Ecological Grief and Community Resilience
The systems that support life on earth are unraveling before our eyes. We have created a mass extinction - every day up to 150 animal species are lost. We are experiencing extreme weather more frequently, with poor and marginalized communities are experiencing the worst impacts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a Code Red for human life. With such rampant ecological destruction and dire inequality, why are so many of us acting as though this isn’t happening? Mainstream culture encourages us to carry on, to stay busy, and to push down uncomfortable feelings. But many of us feel deeply distressed about the intersecting crises of our current world.
Are you outraged? Scared? Anxious? Numb? Do you feel grief? Guilt? Confusion? Despair? Emotional distress in the face of climate collapse is a healthy reaction. We are distressed because we love this earth and we are losing so much, so quickly. People are confused because our culture says one thing, but our hearts say another. Whatever form of distress you feel inside, it’s a normal, healthy reaction to the tremendous losses and uncertain future we face. What is not healthy is to push these feelings down or to hold them alone. It’s simply too much.
In such urgent times, we can feel torn between the call to act, and the need to slow down and process on a deeper level. They both matter. I facilitate groups where we can share our painful feelings about the world. These feelings stem directly from our love of this earth, and as we make space for the painful feelings, we become enlivened by the love and care which are at their core. Through this process, we grow our connections to each other, we develop resilience, and we cultivate the courage it takes to live with open eyes and open hearts during these times. Ultimately, we orient our lives toward meaningful action and the healing of our communities and our beloved planet.
I facilitate this work in various capacities: The Good Grief Network, The Work that Reconnects, Climate Psychology Alliance -North America, Climate Emotional Resilience Institute
“Every single minute I spent focused on this work was a minute so well spent. Life changing, really.”
- Good Grief participant
“Working with Kristan and witnessing the other group participants’ experience was life-changing. What was especially unique was the depth and openness of the conversations and how, over time, our dialogue supported me in taking better care of myself and adjusting the direction of my work to meet the challenges of the polycrisis. I finished the group work with both greater peace of mind and a revitalized sense of purpose. Kristan was an immensely skillful and authentic group leader.” - Good Grief Participant
Offerings:
Good Grief Network 10-Step Program Begins January 22, 2025
4-Week Emotional Resilience Program for Climate Scientists and STEM Professionals Begins February 20, 2025
The River of Nourishment: 5-day Retreat and River Trip for Climate Professionals. Rogue River. August 18-23, 2025
Related:
Climate Emotional Resilience Institute
Thicket Program: Climate-focused trauma and resiliency training. Begins October 24, 2024
The Good Grief Network offers a 10-Step program to help dissolve isolation, promote resilience and lead us toward community healing. Small groups meet 2 hours/week for 10 weeks for heart-centered process work supported by journaling, poetry, guided meditations and well-curated resources.
The Work that Reconnects draws from Buddhism, systems theory, and deep ecology. Through a series of creative exercises, we deepen our sense of belonging to the web of life, transform our despair into vitality, and enrich our sense of community empowerment. I offer workshops of varying lengths and am happy to tailor one to fit the needs of interested parties.
Testimonials for Kristan’s group facilitation
“Kristan is a woman of strength, great awareness, and caring. I loved hearing all that she shared about her kids and family, her lovely tears, smiles, warmth, and open heart. The poetic words and phrases with which she consistently chose to express herself delighted my creative spirit.”
“When I began the 10-Step program, I was in a state of overwhelm. The issues are massive, incredibly complex, and I felt nearly paralyzed by my anxiety around them, especially as a parent who not only has to reconcile my place within this crisis, but also that of my children. Connecting with the others in the group and listening to their perspectives, all under the caring framework provided by our facilitators, I finally began to organize my own thoughts and process my own feelings. The issues are no smaller, but I feel my ability to face them, for myself and my kids, has been greatly enhanced by this experience. I am very grateful!”
“For 15 years I've been talking and learning in public about all aspects of the climate emergency. GGN's 10-Step was a precious chance to listen first and then talk in private with highly-skilled facilitators and non-judgy listeners. A couple of the media resources really advanced my understanding of intersectional issues in ways that will inform my work. I really got a lot out of this.”