What can a Yogi do about the CLIMATE EMERGENCY?

Upon my return to New York from leading a retreat in Italy this June, the atmosphere felt heavy, the skies thick with an ominous haze. In May, Canada ignited into flames, and to this day, fires rage on relentlessly, seemingly beyond anyone's control. Meanwhile, we've borne witness to unprecedented floods, with my relatives in Italy enduring record-breaking temperatures that have sparked blazes across Sicily and numerous Greek islands. Just recently, Maui was engulfed by wildfires. The catalogue of environmental crises stretches endlessly, a chronicle of sorrow and terror.

In this juncture of history, no one remains untouched by the far-reaching tendrils of climate change, its impacts reverberating more fiercely than ever across the globe. Denial, once a refuge for some, now offers scant solace—it's simply too late.

As practitioners of yoga, we recognize that our planet is not merely our home but an extension of our very being, and she is suffering. Each of us bears a degree of responsibility; no one is exempt. Yet, amid this collective urgency, many find themselves paralyzed by a sense of helplessness and disorientation. Eco-anxiety pervades our consciousness, yet resources and understanding remain scarce.

This blog post serves as an invitation—an invitation to live, eat, act, speak, and think with mindfulness. Simultaneously, it offers tools to navigate these tumultuous and perilous times, recognizing that now, more than ever, we must each assume our role in effecting change. As practitioners of yoga, we understand that transformation begins from within. Yet, if we allow ourselves to be consumed by fear and anxiety, our capacity to manifest the world we envision, one of harmony and service to our planet, becomes severely compromised.

Eco anxiety

The reality of climate change and its threat to our survival and the future of the Earth can cause psychological impacts on some people, a phenomenon known as eco anxiety. As practitioners of yoga, we are often more attuned to the interconnectedness of all life, and therefore, we may find ourselves particularly susceptible to its emotional toll. If you are in fact affected by this chronic fear of the environmental cataclysm we're witnessing symptoms might include anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, nervousness, etc. In the more serious cases, eco anxiety can cause a sensation of suffocation or even depression especially when thinking about the future. Eco anxiety can affect not just our psychological state but also our physical, energetic, and spiritual bodies—casting a shadow over our overall well-being.

Interbeing

Thich Nhat Hanh introduced the concept of 'interbeing', encapsulating the profound truth that everything in existence is intricately interconnected. For yogis, this understanding is fundamental—we recognize that our very existence depends on the interdependence of all life forms. We are not isolated entities; rather, we are woven into the fabric of existence, interconnected with each other and with the entirety of the natural world.

As Thay beautifully articulates, our planet is akin to a vast, living organism, where every component, like the organs of a body, functions in symbiotic harmony. When the environment is threatened, so too is our own survival. Conversely, by neglecting our responsibility to protect and nurture our planet, we not only detach from the world around us but also compromise our own well-being.

This cultural disconnection from our environment stands in stark contrast to the essence of yoga—a practice centered on cultivating a profound sense of interconnectedness, well-being, and wholeness. Embracing this interconnected worldview fosters a deep sense of harmony within ourselves and with the world around us, aligning with the ultimate goal of yoga.

“You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer..”

Thich Nhat Hanh

SO WHAT CAN A YOGI DO?

When you witness catastrophes and violence over and over, it is very hard to stay open, receptive and positive. People tend to shut down, emotionally run away or act out. And we live in a society in which sadly there are a million ways to do that. Some people shop too much, drink too much and/or eat too much. But as yogis we know that we need to feel balanced and equipped with wisdom, compassion and resilience in order to be of service during these challenging times.

Practice Yoga/ Meditation/ Mindfulness/ Rest

The first thing you can do for the planet is take care of yourself. Growing up with a mother who grew up Calvinist I was taught that taking care of yourself through self-care activities was an egoistic, lavish act. It's taken me years to understand that if we don't take care of ourselves it's impossible to help others- the two are deeply interconnected. For instance in meditation there is a beautiful analogy. Think of yourself as a vessel. A vessel can only hold a certain amount of earthly pain. A vessel is a finite thing. But practices such as yoga, deep rest and meditation can allow for the vessel to expand and grow in order for it to be able to hold more and more earthly pain and for you to be of more service. If we try helping but immediately become fearful, angry, anxious or overwhelmed we are not going to be able to help the planet. The benefits of yoga, meditation and deep rest have been known for centuries. They help us ground and purify the body while calming the mind and nervous system. In today's world self care is not a luxury.

“What if your ancestors' wildest dream was that you could and would rest? What is simply laying down gives way for the fullness of that prayer to rise up? Somebody prayed for you to know that rest is your birthright. Claim it.”

Octavia Raheem

Commit to responsibility

Sometimes we feel so small and meaningless we dismiss ourselves and our actions but as yogis we know that every act counts. The wave and the ocean are indeed one. If we only look at the big picture it will be very hard to feel we can have an impact. The macro can in fact change if we all do our micro part in helping shift the world we live in. For instance I've decided to sign one petition a day and donate to a different environmental cause monthly. It doesn't have to be a grandiose gesture, in fact the most important thing is committing to change as a manageable healthy habit to keep up. This will make you feel more purposeful while also generating a larger impact.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Mahatma Gandhi

Partake in sustainable activities

Did you ever consider becoming a member of your community garden? Growing your own food? Practicing minimalism? Biking to work? Taking the train vs. the plane whenever possible? Buying an electric car? Adding solar panels to your home? Fixing things when they break vs. throwing them away? Sharing your thoughts with others? Now is the time!

Diet: Eat Responsibly

Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Studies suggest that a high-fiber, plant-based diet is also better for your health, not to mention it's cost effective and in line with the principles of ahimsa, 'non harming'. As yogis, we know perfectly well that we are what we eat. So eat responsibly. Every meal you eat has an impact.

"The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals

as they now look upon the murder of men."

Leonardo da Vinci

Shop Wisely

Every product we purchase has an environmental footprint, from the materials used to create it to the pollution emitted during manufacturing to the packaging that ends up in landfills. The fashion industry for instance has an immense footprint. Similarly buying online has become so easy, wasteful and addictive that many times we buy without even thinking beforehand. So before you buy, ask yourself if you really need it. If you do, consider buying locally, used instead of new, and look for minimal packaging and shipping.

“Buy less, choose well, make it last.”

Embrace Low-Impact Living/ Avoid wasting

Here are a few effective and simple changes you can make immediately:

• Change all the lights in your house to LED (and always remember to turn them off)

• NEVER buy plastic

• Try living without A/C (or only use it when it's really hot, and always turn it off when leaving the room)

• Use a fan, blinds to keep the sun out and open the windows for fresh air in the evening

• Use the drier sparingly (try hanging your laundry outside or in the bathroom whenever possible)

• Use natural cleaners only

• Buy local foods and eco friendly products

• Swap paper towels with cleaning rags

• Always turn the water off while doing the dishes and brushing your teeth to conserve water

• Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater in your garden to water your food garden/plants

• Add solar panels to your roof

• And of course always Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Connect to Others: The importance of a Spiritual Community

I can't stress enough the importance of cultivating a spiritual community during these alarming times. The world we live in moves so fast and so many of us feel alone, frightened and powerless. A sangha (spiritual community) will allow you to feel connected and safe and it will support your efforts and practice. If you've ever attempted meditating alone or in a group you will know firsthand that it's much easiest in a group setting. Furthermore if we see ourselves in others and prioritize the collective over the individual you'll also notice that many of these small important changes will happen more easily.

"We are birthed into Sangha, into sacred community. It is called the world." Adyashanti

I truly hope that committing to these ideas will leave you feeling more at peace. I wanted to end with a few beautiful words by Thich Nhat Hanh: "We should take refuge in that island of safety within to maintain our humanness, our peace, our hope." He invites us to become an island of peace and compassion to inspire other people to do the same. He uses the metaphor of a boat crossing and encountering a storm and reminds us that if everyone panics the boat will capsize but, if even just one person remains calm, they can inspire the others to remain calm and there will be hope for the boat. Thay says: "Who is that person who can stay calm in the situation of distress? You have to be that person. You will be the savior of all of us."

“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.”

B.K.S Iyengar

Om shanti.

Lavinia

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