Recovering From Our Addiction to Hope (Workshop)

Jung said that “As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” But we live in a world where we are expected to be hopeful, and we are told that we must be always hopeful. Often, we choose to be hopeful instead of making meaning of situations that feel hopeless. Thus, hope can become a burden instead of inspiring us. Is it possible to move beyond hope and the fear of feeling hopeless? The Buddhist scholar and author, Margaret Wheatley says that “A willingness to feel insecure…is the first step on the journey beyond hope and fear. ”What if outcomes are less important than the relationships, we form in our longing to create a better world and make meaning? How can surrendering to uncertainty make a difference in our efforts to make a difference?