Dreaming the World:
Seven Weeks of Seeing in the Dark
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We live in anxious times, with our vision often limited to suspicion of others, concern about the future, and withdrawing into enclaves of the familiar.  It can become a self-fulling prophecy, a vicious cycle which does not produce the security, never mind the happiness we seek. It's becoming clearer by the day that we need to be dislodged from the narrow circles of self-oriented, tribal thinking. There is a more expansive universe, characterized by connection, sharing, and taking responsibility for co-creating the next good day. 

The Porch is a place where we talk about these things, and learn together how to share and live into a better story. We've been doing it for a few years now, in our magazine and events - but in these new days of self-isolation for the sake of the common good, we're launching a new project, and experimenting with it here.

Dreaming the World

Dreaming the World is a seven week course led by Gareth Higgins, based on the idea that how we look the world shapes how we experience it. We'll watch seven movies - one from each continent - and learn about a more global way of thinking. There'll be a short video introduction for each film, and a written essay too; a members' Facebook page for conversation; and an invitation to a weekly video call to discuss the movie and its implications for how we might live better (you can join in person, or just watch or listen to the recording later).

We're valuing the course at $15 per class - around the price of a fitness class - and asking $105 for the entire course - but we don't turn anyone away on financial grounds. You're invited to pay whatever you can afford - we just ask that you consider the resources you have available, your desire to support our work, and a sense of mutual respect. If you can contribute more that will help us offer scholarships to folk who don't currently have the resources to pay to register for the course.

For the Next Seven Weeks…

• You'll watch one movie at home, each week for seven weeks (one each from Asia, Africa, North America, Europe, South America, Oceania and even Antarctica). Films will be watched via links we provide - some are free, some are on streaming services, but you don’t need a streaming account to watch. Some will come with a small rental fee, but we aim for all to be watched directly without needing a subscription. All films have optional closed captions/subtitles - and if you’re unfamiliar with how to watch movies at home, we’ll provide all the information you need to do so.

• We’ll offer a short video introduction for each film.

• Gareth will write an essay reflecting on the film for you to read after watching it.

• We’ll have a weekly video call to discuss the movie. The call will take place at 8pm Eastern on Thursday nights, and the movie can be watched at any time before the call takes place. If you can’t make that time, we’ll also be recording the call so you can watch and listen later. And if you prefer to watch, read, and reflect on your own, you are welcome to take the course without attending the call.

• There'll be a private Facebook Group for folk to discuss as well.

• For those who want it, we'll offer Porch Circles for further connection, building relationships and learning more about how we can translate the lessons and encouragements of these amazing films more deeply into our lives.

• You can do the course on your own, or take advantage of the opportunity to meet others interested in the same emerging story of seeing the world through the eyes of the other, leading to more connection, sharing, and making a better world.