Evolution as a Way of Being

~ by Sue Staropoli

When my husband and I celebrated our 60^th wedding anniversary recently I did a lot of reflection on my life, exploring my journey and the ways I have been led to grow and evolve through the years. 

I remember the sweet but clueless 21-year-old who made vows for a lifetime, and the relatively simple and privileged world we lived in at that time.   My life certainly evolved as I became the blessed mother of 6 and grandmother of 11 through the years, and grew in awareness of my own gifts, shortcomings, and my call to make a difference in the world.

Several key times of personal growth came through a 12-step program, where I learned that I could not control or fix anything or anyone – and the difference between forcing things (control) and allowing things to unfold by a power greater than myself.  (I personally use the word Spirit). Related to that lesson, it was powerful when I began to accept that my value came from my being who I am, not just all the things I was doing.  Those insights opened doors of peace and purpose that were transformational. The capacity to listen (to myself, others, the world) became a key skill I began to develop and nurture.

In 2012, when I experienced the Pachamama Alliance (PA) Awakening The Dreamer (ATD) symposium, my heart was touched and inspired by its bold vision of co-creating a world that is environmentally sustainable, socially just, and spiritually fulfilling.  I knew this was where I belonged.  After a life-changing experience in the Amazon, my heart was on fire.  My circle of compassion had expanded, including people all over the world and all creation.  This was a huge leap/evolution in my sense of connection, purpose and engagement with Life. And it was in this connection with the PA, and a budding group of people in our area, who were also being “awakened” through the ATD, that our local Pachamama Alliance of the Rochester Area (PARA) community began to unfold. I began to experience the importance and power of community as I listened to what was mine to do to help create a better world.

It has also been a joy and privilege to be connected, for the past 14 years, with the national and global PA community and its initiatives. Through the Game Changer Initiative (GCI), Drawdown, Action Training, and the Earth-Listening Circles and Resilience and Possibility events, and so many more opportunities, I grew in depth and capacity to be a gamechanger in my local community and beyond.

One of the things that has inspired me through these years of involvement with the Pachamama Alliance is the depth of PA’s own capacity to listen and respond to the times as our world has changed. Each of the initiatives /programs that unfolded through the years was created in response to what the world needed at the time.  Their question was always “In what way can the PA best contribute to the thriving of the world at this time?”  From addressing climate issues to justice issues, from global and local perspectives, they listened for direction.  They listened to leaders of local communities all over the world to discern what was needed at the time. And they have put into practice the belief that life is all inter-connected, by listening to the Earth for her guidance as well! 

So I am thrilled now to witness the evolution of the Pachamama Alliance organization itself, as we celebrate its 30^th Anniversary.  I was on a global call recently where the founders shared their reflections on the past 30 years, and invited us to join the fullness of this celebration on Sept 12 at the Luncheon in San Francisco. 

What was most encouraging is that the celebration will not only be a time for looking back, but also a time for looking FORWARD - to a new chapter in the evolution of the organization.  As the founders are stepping back a bit (but always there to offer support) – new, younger leadership is being introduced, including a new director with a new and exciting vision, and a youth outreach program director.  The world today is certainly not the same as the world 30 years ago, and PA is listening to what is most needed now. The mission and grounding are of course the same – but PA is looking to move with passion into a new time.  Building and supporting local communities is a central aspect of this work – “islands of coherence in the midst of the chaos.”  And I was especially excited to hear of the commitment to making the PA more intergenerational. The new 20-something director for outreach to young people was so alive with enthusiasm to connect with and empower her generation!   Another focus of PA will be to help create an “alliance of alliances “– partnering with other organizations (e.g. The Work that Reconnects) who are also about creating communities where people can deepen their hearts and support each other in intentional action for the world.  Breaking out of silos to create the impact of a movement.

So…… We would like to invite you to join us in this celebration on Sept 12.  I am excited that my husband and I will actually be in San Francisco to attend in person – but it will be live-streamed so anyone can join on-line (and it will be recorded, so even if you’re not free at that time, you can watch the celebration afterwards by signing up for the live stream).

Our local PARA community is hosting a watch party of the live stream at the Bhakti Barn on September 12, 2026, from 2:30-5:30. Please consider joining us for this special time of celebration, looking forward together into a future of community and love and connection and engagement with Life. Please contact Mirabai Marquardt at mirabaiwellness@gmail.com to RSVP.

It is a joy to continue to evolve in my 80s.  Listening and growing and being in community with others who share a passion to face the joys and challenges of these times – holding space for both the beauty and the horrors of our current reality. 

What gives me hope is knowing we’re in this together – listening, dancing, grieving, serving and so much more!