Although attempting to bring about world peace through the internal transformation of individuals is difficult, it is the only way.—The Dalai Lama
Illuman (US) is an organization of male-identified people who are predominantly White of European descent. Given the history of this country (USA), an essential part of Illuman’s mission to promote “inner work that makes a difference in the world” must be to address the deeply conditioned and embodied aspects of Whiteness that have grievously built and shaped our national culture and inherent institutions (educational, health, legal, political, religious, and economic) and continue to do so.
Although open to all men, healing the Whitewashed Soul was particularly created for white identified men who are committed to the struggle to end White Supremacy, have begun to awaken to how the construct of Whiteness has profoundly damaged and distorted their own humanity, are wanting to repair the breach with the natural world, and are looking for a supportive community where they can gather to face, grieve, and seek healing from their own moral and psychic wounds.
This experiential offering is built on the premise that Wendell Berry addresses in his book, The Hidden Wound, where he speaks of the profound psychic trauma that White Supremacy inflicts not only upon people of color, but also upon the psyches of those who are ‘privileged’ in the system. As James Baldwin writes, “that transformation [into Whiteness] ‘choked many a human being to death,’ because to become white meant the subjugation of others, an act that disfigured the soul by closing off the ability to see oneself in others, and to see them in oneself. This systemic internalized trauma, in turn, perpetuates patriarchal abuse, racial oppression, and destruction of the living system of our planet. Only by taking a crucial inner journey of courageous self-reflection can Whites truly prepare themselves to be part of the multi-racial coalitions required to end the global racism that manifests in the ongoing toxicity and destruction affecting most human and other-than-human communities.
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Program overview:
- Initial full-day intensive on Saturday, April 13
- 10 two-hour long virtual plenary sessions, and 6 two-hour long break-out council sessions, held Mondays 7-9 pm Eastern Time (6-8 Central, 5-7 Mountain, 4-6 Pacific) from April 15-August 5 (excluding Memorial Day)
- Closing commitment gathering (possibly in-person)
Multiple nature based wanders throughout the series in home locality.
Topics will be introduced and explored through poetry, movement, video clips, rituals, short teaching times and small group discussions. Between sessions other resources such as reading, videos, and podcasts will be offered.
“Deepening Invitations” will be offered at the end of each plenary session that will include suggestions for wandering in the more-than-human world, journaling, and other means of soulful expression.
Program Fee: $550 with a sliding scale option
For more information or to register contact Glenn Siegel (gslizard@gmail.com) or Bryan Smith (bds3261@gmail.com)
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Glenn Siegel, M.D. facilitated personal transformation as a psychiatrist for over three decades, co-developing a unique treatment model based on Authenticity as the “curative” force. Now retired from psychiatric practice, Glenn has entered a larger conversation with Wholeness and Self-Healing through the wisdom of the more-than-human world. He is a ‘Wild Mind’ guide trained through the Animas Valley Institute (Bill Plotkin) for those courageous enough to risk encounters with their soul gifts and the psychospiritual upheaval that may result. Now an Illuman Wisdom Elder Emeritus, Glenn has an enduring commitment to add both his voice and actions to the dismantling of patriarchal hierarchy, white supremacy/racism, and gender-based inequities.
Bryan Smith, M.Div. is a transformationalist who companions people as they discover, embrace, and manifest their wild calling and inherent genius that our enchanted and suffering world needs in a time such as this. Bryan has done this in myriad ways, including co-creating Seminary of the Wild, which has evolved into the Center for Wild Spirituality, where he serves as a guide and content creator. He also is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church USA, an International Coaching Federation credentialed clergy coach, an Animas Valley Institute certified nature-based human development guide, and an anti-racism trainer. In his anti-racism work, Bryan is committed to helping individuals and organizations dismantle white supremacy and facilitate racial healing.
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