An introduction to Holistic Activism for teenagers

As the climate crisis becomes more intense, it is becoming more clear that we can’t fix it with a single magic solution. Saying things like ‘renewable energy will save us’ or ‘going vegan will save us’ might miss the bigger picture. We need to connect the dots and see how all of these issues join together.

The way we talk about things has been a problem for a while because although language is great for chatting about our needs, if we’re not careful, some ideas take over, and powerful folks can get to control the story.

When that story is left unchallenged, we start to believe that it is more true than any other story. This can lead us to start to feel that that story is part of our identity, instead of being open to seeing if we can develop it into something that is bigger and more inclusive.

The danger then is that we put our energy into defending that story above everything else, and we use all kinds of techniques to do so such as using logical fallacies. Take the ‘false dilemma,’ logical fallacy for example. This makes us think that things are either-or, like job creation versus environmental protection. So it shouldn’t be about winning arguments but sharing and growing ideas together.

Let’s take a cue from Alan Watts, who said that when we use words, we should also acknowledge the limitations of our words and thinking. Sometimes we need to spend time outside of words so that we can observe and feel something that is bigger than our words can contain. Sometimes it is good to just spend time in nature, watching the world go about its business without judgement.

Spending time in nature without trying to control it is essential in many First Nations cultures and Eastern religions. Movements like Deep Ecology highlight these teachings, but this is something that every culture needs to remember to do.

This remembering also helps us to understand how language can be used to hurt people rather than to help them heal. As language users, we have a duty to break this cycle by being assertive and compassionate with those around us. We also need to be careful that we do not use language to project our insecurities onto others because the way we use words can have a long lasting impact. This is a shame because words are well, just words but it doesn’t stop them from hurting. This is why we have a responsibility with words to help each other to heal instead. Healing the earth are one and the same thing because the way we treat the earth can be a reflection of how we treat ourselves and each other.

All of this helps us to be in the best possible position to work with people from all different backgrounds and perspectives to create a movement for change that can embrace joined-up thinking. That way we will better understand that reducing meat consumption and renewable energy are two components of a new approach where we all work to consume less and enjoy more free time. So let’s build an integrated approach to activism that embraces different opinions and a common appreciation of the unspeakable world that connects us all. 🌿💚