14 Participants Explore New Cosmology
Closing Circle
Closing Circle
July 20, 2010
Program provides the 'big picture'
Participants came from six states and from Spain to explore with Miriam MacGillis the meaning of the New Cosmology and the implications for what Thomas Berry has called the Great Work.
Two biologists were part of the group. Gianna Iannucci, a neurobiologist, teaches high school in Connecticut, and Jonathan Lavelow, a molecular biologist, teaches at a university in New Jersey. Jonathan said that the concept of "deep time particularly resonated with me, and with much practice I hope to teach this and share the idea with others. That dimensions will be added to my work by being conscious of the new cosmology is quite an epiphany." Gianna summed up the program saying that it has helped her to see the "big picture" and that it was a "comfort and joy" to have a small learning community to share this experience. She plans to re-design her physics and biology classes around the new cosmology, with the focus on Earth as primary.
Kathy Townsend from Transition Omaha, Nebraska, plans to bring her learning to a number of social justice initiatives in her region. She said that the program provides "an all-inclusive framework for justice work and sustainability, addressing all the concerns under one umbrella and giving hope."
Co-founder of Transition Colorado, Michael Brownlee also attended. He observed that this program would be important for people "involved in Transition-related efforts as a means of entering into a deeper level of life work."
Co-founder of Transition Colorado, Michael Brownlee also attended. He observed that this program would be important for people "involved in Transition-related efforts as a means of entering into a deeper level of life work."
Juan Carlos Arlandy, who works in the financial district in Madrid, said that the experience had re-connected him to his ancestral history and his cultural heritage. “I have been going too fast and this week I have remembered that life is too good to miss,” he stated. “So I am going to slow my life down when I get back to Spain.”
A high school social studies teacher in New Jersey, Chris Wyglendowski said that what he learned would give him a stronger foundation on which to base his life choices. He and his wife are expecting their first child and are considering the possibility of building a straw bale house.
Another person said "I most loved the opportunities to live some 'alternative' approaches --- using the composting toilet, burning incense in the restroom instead of toxic sprays, exploring permaculture design on the land, participating in new ceremonies, eating delicious vegetarian meals, and swimming in the pond. All are a blessing!"
Alison Cornish finished her 4-month stay at the Farm by attending this program. On leave from her role as pastor in a New York church, she commented on all the learning she received from the group members. “This was a wonderful group to learn with and from,” she said. “There was such a diversity of perspective and insight – this was an extraordinary learning experience.”