Staying with the Trouble

Embodying eco-wisdom is a deep and long-term commitment to the place we inhabit. It is a commitment that rewards by embracing discomfort and challenge. 

Paul Kingsnorth recently said in an interview on Rebel Wisdom that he holds on to his religious faith, even when there are parts that he doesn’t like. And that the reward and learning curve comes from the commitment to hanging in there. 

When I talk to people about living sustainability, especially to media, they long for a confirmation that we don’t need to struggle to become a regenerative society, that it can be fun and easy. And while I agree that it can be, I also acknowledge that it is hard sometimes. Yet, in recent years, I found the beauty, depth, and aliveness that comes from - as Donna Haraway puts it - “staying with the trouble” is the real reward.