It's Not Easy Being Green
I'm not as happy as I used to be. Being a climate change policy advocate is a tough job. My days are spent working on an issue that could mean the end of the world as we know it. It's scary – and depressing – spending your waking hours reading about the catastrophic implications of sea-level rise and melting ice caps. Sometimes it's hard to focus on the hundreds of wonderful, positive things that surround me every day – a phone call from an old friend, a morning when my children sleep past 6:00 am – because these daily gifts are over-shadowed by the apocalyptic threat of climate change.
And these fears persist when I'm not technically at work. I was reminded of this reality repeatedly this winter when the temperatures in the DC suburbs crept into the 70s. I found myself briefly enjoying a picnic in the park – only to feel guilty about my happiness. After all, it seemed like there was a certain "appearance of impropriety:" how could I be happy wearing short sleeves in the middle of winter? And though part of me appreciated the time I saved this winter by not shoveling my front steps or bundling the baby before running an errand – I also believe these things are the necessary inconveniences of living on the East Coast.
It turns out, I'm not alone. In fact, there's an emerging field of "ecopsychology" – a cadre of about 120 therapists worldwide who explore the relationship between people and the environment. The New York Times recently wrote about the phenomenon – focusing, in particular, on people with "global warming anxiety." One therapist teaches the afflicted to follow a "multistep process that is similar to kicking an addiction." The prescription includes “'fasts'” from shopping, e-mailing, and the news, while cultivating calmer pursuits like meditation or gardening." Who knows, it might work – as long as the gardening doesn't occur on a warm winter day.
I, for one, am happy that spring is around the corner. At least then, I don't have to feel guilty about enjoying a walk in the park!
But I believe that we can - that's why I come to work every day.
Sarah - there is always more to learn. Being an "environmentalist" doesn't mean that you know all the answers, but it does mean that you have the passion and the will to take what you know and act. To me, you sound like a fantastic environmentalist. (Comment this)