What is the Council of All Beings?

“The Council of All Beings is a communal ritual in which participants step aside from their human identity and speak on behalf of another life-form. A simple structure for spontaneous expression, it aims to heighten awareness of our interdependence in the living body of Earth, and to strengthen our commitment to defend it. The ritual serves to help us acknowledge and give voice to the suffering of our world. It also serves, in equal measure, to help us experience the beauty and power of our interconnectedness with all life.” — Joanna Macy

This is a practice of empathy and connection that supports the shift from an egocentric to an ecocentric perspective. It invites us to widen our perception and center the voices of the more-than-human world.

During the Council, participants shed their human identity and invite the presence of a more-than-human being—an animal, plant, element, or landscape—to speak through them. Through simple prompts, they honor and give voice to that being’s experience, wisdom, grief, and message. As each one speaks, the others listen. This shared space becomes a deep act of remembering—of our interconnection, of the beauty and pain in the world, and of our role in its healing.

It is with great respect and joy that we will be holding this Council in Point Reyes, California.

Irene Rodriguez is a singer, facilitator, and eco-artist devoted to weaving connection between the human and more-than-human worlds. Rooted in practices like the Work That Reconnects, eco-therapy, somatics, and expressive arts, her work invites integration within ourselves, with each other, and with the environment through creativity, presence, and practices of interbeing. She aims to create spaces where deep listening, imagination, and reverence become pathways to belonging, wellness, and planet care.

John White has been an East Bay public school teacher for 30+ years. He is a dreamer by nature and has been a fan of the Council of All Beings framework and of Joanna Macy’s embodiment of Active Hope since reading “Thinking Like a Mountain” in the early 90’s. Together with Irene he has committed to manifesting Councils for adults annually whenever they are both in the Bay Area.

Details

-We will be meeting at the Bear Valley Picnic Area

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

Ticket Pricing

A range of pricing options are available to meet your needs. We welcome your participation and appreciate your support at any level.

What to Bring

Day Pack

Lunch

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Health Guidelines

Masks are welcome at your discretion as we all work together to remain healthy and safe.