It may be Autumn here in the southern hemisphere, but this time of year, with Easter, Ramadan, Passover & other holy holidays, is still a time of renewal and resurrection. Can we also make it a time of regeneration?
The word regenerative is more & more commonplace lately.
Regenerative leadership.
Regenerative farming.
Regenerative banking.
Regenerative culture.
But what does this mean?
The word regenerate means to renew or restore something, especially after it has been damaged or lost. The act or process of regenerating is regeneration.
You see, our current economy & systems – whether they be agricultural, justice or financial – are devoid of life. They’re soulless, based on principles that go against the wisdom & soul of nature.
Take capitalism as an example.
One of capitalism’s defining features is the pursuit of never-ending growth. Not only is this not possible on a finite planet, it’s out of alignment with life-giving principles – as Edward Abbey once said, growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.
We live at a pivotal choice point in time. Whether it’s war or climate change or widening inequality & democratic instability, our systems are not supportive of life.
This is why the word regenerative matters so much right now.
To choose renewal, to choose resurrection, to choose regeneration.
To infuse our environment, systems and culture with life-giving principles. To mimic nature’s cycles & seasons, base our designs on circularity, embody a new form of leadership – away from the hierarchical, top-down, follow-me approach to one that is emergent, trusting & encompassing of everyone’s skills and offerings.
So I want to ask, what could regenerative culture look like in your life?
What part of your work or community could be infused with the care & energy reflective of regeneration?
Where can you expand your sense of possibility to allow regenerative wisdom to enter?
Let me know what you think – I love to hear from you.
Laura x