Wisdom Tree...

The Climate Wisdom Studio hosted by Raja Yoga Center in Dubai brings together experts from science, politics and spirituality to explore new avenues to tackle the climate crisis.

The panel of experts for this evening are Sonja Ohlsson, Director – Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative and Mark Ballabon, Environmentalist and Acclaimed Author of ‘Home’.  

Chaitya Sanghavi, Research Analyst and Youth Rep moderated the session and set the context on the need for being ‘climate positive’ because of the visible protests and aggression visible around the world when it comes to climate change.

Mark Bellabon has the philosophy that we should not fight against those who are not doing much about climate change. We can stand against them but put our feet in the path of what we are fighting for. Focus on all the positive things that we can do, starting with the self. Just like nature gives more than it takes, create your internal climate that allows you to make sustainable choices in every little thing you do.  Start a small garden kitchen, recycle or even adjust the tap while brushing teeth. The foundation of reducing your carbon footprint, he continued, begins with the question, ‘what kind of person do I want to be? In other words, should I be constantly taking or giving?

Sonja Ohlsson shared that sustainable actions are easy when you are feeling good about yourself. She spoke of someone she knew who would go out of his way to segregate and recycle the waste from his house, but whenever he was in a bad mood, everything would go in one bin and then to the dump. Sonja’s ongoing personal focus this year was to simplify herself in this complex world and to find the strength to live by her values through meditation, an inspiration for many others who wish to make a difference to our planet. Sonja then awakened a deep sense of gratitude for everything around us and created a peaceful inner climate through a guided meditation commentary.