Mission

At Ecology of Awakening, we believe that to create the world we know is possible—where the biological and cultural diversity of all beings is celebrated, honored and protected within a thriving Earth—it is essential to shed the dominant cultural narrative of separation and domination and embody a larger sacred story, rooted in belonging and interdependence. To facilitate this shift, we offer programs rooted in nature that weave together Earth-based wisdom, evolutionary science, deep ecology, emergent ritual, somatic resiliency and the great wisdom traditions to guide us towards discovering our deepest belonging—to ourselves, each other, our ancestral roots, the Earth and the greater Mystery. 

Context

The interlocking, oppressive systems that brought about dominant culture thrive on disconnection, and have caused untold destruction to both people and planet. As these systems unravel, we have the opportunity to examine and dismantle these destructive worldviews and to shed the internalized layers that exist within each of us.

The context we evolve in shapes who we are, what we value and how we act. Regardless of our social location, we are all navigating the realities of social and ecological crises, with disproportionate impacts on those among us with marginalized identities.

Collectively, dominant culture perpetuates the ideology of individualism and separates us along lines of difference—race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, etc. It also separates us from the innate wisdom of our bodies, from the Earth, the trees, the waters that sustain us and from Mystery, Source, ancestors. Historically, it has disconnected humans of all kinds from our cultures, traditions and ethnic roots, contributing to a deep sense of loss, appropriation and oppression. We are now being called to take back, re-member, and nurture our individual and collective inheritance.   

This is where Ecology of Awakening comes in. We are committed to dismantling systems of oppression - in our inner and outer lives - and engaging in the enduring work required to be the kinds of planetary stewards these times call for. By coming together in community, in partnership with the land, and immersing in our unique theory of change, we offer an embodied antidote to disconnection where together, we create a practice field to remember our inherent kinship.

Invitation

Our programs, set within a diversity of California ecosystems, are designed to create a vibrant ecology that supports us, individually and collectively, to reclaim our inherent belonging and expression within the broader Earth community. We provide the strong container of an intimate village, active facilitation from the guides, and engagement in processes that invite receptivity, decolonization, accountability, joy, and authenticity. Through direct connection with the Earth, the brilliance of our bodies, seen and unseen forces, and the emergent wisdom that seeks to claim us, you will be supported to move beyond an intellectual understanding, to the realization and embodiment of what it is to act in alignment with life, community, and equity for all beings. 

Collectively, we are at a planetary threshold moment, while many of us are also at personal thresholds. Rather than focusing on a particular outcome, we thrive on creating a brave and generative space that ushers each of us to the edge of our own unfolding.

The process includes:

• SHEDDING the structures, values and embedded messages that impact us all, in unique and different ways

• GRIEVING the innumerable losses for people and planet

• RE-MEMBERING our inherent connection 

• CELEBRATING beauty

• EMBODYING belonging 

Theory of Change

We believe that the kind of impact we have depends on what we are rooted in. If we are primarily informed by a sense of urgency and fear, we are more likely to react from that place. If, on the other hand, we are rooted in our deepest belonging, we more naturally respond from love, community and connection, with sincere regard for each other and our world.

We do not utilize a model or prescriptive formula that results in a particular outcome. Rather, we employ a unique framework that supports a new way of being: out of what is conditioned, into what is receptive, ever-evolving and interconnected with all of Life. Each program draws on Earth-based practices, deep ecology, somatic resiliency, dreamwork, ancestral connection, restorative processes, emergent ritual and wisdom traditions, along with time tested processes such as listening meditation and council—to reinforce our capacity to think and act in partnership with Life. Weaving between group process, solo time on the land and attentiveness to the emergent wisdom that arises with each experience, the unfolding journey is informed by the uniqueness of each particular group, place and moment in time.

Who are our programs for?

Ecology of Awakening programs are for those who: 

• Recognize that underlying the current social and ecological crisis is the predominant worldview where humans are separate from each other and Nature - the natural world and our own deepest nature. 

• Are, in their unique way, working towards a resilient, thriving Earth community for current and future generations. 

• Are on the frontlines of change who are ready to renew and restore by connecting with a larger story that supports us in tending to the challenges of the current polycrisis.

• Have the capacity to move fluidly between inner/personal and outer/collective experience rather than for those who may, at this moment, be primarily focused on their own personal/trauma healing. 

We encourage and hold space for both grief and joy, contemplation and irreverence as well as rigor and play! Deep connection, clarity and healing are often natural outcomes of the process. 

Our Commitment to Access

Ecology of Awakening programs are grounded in our lifelong commitments to counter oppression and create just, vibrant and sustainable communities. We especially welcome people of color, indigenous people and people with other historically marginalized identities who have been excluded from or invisiblized within environmental movements and communities focused on the land. We invite you to join us in creating a brave and supportive environment for all who are called.

All of our offerings are rooted in our decades of leading experiences at the intersection of personal, social and ecological healing and transformation. We prioritize drawing from our own cultural context and what we have been offered through our own guidance and apprenticeships. We do not take teachings or practices from other cultures or traditions: while we are undeniably informed by the great well of human teachings and practices, we do our best to appreciate but not appropriate from cultures outside of our own. We offer ritual in a way that invites each person to discover and enact what speaks to them rather than imposing forms.

Guide team note: While Ecology of Awakening was founded by a white, cis-gendered female, the makeup of our teaching teams has varied over the years. For our upcoming Ecology of Connection retreat, we want to name up front that we are a team of two white humans, one queer/non-binary. Regardless of our identities, we welcome and encourage all who are called to join us. We are excited to collaborate with a greater diversity of people who are in kinship with the Earth to broaden our reach and strengthen the gifts we all have as medicine for this moment. As we shift Ecology of Awakening into a vibrant collective, we are actively exploring new collaborations, some of whom are joining us for our April Ecology of Connection retreat. 

Read more about our foundations