As the world around us shifts, many of us are feeling a deeper awareness of our connection to nature. While change can bring uncertainty, it also sparks innovation, resilience, and a renewed commitment to caring for the planet and each other. The challenges we face today are real, but so is our ability to adapt, support one another, and create a thriving future.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times when we see changes in the environment—stronger storms, shifting landscapes, or the loss of familiar ecosystems. Climate stress comes from navigating these shifts in our daily lives, whether it’s adjusting to extreme weather or finding new ways to protect our homes and communities.
Climate grief is the emotional response to witnessing environmental changes firsthand. According to researcher Ashlee Cunsolo, PhD, this kind of grief stems from our deep connection to the natural world. While it’s not always widely discussed, recognizing and honoring these feelings can be an important step toward healing and action.
Farmers and Landowners: Stewards of Change
For farmers and landowners, these challenges often feel personal. The land is more than just a place—it’s a living history, a source of livelihood, and a connection to generations before and after us. When unpredictable weather and shifting climates affect crops or landscapes, it can feel like an uphill battle.
But throughout history, farmers have always been innovators. They have adapted, experimented, and found new ways to care for the land and the people who depend on it. The agrarian imperative, a term coined by Michael R. Rosmann, PhD, describes our deep-rooted drive to cultivate and nurture the earth. This connection is a powerful reminder that change, while challenging, also brings opportunities to grow, learn, and reimagine the future of farming.
At the OSU Small Farms Conference, Maude Powell shared how peer support is helping farmers navigate these changes. Talking with others who understand, exchanging ideas, and working together to find solutions can ease stress and spark new possibilities. Many farmers may not seek traditional mental health resources, but strong connections within the community provide support, encouragement, and fresh perspectives.
Techniques like co-counseling, group discussions, and simply sharing experiences help people find new ways to move forward. These conversations remind us that no one is in this alone—we’re stronger when we lift each other up.
At Mountain Rose Herbs, we believe in the power of connection, education, and collective action. Through our website, workshops, and resources, we’re creating opportunities for people to share knowledge, support one another, and find new ways to care for both personal well-being and the planet.
While we can’t control every challenge the climate presents, we can control how we respond. By staying curious, leaning on our communities, and embracing innovation, we can turn uncertainty into progress. The future is still full of possibilities, and together, we can create something beautiful.
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