It is the destruction of the world

In our own lives that drives us

half insane, and more than half.

To destroy that which we were given

in trust; how will we bear it?

Wendell Berry

The deep imagination is our primary resource for recognizing the emerging future, for “seeing” the visionary possibilities of what we can create right now – individually and collectively… It is our essential resource for all genuine human creativity.

                                                            ~ Bill Plotkin

I was recently listening to an audio book by climate scientist Kate Marvel, titled: Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet. This book is not for the faint of heart. When it comes to the subject of carbon emissions and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (mainly from human activities like burning fossil fuels) and the resultant global warming, Marvel takes off the “kid gloves” and calls it like she sees it. 

In Human Nature, the author describes the Earth’s changing climate framed through human emotions – nine chapters for nine emotions. Frankly, the only way I made it through the early chapters of Guilt, Fear, and Grief was that I peeked ahead and saw that the last two chapters were titled Hope and Love. 

If I’m being completely honest, the reading of Human Nature left me fairly rattled, and in need of support.  I performed a Google search for “Environmental Grief Support,” and was reminded of the work of Joanna Macy.

“Joanna Macy,” I said to myself. “Of course it’s Joanna Macy.” 

From there, the pieces to a workshop fell easily into place. Initially motivated by self-preservation, I called my eco-hero friend Allyson Siwik and asked her if Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP) would like to partner with Lotus Center to produce a Joanna Macy-informed workshop. “Yes” was her quick and enthusiastic reply. 

I then reached out to nonviolent communication guru Karen Starz and asked her if she was familiar with Macy’s work. Karen said that she was, indeed, familiar with Macy and her work, and that NVC – which, perhaps above all, emphasizes the vitality of connection – draws frequently and strongly from her work. Boom. We had our facilitator for the workshop.

A quick call to the venerable Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and our workshop venue was secured.

The last piece to fall into place for this workshop the people who are ready to face what is happening with an open heart and mind… people who want to use their grief about our changing planet to awaken themselves and others to greater aliveness and compassion. Are you ready? Are you able?

About the Workshop…

Nevertheless, They Persisted; Grief and Courage in Times of Environmental Peril is a 1+day workshop that has as its foundation Joanna Macy’s “Work that Reconnects” program, as described in her book, Coming Back to Life. In his praise of Macy’s book, author John Robbins writes:

We live in truly perilous times. If you want to face what is happening with an open heart and mind, if you want to use your suffering to awaken to greater aliveness and compassion, this book is for you. Coming Back to Life doesn’t just teach that our suffering can be the birthplace for greater capacity for healing. It shows you how. It’s a brilliant guidebook to the power you have at your core to let your light shine its brightest even in the presence of fear and planetary anguish. If you want true wisdom for tough times, if you want to connect with your joy even in the midst of sadness, if you want to see new life arise out of despair, Coming Back to Life has my highest  possible recommendation. 

Our intention for the Nevertheless, They Persisted workshop is to match these inspiring words by Mr. Robbins. Will you join us?

On behalf of both GRIP and Lotus Center,

Jeff Goin
Silver City

Nevertheless, They Persisted; Grief and Courage in Times of Environmental Peril
January 2; 6:00 – 8:00 PM
January 3; 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Location: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Silver City; 3845 N. Swan Street
Cost: $45
To register…

Notes: 

• BYO lunch; participants are asked to remain on campus during the entire workshop.
•  Reading Coming Back to Life prior to the workshop will be helpful but not required.