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Free Film Screening in Woodstock Thursday Evening
A whale washes up on the beach, full of plastics. Icebergs crash into the sea. Sea levels rise. Rivers and streams ecosystems are degraded. Entire species become extinct. The incidence of wildfires increases.
The devastating effects of human actions on the earth are visible all around us. Conditions worsen by the day.
How did it come to this? How can we best respond to the alarming destruction of the natural world that we see going on all around us?
The good news is that we are beginning to wake up to the clarion call the earth is sending forth. Many individuals, families, groups are taking decisive action to attempt to reverse the damage while there is still time. We are all needed and there are practical ways to make a difference now, beginning right here in our local community.
Scroll down for details on a FREE Film Screening and Community Conversation this Thursday, June 27
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A Dangerous Narrative
Alarmed at what they see happening around them, many are taking impassioned action. Some individuals and groups are speaking up and speaking out against who and what they blame as the root cause of the decimation of our natural world. Theirs is an epic narrative of “good” versus “evil” in which they see themselves (the good) pitted against those they hold responsible for the environmental crisis (the evil).
This approach, while well-intentioned, can all too often perpetuate a narrative of separation and “otherness.” It pits “us” against “them” and further divides rather than brings the community together around a common goal. This long-running narrative of disconnection has gotten us to the desperate place we find ourselves in today.
When we can recognize approaches that are not working to unify us, we are more confident that our efforts are making a real difference. Here’s what to watch out for when you choose to move into action, speak out or work on behalf of the environment.
Hallmarks of a narrative that is divisive and dangerous:
- Views humanity as separate from nature
- Sees nature’s precious resources as commodities to be greedily exploited
- Begins with blame
- Breaks down in a stalemate between opposing parties
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A Fresh Narrative for Collective Action
Others who are also concerned about the state of the environment are choosing a fresh narrative. Just as concerned about the state of our world, theirs is a story of hope and possibility, of connection and collaboration, of inclusion and diversity.
This narrative does not replace the less helpful narrative described above. Instead, it builds on the lessons learned from it. It is a story large enough to support the flourishing of all life. This fresh approach to our environmental crisis is, at its heart, about relationship.
Though it seems new, it is the narrative begun by indigenous peoples who hold our natural world and humanity as precious and sacred. In this more expansive and inclusive story, we open our hearts and minds to all humans as co-creators of our future. This new story reminds us that we are in this together. As Ram Dass aptly says, “We’re all just walking each other home.”
Hallmarks of this more open and collaborative approach:
- Emphasizes participating with the environment rather than seeking to dominate or control it
- Focuses on healing and regeneration
- Begins with view of all things as sacred
- Brings people together
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Action for a More Beautiful World
There’s no doubt, the need is urgent. Clearly, we must work together to take positive action that will support the healing and regeneration the planet and its ecosystems. But where can we start? And how? Here in our local community, we can take action to create a more beautiful world by coming together to share ideas.
“We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them,” Albert Einstein said. Reversing the catastrophic impact of human actions born of greed and complacency requires a different mindset and a fresh approach. Now is the time to identify new ways to regenerate and restore the health and vitality of natural systems.
Communities across the country are meeting success with a heart-based approach that begins with wholeness and interconnection. A more beautiful world IS possible. It begins within each one of us.
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Free Film Screening and Community Conversation
Throughout the year, True Center hosts Community Conversations to explore important topics that affect us all. Our conversations are about connection and thriving in community. We explore building connections with the self, family and close relationships, larger community, nature and the world around a particular issue or concern—in this case our precious natural resources and the environment.
We will host a community-wide conversation open to all members of the community Thursday evening, June 27, at the Woodstock Public Library. Together, we’ll watch the award-winning film, Living the Change and then discuss empowering ideas for local impact. This film introduces the complex environmental challenges we face today and explores actions others are taking at a local level that inspire hope for our future.
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When: Thursday, June 27 at 5:30-7:30 PM
Where: Woodstock Public Library/7735 Main Street/Woodstock, GA 30188
What: Film Screening of Living The Change
Who: Members of the community of all ages
The 85-minute film will be followed by a short discussion.
This event is free and open to the public.
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Together, we can live the change and create a more healthy, resilient environment and a thriving community. Questions? Call True Center at 678-909-2499.
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