SenseMaking Summer School: Exploring the Metacrisis and a Second Renaissance, September 15th - 21st 2025
A week-long gathering for researchers, practitioners and changemakers to make sense of the Metacrisis and a Second Renaissance. Held at the Life Itself Hub in Bergerac, France. Apply by June 31st.
Join us for the inaugural SenseMaking Summer School 2025, a week-long gathering of inquiry, learning and connection. Taking place at the Bergerac Hub in France in the second half of September, the summer school will bring together 10–20 participants for an intensive exploration of the Metacrisis, the Second Renaissance, Complex Systems, Wicked Problems and Collective Transformation.
Key Information:
What: A week-long intensive, exploring Metacrisis and a Second Renaissance, drawing on Complex Systems, Integral Theory, Metamodernism and combining intellectual training with embodied practices.
Who: 10–20 participants, primarily early-career researchers, practitioners and changemakers, interested in Second Renaissance, Metamodernism, and Integral approaches.
When: Monday 15th - Sunday 21st September. The core program runs from Tuesday to Saturday, with optional follow-up days extending up to 10 days in total.
Format: Morning seminars based on pre-readings, afternoon open-space sessions, optional project development and heart/body practices.
Curriculum: Core sensemaking concepts (Metacrisis 101, Integral 101, Complex Systems, Wicked Problems, Collective Action Problems) plus advanced dialogues and special topics.
Cost: Sliding scale between €250-€750. Includes food, accommodation and curriculum.
Overview
The SenseMaking Summer School 2025 is an intensive week of collective learning, practice, and community for those passionate about making sense of the challenges and opportunities of our time. Inspired by models like the École des Houches physics summer school and adapting them to today’s intellectual and existential crises, this gathering offers a comprehensive education in key concepts and methods of sensemaking.
Participants will explore and integrate frameworks and ideas such as Integral Theory, Metamodernism and the Second Renaissance. The focus will be on practical and embodied sensemaking. Core themes will include:
The Metacrisis and its dimensions: ecological, technological, socio-political, spiritual.
Complex Systems, Wicked Problems, and Collective Action Challenges.
Integral and Metamodern frameworks for understanding transformation.
The Second Renaissance as a cultural and civilisational rebirth.
Embodied sensemaking practices: heart work, somatic awareness and group process.
Rather than a purely didactic event, the summer school emphasises co-creation. Participants will learn both from and teach each other, building a shared foundation for intellectual and practical development.
Structure and Schedule
Arrival Day (Monday 15th September)
Arrivals, orientation and an opening circle to begin the program.
Core Program (Tuesday, September 16th - Saturday, September 20th)
Mornings:
2-hour facilitated dialogues based on pre-assigned readings or recorded lectures.Afternoons:
Open space for co-created sessions, workshops, and participant-led talks.Evenings:
Informal discussions, fireside chats, or collective practices to deepen engagement.
Departure/Optional Follow-ups (Sunday, September 21st - Onwards)
Most participants will depart on Sunday, September 21st, following the conclusion of the Core Program.
An optional follow-up will be available for 2–3 additional days of collaborative project work or deeper inquiry, flowing into the Life Itself Autumn Gathering (optional).
Who Should Apply
This summer school is ideal for:
Early-career researchers, practitioners, and changemakers with an interest in Metamodernism, Integral Theory, and the Second Renaissance.
Individuals seeking both intellectual depth and embodied practice in understanding and addressing the Metacrisis
Those motivated to develop both an analytic understanding and pragmatic strategies for navigating complex global challenges.
Prior experience with these frameworks is welcome but not necessary; pre-materials will ensure a shared conceptual foundation.
About the Life Itself Hub
The Life Itself Bergerac Praxis Hub is a greenhouse for the Second Renaissance: a deliberately developmental space for people to gather and experiment with the embodied presence and practical action needed to bring forth a new paradigm in the face of the Metacrisis.
We see this space as a place for experimentation, exploration and learning, where people can engage in self-work, creative work and spiritual practices within a supportive and structured framework. We believe that this framework, which combines elements of monastic and secular practices, can facilitate the development of a new paradigm of living and being, one that is more connected, embodied and expansive
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About Bergerac
Bergerac is a beautiful town in southwest France, known for its medieval old town, vineyards and peaceful riverfronts. The town provides a quiet and inspiring backdrop for reflection, creativity and connection. The Dordogne River is just steps away, perfect for swimming or riverside walks. The town is easily accessible by train from Bordeaux.
FAQS
Q: Do I need to be an expert in Metacrisis, Metamodernism, Integral Theory, etc., to attend?
No, the summer school is designed to create a shared foundation for all participants through pre-materials and core sessions. There’s no need to worry if you’ve never encountered these concepts before.
Q: Is there a participation fee?
The participation fee ranges from €250–€750, depending on the participant's ability to pay. If this is outside your budget, please reach out to us - we may be able to offer discounted places in certain cases.
Q: Can I attend only part of the program?
Priority will be given to those attending the full core week to maintain group cohesion and ensure a meaningful experience for everyone.
Q: Will food and accommodation be provided?
Yes, on-site accommodation and meals are included in your participation fee.
Ready to join us? Please fill out our interest form or email us at finn@lifeitself.org for more information.