Welcome to THRIVE

Vivi Letsou

Welcoming our Global Community, connected and inspired by Spirituality, Activism, Sustainability. Let us RE-ENVISION our World!

Personal Awakening for the Sake of Collective and Planetary Transformation

Michael Sapiro, PsyD

Michael and Vivi set the stage for this Thrive@Zen Rocks gathering with its 3 Fundamental Tenets. While so many of us are dedicated to social change and concern for the Earth, we often forget to prioritize the most important element of this work, You! Without focusing our attention, awareness, unconditional love, and compassion on ourselves, we often feel depleted, isolated, disconnected, and disheartened in our ability to affect change in the world. Too many of us have been taught that if we even make our own priority list, we come last. In general, we have not been taught that we personally matter, and the consequence of these conditions and beliefs often presents as serious mental health concerns. Denying our own wellbeing denies the world of humans who focus love, tenderness, nurturance, encouragement, and support inward. For true societal and planetary change to take place, it must begin inwardly, directed toward our own wise, radiant, open hearts. A loving relationship to ourselves is as important for practicing interconnectedness as being there for other humans, animals, and the planet we live on.

Nurturing Nature Within - Peace & Harmony Within, Expressed as Skillful Action & Sustainability in the World

Brother Phap Dung

As a species, humanity has reached a critical point of unsustainability, as it has succumbed to the trappings of domestication. The pervasive belief that all things, living or otherwise, exist solely for our benefit has led to an insidious sense of entitlement, resulting in the complete subjugation of the planet. Such a dualistic, anthropocentric perspective has enabled us to occupy every corner of the Earth, without regard for the ecosystems that we displace. To counter this troubling trend, Brother Phab Dung has developed a program to de-domesticate individuals, to release them from the compulsion to always be in control and productive. This program is designed to help people understand that it is not necessary to have a solution for everything, to always be on time, to be useful or organized, and to reduce the anxiety and rigidity that has been ingrained in our cultural norms. By acknowledging and working through the hidden trauma and tension that has been passed down through generations, people can begin to find balance within themselves and in the wider world, thus contributing to a more sustainable future for all.

Blessing - Opening the Four Directions

Marcela Lobos

Marcela Lobos will open Sacred Space for Thrive @ ZenRocks. Long ago, people lived at one with nature, and the entire earth was considered sacred. This is still true for shamans, the stewards and protectors of the paradise that is earth, and the life it provides. At one point, all of earth was a sacred place, where beings could take part in amazing transformation and healing. Now, man uses the earth as he sees fit, with no respect for what he takes, or has left behind. In order for great healing to occur, we must be within a sacred space. We can create these spaces ourselves, by calling in the great primordial energies of the four directions, the earth, and the heavens.

Embodied Practice - Breathing & Moving in Unison

Esther Chang

Esther leads us through a gentle moving yoga practice and reminds us the joy of being in our bodies.

Through the Prism of Unity - Unfragmented & Unharmed

Rupert Spira, Kristoffer Haug

In order to sustain our activism for humanity and the planet, it is crucial to understand and embrace our true nature as spiritual beings. Our current way of being has led humankind to a disconnection from ourselves, our bodies and minds, from society and the natural environment. This disconnection is largely due to the dualistic world view that divides and separates humans from nature, spirit from matter, and self from other that leads humanity to unsustainable practices that have harmed both ourselves, other groups of people and the planet. To address this issue, we must shift our perspective and embrace the concept of interbeing, which recognizes the inherent interconnectedness of all things. This understanding can help us find balance within ourselves and with the world around us, and reorient our path forward towards a more sustainable future. One way to cultivate this path is to "de-domesticate" ourselves which means letting go of the need to always be in control, have all the answers, and constantly be productive, useful and organized. This perspective challenges the notion of domestication, which entails the control and exploiting of nature and her resources, as well as other groups of people and all living beings and the ecosystem, for human benefit. To cultivate a sustainable spiritual path of practice, we must learn to live and act with this insight of interbeing, that is, to take care of our body and mind is also taking care of the planet, to take care of our fellow activists is also to taking care of ourselves. Peace and harmony within, stability and sustainability all around - this is spirituall path forward for collective awakening.

Opening Ritual - 3000 BC to NOW: Entering the unbroken flow of Hellenic Spirituality

Athena Despoina Potari, PhD

Join a timeless ritual connecting us to the Spirituality of ancient Greece, preceded by an important talk: Greece ,6th century BCE: Returning from almost 3 decades of study in Egypt, Asia and India, Pythagoras returns home and institutes the path of “Philosophy” - a tradition of Philotis (Love) and Sophia (Wisdom). A path which combines spiritual practices, ritual, ethics, self-inquiry, science and non-duality with the purpose of realizing our true nature as Oneness and Eudaimonia (Bliss.) The Pythagorean School continued in the form of Plato’s Academy – with the ‘golden thread’ of the Lineage continuing for over 1000 years. For the past 17 centuries, however, Hellenic Philosophy has suffered various forms of appropriation and decontextualization from its original spirit and core purposes. It was widely assumed to be merely a rational, argumentative, armchair vocation, involving mainly discursive reasoning. Nonetheless, its essence as a spiritual tradition never disappeared – it always continued to exist in various - though less apparent - forms and structures. In the past 50 years, especially, the Hellenic Path to Self-Realization has been resurging in Greece as an indigenous lineage that is both pertinent and important for our age. The Thread is unbroken and the time ripe for its re-appearance as a living wisdom tradition, in a time that the world aspires for the combination of elements that form its very core: science and spirituality. In our talk, we will explore the essential aspects of Hellenic Philosophy as a Path to Awakening. It will be followed by a short refuge ritual to mark the beginning of our Gathering, inspired by ancient customs, using ancient Greek mantras to re-connect us with the perennial Wisdom of our ancient land.

Spirituality, Activism, and Sustainability as a Lived Experience

Sat Dharam Kaur

One word that links the three concepts of Spirituality, Activism and Sustainability is Dharma. Dharma means “that which upholds or sustains the positive or right order of things – in oneself, one’s family, community, country, on the planet and ultimately within the universe.” Dharma implies conscious choice – we choose the right action in each circumstance, among a multitude of possibilities. We ask ourselves, “What is the right action for me in this moment to achieve the greatest good?” and allow our consciousness and intuition to guide us. My own lived experience has led me on a dharmic journey – first in committing to a spiritual practice that suited me; then to become active in the world as a healer, teacher, environmentalist, leader, visionary, mother and grandmother; and finally to embrace sustainability through living on an off-grid organic farm, growing and sharing food, and moving away from fossil fuel dependency.

Mindfulness Meditation: Connecting our Global Network

Verena Ledig

Join a guided evening meditation to close the opening day of our summit. We are centering ourselves through the awareness of the breath and the wisdom of the heart while connecting with the global community.

Mindfulness Meditation: Be an Architect of Peace

Verena Ledig

In today’s morning meditation, we explore the place from where right action emerges from. We use our inner fire, to alchemize anything that limits or keeps us from being present.

Die Wise - A Manifesto for Sanity & Soul

Stephen Jenkinson

In this interview, Stephen Jenkinson, renowned author and activist, will talk about the topic of his book, "Die Wise – A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul." In this deeply moving and thought-provoking book, Jenkinson explores the topics of grief, dying, and the great love of life. Unlike other books on the subject, "Die Wise" doesn't offer easy solutions or quick fixes for coping with death. Instead, Jenkinson encourages us to face death head-on, to behold it in all its painful beauty, and to learn the skills of dying that can only be learned in the course of living deeply and well. Drawing on his two decades of experience working with dying people and their families, Jenkinson presents a vision of dying as a right and responsibility of everyone. He argues that dying well is a moral, political, and spiritual obligation that we owe to our ancestors and our heirs. In this talk, Jenkinson will explore the themes of his book and offer insights into how we can learn to die well and care for dying people with compassion and dignity. This work, he argues, is essential for building strong and resilient communities.

Present Day Activism - Honoring the Process, Freeing Ourselves from Attachment to Goals

John Henry Smihula, PhD, Andres Contreris in conversation with Vivi Letsou

In this live meeting from Zen Rocks 3 friends get together 20 years after making an award winning political documentary against the notorious "School of the Americas. With warmth and humor three old friends-an activist, a professor, and a filmmaker, get together to talk about Re-Envisioning our World. Eyes and Ears focused on the new generation proclaim Andres, long time actvist & visionary, and John Smihula, professor of Literature. In looking at all the places our generation failed, we still need to not only create hope for your youth, the next generation, but also look at the famous Zen parable in a new way: let us not just enjoy the strawberry, but be the strawberry as we savor the present moment, with friends :)

Jivamukti Yoga

Esther Chang

An embodied Yoga Practice to invigorate body and soul.

Hopeful Towards a World Free of Systemic Oppression

Emilia Roig

Emilia Roig is on a mission to bring about a world free from systemic oppression. As a nonfiction author and political scientist, she has spent years studying the interconnectedness of our world and the root causes of inequality and injustice. But Emilia's work is not just academic - it is also personal. Growing up in a multicultural non-white family within a white majority society, and as a queer woman, she knows firsthand what it feels like to be marginalized and oppressed. Moreover, a personal crisis led her to a spiritual awakening and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. In this interview, Emilia shares her insights on how we can move towards a world free from systemic oppression. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the social hierarchy that we are all a part of and the need for a paradigm shift that goes beyond it. This shift, she explains, requires an internal transformation of our ego identity and a letting go of attachments that no longer serve us. Emilia also shares her spiritual practices and tools for living a mindful life, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the spiritual realm and nature in order to transform trauma into growth. Her vision of a world free from systemic oppression is grounded in science, experience and in spirituality, making it a powerful force for change.

Yoga Class

Vivi Letsou

Wounded Warriors on the Path to Wholeness: Gabor Maté and Andrés Conteris touch the depths of healing in a world of trauma

Gabor Mate in conversation with Andres Conteris

In this intimate discussion between Gabor and long time activist Andres Conteris, the discussion opens with the pain of the activist. Andres explains seeking to save the world while lacking compassion for ourselves is an occupational hazard for activists. Experiencing healing on a personal and planetary level, when informed by indigenous wisdom and authentic spirituality teaches profound oneness. Even if we are headed toward inexorable destruction on Earth, being connected with ourselves and with each other means we will be life-affirming in the death cycle.

Open Sharing

Thrive Team

Root to Rise: An Ancient Practice for a Modern World

Bex Tyrer

Take a journey through a physical vinyasa flow practice based on cultivating stability through change. We honour the elements, remember the lessons in the breath, and explore balance. With a lifetime in activism, social justice and yoga, Bex weaves these elements together in a short introduction to how Yoga can be a powerful agent for empowerment on both an individual and collective level. Rather than avoiding the challenges of the world, Yoga can help thaw what has become numb or overwhelmed and generate a heartfelt curiosity for different perspectives in both our inner worlds and external environment. Yoga is inherently a liberation practice,yet this doesn't necessarily mean that we need to renounce the world but rather develop our capacity to dive deeper into that which really matters. In an age of digital distraction, information overload and self absorption, perhaps we need Yoga even more than the ancients did. Bex has a sincere fascination for Yoga's rich history and its evolution from past to present. Bex has taught at the Yoga Barn in Bali since 2009. She has also taught in areas of conflict, extreme poverty and in Bali's largest prison. In 2018 she was in a freak accident that burnt a third of her body. With loving support of friends and community she made a full recovery. All of these arenas have been her greatest teachers and yoga has been her faithful support.

Post Activism--The Subtle, Secret Work through which Prometheas gets Unbound

Bayo Akomolafe in Conversation with Andrés Conteris

A brilliant visionary and "post-activist," Bayo contemplates the myths and rituals of modernity, asks questions about food and justice, ponders what it means to be human, and evaluates what we can do for climate change, as he invites us to to the wonder of our collective yearnings for a better world*. Re-envisioning the world with Bayo is a fascinating and suprising journey. We are *Quoting freely from his upcoming book: These Wolds Beyond our Fences.

How Yoga and Ayurveda Work Together to Help Us Deal with This Difficult Time

Arun Deva

Join us for this session with renowned Ayurvedic practitioner and Yoga teacher, Arun Deva. In this session, Arun will show you how the ancient practices of Yoga and Ayurveda can work together to help you navigate these difficult times with greater ease and grace. Through his guidance, you'll discover how the body and mind are sustained by food, and why it's essential to cultivate a healthy relationship with food if you want to experience greater clarity and well-being. You'll also learn about the vital role of Ojas, a nourishing fluid that runs throughout your body and supports your overall health and vitality. Arun will take you through a simple, yet powerful breathing practice, or Kriya, that will help you release any blockages within yourself and allow the life force energy, or prana, to flow freely through your body. This practice can help you clear your mind, calm your nervous system, and restore your sense of inner balance.

A Deeper Look: Andrés Conteris & Vivi Letsou on Present Day Activism

Andrés Conteris & Vivi Letsou

In this live meeting from Zen Rocks 3 friends get together 20 years after making an award winning political documentary against the notorious "School of the Americas." With warmth and humor the three old friends-an activist, a professor, and a filmmaker--reunite to talk about "Re-Envisioning our World." Eyes and Ears should on the new generation is the verdict: it is our responsibility to listen to the youth, to engage in dialog with them. In looking at all the places where our generation failed, we still need to not only create hope for the next generation, while at the same time embody the famous Zen parable in a new way: let us not just enjoy the strawberry, but be the strawberry as we savor the present moment, with our worldwide community of humans and all beings.

HIGHLIGHT DAY 2: Dharma Talk - Flourishing in the Garden of Deep Transformation

Larry Ward, PhD

From Conflict to Collaboration - Nurturing Social Movements with Nonviolent Communication

Roxie Manning in conversation with Cat McCarthy

Join Roxy Manning and Cat McCarthy as they discuss how NVC and needs-based awareness can support sustainable social movements. In this conversation, Roxy and Cat will provide an overview of NVC and its relevance to activism and sustainability. They will explore strategies to resource ourselves by understanding our own needs, including practices like meditation and regular reflections. They will also highlight the power of requests, both to ourselves and our communities, as a means to get needs met and create positive change. They will talk about the role of dialogue in keeping social movements together and sustainable, with a focus on needs-based communication to foster collaboration and evolution. The session will include Q&A opportunities for participants to engage with the speakers.

Mindfulness Meditation--Connecting our Global Network

Vivi Letsou

Through this deep and relaxing Yoga Nidra journey, we will relax and trust non-doing as a way of activism. Taking care of ourselves is essentially an act of compassion. Enjoy a deepening state of equantimity we bid each other goodnight.

Morning Meditation: Sitting with the Earth

Verena Ledig

In this morning meditation we make space to pause from action and to sit with the Earth. We sit in silence and consciously connect with Mother Earth through an imaginary umbilical cord, humbly acknowledging and deeply sensing our interbeing.

Re-Membering Our Connection to Mother Earth

Mindahi Bastida

In this interview with Mindahi Bastida form the Otomi-Toltec people and Director of the Original Nations Program, we explore our world's challenges and the wisdom of native people. Mindahi emphasizes the need for a shift in consciousness, a "Right Relationship" with the land, and living in reciprocity. He inspires us to become Earth students and not just masters, to raise awareness of systemic racism and to protect sacred sites. Mindahi's vision is a world in harmony, where ancestral wisdom guides us toward a just and sustainable future. Let us re-member our connection to Mother Earth and take action in our communities, starting with small steps.

Meditation & Yoga Class

Verena Ledig

Sacred Feminine and Ecological Balance--Honoring Women's Wisdom for a Sustainable Future

Brooke Medicine Eagle

In this session, Brooke Medicine Eagle gracefully leads you on a transformative journey—a meditation that unravels the veils of time, transporting you to the boundless abyss that birthed the seeds of endless possibilities. As a revered shaman and wise indigenous woman, she imparts the profound wisdom bestowed by White Buffalo Woman. Through her teachings, she unveils the sacred path to accessing the realms of quantum reality, where the tapestry of "real magic" is interwoven. Here, we, as humans, have the power to become Earthkeepers, harmonizing our voices in the magnificent symphony of life itself.

Highlight from Day 1 - Spirituality, Activism, and Sustainability as a Lived Experience

Sat Dharam Kaur

One word that links the three concepts of Spirituality, Activism and Sustainability is Dharma. Dharma means “that which upholds or sustains the positive or right order of things – in oneself, one’s family, community, country, on the planet and ultimately within the universe.” Dharma implies conscious choice – we choose the right action in each circumstance, among a multitude of possibilities. We ask ourselves, “What is the right action for me in this moment to achieve the greatest good?” and allow our consciousness and intuition to guide us. My own lived experience has led me on a dharmic journey – first in committing to a spiritual practice that suited me; then to become active in the world as a healer, teacher, environmentalist, leader, visionary, mother and grandmother; and finally to embrace sustainability through living on an off-grid organic farm, growing and sharing food, and moving away from fossil fuel dependency.

Artist Panel - Art as an Expression of Spirituality, Activism, Sustainability

Paz Perlman, Nina Rao in conversation with Jo Confino

Paz Perlman and Nina Rao who look at their art as a way of expressing their spirtuality, and activism in life, share very personal stories on how art for them is inextricably connected to both activism and spirituality. A fascinating and deeply engaging discussion. The interview is artfully contacted by journalist Jo Confino whose compassionate approach is steeped in the Plum Village tradition.

The Secret to Creating a Sustainable World

Morgan Goodlander

All over the world people are struggling to find solutions to creating a sustainable world. The problem is they are looking in the wrong places. The source of the problem is not technological nor to do with inherent flaws in the market place. The problem stems from something much more fundamental.

From the Depths: Exploring the Relationship between Humans and the Ocean

Helge Lovskar

Join Helge for a thought-provoking and eye-opening online talk about the fascinating and intricate relationship between marine life and human society. He shares: “As a passionate freediver, I have witnessed firsthand the wonders of the underwater world and how it is deeply connected to our daily lives. In this talk, I will share my personal experiences and insights into the delicate balance between marine ecosystems and human activities. We will explore how understanding, awareness and a dash of inspiration can help reconnecting and rediscovering our true nature – and help our shared environment. Together, we will delve into the impact of human activities on the underwater world, such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. We will discuss the ripple effects of neglecting the health of the ocean and how the same effect could be used to turn this around. By the end of our conversation, you will come away with a greater appreciation for the vital role that marine life plays in our lives and a renewed sense of responsibility and power to protect and preserve our oceans. So, join me and let's dive deep into this important topic.”

Deep Relaxation--Beautiful Planet Yoga Nidra

Vivi Letsou

Join Vivi in this dynamic, aligned and uplifiting Abhaya Yoga Class. Abhaya means NO FEAR, and abhaya mudra is a hand gesture that exists in most known religions. It is universal; so let us share a practice together that supports to be fearless, compassionate, and optimistic.

New Paradigms for Climate Action--Earth as Divine Feminine, & Inviting Masculine to the Shift

Christiana Figueres, Elise Buckle, Charlotte Dufour, Claire Warmenbol, Thais Corral

Enabling women in all their diversity, to lead just climate action globally. Increasing female representation at all levels of climate decision making by influencing key players, campaigning for public support, collaborating with counterparts and amplifying the overlooked. SHE Changes Climate is a global non-for-profit campaigning organisation, which is driving awareness of the crucial role that women play in taking action on climate change. Founded in Autumn 2020, by Bianca Pitt, Antoinette Vermilye and Elise Buckle, SHE Changes Climate exists to increase female representation at all levels of climate decision making; by influencing key players, campaigning for public support, collaborating with counterparts and amplifying the overlooked. Our vision is a world where women, in all their diversity, are active participants in decision-making to secure a more sustainable future for generations to come. We need more women at the negotiations table, in peace talks, in politics and on the Boards of public and private companies. The climate crisis is on our doorstep and it’s affecting us all. But the perspectives on, and decisions about, how to tackle it have been made mainly by men without always including and empowering women. Only 34% of COP26 committees, and 39% of those leading delegations, were women. At the 2021 G7 Summit, there was only one woman amongst the decision makers. This is despite the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan at COP25 requiring women’s participation in all levels of climate action. For all life to survive on this planet, we need perspectives of all humankind to be heard. Not only is this fair, but it makes sense too. Research shows that countries with more female parliamentarians have more advanced climate policy and lower recorded emissions. Women are also the most likely change-makers for climate in business, with female investors being twice as likely to consider Environmental Social Governance (ESG) when investing. We strongly believe that we can only solve the climate crisis if men and women work together in a collaborative manner. Inclusiveness, diversity and gender balance are key to unlock the power of collective action and make positive change happen for people and the planet. By empowering and giving a voice to the ones that are normally not given a voice, we can facilitate the emergence of a systemic transformation of society and a just transition for all.

Munay-Ki: The Healer’s Journey to become an Earth Keeper.

Marcela Lobos

The Munay-Ki is a universal body of wisdom deriving from the Andes mountains, the jungle, and the coast of Peru. In essence, the rites of the Munay-Ki are about stewardship. They are about expanding our horizon and shifting our perspective from a small life to the bigger picture, enabling us to transcend the egocentric me and realizing that we are all interconnected. They are not ego-awards or recognition of any kind of achievement, nor do they make anyone special. On the contrary, they make one uniquely unimportant. Only then, from a position of a humble heart, can we truly be of service.

Bringing it Home: Closing Meditation

Esther Chang, Vivi Letsou, Verena Ledig

As the proverbial saying goes: it is not the end but the beginning of a new circle of connectedness. The way to THRIVE together through the Next Generations is to honor the connection we all share right now, right here.