Green Healthcare - Collective Wellbeing for People and Planet.

Abstract

Background: As global climate change accelerates, the crisis of species survival invites holistic ways of knowing. There is a resurgence of engagement in Indigenous spiritual wellbeing systems as part of anti-colonial liberation movements. Green collective wellbeing systems (GreenCoWell) offer opportunities to heal both people and the planet, addressing the notion of separation between life forms.

Objective: We plan to study and elaborate upon 6 BIPOC health practices based on interconnection, including family constellation healing (Zulu nation, Southern Africa), fa (Ghana), yoga (India), shinrinyoku (Japan), Danza Azteca (Central America), and one practice to be identified in the course of the study. From a feminist, anti-racism and decolonial lens, our work aims to support ways of knowing which originate from the Global South and Indigenous communities.

Methods: Applying a participatory action research approach, we will blend qualitative and arts-based methods to portray 6 global GreenCoWell. Healers from each tradition will be interviewed separately and will engage in a collective dialogue on the desire, need, and methods for proliferating GreenCoWell systems.

Results: The results of this project will be a film, poems, stories, academic products, social media messages, and a manifesto emanating from the collective dialogue.

Conclusion: This mixed methods arts-based, feminist, anti-racism, and decolonial project brings together healers from 6 traditions, representing a novel approach to addressing climate change. Those who practice GreenCoWell engage in environmental conservation. Our long term aspiration is for more people to experience mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing through these and related GreenCoWell and take action for climate justice.