A Council of All Beings

with a difference…

With Toni Spencer, at On The Hill, near Exeter

17th March 2024

Details

This day is part of my research into ‘a pedagogy of death, decay and destruction’  exploring creative praxis for systemic change. It is rooted in decoloniality, ecological thinking, depth psychology and relational knowing. 

A Council Of All Beings is a powerful practice developed by Joanna Macy and others to invite the voices of the more than human world to speak through us. Rooted in deep ecology, ritual, and collective inquiry, it involves each person connecting to another species (or element) and inhabiting their perspective through movement, imagination, information, sensing and deep listening. 

In a growth based, death phobic society, how might we turn to healthy ecosystems for a more whole approach to change? What might we learn at the feet of the vultures, fire ecologies, dung beetles and fallen trees?

“…In system terms, expectations are the programs or codes around which a system self-organises. In order to change, and let new responses or new life emerge, systems reorganise—the old codes break down. I like the term positive disintegration. We’ve done this countless times in our five billion years here.…”  Joanna Macy

In human practices of systemic change, activism and community healing, what are the places of intelligence yet uncovered? What have we missed by avoiding the aspects of life that tend to collapse, disintegration, excrement or even the generative aspect of predation?!

This particular Council of All Beings is a little different. We will focus on listening for insights specifically from species, elements and patterns in nature that perform the essential tasks of death, decay, collapse, destruction and decomposition. From funghi to beaver, maggot to flood waters, volcano to micro-organism. I’ll provide images and information on a wide range of options – with space for you to find or bring your own if called to.

“… 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

The experience will include time outside, pair work and play, mask making, a council ritual and time to debrief and digest together. Elements of the event will be recorded for research purposes.

NB. The Council is often offered as part of the wider body of work “The Work That Reconnects’ and is usually focused on allowing space for grieving in the face of the multiple ecological crises we live within. This day will have a more open approach to listening to what might be said by the species we gather with. There will not be a focus on grief but it is always welcome if it’s what arises. I’ve been facilitating The Work That Reconnects and similar work for nearly 2 decades.

Come and explore…

Practical Info

The site is on a working farm (though we’ll have much of the space to ourselves) with compost toilets and outdoor sheltered eating area. Our indoor space is warm and cosy. 

If you have access needs, please do get in touch – we hope to be able to cater for all needs but there may be limitations on our end so let’s talk.

More information on access and what to bring when you book a place.

This day is part of a wider research project kindly funded by Lankelly Chase. A % of all fees / donations will go to the Devon Wildlife Trust’s work with beavers.

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