Dear friends and IMA winter workshop participants,
You are very much in our hearts as we are all now facing dramatic changes in our daily lives caused by COVID-19. It does seem eons ago that we spent time together and as we are sharing some of our workshop reflections with you it is necessary to contextualize them in light of the dramatic new reality we are living in. For most of us this crisis is unprecedented in our lifetime. The word “crisis is derived from the Greek “krisis” which means a “turning point in a disease”, a moment when the individual with the disease can either get better or worse; in other words, it is a critical moment.
It certainly feels that way as the global human Earth community is navigating through tremendous uncertainty and loss: loss of in-person work and play, loss of freedom and ability to travel, loss of employment and income, loss of free and unburdened human connection. But along with the loss, we are also reminded, particularly during this time of year of the beauty and preciousness of life, as ever warmer sunshine is drawing out spring flowers and early morning birdsong.
If the climate crisis wasn’t sufficient enough to awaken us to the rupture in our connection with Mother Earth, there is no doubt that COVID-19 has further opened up the current state of disruption and, interestingly, has accomplished more to reduce CO2 emissions within weeks than all climate conversations combined have done in years. The Earth is “breathing a sigh of relief”. I am reminded of the so-called knowledge-action gap that I refer to below and clearly this latest challenge that we are facing ourselves with, the Earth is facing us with, is about as personal as it gets – no externalization possible! And we are constantly asked the question, what is really essential in my life and in our communities? This I would argue is a, maybe the, critical question at the beginning of any transformative process, individually and globally. In paying attention to the cultivation of my “inner soil”, this question sorts out what I can let go of and what might be ready to emerge. It might then lead to a next question, once I let go of everything that’s non-essential, what’s left?
Just as the lengthening and warming days motivate us to work the soil and get it ready for planting, the two questions above can motivate us to cultivate our inner soils in preparation for a different future.
This then leads me to imagine what would such future look and feel like, how will we organize our work and relationships differently? Will we be able to and feel supported to change our behaviors when this crisis recedes? Amidst all the pain and suffering I do believe there is an amazing opportunity hidden in this current moment. How will we answer the questions? Will we learn the lesson?
I am inserting this diagram based on Otto Scharmer’s work at the Presencing Institute as reminder and confirmation to practice interest/curiosity, compassion and courage in these unsettled times and remind ourselves and each other to not fall prey to ignorance, hate and fear.
Sending you and your loved ones wishes for good health and joy!
With love,
Your IMA team (Jill, Rachel and Steffen)
