The Loosening

The Loosening is an on-going experiment in small-scale, online conversation for people dedicated to human and planetary flourishing. It centres on the question, “What happens if, in the company of our peers, we deliberately loosen our attachment to certain core ideas, beliefs and identities?”

35 people in several countries participated in The Loosening during 2025, meeting online in facilitated small groups. At the start of 2026 a core group of ten has remained on the journey. We are continually surprised by the depth and subtlety of the conversations that unfold, untethered by any obligation to reach specific agreements, solutions 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 February 2026

In response to requests, I am opening a fresh cycle of introductory sessions.

In groups of maximum five participants, I will take you through an introductory series of four x 75-minute 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 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. Affordability will not be a barrier to your participation, so if in any doubt, please ask.