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Systems change – and so can we

Thinking systematically is one of the hardest things I’m learning on my regenerative journey.

But it’s also one of the most needed shifts. 

Being regenerative is about better aligning with the living systems we all rely on… and understanding the impact of our actions on the WHOLE.

Are you a systems-thinker?

I reckon some people are born systems-thinkers. For my husband Aden, it comes naturally. He sees the picture and the pieces within the picture. And then often reconfigures what he sees to give another perspective. 

Aden is a proud Gumbaynggirr man from the mid-north-coast of NSW, Australia. He was brought up by eight mothers and has a vast extended family. 

His Indigenous heritage is part of what gives him a more holistic view on life. His connection to country is deep and strong. His awareness of the unseen as well as the seen — together with his ability to trust his intuition: all contribute to thinking systematically. 

Aden and a 1000-year old eucalypt in Dorrigo, Gumbaynggirr country. A systems-thinker.
Aden and a 1000-year old eucalypt in Dorrigo, Gumbaynggirr country.
Another perspective - it would take 10 people with arms stretched to circle the tree’s girth. A systems-thinker.
Another perspective - it would take 10 people with arms stretched to circle the tree’s girth.

Western thinking and Indigenous relating

Western thinking tends to dissect knowledge and siloes information. 

It is linear. 

Indigenous thinking tends to do the opposite – it connects and focuses on the relationship between people, land, the more-than-human. 

It is circular.

So much to say on this topic, but that’s for another day. (Aden and I are en route to London to spend time with my mum – I’ve just got the one mother! She’s doing well, in her mid-80s.)

Sit back and be inspired

Instead of more chat, I will leave you with this 4-minute video about how systemic change actually looks in a real-world project. 

It’s from a project located in the neighbourhood of Xochimilco in Mexico City – that has both preserved cultural practices AND restored water access in times of crisis — and done so by changing the system. One of the lead project designers was Ben Haggard, from the Regenesis institute in the US — and where I studied regenerative theory and practice. 

It’s an inspiring watch.

Enjoy!

P.S If you are a systems-thinker and you have any tips, please share what’s really helped you. 

P.P.S If you’re interested to go deeper with regenerative thinking, enrolment has just opened for this year’s Regenesis TRP practitioner series

Hi, I’m Claire. Through my business Wordstruck we help companies bring their sustainability strategy to life. As the Founder of Regenerative Storytelling, we’re helping leaders do more for their people, their community and the planet. I publish regular content about storytelling, regenerative leadership and reframing how to address our rapidly heating world. To see more of my content, please sign up – and join the conversation by sharing a comment below.

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