Every summer up here in Northern California, our attention turns to the fires. This year, even more so than last year’s devastating season. I just cancelled my annual Constellations in Mt.Shasta event because of the enormous and deadly fires near Redding and Ukiah – there’s simply too much worry, smoke and distraction to ask people to think about spending three days in Mt. Shasta doing healing ancestral work.
Which is not to say, ancestral healing work is irrelevant. It is. Every natural disaster impacts people well beyond the immediate event itself, and the resonating ring of trauma expands across the miles and the years. And, the larger world is impacting these events, too. As firefighters address the immediate needs of the fire itself, we are nonetheless aware that the real causes and sustenance for devastating wildfire come from well beyond the fire itself.
Ecology, human behavior, weather, climate warming – these are all part of the event, and can’t be separated out. (This fantastic New York Times article reminds us of similar devastating fires in Greece, Portugal, Indonesia and elsewhere – it’s all connected.) This is part of the wisdom of constellation work – no person or event is disconnected from the rest, and if we want to really solve problems (whether personal or communal) we need to be connected to those larger influences to have any real impact.
Starting in late September, I will again be leading a six-month course on how to facilitate constellations. Our goal is to develop the sensitivity to discern larger unconscious systems that are “running the show,” on behalf of individuals mostly, but also for communities and for all of us. As individuals, one of the the most important invisible aspects of what’s influencing us – and a source of strength – are our ancestors. In Western culture, we’ve lost touch with this invisible yet permeating presence, and through constellations, we regain that connection for our ourselves and for others.
The remarkable side effect is a greatly expanded sense of compassion for all of us – embedded in networks of relationship that are so much bigger than us, with histories of suffering and triumph. When we tap into the larger reality – whether it’s about fires or one person’s personal experience of depression – we can sense a deeper love and a deeper history, so that we find our own dignity, humility and acceptance of ourselves. It’s profoundly moving.
Why consider joining us? Yes, it’s a big commitment. And, if you are a healer type; a coach or therapist; or a seeker moved by the ancestors, there is truly nothing quite like developing a capacity to perceive and work with the invisible layers of what surrounds us and affects us every day.
It starts soon! You can save $500 through August 27th. So now is the time to check out the website, and contact me with your questions. This work is my greatest honor. I invite you to take a look, and if it feels right, join me in a few weeks to learn, grow, heal and play.
What are your thoughts about fires, systems, ancestors and/or constellations? You are invited to continue the conversation on my blog here.
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