EVENT REPORT ~ by Bev England and Michael Tacon    |         February 3, 2010

“AWAKENING THE DREAMER – CHANGING THE DREAM” SYMPOSIUM at Sooke Harbour House.

A one-day symposium was attended by 40 people from Sooke and Victoria at Sooke Harbour House last Saturday, January 30, to discuss environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual and psychological well being. The session was facilitated by Michael Tacon, a Sooke resident who is associated with the Well Foundation in Victoria.

Linda Bristol and Shirley Alphonse, elders from the S’ou-ke Nation, were present and gave a blessing to open the event. The symposium was organized by the Well Foundation in Victoria, which is dedicated to promoting a positive and creative engagement with societal change and a sustainable future. The program was developed by the Pachamama Alliance in San Francisco in response to a request from an indigenous community in the rainforest of Ecuador. Pachamama is a South American word for Mother Earth.

The day was devoted to presenting an overview of the world situation in terms of environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual and psychological well being. Tacon served as a 'tour guide' through a wealth of material augmented by video segments and interactive exercises which covered four basic questions: WHERE ARE WE? HOW DID WE GET HERE? WHAT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FUTURE? WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

The video pieces about the first two questions, based on the best available scientific and social research, were sobering and compelling. It amounted to a wide ranging review of the major challenges facing the planet and its peoples at this time in history as well as some insights into the root causes. Many people present were deeply affected and impressed by the balanced and clear presentation of what’s going on and the implications for the future. There was something about facing the facts of our situation squarely as a group of concerned and informed men and women that was comforting and empowering.

As the program moved on to the last two questions, that dealt with possibilities and how to move forward, there was a perceptible shift in mood and energy.

There was an inspiring piece on the latest findings about the origin of the universe and its implications for us humans which provided an insight to just how remarkable the human journey on this planet really is. This perspective was a springboard to engaging our creativity and imagination to tackle the challenges facing us with hope and determination. It was obvious to everyone that the transition from “business as usual” to new and more enlightened ways of living – from the old dream to the new dream – will require courage, resilience and vision. It was suggested that we have a moral obligation to change our ways if we intend to leave a better world for our children and grandchildren.

In addition to the videos and Tacon’s presentations, the participants had lots of opportunities to talk with each other and to quietly reflect on what was being offered. There were opportunities for people to share what they were doing to make a difference and what groups or organizations they were connected to or working for. The Sooke CHI and the Transition Towns Initiative were two examples of community based groups mentioned. The good work that Sooke Harbour House does in the community was also cited along with gratitude for making their space available for this special gathering.

Each participant received a declaration card outlining their commitment to “bringing forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet as the guiding principle of our times” as well as a colourful woven bracelet prepared by indigenous people in the Andes of Ecuador to remind them of their symposium experience.  MM