ECO-ANXIETY

KASHISH KALWANI is a graduate student at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. She is also one of the editors of Heartfulness Magazine. She shares some insights on ecoanxiety from her classmates who are undergraduates and graduate students studying the course,"Climate Change and Society,” taught by Professor Eri Saikawa.

- KASHISH KALWANI

What can you do as a single person? Do whatever you can.

If you can plant a tree, plant one tree.

If you can pick up a plastic bag, do it.

Little by little. If everyone does this, it will be wonderful.

If nothing else, at least pray.

Think that everything surrounding you the ceiling of your room, the sky, the trees, the birds are absorbed in the remembrance of God.

This will create very special vibrations, a special atmosphere.

You will be able to create a unique atmosphere if not in the world, at least in your room, in your family, in your community.

When all our efforts are in vain, and the climate crisis will not be solved in our generation, or the next, I remind myself of the Indigenous wisdom. This SevenGeneration philosophy is integral to Haudenosaunee life:

"The Peacemaker taught us about the Seven Generations. He said, when you sit in council for the welfare of the people, you must not think of yourself or your family, not even of your generation. He said, 'Make your decisions on behalf of the seven generations coming, so that they may enjoy what you have today."

So I invited my classmates to share their experience on eco-anxiety, and here are their responses:

CAITLIN MCCONAGHY

I often feel intensely sad and disappointed when I read news headlines regarding climate disasters, biodiversity loss, and inaction by many global leaders; however, I'm far from feeling hopeless. I usually try to seek out news or other media that discuss the positive action being taken in the climate arena. Often, this means listening to the TED climate podcast while I go for a walk or run, as being outdoors is my main mode of mental health care.