A Look Into Our Desperate Need for Reconnection Within the Climate Crisis
“The elders were wise. They knew that man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard; they knew that lack of respect for growing, living things, soon led to a lack of respect for humans, too.” – Chief Luther Standing Bear, Sicangu and Oglala Lakota Chief.
One might argue that we are living in a society that is overly connected—drowning in the hyperconnectivity of social media, a 24-hour news cycle, and technology that allows us to track, research, and connect with practically anyone we desire.
Simultaneously, we have created a world that has become painfully disconnected from nature, ourselves, and each other—oftentimes blinded by the greed that fuels the structures ruling our society.
This past year alone has shown our dire need for reconnection, understanding, and healing. From political division and racial tensions resulting from far too many instances of police brutality and systematic racism to vengeful natural disasters uprooting communities and taking lives due to the progression of climate change—it is evident that we are desperately in need of change.
For centuries, we have defined ourselves and others by our differences—placing each other into boxes when it comes to race, gender, sexuality, wealth, culture, etc. Instead of appreciating our differences, we have used them to marginalize, discriminate, exploit, and leverage power at the expense of certain identities—losing touch with each other and our true selves along the way.
Similarly, our environmental crises are largely rooted in our failure to connect our commodities, consumption, and daily practices to their origin. Everything from our food, jewelry, and clothing to the water and lights that fill our home has a natural origin and, thus, a natural consequence that oftentimes affect people and the planet.
We have formed a lifestyle that has become accustomed to fastness and overabundance—a society that relies heavily on extracting resources from the Earth for wealth, power, and comfort—failing to honor the power and beauty the land holds.
Our disconnection from the land has inevitably led us to disregard and marginalize those who hold the most sacred wisdom and knowledge of the Earth.
This history of racial discrimination is interwoven with our environmental crises. The disproportionate burden of climate change and fossil fuel pollution on communities of color is a direct result of unjust policies and our struggle to recognize the impact of our energy consumption, not only on the environment but on the health and well-being of our communities.
We believe our social and environmental crises are rooted in disconnection.
Given this, we are calling for visionary healing, in hopes to usher our society into a place of reconnection—recognizing that ecological, racial, and spiritual renewal are interdependent.
We can do this through honoring and uplifting voices that have often been sidelined. This means promoting the inclusion and community leadership of BIPOC communities, Native peoples who have been tending to the land for millennia, and eco-womanists—providing space for them to reclaim their power, while honoring the intersectionality of our crises.
We invite you to join us in exploring ways to heal our connection to our land, body, mind, spirit, and community at our 2021 Green Team Summit this September. From walking through vividly green wetlands in Shawnee National Forest, to touring a farm and gathering in a racial healing circle, this virtual Summit will honor our interconnectedness and inspire our environmental work through healing.
We will kick off the summit with a “kitchen table” panel discussion on what “Rooted in Healing” means from an Eco-Womanist perspective, learn how water is used as a sacred source of connection in different faith and cultural traditions through joining a water ceremony, and discuss how food is a source of connection—featuring a vegan cooking demonstration from Chef Tsadakeeyah Ben Emmanuel of Majanis, a Black-owned vegan soul food restaurant in Chicago.
We hope that you will join us in this journey of healing, learning, and listening to the ways people from diverse walks of life foster and maintain meaningful connection to people and planet.
The Interconnectedness of Healing: A Look Into Our Desperate Need for Reconnection Within the Climate Crisis
In our world, where technology binds us closer than ever through social media and constant connectivity, we have paradoxically distanced ourselves from nature, each other, and even our true selves. The wisdom of elders, such as Chief Luther Standing Bear, reminds us that when we disconnect from nature, we lose respect for all living beings, including humanity. The climate crisis, racial inequities, and the societal fractures we face today all stem from this disconnection.
Our failure to honor the environment and its sacred wisdom, especially from BIPOC and Native communities, has led to both environmental degradation and social injustices. This history of exploitation and…
The article highlights the urgent need for reconnection in a world that is increasingly disconnected from nature, one another, and ourselves. It explores the intertwined crises of environmental degradation, racial injustice, and societal fragmentation, emphasizing the importance of healing through inclusive leadership and honoring the wisdom of BIPOC communities, Native peoples, and eco-womanists. It calls for a collective effort to reconnect with the Earth and each other, understanding that ecological, racial, and spiritual renewal are all interconnected. This healing process is seen as essential for addressing climate change and the social issues that stem from it.
If you're as intrigued as I am about technological solutions, I highly recommend checking out my latest blog post for more insights!
Introduction:
Introduce…
The Interconnectedness of Healing: A Look Into Our Desperate Need for Reconnection Within the Climate Crisis
As Chief Luther Standing Bear wisely noted, "man's heart, away from nature, becomes hard." In a world filled with technological advancements that allow us to connect more easily than ever before, we have become disconnected from the very essence of life—nature, each other, and our own humanity. The climate crisis and deep-seated social inequities serve as reminders of our desperate need for reconnection and healing.
Our disconnection from nature and the land, paired with centuries of discrimination and exploitation, has led us to an unsustainable way of life, harming not only our planet but marginalized communities. We must recognize that social, racial, and environmental…
The article on "The Interconnectedness of Healing" offers a profound look into the urgent need for reconnection amidst the climate crisis. It highlights the disconnection we face, not just from nature, but also from each other, exacerbated by societal divisions and environmental degradation. The piece emphasizes the importance of honoring voices often sidelined, particularly those from BIPOC communities and eco-womanists, to foster healing across racial, spiritual, and ecological spheres. It calls for a collective effort in recognizing our shared responsibility to both the land and each other to heal and restore balance.
If you’re as passionate as I am about exploring technological solutions, I highly recommend checking out my latest blog post for more insights!
Introduction:
In today's digital age,…
The interconnectedness of healing is more urgent than ever, especially as we face a climate crisis intertwined with social, racial, and environmental issues. The wisdom of Chief Luther Standing Bear reminds us of the deep need for respect and reconnection with nature, ourselves, and each other. Our disconnection from the Earth, rooted in greed and overconsumption, has caused profound harm to both the planet and marginalized communities. Through healing and embracing the voices of BIPOC communities, Native peoples, and eco-womanists, we can begin to address the ecological, racial, and spiritual crises we face. The 2021 Green Team Summit offers an opportunity to explore these intersections and foster healing through nature and community.
If you’re as interested in technical solutions as…