It’s heartbreaking to remain conscious and engaged in these troubling times. Everywhere we turn, we experience the unraveling of our societies and our world: ICE raids in our communities, rise of authoritarianism, systemic racism and oppression, armed conflicts, global climate change, poverty, mass extinctions, etc. The fear, grief, anger, and helplessness we feel can be unbearable because it’s not just our personal pain; it’s the collective pain of all life on Earth. How can we face these crises and not fall apart? How do we turn our overwhelming feelings into inspired action? The Work That Reconnects offers us a way forward together, to move from crisis to connection.

The Work That Reconnects is a life-changing and life-affirming group process that is made for these times. The Work That Reconnects is infused with teachings and practices from engaged Buddhism, deep ecology, systems theory, deep time and spiritual traditions. Joanna Macy, the root teacher of the Work, was a Buddhist scholar, eco-philosopher and activist. She brought the teachings of the Shambhala Warrior and the Bodhisattva into WTR offerings.

In this workshop, we come together to create a supportive community for our truth speaking and imagination.  We will ground ourselves in gratitude, honor our pain for the world, expand our sense of self, power and connection, strengthen our resilience and find clarity around how we can play a part in the healing of our communities and our planet.

This one-day workshop includes transformative rituals, deep sharing, quiet reflection, inspirational readings, song, movement and celebration. It’s engaging, invigorating and gives us tools for dealing with the challenges of living in troubling times.

Schedule for the day: Doors will be open at 8:30am. Please arrive in time to get settled and ready for a 9:00am start. We will have breaks throughout the day and one hour for lunch. You are encouraged to bring a lunch and a water bottle. A refrigerator and microwave are available for use. We will end at 5:00pm.

Exchange: $140; $100 for Ancient Dragon Zen Gate sangha participants. If this payment presents a hardship to you and you feel strongly called to join this offering, please email Kathleen at kathleen@gaiawisdom.org.

Facilitated by Kathleen Rude, a senior Work That Reconnects facilitator who was mentored by Joanna Macy. She is also a shamanic practitioner, ceremonial leader, teacher and author.