Eco-dread. It’s one of the most overwhelming emotions listeners are struggling with. But we can’t just tune out and shut down. Not only because it’s untenable to live that way, but because the only way out is the biggest collective action the planet has ever seen. Nature Educator Aurelia Casey and Somatic Therapist Patty Adams help listeners understand that the environments immediately around us can help us build emotional resilience, so that even if we feel paralyzed by eco-dread we don’t have to stay that way for too long. 

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Today’s Challenge - Estimated Time 3-5 Minutes

This evening, some time around sunset, stop what you’re doing, and step outside. Take time to notice things around you: the quality of the light, the color it makes on your skin or the other structures or living things around you. Notice what your other senses are picking up, too. Do you hear any birds? Is there a rustle in the breeze? What can you smell? Do you notice anything that’s changing around you, or maybe inside you as you stand outside? When you turn around to go back in, does a little bit of that evening glow follow you back in?

Thank you for joining us for The Dread Project Challenge! Today is the last day of the Challenge, but you can come back any time to listen to an episode or practice your favorite exercise. And keep in touch with us on Twitter at podfeelings. 

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Where to Find Today’s Guests:

Aurelia Casey and the Gowanus Canal Conservancy:

• Twitter
• The Gowanus Canal Conservancy
• An article about Aurelia Casey and her work

Patty Adams:

• Website
• Instagram

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Additional Resources:

And if digging into dread is very difficult or intense for you, some additional resources that could help are listed below.

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Search for a therapist: 

• Alma 
• Zencare
• APA Psychologist Locator 

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Mental Health Resources:

• How Right Now | Finding What Helps 
• Adult Mental Health Resources from the CDC
• Mental Health America 

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Apps:

• Try the Ten Percent Happier app for free for thirty days by visiting tenpercent.com/more and check out the meditation pack made especially for working with dread and Jay Michaelson’s teacher talk, Confronting Climate Change.
• Dare App - free app to help with anxious moments

If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please click here, text 741741, or call 988.