mind that you gradually come to see a way to resolve the inner battle.
Third,
Be kind to yourself.
Don't be too hard on yourself or repeatedly condemn yourself for past failings.
Don't overwhelm,
Agonize,
Or create continuous suffering for yourself by repeatedly revisiting the worst climate news and headlines.
Instead,
Let the guilt you feel prompt you into action and change.
Today's practice is self-compassion affirmations.
Get into a relaxed position and take a few deep relaxing breaths here.
Breathing in from the nose,
Holding and releasing through the mouth.
With your eyes closed,
Bring your attention inward.
You are here in safe space to give compassion to yourself.
As you compassionately focus inward,
Repeat the following affirmations.
I have come home to take care of myself.
I love myself.
I forgive myself.
I support myself.
I will journey in grace and not be hard on myself.
I am evolving.
I am adjusting.
It's okay not to have all the answers.
I am making better choices where I can.
Any inner battle within me is resolving.
My feelings prompt me into action and change.
I am creating solutions.
I am creating a sustainable life.
I appreciate myself.
May I be kind and compassionate to myself daily.
Bring your awareness back to your breath.
Slowly open your eyes.
May you take self-compassion with you as you journey forward.
Today's action step is to think of a short journey you usually take by car and set an intention to walk or cycle instead.
As you walk,
Notice the sounds and smells of the natural world around you.
In even the most urban settings,
You'll find something to notice,
Even if it's just the clouds crossing the sky.
Feel gratitude for your place in the world.
Cheers to completing day five.
You've made it to the halfway point.
I celebrate this milestone with you.
And I'll see you right back here tomorrow where our topic is centered around allowing yourself to change.
Until tomorrow,
You plant your second tree.
Cheers.
