Awakening the Dreamer

Changing the Dream of the Modern World: Awakening the Dreamer Initiative

In the mid-1990's, through a mysterious set of circumstances, a group of North Americans visited a remote and intact group of indigenous people - the Achuar - located deep in the Amazonian region of Ecuador.

This relationship that was to become The Pachamama Alliance, was actually initiated by the indigenous elders and shamans themselves who, out of their deep concern for the growing threat to their ancient way of life, and their recognition that the roots of this threat lay far beyond their rainforest home, actively sought the partnership of committed individuals living in the modern world.

They remind us that one of the most powerful actions that can be taken in support of the rainforest and its inhabitants is to “change the dream of the North,” since it is our dream—our desires and appetites—that is driving the destruction of the rainforests around the world. Ultimately, to assure the long-term survival of our rainforests, and indeed of the natural world and even ourselves, we need to address the core values and ways of seeing the world that are deeply imbedded in our modern worldview.

Thus, AWAKEN THE DREAMER was born as a multi-sensory and participatory exploration of the challenges facing us during this most critical time. Around the world groups are gathering, a 12 step program of sorts for those “addicted to oil” and the culture it has created. The facilitated program incorporates stunning and powerful visuals interspersed with dialog within the group about the feelings (the fear, shame, guilt, overwhelm…) that we all share when confronted with the reality facing us today.

The mission of AWAKEN THE DREAMER is to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on Planet Earth. It is a great precursor to the Transition Town Initiative (www.transitiontown.us) that call citizens to come together to find creative solutions in their own community for the challenges presented around peak oil, climate change and economic collapse.

In the meantime, check out the video from the recent Awaken the Dreamer Symposium I attended in Ontario at Grail Springs (www.grailsprings.com) that my dear friend Madeline hosted!