Coming Back to Life

New edition - All text revised and updated as neededAdd more graphics and boxed quotationsCOMING BACK TO LIFE: An (Updated?) Guide to the Work That Reconnectsby Joanna Macy and Molly Young BrownTABLE OF CONTENTSPermissionsMessage from Dalai LamaForeword by Matthew FoxPreface to Second Edition by Joanna Macy Preface to Second Edition by Molly Young Brown 1. TO CHOOSE LIFEWe can still opt for a sustainable world Choosing our story* Industrial Growth Society - business as usual Most widely espoused, hear it from government, industry, corporate media, schools. Ever increasing need for to fight for markets and resources. War on terror both within and without. American lifestyle non-negotiable* The Great Unraveling - evident when we look at the costs of the Industrial Growth Society: Wastage, poisoning and fraying of cultural and eco-systems the world over Scientists, activists, journalists call attention to die-offs and systems collapse. What industrial growth really is, what it costs, neocolonialism, long term effects * The Great Turning - the third revolution of the human journey: transition from IGS to a life-sustaining society. Its three main dimensions (with plenty of current examples) are mutually reinforcing, and why their multiplicity is good news for activists. 1. "holding actions" to slow the destruction of life on Earth 2. analysis of structural causes and creation of alternative institutions3. shift in perceptions of reality, in science and spirituality 2. THE GREATEST DANGER: THE CLOSING OF MIND & HEARTIntroductionPain for the world Why we close down mind and heart: fear of pain, fear of despair, fear of being labeled (doom and gloom, fanatic, conspiracy theorist, unpatriotic, weak or emotional), distrust of our own intelligence, wishful thinking, fear of guilt (add Iraq, Afghanistan, torture, incarceration, climate change, drone warfare, imperialism), cynicism, job and time pressuresWhat happens to us when we close down: fragmentation and alienation, escapist activities, fear and belligerence, acquiescing and obedience, blaming and scapegoating, diminished intellectual performance, and burn-out. Fear of speaking the truth.What happens to our world when we close down: Feedback to the larger systems is denied so they can't self-correct. Loss of complexity and intelligence in favor of conformity and uniformity. Increasing oscillations and collapse. Careening climate chaos. Runaway positive feedback loops Coming back to life3. THE BASIC MIRACLE: OUR TRUE NATURE AND POWERLiving Systems TheoryHow life self-organizes Every open system is a wholeEvery open system self-regulatesEvery open system adapts to changeEvery system is a holonThe holonic shift in consciousnessGaia Theory Positive disintegration (no human has ever faced climate change, radioactivity, etc before. No formulas or examples to follow. Systems to survive remain open to feedback and self-organize in response. Need for truth-telling and steadying practices.)Deep Ecology: (Keep introductory paragraphs--include material from previous section Asking Deeper Questions) Beyond anthropocentrism The ecological self Related movementso Ecofeminism o Ecopsychologyo ecojustice - precautionary principle, environmental justice o Rights of Nature/Mother Earth, Rights of Future Generations Ancient Teachings: the Abrahamic religions, indigenous spirituality, Asian traditions, esp. Buddhist teachingsThe Nature of Our Power: Power-over power-with feedback and the power of disclosure and refusal synergy and grace4. WHAT IS THE WORK THAT RECONNECTS?Emergence of the Work-definition, story, give-away, dynamic, inclusive (many tributaries)The Aims of the WorkBasic AssumptionsThe Spiral of the WorkThe Shambhala Prophecy [indent in italics or grey background] 5. FACILITATING THE WORK THAT RECONNECTSThe Value of Working in Groups Attributes of Good Facilitator Deep familiarity with work At ease speaking publicly Comfortable guiding groupsTasks of the facilitator Challenges for facilitators Helping People Speak And ListenDealing with People's stylesWorking with Strong EmotionsOther stresses In Guiding Group WorkTips for Facilitatorso When not to read the book, and what to do instead.o Participate in the exercises.o Opportunities for networkingo Making an altaro Shambhala Prophecy, when and how to use.ArrangementsThe Workshop SettingLength of timeSize of the groupPromotionRoster with emails, phones, and areas of interest-photos if possible[Heading to be composed] Opening The WorkshopSustaining Group Energy And ParticipationClosing the workshopClosing circle, follow-up, evaluations]6. COMING FROM GRATITUDE(keep quote and Introductory paragraph)Reflections on gratitude (Can be offered after exercises when participants share their own reflections.)Exercises Warm-Ups: Opening with breath, body, sound, & silence Group Introductions Open Sentences on Gratitude (with tips on Open Sentence process) The Mirror Walk Evoking the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address Presenting the Great Turning, Open Sentences on the Great Turning Wheel of the Great TurningNote on the presence of gratitude throughout the work7. HONORING OUR PAIN FOR THE WORLD (Replace quotation with one on pain from Gibran, The Prophet)(Opening paragraphs-keep)Notes on Guiding These Exercises References to Chapter 5Exercises Small Group Sharing Open Sentences Breathing Through (see Chap. 12) The Milling I Don't Care The Truth Mandala The Despair Ritual Bowl of TearsThe Cairn of Mourning Spontaneous Writing Imaging with Colors and Clay Bestiary-see Chapter 9Wrap-up Timing of these exercises Four-line Compassion Rap 8. SEEING WITH NEW EYES (Keep second couplet of quote-or find a better one)(Introductory paragraphs - same)Nature of the Shift (What opens the eyes)Brain Food: * key concepts,* pointers for teaching themExercises The Systems Game (+ new ones) When I Made a Difference (formerly "Tales of Power") Widening Circles The Cradling "Who Are You?" The Dance to Dismember the Ego My Choices for This LifeSeeing with New Eyes continues through next 2 chapters 9. DEEP TIME WORK: RECONNECTING WITH PAST AND FUTURE GENERATIONSA Sane Relationship to Time Exercises Invoking the Beings of the Three Times Cosmic Walk Harvesting the Gifts of the Ancestors Eco-Milling Evolutionary Remembering Tape Recording to the Future Letter from the Future Seventh Generation Practice The Power of Long Term IntentionFuture beings teach us Bodhichitta 10. DEEP ECOLOGY WORK: REJOINING THE NATURAL WORLDOpening paragraphsReclaiming Our Nature as Nature Exercises: The Gifts of the Animals or the Eco-Milling The Evolutionary Remembering The Bestiary Mirror Walk Mini-vision quest Stone-tellingMore outdoor exercises The Council of All Beings Shamantic Voices and Practices Returning NowReverence for the living earth rooted in all traditions 11. GOING FORTHDiscoveries we have made so far in the Work That Reconnects Exercises Communicating Our Concerns and HopesGoals and Resources Consultation Groups Clearness Committee Corbett Dialoging with MaraBowing to the Adversaries Planning Actions Learning to See Each Other Circle of Blessings Things to Remember at Parting Follow-up plans Group meeting Buddy system Roster exchange Dedication to the sacred living body of Earth and the Great Turning12. MEDITATIONS FOR COMING BACK TO LIFE The Web of Life Gaia Meditation Death Meditation Loving Kindness Breathing-Through Great Ball of Merit Learning To See Each Other or The Four Abodes 13. WORKING WITH PARTICULAR POPULATIONS Children and Young People Communities of Color Elders? Incarcerated people? APPENDIX A: The BestiaryAPPENDIX B: Sample Workshop OutlinesRESOURCES