Joanna Macy and Jessica Serrante discuss embracing optimism and sustainability, exploring emotional pain in the climate crisis, the Work That Reconnects, and leaving a legacy of love. They invite listeners to connect with possibilities in challenging times and reflect on how meeting Joanna changed Jess's life.
Embrace emotional complexity in climate activism to deepen connection with the planet.
Foster genuine conversations and shared experiences about climate concerns for mutual support and understanding.
Deep dives
Exploring Living with Engaged Hearts Despite Global Crisis
The series 'We Are The Great Turning' delves into embracing a life of integrity and engagement during times of global crisis. Hosted by Jess Sarante and eco-spiritual teacher Joanna Macy, the series emphasizes finding joy and optimism in striving for a just and sustainable world. Listeners are encouraged to start conversations with loved ones about climate issues, offering a toolkit for forming podcast clubs to foster community engagement.
Facing Climate Crisis with Love, Loss, and Connection
The podcast discusses the emotional complexity tied to climate activism, showcasing how acknowledging pain and grief can lead to a deeper connection with the planet. Joanna Macy's 'work that reconnects' is highlighted for its transformative power, encouraging listeners to engage in practices that blend grief, beauty, awe, and purpose. The importance of shared experiences and communal understanding in processing climate-related emotions is emphasized.
Embracing Vulnerability and Intimacy in Climate Conversations
The episode advocates for open dialogue and vulnerability in discussing climate concerns, urging listeners to share their fears, hopes, and uncertainties with others. Encouraging active listening and mutual support, the podcast underlines the necessity of genuine conversations that encompass all facets of climate crisis experiences. It concludes with an invitation to form podcast clubs and utilize provided resources for deeper engagement and understanding.
This week, something unique for our listeners from the podcast 'We Are The Great Turning'.
As Joanna Macy approaches the end of a long life dedicated to healing our imperiled planet, she begins the conversation with Jessica Serrante, her student and dear friend, “standing afresh with what it’s like to live on Earth at this moment.”
As we look into the face of the climate crisis, injustice, and war, difficult feelings arise; all are welcomed.
You are invited to join them at Joanna’s kitchen table, and invited into a deeper sense of your belonging and love for our world.
In this episode:
How to connect with the great possibilities that still exist for us even in these precarious times Joanna reflects on her awakening of environmental consciousness
Jess reflects on how meeting Joanna changed her life
Love, laughter, heartbreak, and the Work That Reconnects
We recommend starting a podcast club with friends or family to do these practices together. Links and assets to help prompt reflection and build community can be found with every episode on WeAreTheGreatTurning.com.