Welcome to Day 7.
In Day 6,
We centered around allowing yourself to change.
In today's practice,
We explore finding strength with others.
Let's begin by taking a few deep grounding breaths into this safe and supported space.
Relaxing the body.
Sitting however you feel comfortable.
Lying down if that's comfortable,
But just relaxing the body.
Take a deep sweeping breath in through the nose.
Release through the mouth.
Do this two more times.
Today we're going to explore more of the many things which will make you part of the solution rather than part of the problem,
And we're going to talk about four areas of life which you may be able to make a difference.
Politics.
Work.
Community.
Family and friends.
They all involve working with others,
And this is important.
It reduces the isolation you may have been feeling.
Your ideas will spark off other people's,
And you'll be able to find connection and support.
The climate movement is like a huge and diverse ecosystem.
It involves all kinds of people from many walks of life,
And somewhere in it,
There is a place where you will thrive.
A lot of people don't see themselves as political,
But political action can mean anything from deciding who to vote for to taking part in protests on the streets.
In between come many other activities.
Signing an online petition,
Writing to your political representative,
Supporting or joining a campaign or political group.
At heart,
It's a way of getting your voice heard in the wider world,
Adding your little bit of noise to make a collective roar that can't be ignored.
Think about how you would like to make this happen and add your voice.
Most local communities have groups that would welcome your support if you have time to give them.
Some are restoring nature,
Growing food sustainably,
Creating wildlife reserves,
And planting trees.
Others are campaigning for change in local transport.
Tackling pollution or helping people reduce their personal emissions.
Schools are beginning to educate children on low carbon living,
And many faith-based groups are doing the same.
Discover what's going on in your area and see if there's something you can join.
Think about work,
Too.
All workspaces need to reduce their emissions,
And there's often a role for the concerned employee.
Depending on your position and influence,
You may be able to do anything from encouraging colleagues to adopt easy low carbon practices to influencing policy in the boardroom.
In some workplaces,
There are trade unions pushing for creation of green jobs.
Others have eco-champions who encourage staff to help implement positive policy and changes.
Is there a way in which you can bring your concerns alive at work?
Finally,
Think about your family and friends.
Can you be an influencer amongst those you know?
Conversations can sometimes be difficult,
But you may also be able to influence those you love and care about.
Remember your own once-reluctance and difficulty in understanding the depth of the problem and approach people with kindness,
Compassion,
And curiosity.
Listen and support them,
And you may be surprised what happens.
Now for today's practice,
We'll be doing a visualization for finding your place in the ecosystem of change.
Get into a relaxed position and take a few deep relaxing breaths.
Close your eyes and bring your attention inward.
Ground in those relaxed breaths.
See yourself well into the climate movement.
Visualize yourself working with others in a positive community full of connection and support.
What does this look and feel like?
And who are you with?
Visualize yourself well off into the climate movement.
And visualize yourself working with others in positive community full of connection and support.
What does this look and feel like?
And who is with you?
I'll be back shortly.
Now visualize yourself having a powerful impact in the climate movement,
Near or far.
What does this look and feel like?
See yourself balancing between taking action and taking care.
What does this look and feel like?
See yourself balancing between taking action and taking care of yourself.
What does this look and feel like?
Bring your awareness back to your breath.
Now slowly open your eyes and send yourself gratitude.
Our action step for today is to choose one of the four areas we've talked about.
Family and friends,
Political life,
Your local community,
And work.
Set an intention to explore the organizations you might join and the people you might work with in or outside those organizations.
Cheers to completing day seven.
Tomorrow we dive into the vital practice of finding balance.
Much strength to you.
