Overview
At this point, realism is perhaps the least adequate means of understanding or portraying the incredible realities of our existence…For after all, as great scientists have said and as all children know, it is above all by the imagination that we achieve perception, and compassion, and hope. – Ursula K. LeGuin
You long to make a lasting difference in the world, but politics and protests aren’t for you. The shouting for change appears judgmental and hopeless. Where is the inspiration? Imagination? Dream?
Join us for an eight-week online Certificate in Enchantivism, an approach that develops the many ways we make lasting change by sharing reenchanting stories about our relations with ourselves, each other, or our ailing but still-beautiful planet; and then letting these stories lead us into creative and thoughtful responses to how things are.
Being an enchantivist requires no shouting or preaching, although at need it can supplement more conventional and confrontational forms of activism and reform. The quiet can use it so long as they possess a lively imagination, a deep care for life on Earth, a passion for symbol and story, and a willingness to plant stories in the space of fertile soil between real and ideal.
Unleashed, Enchantivism can help communities find renewal and creative ways of affecting positive change for a future we can all thrive in.
What you will receive from this Certificate:
- Many examples of how inspiring stories make a difference in the world today.
- Inspiration and practice in bringing your voice into the world.
- Depth-psychological tools for exploring your fantasies for their deeper story.
- Materials for applying wisdom from mythology and folktales to contemporary issues.
- Strategies for finding common ground through shared stories and dreams.
- Detailed instruction for creating reflection-discussion-action circles (“heartsteads”).
- A copy of the latest edition of the Enchantivist’s Handbook.
- Lively live discussion with like-minded storytellers, visions, and dreamers.
Most of us know what we’re against. Let’s explore what we’re for by learning how to be articulate practical dreamers.
Stories can be so healing; art is so healing; and I think that when you have a story that shows a picture of a utopian future …having a vision of it can help you actualize it. – Sonequa Martin-Green
Weekly Topics:
- Enchantivism
- Deep Storytelling
- Transrevolution: Lasting Systemic Change
- Decoding the Speech of Nature, Place, and Earth
- Dreams as Emissaries of Contemporary Events
- Enchantivist Uses of Mythology
- Terraniana: Planetary Mythologizing
- Posting and Discussion of Proposed Projects
Certificate Format:
Every week, a new module (per the schedule above) will open in our online learning platform. Modules include a video introduction, an audio presentation, a discussion assignment, and additional materials, including texts, slideshows, and links to various online resources. In the final session (Week 8), participants will present an enchantivist project idea linking inner and outer transformation and receive feedback from the instructor, course assistants, and participants.
Additionally, the instructor and course assistant will hold one live Zoom session a week at various times of day, recording the sessions for participants who cannot be present. Written responses to the discussions will be provided by the instructor and course assistant as well as via audio responses and live sessions.
The Certificate will also feature “guest speaker” video presentations in which Pacifica faculty describe the culturally transformative potential of their programs
Craig Chalquist, Ph.D., is Associate Provost at Pacifica Graduate Institute. He earned his Ph.D. in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute and also holds a Master Gardener certificate and another in permaculture design. He is the author of Terrapsychology: Reengaging the Soul of Place (Spring Journal Books, 2007) and co-editor with Linda Buzzell, MFT, of Ecotherapy: Healing with Nature in Mind (Sierra Club Books, 2009). Craig was core faculty in East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies and former core faculty at John F. Kennedy University, where he served as acting department chair (Consciousness & Transformative Studies), designing and launching the world’s first ecotherapy certificate.