Me, anxious? Well…. Actually, yes.
I do a lot of research about climate issues, global warming, disappearing wildlife habitat, damage from fossil fuel use, social justice issues related to environmental mismanagement, drought and water issues………..You get the picture. It isn’t hard to feel despair over the state of our biosphere. But there is also reason to hope.
Pick up a copy of A Field Guide To Climate Anxiety and let author Sarah Jaquette Ray talk you down from the ledge; then come meet her on Sep 13, 2022 when the San Fernando Valley, CA Chapter of the Climate Reality Project hosts Ms. Ray for an Author’s Night event at our September chapter meeting!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Drawing on a decade of experience leading and teaching in college environmental studies programs, Sarah Jaquette Ray has created an “existential tool kit” for the climate generation. Combining insights from psychology, sociology, social movements, mindfulness, and the environmental humanities, Ray explains why and how we need to let go of eco-guilt, resist burnout, and cultivate resilience while advocating for climate justice.
I’m gonna be there. I need all the help I can get to deal with the adjustments the future will demand of us. You can join the Zoom meeting for free from anywhere in the world – because, folks, this affects us all.
Register at bit.ly/SFVCR
Tara's Thoughts 
I’m looking forward to this. Nicely writtien invitation. Thank you, Tara.
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Malcolm. I know you are also involved in tremendous research in these areas. Your perspective is welcome. I am glad you will be there!
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I get pretty anxious too. Thanks for the book recommendation!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Diana! I’m reading this book now in preparation for the author’s appearance at our September chapter meeting. I’ve already underlined all sorts of helpful gems of insight – and I’m only in chapter 2!! BTW- I am so looking forward to reading your new book, “The Necromancer’s Daughter”. Your promo video for the book is Awesome!!
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Thanks so much, Tara, for watching the promo. And I hope you enjoy the read. 😀 😀 I actually don’t think the world is going to end, but I do have a lot of anxiety about civil unrest as things start falling apart. Hopefully, three things will happen – we’ll wake up, start taking serious action on a large scale, and open our hearts to those suffering (healing rifts). Happy Reading!
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Part of our job as climate activists, Tara, is galvanizing all those folks out there who aren’t climate deniers, but who’ve nonetheless stayed out of the arena thus far. And I suspect much of the reason for their absence is owed to the anxiety this topic produces, which leads to feelings of helplessness… which leads to feelings of hopelessness! But through confronting and destigmatizing climate anxiety, we kind find vast reserves of strength and hope to draw from for the fight ahead. Thanks for all you do!
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Thank you, Sean. And I return those thanks to you as well! Along with the amazing amount of advocacy and mentoring work you have done over the years you also serve our community with your ability to capture situations, current events and perspectives so beautifully with your writing, commenting and blogging contributions. The worlds of climate advocacy/environmental/social justice/political/rights of nature, etc. Are multi-layered and intertwined and complex. The clarity that you provide is so very valuable to so many of us. I akways light up when I see a new post from you!
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Hey, thanks, Tara — you flatter me! I always encourage the activists I mentor and advise to find a way to contribute to the cause by utilizing an existing talent or skillset, if possible. So, for instance, you’ve applied your extensive experience as an event planner in service to the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the Climate Reality Project, which is a win-win, because the chapter benefits from your expertise, and you get to feel useful by providing something of value to the chapter that is uniquely yours to give! I try to do likewise with my years of experience as a writer and storyteller. It’s surprising — though I suppose at this point it really shouldn’t be — how often a skill set developed for one discipline can be successfully applied to another.
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No question about that, Sean! Knowledge is never wasted and serves us in surprising ways.
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