Active Hope Training

Active Hope is a term that was coined Joanna Macy, a 91-year-old environmentalist, philosopher and Buddhist. Since the 1970s, she has been involved in environmental and social movements worldwide. During this period, she witnessed how ongoing loss and decay of planetary systems caused feelings of despair among her colleague’s and other people. She saw how the struggle of fighting for the good of the earth and her life often resulted in burn-out and depression. From her experience as a Buddhist, she developed the Work that Reconnects to help people cope with loss and stay connected with a sense of aliveness.

Joanny Macy's work builds on insights from a variety of philosophical, psychological and spiritual sources, including systems thinking, deep ecology and Buddhism. At the heart of her work is the spiral. The search for a relationship to the world begins with gratitude. A deeply felt gratitude provides a foundation for knowing and even honoring pain. Pain is an expression of love and connection; by honoring it, the very connection is honored. From this step, the space often arises to see with new eyes and look forward to new possibilities.

Joanna Macy developed a variety of work forms that can be practiced in groups to go through these steps. Attention is always paid to the steps in the spiral that together complete the process. Working in a group makes the process alive, dynamic and connecting. Sharing feelings of loss, despair, gratitude and wonderment is essential in finding connection, community and empowerment. During this weekend we use a variety of Joanna Macy’s methods, and in addition build on other traditions and methods to connect elements of inner work, community building and nature connection.

Practical information:

The training includes 3 full days of workshops, accomodation and home-cooked organic meals. We stay in the Nivon Natuurhuis de Bosbeek in the forest close to Wageningen. You will get a bed in a double room or you can camp. There are 5-6 camping spots. Please include in your registration if you would like to camp.

There are categories of pricing to support young people, students and less advantaged income groups. For every person that pays the support price, a discount place can be offered to somebody else. We encourage those with a good income or those who can administer this training professionally to go for the support price.  We are thankful to make this experience possible for everyone.