Remembering Joanna Macy

I’m writing this time with a heavy but grateful heart. My teacher, friend, and guiding light Joanna Macy passed away this month at the age of 96.
 
Joanna was an unparalleled eco-philosopher, Buddhist scholar, and systems thinker. She helped so many of us – myself included – understand that our pain for the world is not a weakness, but a sign of our deep connection to life. Her legacy, especially through The Work That Reconnects, will keep illuminating the path for years to come.
 
I’ve written a tribute to her here, part obituary and part personal reflection for Resilience.

For me, Joanna was a beacon of what she called “Active Hope” – a kind of courage in the face of difficulty that I try to carry forward in my own work. “The Great Turning” she spoke of may be slower than we hoped, but her presence helped many of us believe it was still possible.

That’s also why I’m proud to share an event coming up next week: CM Thinks: Meet the authors of the SAFER report:

• Tuesday 29 July, 8:15–9:45am (Zoom)
• With Caroline Lucas and me
• Reserve tickets via TicketTailor

If you’re moved by the idea of a safer, fairer future – and if you want to honour voices like Joanna’s – I warmly encourage you to attend. And if you can, please chip in a donation to support this work continuing.