Joanna Macy: The Work That Reconnects
"The most remarkable feature of this historical moment on Earth is not that we are on the way to destroying the world. It is that we are beginning to wake up." — Joanna Macy
Ecological crisis awakens deep questions about grief, hope, and our responsibility to the living world. Joanna Macy, a Buddhist scholar, systems theorist, and activist, has guided generations in facing ecological despair with courage. Through her approach known as the Work That Reconnects, she helps people transform pain for the earth into energy for action and renewal.
Joanna Macy is an American scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology. She studied at Syracuse University and worked internationally in peace and justice movements before focusing on ecological teaching. Her books, including World as Lover, World as Self, Despair and Personal Power in the Nuclear Age, and Active Hope (with Chris Johnstone), offer tools for resilience and cultural transformation. She has led workshops around the world that integrate spirituality, psychology, and activism.
Macy teaches that grief for the earth is not weakness but a sign of love. By honoring sorrow, communities discover a deeper source of connection and strength. She describes this cultural transformation as the “Great Turning,” a shift from industrial growth society toward life-sustaining culture.
Teachings in World as Lover, World as Self
This book presents Macy’s central vision of ecological identity:
World as Lover: Earth is experienced as intimate and beloved. Ecological care arises from devotion and reciprocity.
World as Self: The self is not separate from the biosphere. Rivers, forests, and atmosphere are recognized as extensions of identity.
The Ecological Self: Individual identity expands through interdependence and systems thinking.
Grief as Pathway: Sorrow for ecological destruction expresses love for the world and deepens commitment to protection.
The Great Turning: Human society is undergoing a cultural shift from industrial growth to life-sustaining culture.
Macy’s work is lived in circles of reflection, rituals of gratitude, and movements for ecological justice. Communities who gather to honor grief, celebrate interconnection, and act together for the earth embody her vision of resilience. Planting gardens, joining climate marches, or sitting in meditation with the land are simple ways of participating in the Work That Reconnects.
We honor Joanna Macy for her courage in guiding communities through ecological grief and for her vision of active hope. Her work reminds us that when we face our pain for the world, we also discover our strength to protect it.
Resources & Further Reading
World as Lover, World as Self by Joanna Macy
Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone
Despair and Personal Power in the Nuclear Age by Joanna Macy
The Work That Reconnects Network (workthatreconnects.org)
