The Promise of Our Dark Age:

The Wisdom, Strength and Beauty We Are Discovering

Living Earth is grateful to offer an intensive residential course this summer with Joanna Macy, revered Buddhist scholar, living systems theorist, and deep ecologist. For five days in early July, Joanna will lead us in an exploration of "the promise of our dark age."

In planning this workshop, Joanna noted, "As we free ourselves from the delusions and dependencies bred by the industrial growth society, something wonderful can happen to us. If we manage to steer clear of panic, we may well find at last the wild power of our creativity and solidarity." As we move through this unprecedented era of planetary transition, this creativity and solidarity are the most powerful gifts we can contribute to "the great turning."

Joanna Macy's work on despair and empowerment, her Work that Reconnects, and her understanding of our era as an epic time of Great Turning, are legendary. A respected scholar and dedicated activist, Joanna is a powerful voice in the anti-nuclear movement as well as communities for peace, justice, environmental defense, and ecological consciousness.

Joanna's four decades of intense commitment to this work give her impeccable stature, authority, and depth. Thousands of activists around the world who work for peace, justice, ecological integrity, and a sustainable future have been profoundly influenced by Joanna's workshops, retreats, and presentations , as well as her countless articles and a dozen books.

Elements of our July program will include:

• Conceptual learning (living systems theory, dynamics of an industrial growth society, requirements for a life sustaining society, deep ecology, and current evidence of the Great Turning);
• Spiritual practice (drawn from many traditions and especially from Buddhist teachings and meditations for the training of the bodhisattva);
• Interactive processes (including despair work, deep ecology and deep time exercises, rituals, and collaborative small group work).

Joanna Macy received her PhD in comparative religions, and has led workshops and retreats around the world. The Work that Reconnects offers a dynamic framework for personal and social change at a critical time for our planet. More information: JoannaMacy.net

Space at this summer's retreat is limited; early registration is encouraged.

Retreat Location

The Still Meadow Retreat Center is a beautiful facility located 30 minutes from Portland, Oregon in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. A creek runs through the 60-acre site, which includes open meadows, organic gardens, and old growth forest, as well as a beautiful gathering hall and meeting spaces, lodging, a sauna and dining services.

There are several options for accommodations. Rooms are spacious, light, and comfortable. A limited number of camping spaces are available for participants bringing their own tents.

Registration rates include three delicious vegetarian meals daily and all retreat fees; please notify Living Earth at time of registration if you have special dietary or mobility requirements.