Avoiding Grief; Avoiding Conflict

Greeting to You All,

It's been a bit of time since I've been able to write one of these, and I wanted to share a bit about where my work and offerings will be focused in the coming months.

I recently asked a mentor of mine, "How in the world do we navigate these times?"

He replied: "I'm trying to be as honest as possible with people about what I think is happening. We're living through the collapse of Western Civilization. The time calls for investing in grief, community, and a return to the earth."

The conversation lasted an hour, but this piece of advice was all I needed to feel as if I'd been set free.

Whether we look at what's happening to our planet politically, technologically, ecologically, or spiritually; all the signs suggest to me that we are going through a massive transition. One that's far too powerful for any of us to stop.

This perspective has led to a significant shift in the way I'm thinking about my own work. I've made conscious decision to begin preparing for the world that might await us on the other side of this upheaval.

A small part of that work meant attending a two-day grief tending ceremony this past weekend, which left me both raw and tired - and also profoundly grounded. Feeling more connected to my power and willingness to speak difficult truths.

And it led to a realization about the ways I sometimes use conflict to avoid grief. And not only grief, but also vulnerability, authenticity, and my own power.

Do you ever do that?

I feel like so much of the conflict we see in the world is, in some ways, an avoidance of these important experiences. But I also think that's why conflict can, so often, be a powerful doorway into them.

And what if all of us knew how to access those doorways?

I think it would lead to a whole new world, if we're up for it. And that why I think conflict is a powerful avenue for changing our personal and collective worlds.

Beginning on April 19, I'm offering a four-part series on how we can use conflict to change the world. This series will focus on the personal and interpersonal skills we will all need for a more evolved form of politics.

This series is built on the theoretical foundations laid in my free course, Understanding the Essential Nature of Systems of Oppression, as well as my Generative Conflict Starter Kit.

It will welcome discussions about conflict and relationships in our personal, professional, and political spheres of life. And it will help you both grow as a person and deepen the relationships that matter most to you.

Join us from 10am - 12pm Pacific on April 19, April 26, May 3, and May 10. Click here to learn more and register.

What are you working on? How are you navigating this moment? Send me your thoughts and reflections at james.boutin@mailfence.com

Lots of LOVE,

James
www.jamesboutin.com
james.boutin@mailfence.com

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Upcoming Events

Navigating Conflict Across Differences of Privilege and Identity
A 90-Minute Virtual Workshop
Presented at Step Up 2025
April 15, 2025

Use Conflict to Change the World
A four-part virtual workshop series
Click here to learn more and register
April 19, April 26, May 3, and May 10
10am - 12pm Pacific