✨ Could being a little bit kinder to ourselves be the secret to collective climate courage?

In this episode of Climate Courage, Emily Toner, Clinical Psychologist, explores how self-compassion is the missing link we are to build the resilience and courage needed for the challenges ahead.

Building on the last session—where listeners examined unhelpful beliefs that fuel overwhelm and powerlessness—this conversation turns to the practice of tending to our inner nature with compassion rather than criticism. The research is clear, self-criticism is demotivating and keeps us from taking action, whereas self-compassion is shown to increase resilience, innovation, and willingness to take meaningful risks.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• Why criticism is demotivating—and how compassion fosters courage.
• How to move from “not enough” thinking to “I am nature, I am powerful.”
• Practical ways to pause and respond with kindness in moments of eco-anxiety or climate despair.
• Why self-compassion is not a luxury but a radically important practice for climate resilience and collective wellbeing.

🌿 What will you water your inner nature with today? Criticism, or kindness?

Resources & Links
→ For more support, workshops and resources visit: emilytoner.com
→ Support the creation of this work: ko-fi.com/climatecourage

Missed the beginning? Start from Episode 1: “Climate Courage — Seeing the Human Side of the Crisis”