The Work That Reconnects
“We belong to this world. The web of life is calling us forth at this time. We’ve come a long way and are here to play our part. With Active Hope we realise that there are adventures in store, strengths to discover, and comrades to link arms with. Active Hope is a readiness to discover the strengths in ourselves and in others; a readiness to discover the reasons for hope and the occasions for love.”
Joanna Macy
The Work That Reconnects is a transformative and experiential group process that offers a powerful framework for personal and collective empowerment in the face of the world’s ecological and social challenges.
Developed by Joanna Macy - an eco-philosopher and a leading voice in movements for peace and justice - and her colleagues, the Work That Reconnects draws upon deep ecology, systems thinking, and spiritual traditions to unfold a step-by-step process that helps people reconnect with their inner selves, their community, and the broader web of life. To move from a sense of isolation to a sense of community and participation; from eco- anxiety and overwhelm to inspired action.
This 4-day gathering explores the core ideas and practices of the Work That Reconnects and follows the Spiral - a journey through four stages - Rooting in Gratitude, Honoring Our Pain for the World, Seeing with New & Ancient Eyes, and Going Forth. Together, we will engage in guided practices, creative expression, spend time in nature, supporting both inner renewal and outer engagement.
Practicing Hope Together will be facilitated by Liene Jurgelāne and Gunilla Andersson. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Äspögården, this gathering invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and practice hope as a shared path.
Liene Jurgelāne is an anthropologist, artist, and facilitator that creates spaces for deep connection between people and the living Earth. She has practiced The Work That Reconnects since 2013, trained with Joanna Macy and other core teachers, and is a registered facilitator within the global network.
With nearly two decades of experience guiding transformative processes, Liene weaves together artistic practice with Earth-based wisdom traditions, plantwork, and facilitation craft grounded in deep listening and skilled design which brings depth, presence, and care.
Check out more: https://www.lienejurgelane.com/
Gunilla Andersson holds a Master of Science in biology, and has been working as a wild therapist since 2021 and as a practitioner using the landscape to support her outdoor therapy sessions. Connecting with nature and regarding all beings as equals has been with her since childhood. Gunilla has studied the one year course in Ecopsychology - the Earth is the Home of the Soul within the framework of The Work That Reconnects.
She used to work in the Medical Tech industry with automation process and design. Her role carried a strong state of transition delivering customised solutions to pathology departments. Her collective experience of change and her heart in nature has brought her to finding The Work That Reconnects, cultivating resilience and purpose in uncertain times.
What to expect
Deepened Connection with the living Earth
Engage intimately with the living Earth through participating in guided immersions outdoors, exploring practices that help tap into the wisdom of more-than-humans, and re:connecting with your role in the larger ecosystem of the Earth.
Sense of Community and Belonging
Experience the power of collective wisdom in a supportive, inclusive community. Sharing circles, group discussions and creative practices will offer a space for connection and reflection with other people who care deeply about our planet.
Strengthened Emotional Resilience
Work that Reconnects offers simple yet powerful practices for expressing and processing emotions about the ecological and social challenges of our times and moves us from despair into inspired action.
Tools for Action
Walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and practical tools to make a tangible difference in your personal life and broader communities in connection with life-sustaining practices.
Why join us
Experienced Facilitators
Learn from dedicated practitioners who embody the principles of the Work That Reconnects and Regenerative Learning and are skilled in fostering transformative group experiences.
Integrative Approach
The workshop invites the whole of you into the learning - using a holistic blend of theoretical teachings, experiential and creative tasks, and reflective practices.
Peaceful Countryside and Majestic Coastline
In the vicinity of the most southern point in Sweden, Smygehuk, you will find Äspögården. The main house from 1850 is located in the pitcturesque village of Äspö. There are three separate buildings and a big green park with fruit trees at the front and big old trees at the back, together with natural sitting areas and a glass gazebo with views over the surrounding fields and a small fire place.
Not far away (3.5 km) you’ll meet the ocean, beautiful diverse beach meadows and coastal walks. Open fields of farming and the long horizon almost transports you to a different world with a lot of sky, ever changing weather, caressing wind, stunning sunsets and soft sand between your toes.
Practicalities
Price
8000 SEK per participant +500 SEK as a non-refundable registration fee
Price includes:
-
Four day full spiral practice and materials
-
Transfer at pick up point if you are travelling with public transport. Please let us know in advance
-
Three nights accommodation at Äspögården: single room with private bath, sheets and towels provided
-
All vegetarian meals during the four days (breakfast, lunch, afternoon fika, dinner and evening snack)
Price does not include: Participants must make their own travel arrangements to and from Äspögården. Any extra nights are self facilitated and arranged directly with Äspögården.
Workshop duration
We will start on Friday with a Welcoming Circle at 11 am and end no later than 3 pm with a Closing Ceremony on Monday. You are required to participate for the whole duration of the workshop. Early arrival or staying extra nights is possible and can be arranged directly with Äspögården. Your accommodation will be in a single room with private bath, sheets and towels provided.
Workshop plan
Every day will follow the same flow of Morning Practice & Breakfast at your own pace. We start each day with a Morning Circle at 10 am followed by our first session of the day. By noon we enjoy lunch then a second session will arrive. There will be traditional Swedish Fika around 3 pm and then the afternoon session. Dinner is served by 5:30 pm and we will gather for an evening session before a peaceful night snack and bedtime. We will also sprinkle each day with some free time when suitable and needed.
We will use English as our work language - meaning English is a tool, not a barrier to speak.
Contact
If you have any questions you are always welcome to contact us:
gunilla@lotusland.se liene.jurgelane@gmail.com
Location and how to get there...
Address
Äspö kyrkväg 18-5, 231 99 Klagstorp, Sweden
Coordinates: Latitude: 55,3752588 Longitude: 13,3953816
Äspögården is nested in the center of the small village called Äspö, in the Swedish countryside and easy to reach by car. Free parking in front of the main building. Public transport is available with train to Trelleborg or Ystad and then by bus (Regionbuss 190) to the stop called Smygehamn Ängavägen. Use Skånetrafiken (https://www.skanetrafiken.se/) to buy your ticket and to review updated time tables.
Transfer: If you are arriving with the bus please advise us your arrival time and we will pick you up at the bus stop called Smygehamn Ängavägen.