Bigger Than Ourselves: the Bigger Picture Opening Ceremony
The Bigger Picture has officially launched with a beautiful opening ceremony that brought together a diverse group of people from around the world. The event was an opportunity to come together and join in a vision for a more connected, regenerative, and sacred world, and was filled with song, poetry, and inspirational talks, setting the tone for what promises to be a powerful and transformative cycle of sacred action.
The ceremony began with an invitation to light a candle and join flames together, to symbolise our connection with each other and the Earth. Participants were also invited to hold a seed as a way to activate their intentions for the upcoming actions and events. The opening ceremony set the stage for the cycle of sacred action that is to come, and participants left feeling energised and inspired to take part.
The launch also coincided with the Spring Equinox and New Moon, a powerful alignment that amplified the intentions of those gathered. This time of year represents new beginnings, growth, and the renewal of the Earth. The energy of the Equinox and New Moon provided a potent backdrop for our collective visioning and intention-setting towards a more regenerative and connected world. We felt the resonance of this alignment throughout the evening, as we opened ourselves up to the messages of the natural world and the wisdom keepers who work closely with it.
During the ceremony, we heard from a number of organisers who are planning actions and events, as well as speakers who discussed the importance of shifting the narrative and our consciousness in our efforts for change. The speakers emphasised the importance of a regenerative and interconnected approach to environmental activism, and the need to work from a place of love for the Earth, rather than fear about the climate.
At the heart of the Bigger Picture is the recognition that we must centre and honour the other-than-human beings that share this Earth with us. We must also acknowledge and work to heal the harm that has been inflicted upon the natural world. By doing so, we can shift the narrative and consciousness of the environmental movement to one that is truly regenerative, interconnected, and sacred. This cycle of ceremony and action is about remembering and re-centring our relationship with the web of life and taking bold steps towards a world where all beings can thrive.
The response to the opening ceremony has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants leaving comments expressing gratitude for the event and all its organisers. One participant stated, "Amazing event! Such deep connection through everyone's deep sharing. So grateful to have been a part of it. Thank you for being so instrumental in tuning everyone in to acting from a place of love for the Earth, rather than fear about the climate." Another participant commented, "It was like a blueprint for the soul of Movements of Movements."
The event also served as a launchpad for the Bigger Picture webpage and spotlighting initiative. The webpage will feature events, actions and articles that align with the Bigger Picture message, highlighting and centring our interdependence with all life. This will give people the opportunity to share their work and have it amplified, and encourage others to get involved in a larger movement for change.
The Bigger Picture initiative is a call to action for all those who recognise the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of a regenerative approach to environmental activism. It is a reminder that we are all part of one interconnected web of life, and that our actions, no matter how small, have a ripple effect on the world around us.
We encourage everyone to visit the Bigger Picture webpage and get involved in the upcoming events and actions. Let us come together and create a world that honours our interconnectedness with all life, and that works towards a future that is regenerative, visionary, and sacred.