12/31/2021

From Anxiety to Action

At the end of this holiday season, we turn temporarily from home energy use to the psychological aspects of climate work. According to psychologist and environmentalist Dr. Renée Lertzman, it’s normal to feel so overwhelmed by the climate crisis that we seek to protect ourselves through denial or resignation. Identifying these feelings helps us combat them and discover ways in which even a single person can make a positive contribution. Understanding our deepest emotions and the feelings of those around us is vital to becoming more adaptable and finding solutions that work for everyone. We can unleash the creativity and resilience needed to act.

Today’s Tips:

Watch Dr. Lertzman’s 2019 TED Talk about how to discover your potential for creativity and courage to face the greatest challenge of our time:

https://www.ted.com/talk/renee_lertzman_how_to_turn_climate_anxiety_into_action?language=en

Talk with friends, family members and neighbors about your and their feelings about climate change. Are there ways that you can help one another become more creative and courageous?

Questions/Comments/Tips: Email Jean: environment@uucharlottesville.org

Past Newsletters: https://uucharlottesville.org/environmental-action-group/