How can we envision a thriving future, knowing that we won't be around to see her in full bloom?

“If we don’t know where we want to go, it makes little difference that we make great progress” - Donella Meadows

New ways of forming and designing an economic system which enables all living systems to thrive, are emerging, not only from the fringes of new economic thinking. But as well as from other schools of thought and sources like; the principles of nature, art, anthropology, philosophy, and indigenous wisdom.

The Regenerative economy is a concept which is constantly evolving and expanding. Initiated and guided by, RESPOND in collaboration with other Regenerative Explorers (including myself) recently created a working definition “ A regenerative economy is ‘the application of nature’s laws and patterns of systemic health, self-organisation, self-renewal and regenerative vitality to socioeconomic systems”. A Regenerative Society puts life and thrivability at her heart. She is created through collaboration, compassion, courage, kindness, creativity and kinship. In a regenerative society, eco is prioritized over ego. Past & Future are seen as valuable as the present. Languages will be life-centred. We collectively spend our time and energy on the well-being of all living beings and wake up every day with the courage to embrace the uncertainty that is life.

The transition to a regenerative economy goes much further than adjusting our economic and social models. This is why I personally prefer talking about a Regenerative Future or a Regenerative Society. Not because I dislike the word economy (although in its current form, I definitely do), but because the term carries the risk of 'framing in old thinking'. To realize a Regenerative Future, we will have to question, change, improve or leave behind everything; including how we collaborate, speak, work, and live. What we desire. What we expect, from life, from ourselves and from each other. Who we want to be. What success means. How we entertain ourselves. Who or what do we value. What we respect, What we produce. How we produce ... The list goes on.

In our current Western society, the materialistic individual takes centre stage. Speaking in an objectifying language and dreaming of individual successes. Western cultures, and primarily the widespread use of the English language, normalized the objectification of the natural world and other (human) beings. Hence, why in most businesses and MBA’s across the globe nobody blinks an eye at the terms Human & Natural resources. Western Science also plays an important role in the objectification of nature and living beings. When Jane Goodall started to research Chimpanzees, she named instead of numbered these beautiful beings and was absolutely mocked for it.

Indigenous researcher and writer of Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer hits the nail on the head “The English language is made up primarily of nouns, somehow appropriate for a culture so obsessed with things…. English encodes human exceptionalism, which privileges the needs and wants of humans above all others and understands us as detached from the commonwealth of life.” (Side note, if you haven’t yet had the chance to read Breading Sweetgrass, I am inviting you to do so and to share your thoughts! I honestly believe that the world would be in a better place if all people in decision-making positions would read and open their hearts to this book.)

The era of transformation we are living in, revolves around systemic change, the use of language, the formation of economic models, government structures, classical infrastructure, legislation, etc. And personal inner changes. This is not a transformation that we will realize in one, or even a couple, generations. To put things in perspective, the time when Julius Caesar ruled over the Roman Empire is just 84 generations ago. And the steam engine was invented just 11 generations ago. A radical change in mindset, culture, collective inner being and socio-economical systems is without doubt a multi-generational journey

This means that we, wandering the earth in 2023, won’t be around when regenerative societies, across the globe, come to full bloom and become the new norm. Some days I am at peace with this realization, someday’s I am not. For my own well-being, I try not to worry (on a daily basis) about the big big picture. But ask myself every single day. Did my decisions today empower the transformation to a drastically different and thriving future for all living beings or will they prolong the status quo? What matters is that I can always (most days) can answer "Today I feel like I am helping the realization of a drastically different and thriving future". There is just so much we can all do as individuals, and kindness to yourself (although sometimes hard) can go a long way!

To meet this multi-generational challenge as an individual, it is vital that we create space to mourn the loss of our current society. Become and remain aware of our circle of influence (to protect our own mental health). And keep seeking to stay in touch with the constantly evolving role we play in the larger web of time and change.

Circling back to being aware of your own circle of influence. When you feel overwhelmed by the global challenges we are collectively facing, ask yourself. How do I Imagine my home looks like in a regenerative world? How would I spend my days? What would work look like in a regenerative world? How would I feel? What would I eat? Where would the food come from? Who would I co-create with? What will create?

We don’t have to wait for policymakers, business leaders and university directors. You can start today, with your own home, your community, your work, your business and your life.

Adults are bad at remembering how powerful they can be because somewhere along the line, they were shamed for their imagination. - Stephen Chbosky.

Never forget!