We have just returned from more than a month in the Amazon rainforest working with our Indigenous partners there and witnessing how their way of life and their practices are so tied to their deep respect and reverence for the natural world. This profound relationship with all living things is so humbling, and it made us see once again how the mistaken mindset of human supremacy – that we humans have set ourselves apart from and above the other species – is at the root of much of what is wrong with the world.

To some degree or another, we are all aware that humanity faces a metacrisis or polycrisis with multiple intertwined causes all of which can be traced to the myth of separation – our disconnection from Nature, from each other, and even from our own true selves. We know that humanity has lost its way, and that we need to find a new way of living on this precious, finite planet. 

Where do we find the guidance we need now? 

Our Indigenous partners that have guided Pachamama Alliance for decades have made it clear to us that we are at a crucial crossroads where we humans need to actively listen to Earth and to Spirit. This is what they do in their daily lives. They suggest that we pause, that we come together in community, and that we immerse ourselves in receiving the messages that will sustain us now and in even more challenging times. 

Their messages have inspired a new global pilot initiative offered by the Pachamama Alliance called Earth Listening Circles. The circles were born out of the vision that is now calling to our collective community: the aspiration to accelerate an evolutionary leap that transforms our species’ dominant way of being from human supremacy to sacred responsibility and reciprocity with Earth, one another, and all Life.

Pachamama Alliance’s Earth Listening Circles are a pathway back to listening. The experience is meant to help people tell the truth about their feelings and fears, to engage with others at a deep level, and to be present and listen. They take the form of a 2 – 4 hour gathering, in person or on Zoom, led by a volunteer host, such as yourself! During the pilot phase, Pachamama Alliance will gather valuable feedback from Circle hosts and participants about the impact and insights generated by these gatherings. The pilot will culminate in a special event on October 24th, where anyone who has taken part in a Circle will be invited to hear what was learned and make meaning of it together.  

If you find you are questioning how to live now, how to be more connected and collaborative, we highly recommend this unique experience. We know there is so much going on right now with the election and that a gathering like this may seem like a distraction. But what better time to open ourselves to listening to the Earth and our fellow earthlings – to receive guidance about the future we know we must create?

To learn more about how you can join Pachamama Alliance in this global initiative, access all of the support materials and host an Earth Listening Circle in your community, you can sign up and register at this link. If you have additional questions, you can email trainings@pachamama.org. 

With love and appreciation,

Lynne & Sara