Earth
The spiritual blight of separation -- from each other and the Earth -- plagues modern humanity and is the underlying root of the ecological crisis or our times; the culturally-conditioned, competitive, isolated self is the engine of the 6th extinction spasm currently unfolding around us. Arne Naess, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of Oslo University who coined the term "deep ecology", said that "ecological ideas are not enough"; we need "ecological identity, ecological self". Naess says that this is to be brought about through community therapies, "healing our relations to a widest community, that of all living beings". In this workshop, we participate in a series of ceremonies and rituals synchronous with those used by indigenous peoples throughout time. Through creative exercises, despairwork and meditations, we acknowledge our interconnectedness with air, water and soil as we invite the spontaneous healing of psyche and dissolve the illusion of our disconnection from the living Earth.

Spirit
Through meditation, breath and dialogue we explore the question: How do we engage in social or ecological change work from a place of heart and spirit? Throughout the workshop we weave issues of effectiveness, burn-out, conflict, and how spiritual connection with the living Earth empowers and sustains creative and joyous action.

Action
John, Ruth and many of the participants in these workshops have been ecological and social activists for decades. Through films, song and poetry we share our stories of ecological and social justice.

Australian author, musician and film-maker John Seed is a longtime rainforest activist and, with Joanna Macy, creator of The Council of All Beings www.rainforestinfo.org.au/deep-eco/johnseed.htm

Ruth Rosenhek conducts environmental and social justice campaigns, facilitates experiential deep ecology workshops, teaches on spiritual engagement and directs the Dharma Gaia Trust http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/deep-eco/rosenhek.htm