Bart Everson explores the links between solstice and Global Degrowth Day
This week, I’m honored to represent the Gaian Way at the 10th International Degrowth Conference. My topic is “The role of spiritual philosophies and communities in supporting and promoting degrowth.” If you’d like to see my presentation, please check out the below recording of a preview I gave to the Greater New Orleans Interfaith Climate Coalition (GNOICC) last Monday.
It so happens that I will be presenting on the 20th of June, which is the date of the solstice this year. The 20th of June has also been designated as Global Degrowth Day. I was immediately struck by the poetic resonance between the two. With Global Degrowth Day, we’re celebrating the advent of degrowth at the seeming height of the growth paradigm. With the solstice, at least in the northern hemisphere, we’re celebrating the advent of darkness at the seeming height of the Sun’s power.
I had an interesting exchange with a degrowth advocate in New Zealand. It’s time for the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere, of course, and he felt that degrowth fit better with the birth of light. We could have had an interesting discussion on the value of darkness, but I just said ‘more power to you!’ Wherever you are on the planet, happy solstice, and happy Global Degrowth Day!
Degrow with Gaia,
Bart
PS: Here are two invitations on how to engage with degrowth. First join the Gaian Degrowth Pod (check our Upcoming Events page for the next discussion, coming up in August sometime). And consider joining the International Degrowth Network. The Gaian Way is an official organizational member, and you can help represent this organization and community. Or you can join directly as an individual. If you want to help represent the Gaian Way, email me at whatever@barteverson.com.
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