Waterspirit's Climate Anxiety Support Group Interviewed by Reuters.

Reuters TV recently contacted Waterspirit to interview our Climate Anxiety Support Group. This is a new weekly program we offer created by the Good Grief Network. Their “10-Steps to Personal Resilience & Empowerment in a Chaotic Climate” is designed to empower action, inspire hope, and increase the awareness of the responsibility we all carry to protect our planet.

Grief is never pleasant, however it helps us recognize that it comes from a place of connection, and in knowing that we gain invaluable perspective. There is a lot of hope and insight that comes forward when talking about environmental grief. The idea of holding space for fear and the unknown is foreign to most, but it allows us to dive deeper into what is causing that uncertainty. When we mourn the loss of something we love — whether it be a place, a person, a species or habitat — it puts into perspective what really matters in our lives.

The Good Grief Network’s unique program helps build personal resilience & empowerment while strengthening community ties to combat despair, inaction, and eco-anxiety on the collective level.

To learn more about the Support Group email water@waterspirit.com or call 732-923-9788.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-eco-anxiety/rising-seas-stress-levels-spawn-climate-anxiety-support-groups-idUSKBN1X21P2

Climate strikes have been growing in popularity all across the globe. In 2019, a series of strikes and protests led by young people and adults demanded action be taken to address climate change.

Climate strikes have been growing in popularity all across the globe. In 2019, a series of strikes and protests led by young people and adults demanded action be taken to address climate change.

Waterspirit Welcomes New Program Manager Abbey Koshak

Changes in season also bring changes to Waterspirit, and we are very pleased to announce our new Program Manager, Abbey Koshak! Abbey joins us from the Big Island of Hawai’i, where she worked as the Social Media Director for the television show, Everything Hawai’i – Adventures with Kawika Singson. She has also served as a naturalist on board various tourist vessels and as an environmental educator focusing on ocean conservation. She has contributed to a number of conservation projects, including most recently the Global Micro Plastics Initiative. Abbey has also worked as a producer, production coordinator and set photographer for various films, where she emphasized the importance of ‘eco-friendly’ atmospheres on set and encouraged the elimination of single-use plastics.

“I am a child of the Earth, and grew up on a campground in Southern Colorado surrounded by nature. The desert will always hold a special place in my heart, but it is the ocean and water that ignite my spirit. I was delighted when I discovered the Waterspirit community, and I am excited to join this dynamic team.”

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Exploring with her underwater camera in Kealakekua Bay along the Kona coast of the island of Hawai'i. Photo by Devin Hume

Exploring with her underwater camera in Kealakekua Bay along the Kona coast of the island of Hawai'i. Photo by Devin Hume

Waterspirit Welcomes New Executive Director Blair Nelsen

Please join us in welcoming Waterspirit’s new Executive Director! Blair Nelsen officially started work at Waterspirit on July 1. She joins us from Yale Divinity School, where she recently completed her Master of Arts in Religion. Prior to attending Yale, Blair lived and worked in the Amazon and Atlantic forests of Brazil for 11 years, where she was engaged in grassroots ecological and spirituality work. Blair believes in the potential of a strong spiritual foundation to fuel effective social justice work, and she is thrilled to be joining the Waterspirit community.

After more than 20 years at the helm of Waterspirit, Sister Suzanne Golas is transitioning into retirement later this year. Stay tuned for more information regarding a celebration of Suzanne!

 

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Water, Watercolors & Wine

Thursday, April 11

6:30-8:30 pm

Explore the interconnectedness of spirituality and art through the medium of watercolor. The evening will be facilitated by experienced instructor Deborah Sparling, whose training and teaching in the fine arts has extended to many mediums; including painting, printmaking, sculpture, and drawing.  Deborah believes the sweetness of life is expressed through the creative arts and she is looking forward to helping participants learn and explore, whether they are new to watercolors or a more experienced painter.

Bring an image of water that inspires you. Perfection is not the goal, artistic expression of your love for water is.

Supplies provided. Wine, cheese and crackers will be served.

Cost: $20

Registration is limited.

To register online go to https://waterspiritwatercolors.eventbrite.com

Or call us at 732-923-9788 or email us at waterspirit981@gmail.com to register.

We hope you can join us!

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Happy Spring Equinox!

Spring Equinox

The balance tips toward the light.

Now is the time to start

A journey or a garden bed;

Plant with a happy heart

 

The seeds of dreams. Wake, senses, wake!

Smell the moist soil that brings

Forth juicy green from its dark depth.

Hear how the river sings;

 

The waters nourish and renew.

Feel gentle balmy breeze

Caress your skin. See sun’s bright light

Awaken grass and trees.

Now taste the joy. And like the earth

You are refreshed and new

And full of energy to plant,

Begin, create, and do.

-          Agnes Krampe

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