In the midst of the chaotic COP29 climate negotiations in Baku, Kaveh Guilanpour, from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, took a pause for a meditation session hosted by the WCCM Earth Crisis. This group, introduced by Kate Middleton, aims to bring meditation to those working on the climate crisis, recognizing its potential to facilitate the necessary “social transformation of consciousness” for healing our relationship with the Earth.
Kaveh, speaking from the heart of the negotiations, described the challenging environment as both the worst and the best place to seek stillness. He emphasised the need to step back from ego-driven attempts to change others’ minds, advocating instead for deep listening and understanding. He highlighted the unifying power of silence, contrasting it with the potential for division inherent in words, especially prevalent in a negotiation setting.
Laurence Freeman, WCCM Director, lled the meditation, drawing parallels between the challenges of climate negotiations and the meditator’s role in a chaotic world. He stressed the importance of inner change as the starting point for affecting external change, quoting I Ching’s first hexagram, “The Creative,” to illustrate the potential for optimism and perseverance.
This meditation session served as a powerful reminder of the importance of finding stillness and inner peace, even amidst the turmoil of complex global challenges. It highlighted the potential for meditation to foster the clarity, compassion, and resilience needed to navigate the path towards a more sustainable future.
