What work is the universe asking of us at this time? What work is the Earth asking of us at this time? What work are the other species asking of us at this time? What work are the youth asking of us at this time? What work are the future generations of humans asking of us? What work are our hearts asking of us?” -–Matthew Fox
We can discover our own unique contribution to life and to the Earth by listening to what is calling each of us at this moment of “meta-crisis” on the planet. In this daylong we will draw upon teachings and practices from spiritual teachers and psychologists, share songs and poetry, and use journaling and discussion to explore how to answer our call to make a positive difference with our life in a way that is deeply fulfilling. As Howard Thurman puts it, “Ask what makes you come alive then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” We invite you to join with others around the world to listen and come alive in answer to Earth’s call.
Workshop Leaders
Shoshana Alexander, MA, is an author, teacher, developmental editor, playwright, actor, and mother, and in all roles has tried to make a positive difference for the Earth. She is the author of several books, including In Praise of Single Parents and Women’s Ventures/Women’s Visions, and is co-author of Awakening Joy with James Baraz. Shoshana has guided numerous books into print in the areas of Buddhism, psychology, and spirituality, includingThe Findhorn Garden, Radical Acceptance (Tara Brach), Faith and LovingKindness (Sharon Salzberg), and Bouncing Back (Linda Graham). She has taught high school and university courses in the humanities, and created a number of performance pieces, including a full-length play, “Taking Our Life,” which highlights ecocide and humanity’s imperative to choose life. This “Answering the Call” daylong is based on her previous in-person workshop offered in Ashland, Oregon, where she lives. In early 2024, she is offering a three-month course on-line to further explore how we can answer the call of the Earth at this time.
James Baraz has been a meditation teacher since 1978 and leads retreats, workshops and classes in the U.S and abroad. He is the creator and teacher of the online Awakening Joy course, since 2003. He’s also a co-founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, where he started the Family Program and the Community Dharma Leader Program. In recent years, he has also focused on dharma and climate change, and serves as a guiding teacher to One Earth Sangha, a Virtual EcoCenter devoted to Buddhist responses to climate change. His books include Awakening Joy with Shoshana Alexander, and Awakening Joy for Kids with Michele Lilyanna. He loves mentoring and bringing out the best in others.
