Perhaps we need to develop such rituals. If we had them, I think we could live more authentic lives. Honoring and expressing our grief might make us emotionally stronger, more able to do the very hard work that must be done if we are to save our planet for future generations.
I think we ignore our grief at a cost. Psychologists believe that burying deep feelings and failing to face them saps our energy and perhaps even diminishes our health. To act as if all is well, while our planet is dying around us seems an example of schizophrenia to me.
And I wonder about those who do not feel grief about the dying of the natural world. Isn't it a kind of deep denial to experience no pain over the accelerating rate of species extinctions, for example? And what about people who are actively hostile to others who care about the environment? Are such people not also denying their own connection with, and dependence on, the natural world?
What kind of price are these people paying for their denial?
I am looking for ways to express my grief. For the time being, I think I will follow my friend Louise's advice, and at least bow to my grief. I will honor my grief, even if I don't know the rituals for expressing it.--"April Moore
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