The Loosening

The Loosening is an on-going experiment in small-scale, online conversation around the question, “What happens when we deliberately loosen our attachment to certain core ideas, beliefs and identities?”

When we began in January 2025 my invitation was to experienced changemakers, to consider “How best to be and what best to do, given what we know about the world and its unfolding?” My idea was that, since so many of our strategies for averting disaster have met with, at best, only partial success, perhaps ‘loosening’ our assumptions and perspectives in the company of like-minded companions will allow new, unexpected insights and possibilities to step forward.

Over thirty people in several countries participated in that initial, exploratory phase. As of late 2025, a core group of seven is still on the journey and our focus has shifted slightly to the above question about deliberately loosening our attachments. We are continually surprised by the depth and subtlety of the conversations that unfold, untethered as they are by any obligation to reach specific agreements or conclusions.

“I find every new round of conversation invigorating and an eye opener, deepening my understanding of what is breaking up all around us and what we happily can and need to move away from.” (Prof. Johan Hattingh, Stellenbosch)

"The rich conversations in The Loosening have been a buoy in my process of letting go of the life I’ve outgrown, and a favourable wind guiding me toward my next chapter." (Josine Overdevest, Johannesburg)

“Peter curates a space where we can attend to what emerges and what feels important.” (Dave Baxter, UK)

“The Loosening is a formative current in the stream of my process of learning what it means to be human in this time of disintegration. The varied company of the people Peter Willis attracts into conversation is exceptional in surfacing and exploring assumptions, presenting new perspectives, and homing in on essentials. I was amazed and delighted to hear people with deep and different specialist knowledge and experience reach the conclusion that what matters most is love. Obvious. And not at all obvious. The new ‘mainstream’ emerging?” (Kathy Lewis, Hopefield)

New Groups Starting from January 2026

In response to requests, I am opening a pathway for new participants to join the core group.

In groups of maximum five participants, I will take you through an introductory series of four one-hour sessions, scheduled over roughly six weeks and at mutually convenient times. You are then welcome, if you wish, to join the on-going core group.

Cost

For the initial series of four hour-long online conversations:

• Global South - self-funding: R1,500; if funded by an organisation: R2,500

• Elsewhere: self-funding: € or $ 150; if funded by an organisation: € or $ 250

Payable in advance against invoice; no VAT. Cost will not be a barrier to your participation, so if in any doubt, please ask.