Buenos dias,
As the temperature rises here in the Mediterranean heat wave, I’m thinking of Joanna Macy this morning. I’ve read that she has entered into her final days, and is at home, surrounded by family. Many people are sending her their love and wishes as she makes the big transition.
Joanna’s essential concept of the Great Turning – a societal shift from an industrial growth society to a life-sustaining one – has several pillars: it requires us to defend life on this planet; to create a new story; to build practical models that work to meet our needs; and to nurture life (human and non-human).
There is so much that each of us can do to contribute to the Great Turning. And one reason why I’m passionate about permaculture is that it touches each of the pillars, and allows everyone to find, develop and follow their callings in life.
Soon I will be going on a teaching tour with Starhawk throughout Europe. One reason among many why I love to teach with her is because we both see the necessity to combine the social with the ecological, the People Care with the Earth Care, and to connect permaculture to social movements and Earth-based spirituality in order to have a multiplier effect.
This is how I am keeping active hope alive during these crazy times.
Hope to see you this summer,
Permaculture, Love & Solidarity,
Alfred
@ Maison de Paille, Switzerland, July 22 – 29
How can we effectively organize and collaborate in uncertain times? Achieving long-term, systemic change requires strong collaboration—but working in groups isn’t always easy. Conflicting perspectives, personal agendas, and communication breakdowns can either weaken a movement or, when navigated well, strengthen it. How can we build trust, resolve conflicts, and create truly inclusive, resilient communities?
@ Ecovillage Grain&Sens, France, August 1 – 14
Starhawk and Alfred return to the inspiring Grain&Sens ecovillage to deliver a second EAT that offers the full Permaculture Design Course curriculum with an additional focus on social permaculture, organising tools, and spirit.
EAT is an intensive course combining theory with practical hands-on learning. Participants will learn permaculture design principles & techniques. The course includes lectures, discussions, hands-on learning, slideshows, Earth-based rituals, and design projects.
@ Slieve Aughty Centre, Ireland, August 19 – 22
The Centre for Environmental Living and Training (CELT) in partnership with Cultivate, Cloughjordan, are delighted to offer this unique and inspiring 4 day workshop and bring together earth activists, change makers, rebels and dreamers to share some time in nature, strengthen our connections, and deepen our creative vision.Facilitated by international guests Starhawk and Alfred Decker, with a local contribution from Davie Philip of the Cultivate Cooperative (Cloughjordan), this special gathering will take you on a journey of transformation, regenerating inner and outer landscapes.
@ Nest City Lab, Barcelona, September 5-7
Are you ready to dive deep into regenerative living, urban resilience, and community transformation? Join us at Nest City Lab, a permaculture-based urban sustainability lab in the heart of Barcelona, Catalunya (Spain), for a family-friendly, modular, and hybrid (in person & online) training! Module 1 has already passed but can be made up.
