Published: Jan 29, 2023 14:53:39
Updated: Jan 29, 2023 14:53:26
CONWAY — Karina Lutz, facilitator of the Work That Reconnects Network in Shelburne Falls, says anxiety in the body is often an attempt by the mind to make a change. This is true when it comes to interpersonal relationships, difficult life situations, and even fears of climate change.
Conway resident Hannah Harvester said her work coincided with the launch of the Ecoglyph Support Group to help people process their thoughts and fears about climate change and how it might affect communities in the future. We have also started monthly workshops with trained facilitators at the 46 Delabarre Ave. studio. Lutz led the first workshop on Saturday to help participants navigate their climate pains and inspire them to take action.
“We are all moving into an understanding that we are all connected,” Lutz explained when speaking about what her workshop entails.
Lutz follows the workshop manual of philosopher Joanna Macy. Joanna Macy talks about her ‘Deep Her Ecology’ in her book Coming Back to Life. Deep ecology is an environmental philosophy that discusses the inherent worth of all beings. It seeks to show the interrelationships of all living things.
As an example, Lutz pointed out that bees need flowers to survive. Bees use pollen from flowers to build their homes and food. On the other hand, bees also need bees to survive because bees spread their pollen to other flowers so that they can reproduce. Whether they know it or not, they help each other while helping themselves.
In Lutz’ workshop, participants will go through a series of exercises to understand this theory as a way to help dismantle their fears and anxieties about environmental disruption in the midst of climate change.
The workshop begins with a feeling of gratitude.
“We are grateful to be alive,” said Lutz. “Especially in this difficult time”
Next, the workshop will focus on examining people’s pain to understand their grief. Lutz explained the importance of pain in the cycle of understanding.
“If you break the feedback loop, healing doesn’t happen,” said Lutz.
Lutz said that this emotional release allows people to understand more about themselves and what actions they should take.
Montagu resident Zach Bricius attended Saturday’s workshop after attending the last Ecoglyph Support Group meeting.
“I was trying to protect myself,” Bricius recalled. “This workshop opened me up.”
“There’s something wonderful about letting others witness you expressing your emotions and witnessing your strength,” says Lutz, who offers the workshop directly. Especially after many similar workshops have moved to Zoom, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
To fight climate change, she said, something big needs to happen, and it needs to happen quickly. When the system collapses, there is the potential for change, but if we continue to hold onto anxiety, that potential can be lost.
Bricius echoed Lutz, adding that the world is on two trajectories. One recognizes the looming collapse of ecosystems due to climate change, and the other is successfully moving forward with its unsustainable current system. He said it helped clarify his goals and gave him ideas for his personal goals.
“The scale of change that has to happen now is huge, and it will have to happen faster than the agricultural or industrial revolution,” said Lutz.
Harvester’s Ecoglyph Support Group meets every Monday from 6:30-8:30 pm at her studio at 46, Rue De Laval.
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.
