Applied mindfulness” courses aim to help policymakers foster environmental compassion and overcome despair.
EU officials working on the bloc’s Green Deal are undergoing “applied mindfulness” training to bolster their efforts in tackling the climate crisis. The unique initiative encourages mindfulness practices, including meditation and woodland walks near Brussels, aimed at cultivating a deeper emotional connection to environmental issues.
Participants in the “inner green deal” courses are encouraged to feel empathy for trees and animals, fostering greater “environmental compassion” in their policy work. Early feedback from the first 80 participants has shown promising results, with many officials reporting a boost in motivation and a reduction in feelings of despair about the enormity of the climate challenge.
However, some managers have expressed impatience, preferring to focus on immediate tasks rather than engaging in meditation. Despite mixed reactions, the program’s goal is to inspire a more mindful, compassionate approach to the climate crisis, acknowledging the emotional toll that the work can take on policymakers.
