Where: Rumson, NJ, USA
Solutions: Climate adaptation and resilience, Education and advocacy
Waterspirit, an eco-spiritual ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, hosts eco-anxiety support groups to help build emotional resilience during the climate crisis. Since September 2019, Waterspirit has practiced the 10-step method created by the Good Grief Network, loosely modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12-step method. These peer-to-peer groups help participants metabolize their heavy feelings (that could otherwise keep them from constructive action) while warding off activism fatigue and burnout. These groups have been held online since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing connection and community-building despite the physical distance between participants.
These groups are open to anyone who agrees to a shared set of expectations and norms. So far, Waterspirit's groups have reached across the continental US and Canada.
An illustrative example of the impact of these support groups comes from a California-based participant: "I thoroughly enjoyed the Waterspirit 10-Step Eco-Anxiety group. I felt relaxed and was able to express many feelings I have regarding our current environmental crisis. The facilitator provided a well-structured, safe environment and went above and beyond in providing resources each week. Although I work in the mental health field, I was looking for a place where I could relieve some of my own thoughts among friends. I found it in this group."
Since eco-anxiety and its associated states of being are just beginning to be named and recognized in international discourse, perhaps the biggest obstacle comes from a lack of awareness about the problem. Waterspirit gives community presentations on the subject of eco-anxiety to address this lack of awareness.
Photo provided by Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace
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