[post_thumbnail size="550"]
The world has changed in many ways since the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium first made its debut in 2005.
What hasn’t changed is the need for conscious, committed people taking inspired action to create a just, sustainable, fulfilling world.
Symposium Facilitators and Pachamama community leaders from all over the US gathered during the full moon last weekend of September at the Institute of Noetic Sciences in Petaluma, California to envision together what form that inspired action could take now, to have the most impact in the world.
Over the four days, Facilitators shared their insights about what’s working and what’s needed in local communities, and began a lively process of co-creating next steps for The Pachamama Alliance.
Keeping Communities Engaged for Long-term Action
As the sun set over the beautiful rolling hills of Northern California on Thursday night, cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien opened the gathering by speaking about the importance of ceremony in community life around the world and across time.
That grounding in a shared sense of the sacred resonated throughout the weekend as participants looked at how to keep event participants and communities engaged in long-term action that advances the three core principles of environmental sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment.
Co-founders Lynne and Bill Twist and new Director of Programs Ben Schick were on hand to honor the impact Symposium Facilitators and community members have already had and to introduce some strategies for building on what’s already in place.
Among the items rolled out during the weekend was an exciting new strategy and structure designed to support people in staying awake, engaged, spiritually grounded, spreading the message, and moving into sustained action. Key elements of that strategy are aligning with game-changing initiatives, strengthening support for Pachamama community development in the U.S., and encouraging program participants to form small “circles” for ongoing study and action.
Why a US Focus?
While the Symposium and other Pachamama workshops continue to spread worldwide, the U.S. represents a huge opportunity to deeply transform the systems and structures standing in the way of a just, thriving, sustainable world because of its oversized global influence.
At the Huddle, presentations from the Social Justice Committee and Board member Reverend Deborah Johnson shone a light on how those systems and structures function, and gave participants some shared language for talking about them and engaging with them.
We're committed to keeping alive all of the conversations started at the Huddle in a number of different ways. One way is through monthly Community Calls intended to keep all interested Facilitators and Pacha-people–including those from outside the US–current with the latest developments and resources.
Participants Reflect–in Six Words
Here’s some of what the Leadership Huddle participants said about their time together, inspired by the Six-Word Memoir Project:
- “Low judgement zone. Beautiful beings blooming.”
- “Same story, next chapter–game on!”
- “Passion shared. Loved ones heard. Grace.”
- “Inspiration + Conscious Commitment = Well-used Life”
- “Eyes opened. Heart opens. Feet move.”
Bring the Energy of the Huddle into Your Life
The outpouring of creativity and feedback sparked by the Huddle is sure to inform the next phase of our work, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, there are a few ways you can be a part of this new energy right now:
- Get a clear look at where we are and where we’re going at our Annual Luncheon
- Experience the Symposium live, on DVD, or online
- Find out how you can bring the Symposium to your community
- Contact your local Pachamama community members and get personally briefed from any who were at the Leadership Huddle
