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Chapter 5 Relating: Connecting as nature – an IDG practice towards relational, collective leadership grounded in ecocentrism

  • Anaïs Sägesser and Ruth Förster
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Inner Development Goals
This chapter is in the book Inner Development Goals

Abstract

Practices that foster a keen sense of connection with ecosystems emphasize a shift from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism rooted in nature philosophy. This paradigmatic change extends beyond sustainable practices, emphasizing regeneration in the face of the overstepping of planetary boundaries, and requests connecting not only with but as nature.

In this chapter, we introduce conceptual and theoretical frameworks – particularly embodied transformative learning (TL) processes – and propose a practice named “Relating: Connecting as Nature”, which cultivates profound connections with oneself and other beings, with, and even as, nature through sensory awareness. Engaging with land, place, beings, and the entire ecosystem, fosters a sense of belonging, aliveness, and “intraconnectedness”, i.e., experiencing oneself as nature. It thus includes a deeply felt appreciation; humility in the sense of being part of something so much greater than us; a sense of empathy which extends to nonhuman beings; and compassion – all of which are important qualities of the IDG dimension relating.

Recognizing reciprocal influences between human actions and the environment is crucial for establishing responsible relationships. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of cultivating a practice of connecting beyond human beings, encouraging a profound shift in meaning perspective that aligns with regenerative cultures. This shift bears substantial implications for both the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mandating a reassessment of priorities towards planetary well-being and fostering opportunities for regenerative methodologies.

Abstract

Practices that foster a keen sense of connection with ecosystems emphasize a shift from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism rooted in nature philosophy. This paradigmatic change extends beyond sustainable practices, emphasizing regeneration in the face of the overstepping of planetary boundaries, and requests connecting not only with but as nature.

In this chapter, we introduce conceptual and theoretical frameworks – particularly embodied transformative learning (TL) processes – and propose a practice named “Relating: Connecting as Nature”, which cultivates profound connections with oneself and other beings, with, and even as, nature through sensory awareness. Engaging with land, place, beings, and the entire ecosystem, fosters a sense of belonging, aliveness, and “intraconnectedness”, i.e., experiencing oneself as nature. It thus includes a deeply felt appreciation; humility in the sense of being part of something so much greater than us; a sense of empathy which extends to nonhuman beings; and compassion – all of which are important qualities of the IDG dimension relating.

Recognizing reciprocal influences between human actions and the environment is crucial for establishing responsible relationships. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of cultivating a practice of connecting beyond human beings, encouraging a profound shift in meaning perspective that aligns with regenerative cultures. This shift bears substantial implications for both the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mandating a reassessment of priorities towards planetary well-being and fostering opportunities for regenerative methodologies.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Frontmatter VI
  3. Foreword IX
  4. Acknowledgments
  5. Editor biographies XVII
  6. Contents XIII
  7. Introduction to Volume I 1
  8. Section 1: Being nature
  9. Chapter 1 Prelude 7
  10. Chapter 2 “Being” as the core IDG methodology: Why being holds successful IDGs together 13
  11. Chapter 3 Unlocking collective potential: The IDG experience through bread baking– manifesting narrative playfulness, wonder, and imagination 33
  12. Chapter 4 Outdoor eco-embodiment: A place-responsive integration of the IDG framework 49
  13. Chapter 5 Relating: Connecting as nature – an IDG practice towards relational, collective leadership grounded in ecocentrism 65
  14. Chapter 6 The transformative power of colors: Cultivating connection, collaboration, and sensemaking through art 87
  15. Section 2: Ancient wisdom
  16. Chapter 7 Prelude 103
  17. Chapter 8 Inner sustainability for global transformation: Living and leading from the essence of our being 109
  18. Chapter 9 Re-attuning to nature’s rhythms: The Chinese art of being, relating, and acting 131
  19. Chapter 10 Zen wisdom: When the Ten Bulls encountered the Inner Development Goals 149
  20. Chapter 11 Seasonal Circles of Change: A roadmap to embody the IDGs so we can co-create change 175
  21. Chapter 12 Systems Leadership: An inner and outer journey in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest 193
  22. Section 3: Interbeing
  23. Chapter 13 Prelude 207
  24. Chapter 14 Beyond individualism: A multilevel approach to the Inner Development Goals 213
  25. Chapter 15 Connectedness: Unpacking an essential factor of the Inner Development Goals 235
  26. Chapter 16 Listening beyond words: Building trust, nurturing relationships, and crafting impactful change 253
  27. Chapter 17 The Experience Cube: A model to increase being, relating, and collaborating for collective leadership 269
  28. Chapter 18 Contemplating or confronting? How the Inner Development Goals can activate reflexivity through Q methodology 291
  29. Chapter 19 Forgiveness and the missing IDG skill: From surviving genocide to leading the Rwanda Peace Education Programme 313
  30. Chapter 20 Nonviolent Communication is an Inner Development Booster 323
  31. Index
  32. Contributor Biographies
  33. Endorsements
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111337913-006

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Frontmatter VI
  3. Foreword IX
  4. Acknowledgments
  5. Editor biographies XVII
  6. Contents XIII
  7. Introduction to Volume I 1
  8. Section 1: Being nature
  9. Chapter 1 Prelude 7
  10. Chapter 2 “Being” as the core IDG methodology: Why being holds successful IDGs together 13
  11. Chapter 3 Unlocking collective potential: The IDG experience through bread baking– manifesting narrative playfulness, wonder, and imagination 33
  12. Chapter 4 Outdoor eco-embodiment: A place-responsive integration of the IDG framework 49
  13. Chapter 5 Relating: Connecting as nature – an IDG practice towards relational, collective leadership grounded in ecocentrism 65
  14. Chapter 6 The transformative power of colors: Cultivating connection, collaboration, and sensemaking through art 87
  15. Section 2: Ancient wisdom
  16. Chapter 7 Prelude 103
  17. Chapter 8 Inner sustainability for global transformation: Living and leading from the essence of our being 109
  18. Chapter 9 Re-attuning to nature’s rhythms: The Chinese art of being, relating, and acting 131
  19. Chapter 10 Zen wisdom: When the Ten Bulls encountered the Inner Development Goals 149
  20. Chapter 11 Seasonal Circles of Change: A roadmap to embody the IDGs so we can co-create change 175
  21. Chapter 12 Systems Leadership: An inner and outer journey in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest 193
  22. Section 3: Interbeing
  23. Chapter 13 Prelude 207
  24. Chapter 14 Beyond individualism: A multilevel approach to the Inner Development Goals 213
  25. Chapter 15 Connectedness: Unpacking an essential factor of the Inner Development Goals 235
  26. Chapter 16 Listening beyond words: Building trust, nurturing relationships, and crafting impactful change 253
  27. Chapter 17 The Experience Cube: A model to increase being, relating, and collaborating for collective leadership 269
  28. Chapter 18 Contemplating or confronting? How the Inner Development Goals can activate reflexivity through Q methodology 291
  29. Chapter 19 Forgiveness and the missing IDG skill: From surviving genocide to leading the Rwanda Peace Education Programme 313
  30. Chapter 20 Nonviolent Communication is an Inner Development Booster 323
  31. Index
  32. Contributor Biographies
  33. Endorsements
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