CHOOSING HOPE: A Path from Despair to Action
Saturday, June 4, 9:00 am-4:00 pm at Atlanta Friends Meeting, 701 W. Howard Ave, Decatur GA, 30030

We live in an extraordinary moment on Earth. As we witness unprecedented devastation of ecological, social, and political systems, we can feel overwhelmed by anger, sadness, fear, and other difficult emotions. How can we remain resilient, creative, and energized to act for the healing of our world?  

Based on the work of Joanna Macy known as "The Work That Reconnects," this participatory workshop is based on over four decades of community work with thousands of people around the world. It is designed to help transform hopelessness and paralysis into inspiration and a sense of empowerment.

We will explore gratitude, anger, grief, and hope, and move into a deeper understanding of how to create our best collective future. We will end the workshop with exercises to help us support one another as we go forth and join others who work towards a more sustainable, just, and peaceful world where all beings can thrive.

Participants are invited to join us the following day for an outdoor immersive experience that takes the workshop material to a deeper level.

COUNCIL OF ALL BEINGS
Sunday, June 5, 2:00-5:00 pm at Lake Claire Community Land Trust, 270 Arizona Ave. NE, Atlanta GA 30307

“The Council of All Beings is a communal ritual in which participants step aside from their human identity and speak on behalf of another life-form. A simple structure for spontaneous expression, it aims to heighten awareness of our interdependence in the living body of Earth, and to strengthen our commitment to defend it. The ritual serves to help us acknowledge and give voice to the suffering of our world. It also serves, in equal measure, to help us experience the beauty and power of our interconnectedness with all life.” – Joanna Macy

We'll begin with a meditation where we will allow ourselves to be chosen by a being for whom we will speak in Council - a specific animal, plant, river, mountain, etc. We will take some time to reflect on this life-form or landform, then make a mask that we will wear into the Council. Mask materials will be provided, or bring your own. During the Council, these beings will come forth one by one to speak of their powers and perspectives, concerns and challenges they face, and strengths they can offer to the humans to help us make the changes necessary to restore the Earth and the human family to vibrant health. We will close by releasing the beings we have represented and thanking them for the privilege of speaking for them.

Both workshops are offered on a gift-economy basis, free of charge. Donations will be gratefully accepted to further the work of Green Friends, Nuclear Watch South, and The Work That Reconnects.