Joanna Macy is currently in hospice, and not expected to be with us for much longer. The world will be losing a profound voice for ecological and social justice with her passing. Renowned for her groundbreaking work in systems theory and deep ecology, Macy has inspired countless individuals to transform despair into action through her teachings and workshops. Her ability to weave together insights from Buddhist philosophy and modern science provided a framework for understanding our interconnectedness with the earth upon which we all depend. As a prolific writer and speaker, she’s addressed critical issues such as nuclear threats, environmental degradation, and the deep grief associated with planetary loss. The absence of her wisdom will leave a significant void in the ongoing struggle for a sustainable future, while her legacy will continue to resonate with those of us seeking hope in the face of overwhelming challenges. May her extraordinary life continue to be a beacon to us, we ordinary people, to hold onto hope, so vital not only for warding off despair, but for fostering resilience and igniting change. May we, for the sake of all who share this beautiful planet (and for those not yet born) commit ourselves to taking meaningful action, remembering that our choices today shape the world of tomorrow.
So much of what Joanna Macy has said and written has touched and taught me, far too much to even begin to distill within the context of a blog post, so I’ll simply leave you with this, “If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.”
Spirituality, Therapy, and the Good Life 