The Work that Reconnects **SOLD OUT**

What is this about?

The Work that Reconnects is an interactive body of work developed by Joanna Macy, a scholar and respected elder in systems theory, deep ecology and ancient wisdom traditions. Its purpose is to help people connect to their love and pain for this world so we can prepare to take part in its healing in a grounded and sustainable way. The practices safely invite engagement with what is present right now: the immensity of the despair as well as the beauty and potential for personal and group empowerment.

The most radical thing any of us can do at this time is to be fully present to what is happening in the world. - Joanna Macy

It’s heartbreaking to remain conscious in our crazy times.  Everywhere we turn we see the Great Unraveling of our society. Between the pandemic and global climate change, systemic racism and police brutality, gross income inequity, the collapse of our health and care system and more, it’s clear we can’t continue with Business As Usual.

This might leave us thinking we are powerless, or lead to feelings of guilt or denial. It can result in getting burnt out from over-acting or turning inward and numbing ourselves because we feel we cannot cope with it all anymore. But when we deny or suppress our pain for the world, we undermine our innate ability to contribute to its healing.

In this workshop we come together as a community to explore our inner responses to the condition of our world. We meet each other beyond labels, everyone is welcome.

What happens in the workshops?

This is not a place to discuss or debate the causes of our global crises or decide on the best collective actions or strategies. It is an interactive workshop, with a range of experiential exercises. Through 1-2-1 and group sharing, ritual and short meditation practices we gain a different perspective and connect to our innate resilience.

We will sit with the following questions:

What can we learn from these tragedies?

How do we tap into the wisdom that will carry us through these next generations?

How are we going to live our lives fully, with inner peace and courage (and even joy) as we confront a world that is destroying itself?

What tools can we organise?

With all this going on, what is mine to do, right now?

We will create a space to touch our grief for what is happening to our world, expand our perspectives, and emerge with a new sense of how we want to show up with our gifts in this unique time in history.

How to take part?

The workshop uses Joanna Macy's framework The Spiral as its foundation:

• Coming from Gratitude
• Honoring Our Pain for the World
• Seeing with New and Ancient Eyes
• Going Forth

The series runs from 9:30am – 5pm with a potluck lunch. You are invited to bring vegan/vegetarian food to share. Coffee and tea will be provided.

You can register here or send me an e-mail at eveline.tijs@outlook.com.

How much does it cost?

Contribution of 10 GBP for cost of venue hire for the day. Your space is secured upon payment. There will be no refunds to avoid last minute cancellations.

Options:

- Paypal: http://paypal.me/evelinetijs (Please use friends and family option to avoid a charge and add a note with your full name and 'WTR')

- Bank transfer: Eveline Tijs, Triodos account nr: 21847282, sort code: 16-58-10

**If you are currently in crisis emotionally or psychologically, this series might not be appropriate. In case you are feeling overwhelmed, or think that you might be at risk because of these emotions, it is recommended to ensure the right support by a mental health professional.**

For more information have a look at www.evelinetijs.co.uk. For questions please contact me via eveline.tijs@outlook.com.

Where is it?

Christ Church Hall, London Road, St-Leonards.

Link here: https://goo.gl/maps/s9qKMYop3XoKTUsBA

What do previous participants say?

"'The work that reconnects-online' was a beautiful opportunity to spend time sharing with others in an open and honest safe space. Having time to see and be seen, hear and be heard gave me a sense of grounding and calm. It was a time to express some emotions and allow myself to let go a little. I believe that we all innately need and want connection and that open-hearted connection leads to transformation. It is a testament to Eveline that even in a short 3-hour online session I had a really meaningful experience with the other participants."

"Eveline held a really beautiful space to facilitate this work, we were able to safe while exploring these tender topics. The group setting, even amongst 'strangers', is so beneficial - sharing, being witnessed and heard as we work through this. Saying that, there was no pressure to open up beyond our comfort levels. This feels like important work that we must all keep doing."

"The workshop with Eveline was a valuable opportunity to open up to our deep connection with the world and one another, through expressing our gratitude and grief at this time of change. Eveline's assured facilitation created a supportive space for us to share and connect."

"This course was an invaluable way to begin sharing thoughts and experiences relating to climate breakdown and the ecological emergency we face. I completed this course at time when the world is battling coronavirus and normal life is paused. As we self-isolate in our homes and have the time to stop and reflect on life, the online format of this course facilitated a powerful and emotional human connection. By sharing my thoughts and hearing the experiences of others, I found some renewed hope for the future and sensed there is a better way to live and appreciate the present."