Active Hope - spirals and vows

What happens when we make vows to ourselves and our community to live with the intention of the welfare of all beings?

Joanna Macy connects Buddhism, ecology, systems theory and activism in her workshops on "The Work that Reconnects". Written into book form along with Dr. Chris Johnstone, Active Hope lays out the key elements for moving through this spiral. Worthy of reflection and intention in what they call a "study-action group", the book provides paradigm-shifting concepts and exercises to pull people together in deeper commitment to the work to confront the difficulties we face on the world, what they call "The Great Turning". 

They describe this work as a spiral: the circle that goes around and around, but gets deeper and wider each time. You repeat but you never duplicate. This practice is about coming from gratitude; honoring our pain; seeing with new eyes; and going forth. Based in psychology, there are deep emotional aspects of this work, but they are also key to systems theory, to the interconnectedness of all we do, and building up our own empowerment to live in the world with the integrity we yearn for. 

 

Art by Dori Midnight

Gratitude, of course, is the first step. It is the foundation, as is the Sacred Principle. This is the basis, so that all our actions and decisions are rooted in this feeling. Gratitude for the earth, for all that supports us to live, and recognition of our interdependence, is crucial to treating the earth, and all that supports us to live, with respect, care and love. 

Another aspect in the book is about building the muscles for action. Redefining power is part of that: shifting from a view of power-over where accumulation and conflict are dominant to one of internal power, or empowerment. The focus here is on inner strengths, which are qualities that are not necessary innate but can be learned, practiced, and strengthened -- the more we do them. So each time we step up, we build those muscles. And we start seeing power as power-with, as we work in community, with each person playing their unique role. 

"With the consciousness shift of the Great Turning, we recognize ourselves as intimately connected with all life, like a cell within a larger body. To call an individual cell "successful" while the larger body sickens or dies is complete nonsense" (p 224). 

Success, power, a good life, wealth, growth, time - these concepts all need to be reconceptualized in the Great Turning. The shift from a "Business as usual" narrative based in capitalism, competition and commodities, through the "Great Unraveling" futulism and disaster, into the emergence and possibility of an epic transition at all levels of society, culture, and structures - requires bold imagination mixed with committed follow through. 

This transition, as Macy and Johnstone note, is already well underway. They identify three mutually reinforcing dimensions: holding actions - to call out damage done and safeguard against further destruction; reinventions through life-sustaining systems and practices; and the shift in consciousness. Here is where the deep, personal work happens -- but it happens even better in community. Combining our ideas, convictions, talents and power, we build a stronger movement for change. 

I find this work deeply spiritual, and feel a strong resonance with much of the way it is explained and laid out in Active Hope. The material lends itself to a study-action group, and many hours of reflection, writing, and practicing. I do hope to continue to engage with Macy´s work, ideally through in-person workshops, as I feel it provides some tools and perspectives that often feel just out of reach for many people, including myself. There is a clear process here to move people into a new paradigm, and brainstorm some very concrete actions and roles they can take to help participate in the Great Turning.

One element I especially liked in the book are the vows that are said at the end of the workshops. Upon recommendation from a young monk, Macy developed these 5 vows, enough to fit on one hand:

I vow to myself and to each of you:

To commite myself daily to the healing of our worl and the welfare of all beings. 

To live on Earth more lightly and less violently

in the food, products, and energy I consume. 

 

To draw strength and guidance from the living Earth,

the ancestors, the future generations,

and my brothers and sisters of all species.

 

To supports others in our work for the world

and to ask for help when I need it. 

 

To pursue a daily practice

that clarifies my mind, strengthens my heart, 

and supports me in observing these vows. 

(p. 202-3)

 

 

Art by Leonardo Digenio

 

 Macy, Joanna and Chris Johnstone. Active Hope: How to face the mess we´re in without going crazy. New World Library, 2012.

*I hope Macy and Johnstone revise the title to find a new adjective that does not stigmatize mental illness.