Spirit In Action with Joanna Macy, Ph.D.

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In this inspiring episode from 1990, Joanna Macy, Ph.D., a renowned scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology, discusses her extensive work on confronting despair and cultivating empowerment amidst planetary crises. Macy shares her personal journey with nuclear waste issues and highlights the importance of recognizing our interdependence through spiritual practices and collective action. She introduces the innovative concept of the “beings of the three times”—past, present, and future—which encourages us to foster solidarity with ancestors, current allies, and future generations. Macy elaborates on practices like the “Parsifal exercise” to awaken truth-telling and vitality, and explores the “greening of the self,” a shift towards understanding an ecological self rooted in interconnectedness and love. She emphasizes the significance of establishing “Guardian sites” for the mindful safekeeping of radioactive waste, drawing from ancient spiritual traditions to care for future generations. Macy’s insights inspire us to embrace spiritual awakening as a vital component of global healing and sustainability. (hosted by Michael Toms)

Bio:

Joanna Macy, Ph.D., (1929-2025) was an eco-philosopher and a respected voice in the peace, justice, and ecology movements. She was the author of many books and a scholar of Buddhism, systems thinking, and deep ecology. As the root teacher of the Work That Reconnects, Macy has created a groundbreaking framework for personal and social change that brings a new way of seeing the world as our larger body.

Joanna Macy’s books include:

• Thinking Like a Mountain: Towards a Council of All Beings (co-authors, John Seed, Pat Fleming, and Arne Naess) (New Society Publishers 1988)
• World as Lover, World as Self: Courage for Global Justice and Ecological Renewal (Parallax Press 2021)
• Coming Back to Life: The Updated Guide to the Work That Reconnects (co-authored with Molly Young Brown) (New Society Publishers 1998 and 2014)
• Despair and Personal Power in the Nuclear Age (New Society Publishers 1983)
• Active Hope: How to face the Mess We’re in with Unexpected Resilience & Creative Power (co-authored Chris Johnston) (New World Library 2022)
• A Wild Love for the World: Joanna Macy and the Work of Our Time (Shambhala 2020)
• Friend: Courage for Global Justice and Ecological Renewal (Parallax Press 2007).
• A Year with Rilke: Daily Readings from the Best of Rainer Maria Rilke (co-author Anita Barrows) (HarperOne 2010)

To learn more about the work of Joanna Macy go to www.JoannaMacy.net

Topics explored in this dialogue include:

Host: Justine Willis Toms   Interview Date: 5/23/1990  Program Number: #2198