Council of All Beings: A Work that Reconnects Workshop

In this community ritual developed by Joanna Macy and John Seed, we gather to speak on behalf of the non-human world and receive their gifts to continue healing and protecting our planet.

The day will also include live music and singing, simple mask making, time in Withrow Park, and “brainfood” on defending the rights of Mother Earth.

Bring your imagination, your heart, and an open mind. Everybody welcome!

Please register to reserve your spot: space is limited.

In the Council of All Beings ... we find an ally in the natural world, make a mask to represent that ally, and allow the animals and plants and landscapes to speak through us. We are shocked at the very different view of the world that emerges from their dialogue. Creative suggestions for human actions emerge and we invoke the powers and knowledge of these other life-forms to empower us in our lives.
- John Seed

The Council of All Beings is a communal ritual in which participants step aside from their human identity and speak on behalf of another life-form. A simple structure for spontaneous expression, it aims to heighten awareness of our interdependence in the living body of Earth, and to strengthen our commitment to defend it. The ritual serves to help us acknowledge and give voice to the suffering of our world. It also serves, in equal measure, to help us experience the beauty and power of our interconnectedness with all life.
– Joanna Macy

Who is it for?

Anyone curious to experience the Work That Reconnects, feeling distress about the state of the world, or wanting to engage in meaningful action to address the challenges of our time without burning out. Artistic or theatrical skills NOT needed! Everybody welcome.

Potential Takeaways for Participants:

• Connection with the natural world
• Deep listening and empathy
• Truth-telling about the impact of humans on our planet
• Release of painful emotions
• A greater awareness of the interconnectedness of all beings in the web of life
• A sense of empowerment for your part in the healing and repair of our world

Logistics

• Doors open at 10:00.
• We start at 10:30 am. Doors close at 10:45.
• Bring your own bag lunch. Tea and snacks provided.
• Dress for the weather so you can walk in the park rain or shine.
• Your ticket price covers rent, art materials, guest musician honorarium, and snacks. Any proceeds will go to Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

Flow of the Day:

• Opening and introductions
• "Brainfood" presentation on defending the rights of Mother Earth
• Bag lunch (in the park, weather permitting)
• Walk in the park to find an ally in the natural world
• Mask-making with live music
• Council of All Beings
• Sharing of reflections
• Close

Facilitation team:

Natalie Zend is a member of the Work That Reconnects Facilitator Network, personally trained by root teacher Joanna Macy.

Bruce Lyne is an educator and community facilitator with a longstanding commitment to social justice activism and education.

Larry Nusbaum M.D. is a physician, psychotherapist, musician, and teacher. As guest musician, he will be bringing live music and a spirit of play.

Presented by:

Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation, an inclusive, diverse spiritual community in Riverdale, Toronto. All are welcome to our Sunday services, every Sunday at 10:30 am. Sign up here to receive our weekly announcements.

Hosted by:

Bain Apartments Co-operative, a democratically-run historic housing cooperative that provides affordable housing to mixed income people. Located in Riverdale next to Withrow Park.

Got questions?
Contact Natalie Zend at natalie@zendialogue.ca.