How to last?
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Though often described as the most powerful intrapsychic force by many mystics, love remains the least researched topic in the context of social change and sustainability. This study explored the deeper meaning of love, its value in our journey towards sustainable living, as well as identifying ways of honouring it in our daily lives, which may assist us in the face of climate emergency. This study also sought to contribute to the lack of current practical literature within climate adaptation activities, the majority of which focuses on physical adaptation. The research employed the method of heuristic inquiry, which allowed for direct involvement of the researcher. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants passionate about grounding their climate justice activities in the work of love. The research findings have shown that the path of honouring love had five different, interrelated dimensions: engaging the feminine principle, blurring the self-nature boundary, connecting to awe and wonder, ongoing commitment and being authentic. Some of these dimensions were also linked to our current disconnection from inner human life and outer nature, emphasising the need to embrace psycho-emotional dimensions of motivation in order to achieve lasting change. The findings are discussed alongside suggestions for future research as well as limitations of this study.
Author: Giedre Kleivaite
Institution: Alef Trust
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4404768020