“We can be on the brink
of climate collapse, environmental ruin, personal trauma,
social chaos and benighted attempts to restore ‘normality’ which
can increase the devastation.Or we can be on the threshold
of new beginnings, of wild mind and heart,
of community with all beings,
of revitalizing and protecting Earth, of sanctuary,
of responding We,
of accessing Indigenous wisdom and earthways,
of making true amends by changing our lives!”
Deena Metzger
What would it look like to step out of our collective cultural pathology and into a new and ancient story that would (re)wild, (re)ensoul and (re)birth our Selves and our world?
The journey begins by leaving the “Old Story” – the Story that is no longer viable. While remaining responsibly aware of what is perpetuating the degradation of people and our planet such as patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism, racism, and misogyny, we do not feed it. Instead, we begin to free our body/mind/spirit from dysfunctional paradigms and behaviors, and to focus our life force energy on what is life-affirming, creative and generative.
Our first task is to create a sacred sanctuary, an island of sanity, both within and without, in solitude and in community. We give ourselves permission to invite in only what strengthens and nurtures our creative life force, allowing us to process our emotions and clear our vision. We witness to the unfolding world around us with eyes and heart wide open, unflinchingly accepting the possibilities of even the most dire planetary outcomes, and ask ourselves how, then, shall I live? This is a powerful journey of descent to our depths where we can meet our own deepest nature and give it voice.
The Being Change sanctuary embodies the essence of a “Safe House”:
-A place to speak and be witnessed.
–A place to grieve the state of the earth, and to take tangible action.
-A place to learn to live outside the dominant culture, for we are creating our own.
–A place where the sacred reasserts itself, midwifes the soul.
-A place to heal, tell the stories, carry beauty, love the earth.
In the liminal space between worlds, it is essential that we radically slow down, simplify our lives, and be present to what is calling us forth, opening to possibilities that may not otherwise be imagined. We focus on, and engage in, the most powerful existing and emerging pathways that will guide us toward the future we long for. Particularly:
The empowerment of women and return of the sacred feminine into balance,
Right relationship with the Earth, Cosmos and our more than human kin,
Indigenous wisdom and lifeways.
And, as we nurture the dream of the “New Story” – the Story wanting to be born – we begin to live it now.
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Being Change is my story of navigating through the Great Turning.
As I walk this path I find that there are countless women and men walking alongside me. We have traveled far and have learned much. Explore the stories and resources within. May they guide you on your own journey through the Great Turning.