Five benefits of Active Hope
How to Face the Mess We're in without Going Crazy
“Active Hope is waking up to the beauty of life on whose behalf we can act. We belong to this world.” Joanna Macy
How does it affect us to be in this time of uncertainty and change? Besides the current pandemic that is affecting us in so many ways, there is the climate crisis. Greta Thunberg says the world needs to learn the lessons of coronavirus and treat climate change with similar urgency. How do you feel when we receive the latest updates on the climate crisis?
We may find ourselves alternating between going numb, simply not wanting to hear or read about it; feeling anger or frustration about the current challenges that face all of us. We live in times when information is readily available, yet how do we digest it?
We may be amongst those who have decided to make positive changes in our own lives: Fly less or not at all, become vegetarians, use a bicycle or an electric car, eat organic food, switch to green energy for our households, offset our own carbon emissions. We may be part of organisations or networks that make an effort to make a positive contribution, like joining a transition town initiative, or having a bank account with an ethical bank.
I feel very privileged in my life, being surrounded by individuals and organisations that aim to make a positive contribution to our environment, both on the inner and the outer. I live in the Findhorn Community, an eco-village and spiritual Community in Scotland, and have easy access to organic, local and seasonal food, for example in our local Phoenix shop. I usually walk or cycle locally. I joined the local carpool, Moray Carshare, sharing 16 cars with around 80 people. Some of the cars are electric. My electricity comes from windmills. I regularly buy organic cotton products. I work for the Findhorn Foundation, an organisation which aspires to encourage and inspire transformation in human consciousness, to help create a positive future for humanity and our planet. As part of my work I join in with conferences and events, like the Climate Change and Consciousness Conference held in April 2019. I am fully immersed in the ecovillage, surrounded by permaculture gardens and people producing local food. Being part of supportive networks helps me to stay on my toes, feel inspired and cautiously optimistic.
Joanna Macy and Active Hope
I also have been extremely honoured to meet Joanna Macy several times during her visits to the Findhorn Foundation, and took part in trainings and events around The Work that Reconnects. Joanna Macy PhD, author and teacher, is a scholar of Buddhism, Systems Thinking and Deep Ecology. A respected voice in the movements for peace, justice and ecology, she interweaves her scholarship with learnings from six decades of activism. I made it my personal commitment to continue her work at the Findhorn Foundation. In 2012 Joanna Macy wrote the book Active Hope, together with Chris Johnstone. One review states: “The book offers an approach that strengthens our capacity to face disturbing information and respond with unexpected resilience and creative power. Drawing on decades of experience running workshops in an empowerment approach widely known as The Work That Reconnects, the authors guide the reader through a transformational process informed by mythic journeys, modern psychology, holistic science and spiritual perspectives. This process equips readers with tools to help them face the mess we’re in and find and play their role in the collective transition, or Great Turning, to a life-sustaining society.”
But how can we draw upon Active Hope in our everyday lives?
Five benefits of Active Hope:
1. Transform depression into joy
The process of Active Hope helps to let go of feelings of depression. When we are fully present with our feelings and emotions, we find that they are not static, but that they change. On the inner level, practising mindfulness, for example, is a simple daily practice where we can be aware of the more subtle changes in our inner space. On the outer, when we engage with any action, no matter how large or small, we can feel good about ourselves and feel more joyful. Recently, while I was looking after my mum after she came out of hospital, I decided to alternate our meals between meat and vegetarian meals. It was a very small action, yet I felt happy and positive with that choice.
2. Turning anger into and presence and patience.
It is very common to feel anger towards anyone destroying our world. We can be critical and judgemental to individuals, organisations, governments and companies who prioritise greed, selfishness and short term economic interests above caring for humanity and the planet. Anger can include the whole spectrum, from a small aversion, or being critical and judgmental, to full blown anger, rage and hatred. These are all feelings and emotions that are part of the human experience. However, we do have a choice in how we speak and act. Patience does not mean doing nothing, not at all. With patience we can carefully consider our responses, with care and wisdom. How do we do that when we experience anger about injustice?
3. Interconnectedness.
In a recent post by Greta Thunberg, the young Swedish activist, she mentioned that before she started her school strikes, she was a lonely girl without any friends. Now, since she engaged with her courageous action speaking out about the climate crisis, encouraging young people to strike, and demanding action from the adults, she has ten thousands of followers and sympathisers, gets invitations from governments and the United Nations, and is well connected. It is definitely true that it is more fun and inspiring to work together with others, teaming up with likeminded people.
4. Feeling good about making positive choices
Sometimes the topic of the climate crisis can seem overwhelming. Yet every journey starts with one step. Look at your life right now. Is there one step you can take?
5. Making a difference in this world.
One practice I cultivate is ‘rejoicing’, focussing on the positive. Giving thanks to whatever is going well, for ourselves, our world. Let us pat ourselves on the back whenever we personally engage in a positive action. This may well be unusual in our culture, but give it a try! And let’s appreciate other individuals and groups who make a difference, creating an atmosphere of support.
We invite you to uncover and experience your innate connection with others and with the self healing powers of the web of life, so that you may be inspired to play your part in creating a sustainable civilisation.
Margo van Greta
There is a month long online program Active Hope- Emerging into a New World starting 5 September 2020.
Find out more about the Work that Reconnects
How to Face the Mess We're in without Going Crazy
“Active Hope is waking up to the beauty of life on whose behalf we can act. We belong to this world.” Joanna Macy
How does it affect us to be in this time of uncertainty and change? Besides the current pandemic that is affecting us in so many ways, there is the climate crisis. Greta Thunberg says the world needs to learn the lessons of coronavirus and treat climate change with similar urgency. How do you feel when we receive the latest updates on the climate crisis?
We may find ourselves alternating between going numb, simply not wanting to hear or read about it; feeling anger or frustration about the current challenges that face all of us. We live in times when information is readily available, yet how do we digest it?
We may be amongst those who have decided to make positive changes in our own lives: Fly less or not at all, become vegetarians, use a bicycle or an electric car, eat organic food, switch to green energy for our households, offset our own carbon emissions. We may be part of organisations or networks that make an effort to make a positive contribution, like joining a transition town initiative, or having a bank account with an ethical bank.
I feel very privileged in my life, being surrounded by individuals and organisations that aim to make a positive contribution to our environment, both on the inner and the outer. I live in the Findhorn Community, an eco-village and spiritual Community in Scotland, and have easy access to organic, local and seasonal food, for example in our local Phoenix shop. I usually walk or cycle locally. I joined the local carpool, Moray Carshare, sharing 16 cars with around 80 people. Some of the cars are electric. My electricity comes from windmills. I regularly buy organic cotton products. I work for the Findhorn Foundation, an organisation which aspires to encourage and inspire transformation in human consciousness, to help create a positive future for humanity and our planet. As part of my work I join in with conferences and events, like the Climate Change and Consciousness Conference held in April 2019. I am fully immersed in the ecovillage, surrounded by permaculture gardens and people producing local food. Being part of supportive networks helps me to stay on my toes, feel inspired and cautiously optimistic.
Joanna Macy and Active Hope
I also have been extremely honoured to meet Joanna Macy several times during her visits to the Findhorn Foundation, and took part in trainings and events around The Work that Reconnects. Joanna Macy PhD, author and teacher, is a scholar of Buddhism, Systems Thinking and Deep Ecology. A respected voice in the movements for peace, justice and ecology, she interweaves her scholarship with learnings from six decades of activism. I made it my personal commitment to continue her work at the Findhorn Foundation. In 2012 Joanna Macy wrote the book Active Hope, together with Chris Johnstone. One review states: “The book offers an approach that strengthens our capacity to face disturbing information and respond with unexpected resilience and creative power. Drawing on decades of experience running workshops in an empowerment approach widely known as The Work That Reconnects, the authors guide the reader through a transformational process informed by mythic journeys, modern psychology, holistic science and spiritual perspectives. This process equips readers with tools to help them face the mess we’re in and find and play their role in the collective transition, or Great Turning, to a life-sustaining society.”
But how can we draw upon Active Hope in our everyday lives?
Five benefits of Active Hope:
1. Transform depression into joy
The process of Active Hope helps to let go of feelings of depression. When we are fully present with our feelings and emotions, we find that they are not static, but that they change. On the inner level, practising mindfulness, for example, is a simple daily practice where we can be aware of the more subtle changes in our inner space. On the outer, when we engage with any action, no matter how large or small, we can feel good about ourselves and feel more joyful. Recently, while I was looking after my mum after she came out of hospital, I decided to alternate our meals between meat and vegetarian meals. It was a very small action, yet I felt happy and positive with that choice.
2. Turning anger into and presence and patience.
It is very common to feel anger towards anyone destroying our world. We can be critical and judgemental to individuals, organisations, governments and companies who prioritise greed, selfishness and short term economic interests above caring for humanity and the planet. Anger can include the whole spectrum, from a small aversion, or being critical and judgmental, to full blown anger, rage and hatred. These are all feelings and emotions that are part of the human experience. However, we do have a choice in how we speak and act. Patience does not mean doing nothing, not at all. With patience we can carefully consider our responses, with care and wisdom. How do we do that when we experience anger about injustice?
3. Interconnectedness.
In a recent post by Greta Thunberg, the young Swedish activist, she mentioned that before she started her school strikes, she was a lonely girl without any friends. Now, since she engaged with her courageous action speaking out about the climate crisis, encouraging young people to strike, and demanding action from the adults, she has ten thousands of followers and sympathisers, gets invitations from governments and the United Nations, and is well connected. It is definitely true that it is more fun and inspiring to work together with others, teaming up with likeminded people.
4. Feeling good about making positive choices
Sometimes the topic of the climate crisis can seem overwhelming. Yet every journey starts with one step. Look at your life right now. Is there one step you can take?
5. Making a difference in this world.
One practice I cultivate is ‘rejoicing’, focussing on the positive. Giving thanks to whatever is going well, for ourselves, our world. Let us pat ourselves on the back whenever we personally engage in a positive action. This may well be unusual in our culture, but give it a try! And let’s appreciate other individuals and groups who make a difference, creating an atmosphere of support.
We invite you to uncover and experience your innate connection with others and with the self healing powers of the web of life, so that you may be inspired to play your part in creating a sustainable civilisation.
Margo van Greta
There is a month long online program Active Hope- Emerging into a New World starting 5 September 2020.
Find out more about the Work that Reconnects
