Have you ever felt a sense of worry, fear, or anger when you think about climate change and the state of our planet? If so, you may be experiencing what's called "eco-anxiety." As plant lovers who are so connected to nature through our gardens and houseplants, it makes total sense that eco-anxiety could affect us. We care deeply about the Earth because we are part of it. So, let us spend some time with my dearest friend and resident green witch, Rachael Cohen, to better understand this concept.In this episode, we learn:[03:33] What is eco-anxiety?[07:14] Rachael’s personal story of identifying/managing eco-anxiety[09:45] Coping with eco-anxiety[11:21] How perspective affects happiness[12:16] What is the environmental impact of our actions, and how does it relate to our well-being?[15:21] Fill your homes with the most ethereal sounds with the new Wind River Eclipse Collection (use code GROWINGJOY)[17:26] Discover gardening tips, kitchen tricks, and family activities to reduce waste and save money with ‘Simple Country Living’ by Annette Thurmon[18:39] What is Rachael's book, Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety, all about?[20:01] Is corporate responsibility being misdirected, with consumers unfairly blamed?[22:30] How to shift from fight/flight to parasympathetic rest and digest mode[24:18] Somatic practices to release severe negative feelings associated with eco-anxiety[29:01] Finding neutrality and managing anxiety[30:10] What is the concept of “the mother tree” in Rachael’s book?[32:25] What is the mycelium network?[36:42] What are some ways we can give back to Mother Nature?[41:37] Rachael’s favorite strategy for bringing oneself back from an eco-anxiety spiral[43:23] How is the book constructed?[46:55] Where can you get the book?Mentioned in our conversation:Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, book by Suzanne SimardThe Overstory: A Novel, book by Richard PowersGrowing Joy Ep 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring EquinoxSelf-care for Eco-Anxiety: 52 Weekly Practices for Positive, Personal Change Through the Power of Nature, book by Rachael CohenGrowing Joy Ep 223: Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael of Our Infinite NatureGrowing Joy Episode 209: Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch with Rachael from Infinite SucculentFor a list of simple ways that you can give back to Mother Nature,check out the full show notes and blogs here!Follow Rachael:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes.Quarto: Simple Country Living by Annette ThurmonGrab Simple Country Living: Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond by Annette Thurmon at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria