SOS - ECO-RESILIENCE PROJECT

S.O.S

Sustainability of Self; as part of a whole living organism...

“It's going to be beautiful to see what we dare to do. Facing our fears, and letting go of and getting over our knee-jerk reactions to what we think we don't like or are afraid of. To see our capacity to walk into the fire. To discover how much we really love being alive. To give ourselves a taste of what that passion is. To let us fall really in love with our planet, and its beauty, and to see that in ourselves, as well as in each other.”

Joanna Macy, Ph.D. Eco-philosopher, scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology

SOS AIM

The Sustainabilitiy of Self (SOS) project aims to create a regular space and time to transition feelings and thoughts

and share nourishing tools and practices for living in a rapidly changing world.

Our behaviours, relationships and actions are reflected in our personal sense of wellbeing.

We explore how nature’s wisdom and human connection can become part of the solution to the world’s problems, preventing us from living in fear and becoming paralysed in the face of uncertainty.

We explore a variety of themes and practices together, recognising the benefits of meaningful community interactions and how our self-care is intrinsically linked to our sense of self, community and our wider environment.

TOGETHER WE:

use a given space and time to process, witness, acknowledge, share and transition any feelings and thoughts (including our challenging, uncomfortable emotions and sensations) with curiosity and compassion
reconnect and strengthen our innate relationships with nature, as part of nature, through learning and incorporating restorative ecopsychology (deep or sacred ecology) eco-therapy methods and/or eco-art therapy as creative expression
learn and share techniques, methods and practices to create a personal tool-box enabling us to maintain a foundation of good health and our capacity to play a meaningful role in responding to caring for our community and natural world
promote and foster meaningful community engagement, build our sense of community, peer-to-peer support, connectedness, personal, and community resilience
share celebrations, actions, reflections, dreams and stories of living within a caring, regenerative life-affirming culture
explore various programs including The Work That Reconnects and Active Hope, The Good Grief 10-Step Program and Deep Adaptation conversations
Learn and experience deeper perspectives through special guests and collaboration opportunites

EVENTS

SOS sessions may be stand-alone events, requested sessions, either online, self-guided or in person

Days/Times: As noted in current events or requested

Locations: Online/zoom, and as noted on events or requested

Suitability: Adults and adolescents 16+
Group size: As noted in events (usually 6-20)

Book: See CURRENT EVENTS for more information and to register. Please contact for a quote if you require a tailored session for yourself or group.

Fees: Most sessions are sliding scale and fees support other not-for-profit organisations. Our lives and experiences are enriched by the diversity of participants. Everyone is welcome regardless of their financial situation, therefore we offer a tiered pricing structure. Please see the specific event or contact for more info about fees, donations, or skillshare options.

Facilitator: Deb Punton/Greensong and special guests. Please note that Deb/Greensong is not a psychologist, she is an ecopsychologist. More about Deb

Online: If you are looking for an online zoom group, please see Active Hope Study groups and other excellent support groups highlighted green in resources.

SOS groups are not a space for debate or discussion about climate science facts and what level of crisis or collapse we are living in; they are to share how we are feeling, deepen our acceptance, create greater peer-to-peer community support and connections, and increase our wellbeing through developing techniques and resources.

You are not alone...

Are you feeling overwhelm or uncomfortable sensations related to living in an unsustainable business-as-usual society?

Our reactions are understandable given the state of our climate and ecological crisis and societal dysfunction. All feelings are welcomed including eco-distress, anxiety and grief. This SOS project was born as a Masters in Applied Ecopsychology eco-resilience project, a journey from despair to empowerment. This project then evolved further from the City Of Port Phillips Environmental Leaders course in 2021. Read more about SOS origins HERE

If you are not sure if SOS is for you, please contact Deb for a chat or join an Active Hope online Study Group

I highly recommend watching the documentary: Living in The Time of Dying (54-mins) by Michael Shaw to understand the value of processing thoughts and feelings and join ane online Collapse Support Group offered.

TESTIMONIALS

The benefits noted are numerous, from reduced isolation and fear, increased feelings of support and learning greater self-care techniques.

“I really enjoyed the SOS Eco-Art session today. Deb created a fantastic open and supportive environment where we all felt very comfortable stating our thoughts and feelings without judgement. I loved the quiet and contemplative art and mindfulness activities, which allowed us to express ourselves clearly and directly from the heart.”

- Malcolm, June 2019

"I am grieving about the state of our environment. I have deep sorrow inside me that began to emerge as I spoke. And I feel a responsibility to keep myself strong and keep working to change things for the better... The session confirmed to me the importance of connection – connection to one’s feelings and to other like-minded people... The importance of being connected to our body and mind, to our own nature and our connection to nature. After all we share the same elements as nature. Much as we love our individuality and independence, we are inter-dependent. And we need to feel supported and to be able to support others so we can work together towards shared goals... The session also made it clear to me how different we each are and the beauty and strength in this. We each need to step up and do more but in a way that we are comfortable with... Some of us like to speak out and organise, others quietly work and influence through their art, for example, or in maintaining their emotional health to support others. Some of us will engage with politicians, others might do the necessary background research. And it’s vitally important to be able to sustain each step we take, to know when and how best we can step up, otherwise we risk falling..." - Louise, SOS workshop 2019