braiding sweetgrass, the wild edge of sorrow & changing perspectives on the catastrophe

DRAFT: I'm fine tuning each section for a class I want to facilitate

90-Day Coaching Program: Antidote for Despair and Reconnection with Nature

This 90-day coaching program is designed to help.you and friends learn and teach each other about our beautiful world, and confront their personal and collective grief while fostering a deeper connection with nature and community. It draws inspiration from various recommended readings, particularly focusing on themes of grief, connection, and ecological awareness.

Program Overview

• Duration: 90 days

• Format: Weekly sessions (in-person or virtual), community activities, and personal reflection exercises.

• Goal: To cultivate self-awareness, build community connections, and develop sustainable practices that honor our relationship with Mother Earth.

Weekly Structure

1. Week 1-2: Introduction to Grief and Community

   • Reading: The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller

   • Activities:

     • Group discussions on grief as a collective experience.

     • Create a "grief circle" where participants can share their feelings.

     • Encourage participants to reach out to neighbors for community building.

     • 
       

2. Week 3-4: Deepening Connections with Nature

   • Reading: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

   • Activities:

     • Nature walks to identify and name trees in the community.

     • Journaling exercises focused on interactions with plants and animals.

     • Group discussions on the importance of biodiversity, learning about our plant and animal cousins, indigenous ways of seeing and being.

3. Week 5-6: Exploring Interconnectedness

   • Reading: The Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

   • Activities:

     • Workshops on mycelium networks and their ecological significance.

     • Group brainstorming sessions on local environmental issues.

     • Engage in community gardening or restoration projects.

4. Week 7-8: Mindfulness and Presence

   • Reading: The Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard

   • Activities:

     • Mindfulness practices focused on being present in nature.

     • Group meditation sessions outdoors.

     • Encourage participants to share personal experiences of connection with nature.

5. Week 9-10: Sustainable Living Practices

   • Reading: The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer

   • Activities:

     • Workshops on reducing consumption (food choices, waste reduction).

     • Cooking classes focusing on plant-based meals.

     • Community potluck featuring local, sustainable foods.

6. Week 11-12: Reflection and Moving Forward

   • Activities:

     • Participants reflect on their journey through journaling and group sharing.

     • Create a vision board for future goals related to personal growth and community involvement.

     • Establish ongoing support groups for continued engagement after the program ends.

Key Components

• Weekly Check-ins: Each week will include a check-in to assess progress, share experiences, and provide support.

• Community Engagement: Participants are encouraged to engage with their local communities through shared meals, walks, or volunteer opportunities.

• Personal Reflection: Journaling will be a key component throughout the program to facilitate self-awareness and growth.

Outcomes

By the end of this 90-day program, participants will have:

• Developed a deeper understanding of grief as a collective experience.

• Create a safe place with friends to grieve together.

• Built stronger connections with their community and nature.

• Adopted sustainable practices that honor both personal health and the environment.

• Created a supportive network for ongoing growth and accountability.

  
  

This program aims not only to address personal despair but also to foster a sense of hope and connection in an increasingly disconnected world.