Be Inspired: From despair to empowerment
In the face of 'the awful facts', we can find ourselves overwhelmed and paralysed by our feelings.
They can trap us in ‘anger’ or ‘blame’ or simply non-action.
It is worth remembering that “strong feelings are a compassionate response to the world”
and when we can articulate our feelings and voice our concerns,
we are then no longer bound by them. They then can become the very ‘motivating’ forces that lead us in
meaningful action for change.
In this feature we explore activism and the journey from despair to empowerment.
> click the pics for interviews and video footage
Joanna Macy - "The Gift of Uncertainty"
Drawing from her experience of Buddhism and Deep ecology, Joanna has for over 20 years run workshops guiding people through a process called the "Work that Reconnects". Here Joanna talks about the gift 'uncertainty' plays in sparking our passion, creativity and focus for the work of 'The Great Turning' - coming into a sustainable relationship with the earth.
The Great Turning » Recent book 'Active Hope' »
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez - "Young people have power! Our voices are powerful"
Xiuhtezcatl (pronounced "Shu-tez-caat") has a message. He is a 17-year-old indigenous environmental activist, the Youth Director of Earth Guardians, and one of 21 youth plaintiffs suing the US government for the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy future. These young leaders have created a wave of action as their case advances through the courts - due for trial on October 29 2018.
The Project Feb 2017 » Empowering interview » Compilation » Article »
Clarissa Pinkola Estés - "Do not lose heart. We were made for these times."
Clarissa's "Letter To A Young Activist During Troubled Times" is
a truly beautiful piece of writing. It includes some particularly powerful take-away quotes.
"One of the most important steps you can take to help calm the storm is to
not allow yourself to be taken in a flurry of overwrought emotion or despair –
thereby accidentally contributing to the swale and the swirl. Ours is
not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching
out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach."
More ...
One Million Women - A Self Care Guide To Helping The Planet
Stand up for the environment - it's important - but look after yourself! Here's how.