A Call To Protect Our Mental & Emotional Climate

“The people who are hurting the planet are the people who are hurting within themselves.”

There’s generally a consensus today that we must all do our part to protect the environment: to heal the earth, to honor nature, to restore ecosystems, and to mitigate the effects of climate change. Reflecting on this issue recently, an idea came to me:

What if we treated our mental & emotional climate in the same way as we treat our environmental climate?

What if we cared as much about the emotional reality we live in as we do about our physical, material reality? What if we took action to restore collective trust and goodwill, just as we’re taking action to restore ecosystems? What if we intentionally planted seeds of patience and compassion in the hearts of the younger generations, just as we’re planting trees in the ground? What if we condemned divisiveness, fear-mongering, and a culture of outrage, just as we condemn pollution in our land and our seas? And, what if we celebrated those who are uplifting minds and spirits, just as we celebrate those fighting to protect the planet?

First and foremost, this raises the question, “Would it be a good use of our time?” If we devoted greater time and resources towards uplifting the emotional environment we live in, would it actually make a difference? Well, if you ask me, yes it will, and you can see this on a micro- and a macro-level.

On a micro-level, you can just look at your own life. You might have noticed that it’s easier to thrive in an environment that’s safe, beautiful, and natural. You might also have noticed, though, that no matter how nice the environment is, it’s your mental health that determines your experience. I’ve lived in paradise for over 3 years, and trust me, even there people suffer. What’s more, one of the fundamental concepts in coaching is that the outer environment is a manifestation of one’s inner reality. As they say, “Hurt people hurt people.” It follows, then, that hurt people also hurt the environments they’re in. On the other hand, when you feel good, you do good. So, a positive and healthy mind is conducive to a healthy environment.

On a macro-level, the same concept holds. We are, for sure, facing a global environmental crisis. We’re also living in a world marred by war, violence, political division, and social isolation. These are the physical symptoms of a global emotional environment that is fundamentally sick. I look at the news, the political discourse, the TV shows we’re drawn to - the facial expressions of the people sitting next to me on the train - and I think to myself, surely we can do better.

I’m not saying that mental health is more important than the health of our planet. I’m saying that mental health is important too, and it actually supports the health of our planet. Environmental degradation is often caused by mental and emotional factors, including stress, greed, and closed-mindedness. The people who are hurting the planet are the people who are hurting within themselves. Let’s also remember the old adage that, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” One of the key factors that determines the success of projects is the emotional tone that’s driving its leaders and advocates. When you look at the public perception of organizations like PETA, for example, it becomes clear that great ideas can be sabotaged and overshadowed if the energy behind them is divisive and short-sighted. The people and the groups that will do the most good for the planet are the people and the groups who feel the most good within themselves; who have their lives enough in order that they have the capacity to consider their communities; and who take action from a healthy, balanced, considered place.

Here’s my recommendation: If you care about the natural environment you’re surrounded by, it might also be worth your while to consider the emotional - the energetic - environment that you’re living in. If you’re someone who conscientiously reduces, reuses, and recycles, you might consider being just as intentional regarding the subtle impact you have on the spaces you’re in. You might start by answering these questions:

What would a healthy emotional environment look like for you?

What can you do to help create this in your mind, your home, your office, your community, your country, and the planet?

Peace & Love,