This month on the Recovery Zone, host Stephanie Potter speaks with climate activist and facilitator Barbara Ford, who works closely with eco-philosopher Joanna Macy in support of "The Great Turning." In her Gaia Workshops, Barbara's philosophy is that in confronting our despair, we are able to reconnect with our concern for the world; which in turn inspires and empowers us to take action to foster The Great Turning. Joanna Macy describes this movement as "the essential adventure of our time: the shift from the Industrial Growth Society to a life-sustaining civilization."
Barbara Ford has been an activist, therapist, facilitator, singer, and artist with over twenty-five years of experience working with individuals and groups, including faith groups, activists, intentional communities, non-profits, and schools. She often incorporates ritual, music, movement, and other creative activities to deepen the workshop experience. Her spiritual background includes study and practice in Buddhist and Taoist meditation, and soul-centered, Earth-honoring practices. She has been active in the Unitarian Universalist faith, and has provided leadership for environmental advocacy and engaged spirituality nationally and regionally in the Pacific Northwest.
"As an inspiring guide in the Work That Reconnects, Barbara Ford combines a contagious vitality and a firm faith in the power of the human spirit. It is a joy for me to watch how she enlivens groups with her humor, intellect, and creativity. I rejoice that she is bringing this life-changing work to our world."— Joanna Macy
Upcoming workshops include:
Nov 5, Salt Lake City, UT: Climate Change: Moving From Despair to Empowerment
Nov 10 (4 wks), Portland, OR: Radical Gratitude
Nov 12, Portland, OR: Singing in the Great Turning-Deepening Aliveness in These Times of Change
- KBOO