Dear Constance: I can't thank you enough for generously sharing your time, presence, and wisdom with us. For me your Work That Reconnects (WTR) course was like walking through an open door into a new way of seeing the campaign to save our ecosystems, animals, and plants. It brought in emotional, psychological, and spiritual elements that I found so nourishing. Harvey Hyman,
Simply being present and attentive with a group of people who are committed to this work, is inspiring and restorative for me. My connection with the world (within and without) feels deeper…. Raven Gray, Co- Founder of Transition US
Constance is an educator committed to the Great Turning and has inspired many people to action through the programs she has designed... I love how she is bringing her distinctive gifts and life experience to make the WTR accessible to a variety of audiences.... Joanna Macy, Creator of WTR
I learned that there are people who feel much like I do about how hard it is to hold hope in the face of so much despair. But the process of participating in a kindred spirit workshop is precisely what needs to happen for each of us to carry on. Knowledge that there is a terrific person in West Marin (Constance) that is doing excellent work to keep us focused on community and to not fall into individual despair. Cindy Spring, Co- Author of Wisdom Circles
Testimonials from retreats and multi-day workshops
"One of the most amazing spiritual, emotional and intellectual experiences of my lifetime. This retreat is a must for all those involved in the transformation of our world toward life affirmation." Ann Aurelia López, Ph.D. "Moving with the group through the spiral of Gratitude; Honoring Our Pain; Seeing with New Eyes; and Going Forth; encouraged me to live fully in the present and into the future. I experienced the strength of connecting with other people to honor the grief we feel about the plight of our Earth, and how that shared human connection naturally moves into the other three parts of the spiral. This retreat was a time of renewal and inspiration. Thanks to everyone involved!" Robyn Johnson
"I was humbled by the clarity, brilliance and breadth of both the leadership and participants in the "Awakening the Courageous Heart" workshop. It was a breath of fresh air for heart and mind which has left me opened up to give & receive more of life."Ron Kearns
"The Work that Reconnects intensive led by Molly and Constance was transformational. I was drawn to this program because I was longing to be an elder activist but felt lost, overwhelmed and confused. Moving through the spiral of this profound and provocative process, I emerged with a fire in my belly. The circle that formed during those five days remains connected and supportive. Only a month after the workshop, I notice I am beginning to walk the walk, to talk the talk and to engage in conscious activism in my community. As a workshop leader, I enjoyed watching the way that Constance and Molly worked together. They guided and held our group with ease, joy, and a deep familiarity and confidence in The Work that Reconnects. " Margo Frank
"When I took the Work That Reconnects retreat I found that it provided everything I had hoped for and more. This retreat provides especially relevant background in both intellectual and emotional realms for what we must do as elders - going forth to address changing our society and culture that are in desperate need of healing and redirection. Molly Brown and Constance Washburn, students of this work for over two decades, do a superior job of leading this retreat while bringing in Joanna Macy and her incredible wisdom. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat as foundational to what conscious elders are about." John Sorensen, Founder, Coordinating Director, Conscious Elders Network”
"I went to the retreat feeling drained and I left feeling juiced! And this is not just post-retreat bliss. This is a true return to what motivates my life." Joanie Linney
"The most valuable part of the workshop for me was discovering the incredible passion and intensity in the hearts and minds of its participants. Finding out I'm not alone in my desire to make a positive difference was life changing. Thank you for you r excellent work in this regard."Johnnie Painter
"Shed your despair, Elders, awaken into the real presence of other passionate Elders and the very meaning of that word. The "Work That Reconnects" went right into my heart and into the hearts of those around me, whom I did not know at all when I first entered the room.Our very first exercise, just introducing ourselves to each other brought tears to my face and inner joy that never stopped. Our common desire to make a difference in the world that we find ourselves, our common grief and our shared love for life was all that the leaders needed to take us through the amazing soul wrenching work of the Joanna Macy, Molly Brown and Constance Washburn team.
Becoming part of the CEN and now joining a national team for Climate Change has given me a cadre of colleagues to work with who are inspired, energetic and knowledgeable.
If you are serious about doing something valuable with the time you have here on this blessed planet, this workshop is the place to start."Mike Lerner
"A wonderful and thoughtful experience that will have a profound effect on the rest of my life. I now see retirement as the beginning of a new life, not the end. " Patricia Brenner
Testimonials from Spiral Journey - A Facilitator Development Program for the Work That Reconnects:
" So glad I discovered this gem and do my part in spreading Active Hope." Ewoud Monbaliu , Belgium
" The WTR Facilitator Development Program was a rewarding experience of connecting with other facilitators from around the world as we pushed the edge of the traditional WTR teachings to understand the impact of colonization and oppression on the development and issues of the Industrial Growth Society. " Jo B delAmor, USA
" I was honored to be a part of the inaugural Facilitators Training Course. It was a transformative year-long adventure around the Spiral of the Work That Reconnects. With a balance of readings, videos, interactive on-line platform and video conferences, there were so many opportunities to engage, learn, and connect. In addition to gaining knowledge and experience, I also made some incredible friends and mentors. I am so grateful to be a part of this community! " Beth Remmes, USA
" What a transformational journey ! Encountering people from different cultural, historical, personal backgrounds was really empowering. In the way that I feel more connected with the other participants event though we have different visit cards, competences and skills. WTR-FDP was a real step forward that helped me trigger some projects related to WTR and also to overcome my fears of "doing wrong". They are now transformed into "doing and adjusting if need-be". I do not hold The truth, I only hold my own. And this is how I like to share the WTR. " Nicolas Schoorman, Belgium
" The FDR program is a thoughtful and delightful course of study working to meet the needs of a growing worldwide network of facilitators. The content is powerful, the practices transformative, the community grounding, and the teachers supportive. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who’s passion or path in life has led them to deepen their devotion to the planet and to be of service in this way. The Work that Reconnects has changed my life, and now so has the Facilitators Development Program." Rachael Alaia Helschein, Mexico