While ecology represented a major paradigm shift in understanding nature, very few were able to apply its insights to understanding the afflictions of the mind. The ecologist, Phyllis Windle, in her essay “The Ecology of Grief”, pioneered a bridge between professional ecology and psychological grief (Windle 1995), and her opening of this transdisciplinary space was followed later by the thanatologist Kriss Kevorkian, who explained that desolation in terms she named ‘environmental grief’ and/or ‘ecological grief’ (Kevorkian 2004, 2019). These terms, and the grief theory that underpins them, have recently re-appeared in the literature as a response to the climate crisis. ~ Dr. Glenn Albrecht, Environmental Philosopher and author of a recent book called Earth Emotions, coined the term solastalgia.
Environmental grief is defined as the grief reaction stemming from the environmental loss of ecosystems caused by natural or human-made events. If we look at the definition of environmental, we find that it relates more to the impact of humans on the natural world. We’re looking at this grief reaction from a larger perspective such as the loss of a forest or species due to humans. I’m reacting with environmental grief to the decline, and perhaps extinction, of the Southern Resident Orcas in the Salish Sea.
Ecological grief is the grief reaction stemming from the disconnection, and relational loss, of our natural world. In this case, I feel ecological to be more like our relationship to physical surroundings and living organisms like the trees in the neighborhood. Ecological grief would be the reaction I’d have to those trees being cut down. Not only are the trees being killed, but birds and other animals that call those trees home are either being killed or having to find another place to live.
When I coined these terms two decades ago, I was shamed for grieving the loss of ecosystems and anyone/anything related to the environment.
I felt very alone and hope no one has to go through that, ever.
The following are a few suggestions I’d like to offer to support you if you are experiencing environmental grief and/or ecological grief.
- Kindly acknowledge the grief you are experiencing. This applies to all forms of grief.
- Please allow your grief to flow. Too often we suppress grief only to discover that it will come out in one way or another. You may be listening to a music station when, out of the blue, tears start to flow. There is a chemical in tears that relieves stress in the body, so please allow yourself to cry. Your body will thank you.
- Practicing Mindfulness is extremely helpful. Mindfulness is a kind of energy that we generate when we bring our mind back to our body and get in touch with what is going on in the present moment, within us and around us. We become aware of our breathing and come home to our body, fully present for ourselves and whatever we are doing.
- Journaling is also very helpful.
- Counseling is helpful, but please interview the person you wish to speak with about this. I offer a free consultation because I want people to have an opportunity to feel if we’re a good fit or not.
- Spend time with like-minded people if at all possible. We have so many ways to communicate with people we may not know, but who may care about the planet as we do.
- One of the best things to do to help heal from grief is to take action. Volunteer for an organization that is working to save the planet. Our Earth Mother needs all the help she can get right now.
Remember that you do not have to carry this grief alone. Kindly allow me to help you.
Environmental Grief
Several years ago, I was invited to write a chapter on environmental grief for the book, Non-Death Loss and Grief Context and Clinical Implications.
Photo taken from shore by Betsey Thoennes.
Ecological Law
Dr. Rosalind Warner, a colleague in Canada, invited me to co-author a chapter about our work educating decision makers to recognize the inherent rights of the Southern Resident Orcas for this book, Ecological Law in Practice Case Studies for a Transformative Approach.
Legal Rights for the Salish Sea
I often remind people that when they are struggling to cope with grief, that taking action really helps. Do something. That’s not to suggest we ignore, suppress or deny our grief. It means that we do not allow the grief to consume us. What helps me cope with environmental and ecological grief is being a part of the rights of Nature movement because I feel like we are actually making a difference. I founded Legal Rights for the Salish Sea in 2016 along with friends in my community.