Robin Wall Kimmerer, Suzanne Simard, Merlin Sheldrake and Francis Weller books anchor a 90 day inquiry into creating community and mindset for the greener more just world being born
Tim Colman
Dec 24, 2024
90-Day Coaching Program: Antidote for Despair to Repair, Restoration with Nature, Community
This 90-day coaching program is designed to help individuals 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.
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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
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 followed by long walks talking with every bush and tree you walk by.
Encourage participants to reach out to neighbors for community building.
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.
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 learning about the fungus among us.
Engage in community gardening or restoration projects.
Week 7-8: Mindfulness and Presence
Reading: The Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard
Activities:
Mindfulness practices focused on being present in nature, learning about trees relationships with each other in a community rooted underground.
Group meditation sessions outdoors, silent retreats communing.
Encourage participants to share personal experiences of connection with nature.
Week 9-10: Sustainable Living Practices
Reading: The Serviceberry new book 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.
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, joining cooperatives and non profits to grow stronger.
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, a foundation for transformation
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.
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