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Table of contents for Despair-Work, an essay by Joanna Macy on the weight of the Nuclear Age on each/all of us, whether we are consciously aware of it or not, and some ideas of what can be done for/by each of us to ease that burden.
Part one: Introduction, Ingredients of Despair, Symptoms and Suppressions
Part two: Validation,
Part three: Feeling, Imaging, Waiting
Part four: Community
Citations and references page [external links]
This essay became her book Despair and Personal Power in the Nuclear Age.
And some related links: Deep Ecology, Nuclear Guardianship, Non-Violent Peace Force, Yes! Magazine and Critical Will: Force for Nuclear Disarmament.
ETA: I've been asked why I'm keeping this at the top of my page?
Because it's relevant. Because this essay saved my life when I first read it in 1982. Because it's thoughtful writing. And because now, instead of two countries with [relatively] stable nuclear warhead programs, there are [actually, do we even know how many?] at least 6 with nuclear warhead capability. / (ETA- am letting it slide down a ways for now- doesn't mean I won't relink it at the top at some point.)
I don't know about you, but that weighs on me something terrible. I'm so grateful to have ways to relieve that burden which are practical and do-able.
ETA to add Rebecca Solnit's Library of Hope (including hope in the dark) from Tom Engelhart's Tomdispatch, courtesy of Perceval Press.
ETA 4.16.08 to add Waging Peace and the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.
Thank you, you who read, ponder, come back, read again. If ever you'd like to talk about this with me, I'm available. Just drop me a note here.
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| 2009-05-07 18:53 |
| Despair-work, Peace-work, Hope |
| Public |
| despair work, ethics, facebook, friends, hope, networking, peace work, twitter, wordpress |
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If you've followed along for any length of time, you know that I'm a big fan of what Joanna Macy calls 'despair-work'. Interestingly, this is not work in which one admits despair and then gives up. This is work in which one admits to despair being present, then uses the energy gained by that admission to generate new energy: to create hope, in one way or another.
I've joined the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War in their ican project, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. I'm inviting you to join me, by donating, by spreading the word, by believing this can be accomplished across the lines of nations and over the objections of corporations and armies, through the work of concerned, dedicated, connected individuals- a fellowship of the many, if you will.
The secondary cost of maintaining nuclear weapons stockpiles is part of what the GreenhamCommonWomen worked to make apparent, what Eric and David Thiermann, in their difficult but beautiful film The Last Epidemic demonstrate in clear and personal way, what Joanna Macy Rogers from her practice of Engaged Buddhism names Nuclear Guardianship. The thing is done, it cannot be undone, but it can be put into balance: not the balance of bomb for bomb, because that is no balance, but the balance of action and care.
I'm inviting you to join me, and bring your friends, family and co-workers. Invite your government, corporations, churches, synagogues, mosques. There is room for everyone to do this work, and many hands make light work.
As Aragorn said: There is always hope.
Today, I bring this sliver of it and hold it alight. Please, join me in carrying the fire.
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