9 Mindful Tips for Worn-out Eco Warriors
A friend sent me this photo, taken last weekend on the Clackamas River, near Mt Hood, in Oregon. A huge forest fire swept through the area three years ago. This was her first time back since the burn. She was shocked and saddened by all that was lost, of course. But she also noticed all the ways the forest is already coming back to life. At the end of her visit, she’s looking forward to watching how nature grows and changes in the coming years.
It’s possible to appreciate nature’s resilience, while cultivating resilience within ourselves.
Everything in life ebbs and flows. So, I think it’s natural that my mental state regarding environmentalism can be all over the map. And looking at today’s environmental headlines, it’s also only natural that at times it’s hard to rally up the optimism I need to sustain me in my personal commitment to fight for our planet.
There are days when I feel like an Earth Warrior Goddess, and nothing can stop me. I believe in people and know that deep down inside, we all crave to do what’s best. Then there are days when I consider those who exploit our world and think, “F*ck them. F*ck them all.”
When I find myself in an emotional slump, I revisit advice that I’ve received from yoga masters, activist leaders, and even a few of the women I was detained with during Greenpeace’s Fire Drill Friday (a peaceful, civil disobedience action on the South Lawn of the White House). These folks have been working to protect the environment since the ‘70s…and have been able to keep their sanity. So, I wanted to share best practices that have kept them–and me–on the path to making the world a better place.
1) First and foremost, take good care of yourself.
We cannot do our best work if we are not our best selves. When your mind and body are in good states, your actions and decisions will be in your best interest. You’ll be able to respond versus react. Listen to what your body needs and take good care of it. Free your mind from heavy thoughts, and be sure to let it rest. The airlines have it right. Put your oxygen mask on first, so you’re taken care of; only then can you assist others fully.
2) Stay in the present moment as much as possible.
This is where life happens, where reality resides. We don’t know what will happen in the future and have no control over it. By projecting your thoughts into the future, you’re sending yourself to a place that doesn’t exist. This is what feeds anxiety. When you’re in the present moment, you have a clear perspective of what’s really going on–not just what your mind imagines is going on.
Meditation is your friend when it comes to being present.
Clearing your cluttered mind is what allows you to see clearly. Nature can help you be in the present moment, too. Go outside and tap into what’s going on right in front of you (sunshine, animals, breeze on your face) to keep your nerves calm.
3) Release expectation of others; let go of what you think they should do.
We are all on our own unique journey. Some people evolve quicker than others. Some won’t evolve much at all. There is no judgement in this. That’s just how life is.
We have no control over other people’s evolution. We only have control of our own. Instead of trying to change others, focus on what you have control over: yourself. Give yourself some peace by removing, “Why don’t they...?” or “How come they…?” from your thought process. When you focus on what you’re capable of doing, your actions will not only empower you but also free your mind of negative thoughts.
4) When it comes to our loved ones, meet them where they’re at.
We’re all on our own unique journey. Our family members may not be at the same level as we are or could be in the denial stage. As in nature, everyone goes through the shift at their own pace. Our role as someone who has started the process is to guide them along with us. We can’t do that if we’re condescending, angry, or intolerant toward them. We’ll get better results if we pause and truly listen to what they have to say.
You will benefit from hearing their point of view. It will help you grow. You will be inspired to find ways to help counter their misunderstandings, giving you knowledge. And you’ll have compassion. Holding compassion is a gift you give yourself. You’re free of holding anger or resentment.
5) Be grateful. When you see all you have, you no longer focus on what you don’t.
This doesn’t have to be just things. It can be the fact that we have the opportunity to do something. Instead of thinking, “I have to do the dishes,” think, “I GET to do the dishes because I’m so lucky to have them.” When you see your abundance, it overshadows the habit of comparison and the sense of lack. This shift in mindset helps keep the thoughts positive and joyful.
6) Remember that change is the only constant in life.
Change is always taking place. To build something new, the old must be torn down. Change is rarely pretty. However, it does come out pretty in the end.
7) Know that Earth will always heal herself.
Have you ever hiked through a “scar” (an area of forest previously burned)? At first, you might be sad about how the area looks compared to your memories. But that can quickly turn to curiosity about what’s now taking place. You see the fresh plant growth that quickly creeps in once a fire has swept the old brush and tangles away. You can see the contour of the land and the geology underneath. You notice animals and insects still scurrying, birds singing, fish in the water. Earth is the ultimate keeper of the balance, and while it's odd comfort, do know that the planet will always rebound and rejuvenate when given the chance.
8) The best antidote to feeling overwhelmed is to act.
Action DOES give you a sense of stability and empowerment. Your action is important, no matter the size. Maybe all you can do at the time is go online and sign petitions. Fabulous! Maybe you’re up for sending a (form) letter to your representative. It matters. Perhaps you’re ready to post that petition you signed on Facebook. It ALL matters. There is no judgment or criticism toward those who are trying.
9) DON’T READ THE NEWS.
Our brain retains everything it stumbles upon. Why fill it with information that is over-sensationalized and sparks reactions that are not good for our well-being? Today’s news is part of an outdated system that is unhealthy for us. For your overall well-being, simply step away at times. Don’t worry. The news that you need to know will find you.
This does not mean to be uninformed.
Select one topic that’s important to you and OWN it. Know what is fact and what is just hype. Becoming the master of a topic puts you in control amongst all the chaos that’s being tossed around out there.
About my environmental activism:
I’ve created Carrie Asby Wellness to help people develop mindful habits in balance with themselves and nature. Our wellness retreats include ecotherapy and mindful practices in some of the world’s most beautiful—and wild—places. And I share tips and inspiration through social media, newsletters, and the Heart Wild Podcast.
Before that, when I lived in NYC, my entire life revolved around environmental activism:
At Patagonia, my role was to educate team members and guests on environmental issues and provide inspiring solutions to motivate change in habits.
I organized Patagonia team members’ environmental volunteer efforts through the company’s outreach program.
As Director of Events, NYC for Global Fashion Exchange, we hosted hip and cool clothing swaps where we educated people on circular economy to reduce waste from “fast fashion.”
And as a conservation volunteer in South Africa, I’ve helped de-horn rhinos to protect them from poachers.
Along the way, I’ve become humbled by the beauty of our planet and emboldened to protect it. It’s always possible to do more, but I believe in action, and every action counts.
