On April 25, 2008 ForTheGrandChildren presented David Korten and Joanna Macy in a conversation about the Great Turning before 450 people at Seattle Unity Church. You can hear the conversation and see an artist's story boarding of the meeting below.

I just spent a powerful weekend with David Korten and Joanna Macy. On Friday night David and Joanna had a deep conversation about our future before 450 people. The energy in the room was amazing as these two teachers probed each others thoughts about the future. And on the weekend Joanna led a workshop that I can only describe as life changing.

I have a friend who is a scientist who worries a great deal about global warming. He has a garden with a beautiful water feature that requires a water pump. He turns off the pump in order to save energy. His wife turns it back on because she loves the beauty of the pond. How many of us speak passionately about climate change but continue to live a lifestyle that doesn't support our concerns. I know that I do.

How many of us find it impossible to reconcile the horror we know is hurtling towards us with the fact that our everyday life doesn't yet reflect it. David stated that we in the privileged world will be the last to feel the crisis and by then it will be too late. He referred to what is happening as the great unraveling.

Joanna said that part of our problem is that the dominant culture is designed to make us feel that there is something wrong with us when we express strong fear or anger about what is happening. She implored us to open our eyes to the suffering. We will need courage to feel the pain we will find. And she also says that we should not get hung up on feeling hopeful or hopeless. These are only feelings. It is critical that we be present to what is happening. The future requires it.

Joanna taught about the prophesy of the Shambhala Warrior. This archetype will appear to disarm the weapons of destruction. His/her only resources will be great compassion and a knowledge that all life is interconnected. Is it time to embrace that archetype in our lives? What do you think?

Our recommendations for dealing with this is to call circles of friends together to discuss the pain we are feeling and what you could as a community do about it. There is strength in community. The Awakening the Dreamer Symposium is also a great place to look at what we need to be doing. See information about these symposiums at www.forthegranchildren.org. 

Listen to the conversation by clicking below: