Humans are hardwired to form relationships. We form relationships not only with other humans, but also with non-human life and the natural world. These relationships can be supportive and beneficial to general well-being, but they can also become destructive, encouraging the dominance of a person, race, or species.
Relationships have the power to bolster mutually beneficial interactions between humans, as well as between humans and the non-human–plants, animals, fungi, microbes, ecosystems, planets, atmospheres…even rocks! This power is why it’s so important to support positive relationship building.
Positive relationships provide the fuel to help us stay the course–to maintain psychological well-being, to find solidarity and community, and to multiply our efforts to address the climate crisis.