Episode 162: Lifting the Cloud off Climate Change with Alex Arnold
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Show Notes
Climate anxiety and eco-grief are on the rise. Yet the terms are so new that you may not even know that’s what you’re experiencing. According to Dr. Stowe, Executive Director of the Harvard Environmental Economics Program, the most important impact we, as individuals, can have on climate change is by increasing "climate conversations"” So let's talk about it!
What I am sharing is non-political, non-judgmental, and not pressuring you to do anything. Quite the opposite. This podcast is for highly sensitive people who feel overwhelmed at the thought of the climate crisis, experience grief, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and/or other complex emotions. You may also feel stuck and unsure where to start or don't believe that you can make a difference. That’s ok, because we hurt where we care.
Acknowledging fear and grief is our starting point. Once we accept our discomfort, we can learn tools to manage it. Once we understand the science of what motivates us, we can gain clarity on what we truly care about and what we do best. And once we meet others with similar interests and values, we can move forward with accountability, support and have fun along the way.
Most importantly, let's give ourselves permission to take a deep breath. Therein lies the source of positive change, for ourselves, for those around us, and for our planet.
I'm Alex, an ICF-accredited (ACC) climate resilience coach with a Master’s in Organizational Psychology. As a coach and someone with High Sensory Sensitivity (HSS), I am here to provide a sanctuary for other sensitive, shy, or introverted women who deeply care about climate change so that they, and the planet, can thrive. Using strengths-based approaches like Positive Psychology and Appreciative Inquiry, I support women who feel stuck, overwhelmed, helpless, guilty or don't know where to start to make a difference. Through powerful questions, deep listening and empathy, I help them discover their strengths, get clarity on what they really want for a meaningful life and sustainable future, and share practical tools so that they can learn to coach themselves and build hope, resilience, and a strong sense of confidence that they too, can make a positive difference - no matter how small.
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, and host of The HSP Podcast. Her Sensitive Empowerment Community, online courses, blog, and free webinars have helped thousands of highly sensitive people (HSPs) worldwide reduce their challenges, access their gifts, and discover their significant value. Julie loves connecting in her community and warmly invites you to join this positive, safe, inclusive, and welcoming space. Take her free sensitivity quiz, get a letter to give to your medical and mental health team, learn how her brain training program reduces anxiety quickly, and find all her resources JulieBjelland.com❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)
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