As the Transition movement in the United States approaches its third year, and as it celebrates a growth spurt surpassing most social movements in recent history, individuals engaged in Transition are increasingly experiencing the more subtle nuances of its mission. Many are discovering that while awareness-raising and reskilling are deeply inspiring and rewarding, something is missing. That something is connected with the more profound reasons for embracing Transition in the first place—the inner transition that deals with our fear, grief, anger, and overall dis-satisfaction with the paradigm of industrial civilization.

As we work hard to create resilient and self-sufficient communities, we encounter a variety of challenges directly related to the Heart and Soul facet of Transition. These include the psychology of change; the feelings we feel as we distance from the old paradigm and embrace the unfamiliar and the unknown; issues of communication between our associates in Transition; questions evoked by our Transition work regarding our work in the world and where our talents can best be utilized; and very importantly, our need to dialog regularly with others in the movement regarding our Transition journeys.

My experience thus far with Transition is that the Heart and Soul aspect of it often takes second or third place in many initiatives to the other challenging tasks of awareness-raising and reskilling. This is not a judgment, but an observation, and I have to ask why this is so. My sense is that it relates indirectly to the work ethic of industrial civilization itself which rewards keeping busy and avoiding Heart and Soul issues entirely. Yet we see all around us in the culture the consequences of that avoidance. They are abysmal in the larger society, and they are certainly nothing less within the Transition movement.

Repeatedly in the Transition Handbook, the addictions model is used as a practical template for facilitating a shift in our thinking from the old to new paradigm. The crux of 12 Step recovery from addictions is group sharing/listening/truth-speaking. It follows then, that if we are “recovering” from our addiction to oil, consumerism, and countless tenets of the paradigm of civilization, ongoing group dialog is an essential complement to the other myriad forms of Transition tasks in which we are engaged.

Many Transition initiatives around the world have formed Heart and Soul groups. Overwhelmingly, people involved in those groups affirm the countless rewards they experience in being able to dialog with other Transitioners on a regular basis in a safe space. Some comments I have heard are:

• “What a relief to have a place to talk about my feelings about Transition!”
• “I can’t believe how alone I felt before I found this group and how connected I feel now.”
• “What do other people do without this kind of support?”
• “Being a part of this group enhances all my other Transition work such as teaching permaculture, learning about alternative healing options, learning new skills, and simplifying my life.”
• “My involvement with this group is having an impact on my choices about what kind of work I want to do in the world that isn’t directly involved with Transition. It’s giving me the courage to explore my options on a whole new level.”

Last summer, I had the privilege of offering Heart and Soul events in Boulder, Colorado which were very well received. The ultimate proof of their value was the birth of an ongoing Heart and Soul group which has met weekly here in Boulder since September. We began studying my book Sacred Demise: Walking The Spiritual Path of Industrial Civilization’s Collapse, and we are currently about half-way through the book. How we will proceed after we complete the book is unknown, but given our deepening connection and the rewards we experience each time we come together, I suspect our next focus will evolve quite effortlessly.

I personally am interested in learning more about Heart and Soul groups throughout the United States—where they are located, when they were formed, what their formats and focus are, and how they have been useful to the initiatives in that place. Therefore, I would appreciate people contacting me with information about their Heart and Soul groups.

For those living in the Boulder area, we welcome new Transitioners interested in joining our Heart and Soul group. For more information please contact me at: Carolyn@carolynbaker.net.

CAROLYN BAKER, Ph.D., was an adjunct professor of history and psychology for 11 years and a psychotherapist in private practice for 17 years. Her latest book Sacred Demise: Walking The Spiritual Path of Industrial Civilization's Collapse, is unique in its offering of emotional and spiritual tools for preparing for living in a post-industrial world. Her other books include: Coming Out From Christian Fundamentalism: Affirming Sensuality, Social Justice, and The Sacred (2007), U.S. History Uncensored: What Your High School Textbook Didn't Tell You (2006) and The Journey of Forgiveness (2000). All may be purchased at her site, Speaking Truth to Power. She is available for speaking engagements and author events and can be contacted at carolyn@carolynbaker.net.