Ways of healing in the Anthropocene

Abstract

Grief and mourning are part of the human journey. But what happens when sadness occurs because of changes happening around us: losses to animals and plant species, changing weather patterns and loss of place and identity. How do we, in a time of significant planetary change, begin to acknowledge, process and act when faced with growing distress, anger, anxiety and despair? This paper explores ways of healing in the Anthropocene, a new geological era in which human activities have destabilized life on Earth. We draw upon insights from various fields and perspectives including disaster studies, peace studies and First Peoples. These insights reveal how healing can come about through: slow healing, agency, connections (local to global), place and nature, cultural practices, sociality, voice and narrativity, mnemonics and cultural memory, holism and interconnectivity, deep listening, sharing and storytelling, as well as inter- and intra-generational justice. We must shift away from therapeutic and individualistic approaches towards healing that is social, collective and focused on holistic wellbeing and interconnectivity with the Earth system. These powerful insights can help us process grief and restore harmony in the connection of all things, so that we can gradually, collectively and holistically find hope in the Anthropocene.

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