Work That Reconnects: The Expanded Spiral

12-Hour Online Workshop

Many of us are navigating ecological disruption, social fragmentation, uncertainty, burnout, and disconnection. How do we stay present, find meaning, and respond without becoming overwhelmed? The Work That Reconnects (WTR), developed by Joanna Macy and others, offers practices that build resilience, connection, and meaningful action in the face of personal, social, and ecological challenges.

This workshop introduces the Expanded Spiral (developed by Mutima Imani), which builds on Dr. Macy’s original WTR Spiral by integrating ecological awareness, self-location, systems thinking, trauma-aware practice, and social-historical context. Together, these perspectives help us explore the interconnection between personal, collective, and planetary wellbeing.

Across four sessions, we move through Gratitude, Self- and Social Awareness, Honour Our Pain for the World, See with New and Ancient Eyes, Liberation, and Go Forth with practical “seedling” commitments. Through grounding practices, reflective dialogue, systems mapping, and guided inquiry, participants strengthen their capacity to engage with complexity while staying connected to what sustains life.

Who this is for

Anyone seeking thoughtful and practical ways to respond to the challenges of our times. No prior familiarity with the Work That Reconnects is required. The workshop may be particularly relevant for people working in leadership, education, social change, community building, peacebuilding, climate and ecological work, wellbeing, or other helping professions.

What you can expect

  • A deeper sense of belonging within the web of life
  • Greater awareness of the relationships between personal experience and larger systems
  • Language and tools for understanding interdependence, resilience, and collective challenges
  • Opportunities to reflect on your own place, lineage, values, and sources of support
  • A small, well-scaffolded commitment to carry into your own context after the workshop

Participation is always invitational. The workshop welcomes a range of emotional responses while respecting personal boundaries and different levels of readiness. No one is expected to share beyond what feels appropriate.

This workshop qualifies as a 12-hour full spiral WTR experience pre-requisite for those applying to the Spiral Journey Facilitator Development Program this year.

Format and participation

Online via Zoom. The workshop is highly participatory; please join with a stable internet connection and plan to keep your video on as much as possible. Sessions will be recorded except for breakout exercises and any sensitive sharing. Recordings will be available to participants for up to one month after the workshop.

Dates and times: 1-4 July 2026, 0330 to 0630 UTC, 9:00am-12:00pm IST, 11:30-14:30 Kuala Lumpur, 13:30-16:30 AEST daily
Asia and Australia time-zone friendly; participants from all regions are welcome.

Facilitator/Organizer: Rukmini Iyer

Language: English

Cost (sliding scale): $10-100 USD

Your contribution enables access across diverse economic contexts. If you are able, please consider contributing towards the upper end of the scale to help support scholarship places. If the lower end remains a barrier, please write to rukmini@exult-solutions.com. We will do our best to support participation with dignity and care.

Additional donations toward the Spiral Journey Scholarship Fund are greatly appreciated.

Scholarships: Limited; see note above.

Register here

Participation is confirmed upon receipt of payment and upload of payment confirmation.

Questions or alternate payment options: If Google Pay or PayPal do not work for you, or if you prefer a bank transfer to India, please write to rukmini@exult-solutions.com.