Competences/activities to be practiced first by the teacher
Steps in the activity
- Individual reflection
- Experimentation
- Collective reflection
Step 1: Individual reflection
- Invite learners to join the meeting of all beings. Explain to them that the goal of the meeting is to give a voice to different more-than-human life forms.
- Give learners some time to think about what life form they believe should be represented in the council. Life forms could be an animal, a swamp, a river, a plant or any natural entity that resonates with them. They can also let the lifeform come to spend spontaneously, or go with the first lifeform that shows up in their mind.
- Once learners have chosen a life form, give them some time to embody it, by walking, moving or speaking like this life form. Learners should also reflect on the being’s experience of life and its relationship with the environment. Learners can address the following question: how is that being affected by human activity and climate change impacts?
- Optional: Invite learners to create a mask or a costume to help them embody the being they represent at the Council.
Step 2: Experimentation
- Invite learners to come together and form the “Council of All Beings.” Open the meeting by welcoming all the life forms represented. Following recommendations by Joanna Macy, it is possible to open the council by calling upon the beings of the three times, and/or acknowledging the four directions. Alternatively, a poem could be read to open the council with younger learners.
- Each learner is invited to embody the being they have chosen and speak on their behalf and from their perspective. You can invite learners to talk about their being’s joys, concerns, perspectives on the current state of the world and ecological challenges.
- Invite the learners who are not speaking to listen attentively and respectfully to each being’s message. Learners are also welcome to express understanding and empathy with the experiences of the other beings.
Step 3: Collective reflection
- Once all beings have expressed themselves, invite learners to put their masks aside (metaphorically or concretely), and express their feelings and concerns from a human perspective. This allows learners to share their insights and feelings about the experience and explore how it impacted their understanding of their place in the ecological web.
- Encourage learners to share their thoughts as humans more than once and to engage in a dialogue on topics of interest to the group.
Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Use a “talking piece”: consider using a meaningful object, like a stone or stick, as a talking piece to signify who has the floor. This helps to create a focused and respectful space for sharing.
- Welcome all forms of expression: encourage learners to express themselves freely through masks, costumes, or other creative representations of their chosen being. The key is respect for the being and the space, not perfection.
- Create a special atmosphere: set a calm and unique tone for the meeting. Consider using natural elements like candles, a mandala, or symbolic representations of the four directions to enhance focus and mindfulness during the gathering.
Don’t
- Don’t judge learners’ expressions: avoid critiquing how someone embodies or represents their chosen being. All creative efforts are valid and should be honored.
- Don’t force participation: allow learners to choose their level of sharing. If someone feels uncomfortable speaking or contributing, respect their boundaries and don’t push them to share.
Adaptations
This tool can be linked to tool 2.3 Connecting with the animal, and activity 2.4.5 Nature-based Art.
We invite you to adapt this activity to the specific needs of your learners, including by taking into account their neurodiversity. When adapting tools and activities for neurodivergent learners, please note it is not about treating others how you want to be treated, but how they want to be treated. Ask, listen, and stay open to different ways of learning and engaging.
References
Joanna Macy’s “Council of all beings” in “Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World” (1998). https://workthatreconnects.org/resources/council-of-all-beings/
Some inspiration for costumes or masks can be found here.
