*POSTONED*
An exploration of how we can channel our creative writing towards writing on the climate crisis. Using the spiral of the Work that Reconnects as our guide, we will go through a series of writing exercises that take us on a journey through various ways in which we might respond to the times we are in - from connecting to the web of life to honouring our pain, to seeing things from different perspectives and imagining different futures.
For new and experienced writers alike. Sharing your work is optional!
September 26th, 4-6pm UK time (8-10am PDT, 8:30-10:30pm IST) - tickets £45
Hey, remember when
we burnt all the money?
A few mad years
then sanity gently landing
on soil given rest.
Remember how we looked up
from what were once screens,
our eyes readjusting, recalling,
noticing each other again
as our projections dissolved away.
Let us never forget again
that we are each other
and that we are the earth.
Why we’re offering this:
Amitav Ghosh speaks of the great derangement as the disconnect between writers and the unfolding reality of climate change. If it is, and is set to be, such a massive transformation of everything we know then why is it not the backdrop of every story by now? Yet, it can be difficult to write - or even connect with - a topic as overwhelming and huge as climate change (which, really, is the changing of everything we know).
Both your facilitators have been involved in the creative arts for years - from theatre to poetry, visual arts to fiction. We have also facilitated a lot of Work that Reconnects-inspired workshops and realised that a lot of people struggle to connect with their imaginations… especially on a topic that can be so numbing and terrifying.
We wanted to start offering spaces for people to better get in touch with their creative side, to perhaps process some of their complex emotions through writing, or just for people who enjoy writing to engage with a topic they might not normally engage with.
So, this is the first of what will hopefully be a variety of imagination-based offerings. Thanks to Shayontoni for the pun in the title!
What to expect:
We’ll offer a series of writing prompts and exercises, as well as sharing some of our own writing and that of other powerful writers. There’ll also be the chance to share your work with the group or in smaller breakout rooms. If this turns out to be a popular idea, we might discuss with you the possibilities of offering something more regular.
About us:
Gwyneth Jones is a facilitator and coach navigating the place where Deep Adaptation, climate change, psychology and earth-based spirituality meet. She has recently returned to her homeland of North Wales after heeding the call of the land. Gwyneth teaches, writes, and works in climate communications.
Shayontoni Rhea Ghosh is a multi-disciplinary artiste and a facilitator of healing space. She lives and works in Hyderabad, India; and is inspired by water, light, clouds and dogs. She approaches gnosis as a dedicated and earnest student, and is driven by the wish to build an accessible infrastructure for community care.
Shayontoni and Gwyneth met on the Spiral Journey - a Facilitator Development Program for the Work That Reconnects, where they were both learning to facilitate spaces for people to process their grief and rage for our world. After a happy year of co-facilitating, they found out that they share a birthday. Despite having never met in person, the two have developed a strong bond and have been honoured to hold space for several beautiful groups of humans from across the globe.
After facilitating workshops and courses around the Work that Reconnects together over the last three years, they have created Banduri, a partnership whose mission is to create spaces of connection and healing and provide quality resources for navigating the Great Turning. We support people in tapping into their wisdom and resilience, connecting with their full selves, and living authentically to thrive as much as possible in the great unravelling. We bring people together to break the spell that capitalism has cast on us and to reimagine a different world together. We aim to promote healing, connection, and decolonization to create a world in which all life is created equal, and we live in alignment with the earth, ourselves, and each other.
What people have said about Shayontoni and Gwyneth’s workshops:
“I truly love the way Shayontoni and Gwyneth bring themselves into the circle and how they trust the wisdom of the circle to be the wise teacher. There is a real sense of mutual respect and honouring of each person's contribution.”
“This class was really important for me to touch into the feelings that I have been having about climate change (and the systemic problems that have caused it). It was so important to be able to get to hear others and to share with others my thoughts and feelings. I feel much more sane now and have more tools to help myself function in this world.”
This workshop has been postponed - email connect@gwynethjones.coach to register your interest in joining at a future date!