Learning journey – Starting in Brazil
Starting? Yep! This is the first encounter in a longer trip through South America. Let’s see!
Disclaimer: This will not be the usual travel blog. As it is a journey for gaining insights, it will become a mixed story. Be prepared!
Day 1
Earlier this week, I recieved the basic program for the – let’s say – two first weeks in South America. Couldn’t be better (in my opinion)! Glad, I changed my plans to start here instead of Chile.
Thus, what are the plans? Overall, I want to learn about projects in South America, which use/apply Dragon Dreaming project design and/or doughnut economics in some way. Though, I contacted people in several countries to build this kind of experience.
The plans for the first two weeks were made by Felipe and Ana. A real treat! Starting with the dessert, you could say. That’s, where they come up with:
The intention of this journey is to deepen the knowledge and experience regarding the theory and practice of Dragon Dreaming as a philosophy, a framework for project design, a toolbox and a community of practice. We will visit beautiful and special places around the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, where we will get to know inspiring projects connected to the three core principles of Dragon Dreaming: i) Personal Growth; ii) Community Building and; iii) Service to Earth. Along the journey, we will share and experience examples of the use of Dragon Dreaming at several levels and in different fields, through case studies and by exploring its application in our own current projects.
Our journey starts in the historic city of Petrópolis, about 1 hour from Rio de Janeiro. Nested within the Serra do Mar mountain range with lush, well-preserved Atlantic Forest, it has many streams, rivers and waterfalls, that drain from from rocky peaks that reach over 2000 meters above sea level. The Portuguese Royal family chose Petrópolis to build their summer palace in the 19th century and later invited German settlers to colonize and develop the city. It is a well known touristic destination in Brazil, for its beautiful natural environment and historical sites.
Already the drive up from Rio to Petrópolis was amazing! Just outside the city the highway changed in mountainroad with beautiful views. It was impressive how fast we gained altitude. Along the road, a lot of little (coffee) shop and restaurants, places to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Finally, we arrived in Petrópolis, welcomed by a port accross the street. Along the streets you see low buildings, mostly cosy houses in yards, some better preserved then others, mostly the lush architecture of a summer residence. Really a great city to explore and enjoy! Every view against the backdrop of green mountains, the green in the road along channeled rivers, colours added by people and merchandise. The hotel, next to the summer places, which now is a museum, is housed in a historical building from the late 19th century, still a bit colonial style. The room wasn’t ready yet, thus a I took a walk, visiting the garden of the summer palace and went over to the cathedral. There, it took me completely by surprise: one of the staineglass windows showed St. Elizabeth of Hungary, in a snowy landscape with a castle. A castle, I know very well: the Wartburg in Eisenach, abaout 30 km from the village, my father was from. Can you imagine?
Further with the plans:
We will then travel around five hours inland, entering the state of Minas Gerais, where we will visit the Matutu Valley. It is the place where the first intensive Dragon Dreaming (2011) and the only Training of Trainers workshop (2013) were held in Brazil, both facilitated by John Croft. Matutu is a unique setting for connecting with nature and experiencing Deep Ecology, one of the bases of Dragon Dreaming. Located in another of Brazil’s expressive mountain range, named Serra da Mantiqueira, it attracted over the last 40 years many people from urban centers seeking a lifestyle connected to nature and spirituality. It is known for its impressive mountains, waterfalls, unique ecosystems and the ecological lifestyle of its inhabitants.
After checkIn into the hotel, Felipe and Ana came with their daughter and together we went out for lunch. The personal conversation was spicked with bits and pieces about our experience with dragon dreaming, what we do and what my journey shoud be about. At some point I repeated, that in my opinion, faciltators from South America seem to have a deeper connection and understanding of the philosophy behind Dragon Dreaming then I can find in Europe. And right away, in this first hours of sharing, it became clear: one of the fundamentals in Dragon Dreaming is the connection with nature and Deep Ecology … and how many people in Euope missing exactly this point? If you not connect intensively with the source, what will you build?
During the whole journey, we will weave sessions where we will visit the essence and the processes of Dragon Dreaming with moments of relaxation, nature contemplation, leisure and self care, from Celebration to Dreaming.
For initiatives, which already on their way, its good to start with the Celebration (not dreaming, as the beginning circle would suggest). Recognising, what’s alreay there, what’s already happening and the results that people reached is important to create momentum.
