What is Active Hope?
Active Hope is based on the teachings of eco-philosopher, teacher and activist Joanna Macy.
Underpinned by a set of practices and insights (known as the Work that Reconnects), it draws on deep ecology, systems theory and spiritual traditions.
It helps us to revive our strength, discover new perspectives, gain clarity and find our purpose.
And it helps us to appreciate that we can each play a meaningful play in the transformation of our world.
How can it help?
These critical times in our lives are stirring up a lot of powerful emotions and feelings in people - anger, anxiety, confusion, guilt, overwhelm, powerlessness, isolation, indifference, ambivalence, hopelessness or more.
Whether in response to the climate and environmental crisis, the social justice crisis, or the metacrisis - a crisis of meaning, of purpose, of everything - these feelings can leave people unable to make sense, feeling stuck, and even unable to function day to day.
Or sometimes it’s quite the opposite - keeping ourselves almost addictively busy, spinning lots of plates and yet feeling we’re not really getting anywhere.
And it can feel lonely too, particularly when friends and family don’t want to talk about what’s happening in our world.
All these feelings are understandable, and quite normal.
Yet by acknowledging them, and working through them with others, we can rebuild our motivation, creativity, courage and resolve, and move from a sense of isolation and confusion towards a greater sense of participation and purpose.
Summary:
A one day online workshop (via Zoom) exploring and experiencing how “The Work that Reconnects“ can help you - personally and professionally - to face ongoing, challenging times by opening your eyes, mind, and heart.
We will discover the “Spiral” – four stages of a transformational journey that support us to move gently from grief (which can be paralysing or make you manically busy) to a deeper, calmer, sense of purpose and agency - to a place what is known as “Active Hope”, which is a practice underpinned by intention and agency, not by naive optimism.
We’ll consider the “Three Stories of our Time” - Business as Usual, the Great Unravelling, and the Great Turning - that help us to see and understand what is happening in our world..
And we’ll explore Three Dimensions of the Great Turning, which offers us a way to see that there are many many ways to be a part of the Great Turning.
All of this will help you to appreciate that you are more significant, stronger, creative, and more deeply interconnected than you may have yet realized. And you will leave with greater clarity, purpose, and a deeper realisation that in this, we all matter.
Who is this day for?
People seeking a significant personal shift towards a sense of purpose and agency
Changemakers wanting to support and inspire others
Coaches, therapists and consultants supporting others on their journey
Anyone passionate about our world, sustainability, and regeneration.
What is the format?
The day will blend a balance of input from me about the key ideas and philosophies that underpin the Work that Reconnects, with lots of opportunities for connection and discussions in pairs, small group and the whole group.
Exercises that allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings will include drawing, journalling, short meditations, prose readings and guided exercises that invite deeper experiences.
Being online (on Zoom) , we will have plenty of short breaks.
All activities are optional and there is no pressure to share anything you do not wish to.
“Active Hope is a practice.. it is about becoming active participants in bringing about what we hope for. ”
— Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone
Fee:
The fee is £165 per person (no VAT) with a reduced fee for anyone who is not earning or is low waged - please contact me.
There are just 10 places available.
Optional - 1:1 Follow Up Coaching / Mentoring session:
After the full day in person workshop if you wish you can book a 1:1 online or in-person session for you to have some confidential personal time and space for reflection and deeper pathway building. The fee is £125 for 1.5 hours, reduced fees are available.
Comments from previous Active Hope workshop participants:
"If you are looking for a way to develop or find some new meaning in your world I can recommend this as an antidote to despair and cynicism. It is a lovely, meaningful way to reflect with a few like minded people and take stock. Linda is an experienced facilitator and coach with the knack of leading you to discover new ideas and insights for a changing world."
"It really helped me to find some resilience and a sense of personal agency around the climate crisis. It was a wonderful day, with wonderful people, skilfully and sensitively facilitated by Linda in a Thinking Environment of course. I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in the face of the climate crisis and world events, perhaps a bit lonely in your feeling of “why is no one doing anything?” and want to take some positive action, I doubt there are many better places to start."
“This offered a beautifully held and welcoming space to connect with each other and reconnect with ourselves. I loved the journey through the spiral, coming away with a greater sense of possibility for our lives with this earth.”
“Good coaching has to be ethical in a sensitive, connected way that enables insightful communication and clarity of curiosity that has a truth and braveness to it. This too is the approach that will bring a truly determined energy to change our business as usual world of human pretence at life into being real life. This workshop has that energy.”
“This was a brilliant introduction to the Work That Reconnects. The mix of theory and practical exercises allowed us to fully experience the work for ourselves, whilst also understanding some of the underpinning theoretical framework. At the end of the day, I felt reconnected with my interest in environmentalism, in a way that was both gentle and powerful.”
“.. a fantastic opportunity and experience, to connect with others, reflect deeply and make sense of my own personal experience in the world today. It was challenging but equally beautiful in the sharing of wonderful conversations with great people. I really appreciated my own learning about gratitude and considering the contribution I can make to a life sustaining society. Super facilitators. Thank you!”
“Linda is a wonderful guides to this empowering and profound work. If anyone is thinking about giving this a try, I would encourage you to just do it - you won't be judged and you will definitely connect with others and be both reassured and inspired.”
NB: This will be a profound and valuable experience but is not intended as a substitute for personal therapy. If you’re experiencing extreme anxiety please contact me via here for a confidential discussion about how you can get the support you need.
To Book a Place:
Please read our Terms and Conditions including our cancellation policy before you book, then complete the form below and we will be in touch.