Often we see our own wellbeing and that of the planet as two separate things. They don’t have to be. In an inspiring new video series for Imagine5, environmentalist Lauren Bash shares how our health and happiness are interlinked with stewardship of the world around us. With each episode she shares action steps on what you can do. Over to Lauren…
Episode 1
Move
Moving your body to connect with nature can be a powerful experience! It’s a gift to be surrounded by the natural world while doing what we love. However, whether it’s your local green space, favorite running route, hiking in the mountains, or playing in the waves, these outdoor spaces are all threatened by the climate crisis. We have an opportunity to protect them through the activities we love.
In this episode, I’m excited to introduce you to my run club friends from Girl Gang Crazy and local environmental organization Surfrider, who have taught me that to protect what we cherish, we must first connect deeply with it. As we say at Surfrider, “protect what you love, enjoy what you love!”
Action Steps: What Can You Do?
- Observe how the natural places you love are being impacted by the climate crisis (extreme heat makes it difficult to run outside, ocean pollution makes it unsafe to swim). How can you grow your connection to these places and people who also care about them? Here are some ideas:
- • Join a community group that engages in outdoor recreation – whether it’s a hiking group, swim club, camping community, or run club. Here you will find so many folks who not only share your passion for the activity, and who you can organize with to protect these natural places.
- • Schedule regular time to nurture your relationship with nature, just as you would with a friend. Plan walks, hikes, or perhaps try new activities like swimming, surfing, or cycling.
- • Here are two great reads to further explore our connection to nature: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and The Overview: Meditations on Nature for a World in Transition by Willow Defebaugh.
- • Follow Indigenous creators who speak about identifying with nature, such as Xiye Bastida, Jessica Hernandez, Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh, Autumn Peltier and Quannah ChasingHorse.
Episode 2
Nourish
In the rush of daily life, we can often forget that food is a gift from the Earth, deserving of respect at every stage – from seeding and harvesting to preparation and enjoyment. Also, our food choices are an excellent way to reflect our values, making what we eat not only taste good, but also feel good, as we opt for produce grown sustainably by farmers who care for the land.
In this episode, I introduce you to the woman who taught me to cherish food, my mama, who instilled in me and my sisters a profound respect for it as a source of celebration.
Action Steps: What Can You Do?
- I invite you to get curious about your food’s origins – who grew it, how it was harvested. Let each meal become a moment of gratitude for everyone involved in its journey to your plate.
- • Watch this TED Talk where a speaker thanked over 1000 people for his cup of coffee—it’s a powerful demonstration of recognizing the interconnectedness of our food system.
- • Try supporting local, organic suppliers (when possible) to reduce your environmental impact, and draw you closer to the natural world where you live.
- • Discover and support local food justice organizations in your community, whether they’re community gardens, farms, or grocery stores championing affordable organic produce. Consider volunteering your time or donating to these local initiatives (such as Alma Backyard Farms and SÜPRMARKT if you’re in LA).
- • For a deeper dive into the subject read How the Other Half Eats: The Untold Story of Food and Inequality in America by Priya Fielding-Singh, Healing Grounds: Climate, Justice, and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming by Liz Carlisle.
Episode 3
Replenish
We can all fall victim to doom-scrolling. When we get overwhelmed by the state of the world and its suffering, we can feel hopeless, powerless, and defeated, and our mental health can be seriously jeopardized. Creating healthy habits helps us to stay balanced. As social beings, the antidote also lies in the collective strength of caring and acting together!
In this episode, I invite you into some of my healing practices of mindfulness and community support and how they anchor me. There is so much transformative potential in communal support for sustaining both our mental health and climate advocacy.
Action Steps: What Can You Do?
- Embrace what you love wholeheartedly – whether it’s a sport, activity, art, or hobby. When you dedicate yourself to something you’re passionate about, your people will always find you.
- • Create sacred moments for yourself – a morning routine, evening reflection, or any dedicated time to check in, be present, and nurture peace of mind. Headspace, Open, and Insight Timer are excellent apps offering guided sessions to cultivate mindfulness and reduce stress.
- • Get involved locally! This can empower you to advocate for what matters. Your voice counts – it’s been said that local officials can change their minds when they hear from just seven of their constituents.
- • If you’re grappling with climate anxiety or depression, you can always seek professional support. You’re not alone, and there are compassionate professionals ready to assist you on your journey to well-being. Check out the Climate Mental Health Network for examples.
- • Find grassroots organizations and events near you dedicated to protecting people and the natural places you love. Intersectional Environmentalist database, Patagonia Action Works and Climate Collective are great places to start.
About Imagine5
We are storytellers inspiring you to live a planet-friendly life. Through our stories we shift perspectives and help you see that sustainable change is already underway. Sparking imagination that leads to action, creating a shift to sustainable behaviour as the norm. It’s happening.
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