Fresh Air & Fresh Ideas: Alcohol and Solitude
“In an age of speed, I began to think, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still.”
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the third edition of Embrace the Planet!
I’m so happy you are here reading this. Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery, action, and connection. Together, I want us all to explore how to engage with our planet, each other and to inspire a bit of change—whether through small steps at home or through stories of resilience and innovation. I hope this month’s edition sparks new ideas and conversations that resonate with you.
🌟 Leadership in Action: Pioneers of the Possible
February 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST, I’m thrilled to host a live conversation on YouTube with Dr. Ken Druck, a leading expert in grief literacy. Grief touches all of us, and in today’s world, it feels more present than ever. Dr. Druck will share powerful insights on how we can navigate loss with self-compassion, patience, and resilience.
Instead of letting grief weigh us down, how can we honor our loved ones, our material losses through fires or natural disasters, process our pain, and turn sorrow into meaningful action? At a time when so many are struggling, finding ways to transform loss into purpose is more important than ever. Let’s explore how we can manage this—together.
Teachers: If you’d like your class to join free, please register here To see more about Ken Druck and to get a sneak peak at our guest for March? Pioneers of the Possible
🍃 Fresh Air & Fresh Ideas: Alcohol and Solitude
Dry January and the sober-curious movement have been on my mind lately. Like many of you, I’ve been reflecting on my relationship with alcohol. I have bold plans—getting into better shape, being present for the people I care about, and creating new possibilities. But let’s be honest: almost every celebration revolves around alcohol. We join in because we don’t want to miss out, but what are we really missing out on because of drinking? A better night’s sleep? More focus and energy? Feeling better and achieving our goals?
The U.S. Surgeon General recently released a report stating that alcohol is the leading preventable cause of cancer. It’s a stark reminder that, just like with climate change, we know the facts—so what now? For me, the better I take care of myself, the better I can inspire others. Are you drinking more than you want to? If so, here’s a great podcast to help you reflect on what alcohol might be doing to your body.
On a related note, my dear friend Geoff O’Keefe, Executive Director of Zen Peacemakers, recently had a profound conversation with essayist Pico Iyer. Their discussion about solitude struck a deep chord with me, especially after my 19 months in Svalbard 2019-21, where silence and the natural world reigned supreme. Pico shared, “I often feel closer to the people I care for in solitude than when they’re in the same room.”
In a world that’s constantly overstimulating us, solitude offers a chance to reconnect with our deeper selves. Pico said, “The more the world accelerates, the more we misplace something fundamental… Solitude reminds me I’m just a drop in the ocean, part of something much larger and enduring.”
I invite you to listen to their full conversation and carve out moments of solitude in your day—time to untangle your thoughts, listen to your heart, and let your creativity come alive.
❄️ Stories From the Edge: The "Ice Stupa" Miracle
2025 is a big year for the cryosphere—it marks the end of the International Polar Year (IPY) 2022-2025, a global effort to study Earth’s frozen regions. As glaciers and ice sheets rapidly change, stories of innovation give me hope.
One of my favorites comes from Ladakh, India, where engineer Sonam Wangchuk created “ice stupas”—artificial glaciers that store winter water in towering ice cones. These structures slowly melt in spring, providing water for farming and drinking in one of the most arid regions on Earth. Not only is this idea practical, but it’s also visually stunning—imagine giant ice sculptures standing tall in the desert! Wangchuk’s work has inspired similar projects worldwide, proving that creativity and local knowledge can tackle even the toughest climate challenges.
🌍 Action Items You’ll Love
Here are 9 powerful ways to bridge divides in climate conversations, inspired by the brilliant Dr. Katharine Hayhoe:
1.Start with Shared Values : Find common ground—talk about what people already care about.
2. Listen First: Build trust by understanding their concerns.
3. Avoid Dire Warnings: Focus on positive solutions, not fear.
4. Use Local Examples: Relate climate impacts to their immediate environment.
5. Make it Personal: Share stories that resonate.
6. Focus on Solutions: Highlight practical, actionable steps.
7. Be Patient: Change takes time—persistence pays off.
8. Highlight Economic Benefits: Show how climate action boosts jobs and the economy.
9. Emphasize Health: Link climate action to cleaner air, water, and healthier communities.
Dr. Hayhoe’s book “Saving Us” is a must-read for anyone passionate about climate action. And if you’re looking for ways to talk to your kids about climate change, here’s some useful content to get started.
Let’s turn awareness into action, grief into purpose, and solitude into strength. The future of our planet—and our shared humanity—depends on the steps we take today.
With gratitude and hope, Sunniva xx
