In the KTCC agenda, we suggest that you make some time for people to share and process emotions. An ideal place for this can be right after the “Science and Impacts” section. Or you could wait until after the Social Science of Change section. Not all participants may feel comfortable sharing, and that’s okay too.
In the KTCC Toolkit, pg. 13 in the presenter slides, 19 in the facilitator resources, we’ve included the very simple exercise shared below. In some cases, this exercise could be done in small breakout groups.
Coping with Feelings around Crisis
Sharing Questions: What are your feelings about the impacts of the climate crisis i.e. concerns, fears and hopes? What do you do to cope with your feelings or concerns?
Part 1. Start with quiet time of 1-2 min for personal reflection. Take note of your main feeling. Type into chat or read out to the group.
Part 2. Take a moment to think about what you do to cope with your feelings. Share some insights with the group – 1-2 points each.
Other Resources and Ideas
Meditations and Reflections
Lead a brief meditation, prayer or reflection. Find some resources at:
- For the Love of Creation. Try their Take a Sacred Pause activity.
- Try an ecological meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh. Find some suggestions at Touching Earth to Mother Earth.
- Download an app like My.life and look up there eco-grief meditations.
- Try a Forest Therapy activity by Carolynne Crawley. A second option D-stress with a forest activity.
- Try some of the experiential activities to tune into the world around us at becoming sensor.
Arts Kits and Compilations – 350.org
More Suggested Reflection Questions
- What are three words that come to mind, when you think about the climate crisis? What three words could describe a better future?
- What do you think you will miss in a low-carbon world? What could you gain?
- Who can you talk to about your feelings and concerns? What supports do you have or can you create?
- What do you do that makes you feel calm and safe? What gives you courage? What gives you hope?
- How can you express your feelings? Are there activities that help you deal with your feelings and concerns?
Creative Outlets
- Encourage some self-expression – maybe give a few minutes to write or draw feelings and responses that could be shared or kept private.
- Find some climate justice songs. Check out Music for Climate Justice and the Fridays for Future chants
- Another arts-based group is Artists for Climate & Migrant Justice and Indigenous Sovereignty
Note: If you are in distress, please reach out to your health care providers. These exercises and suggestions are not a replacement for professional help.