Islands of Coherence: Finding Calm in the Chaos

How many people do you know who are feeling calm and serene right now?

The world feels chaotic and overwhelming. Turmoil, division, and uncertainty seem to dominate our attention, leaving most of us feeling anxious and powerless.?

However, the concept of "islands of coherence"(1) offers a powerful framework for not only managing this anxiety but also for creating positive change. In the face of such widespread negativity, it's easy to feel like individual efforts are insignificant.?

That’s not so.

We live in chaotic and complex times. Chaotic in the sense that everything seems urgent and so we feel pressure to react quickly for safety and security, and complex in the sense that no one can predict what the end states will be, the end results will emerge over time, and anyone who thinks they can manage or follow a plan that is going to achieve their goals is deluding themselves and those around them.(2)

Creating and reinforcing islands of coherence has potential for anxiety reduction, while providing practical steps for cultivating positive results? in your own life and community.

Origins of the Term

The term "islands of coherence" is attributed to Ilya Prigogine, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist known for his work on dissipative structures and complex systems. The core idea is that within chaotic systems, small pockets of order and stability can emerge and influence the larger system's behavior. Prigogine proposed that "when a complex system is far from equilibrium, small islands of coherence in a sea of chaos have the capacity to shift the entire system to a higher order". This concept, initially rooted in the study of physical and chemical systems, has since been adopted by thinkers and activists to understand and address social and ecological challenges.

What are Islands of Coherence?

In essence, islands of coherence are spaces where individuals come together with a shared intention to create something meaningful and positive. These spaces can be physical, like a community garden or a local cooperative, or they can be intangible, like a shared vision for a better future or a commitment to mindful living. They represent areas of stability, purpose, and interconnectedness amidst the turbulence of the wider world.

For example, I belong to an online community called the Hive run by Laura Zug. This is an online space where people who are trying to build online communities share their challenges and successes and support each other.

One way to understand islands of coherence is through the lens of bioregionalism. Bioregionalism emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural boundaries and resources of a particular place. It encourages local self-reliance, ecological stewardship, and community-based decision-making. By fostering a sense of connection to the land and to each other, bioregionalism can be seen as a form of creating "islands of coherence" within the larger social and ecological systems.

One could approach family life or a circle of close friends as forms of bioregionalism, setting up procedures and structures for self-reliance, flourishing, and decision-making for the common good.

Furthermore, the concept of islands of coherence applies not only to external systems but also to our inner worlds. Our minds can sometimes feel like a "sea of chaos," filled with worries, distractions, and conflicting thoughts. By cultivating inner coherence through practices like mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and hobbies we can create a sense of calm and stability within ourselves. This inner coherence can then radiate outwards, strengthening our ability to engage in positive action and contribute to the well-being of our communities.

Creating islands of coherence also involves a shift from "ego-centric" to "eco-centric" systems. This means moving away from a focus on individual gain and competition towards a more holistic perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of all things. By embracing this interconnectedness, especially focusing on but not limited to the interconnectedness within the island of coherence, we can reduce anxiety by fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility for the well-being of our core groups, communities and beyond.

Islands of Coherence and Anxiety Reduction

In a world that often feels like it's spinning out of control, islands of coherence offer a sense of grounding and stability. By actively participating in these spaces, individuals can experience several benefits:

Shift in Focus

• Description: Directing energy towards constructive action instead of dwelling on negativity.
• Example: Joining a community garden to address food security concerns instead of feeling overwhelmed by news about natural disasters.

Connection

• Benefit: Fostering a sense of belonging and reducing isolation.
• Example: Participating in a local book club or online community to connect with others who share similar interests.

Agency

• Benefit: Regaining a sense of control and the ability to make a difference.
• Example: Volunteering at a local animal shelter to contribute to animal welfare. Walking or bicycling to local destinations instead of driving.

Resilience

• Benefit: Strengthening the ability to cope with stress and uncertainty.
• Example: Engaging in mindfulness practices to develop emotional regulation skills. Engaging in fun activities with others.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the negativity and chaos, we can channel our energy towards constructive action and positive change within our sphere of influence. The sense of community and shared purpose fosters a feeling of belonging and reduces the isolation that often contributes to anxiety.?

By contributing to something meaningful, we can regain a sense of control and the ability to make a difference, counteracting feelings of helplessness. Actively engaging in positive action and community building strengthens the ability to cope with stress and uncertainty.

Research further supports the link between a sense of coherence and reduced anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that individuals with a higher sense of coherence are better equipped to manage stress and maintain good mental health. This highlights the potential of islands of coherence as a valuable tool for navigating challenging times and fostering well-being.

Joining and fostering islands of coherence has the added benefit of seeding the changes we eventually desire. No, we cannot control life, we cannot guarantee that what we do will change our communities or the world, but focusing our actions on what we can do, together with like-minded people, can have a profound effect.

Creating Your Own Islands of Coherence

Creating islands of coherence doesn't require grand gestures or massive resources. It starts with small, intentional steps:

1. Identify your values and passions: What issues are you most concerned about? What kind of world do you want to create?
2. Connect with your community: Explore local initiatives, groups, or organizations that align with your values.
3. Start small: Initiate a project, join a group, or simply engage in meaningful conversations with others.
4. Cultivate mindfulness: Practice presence and awareness in your daily life to create an inner island of coherence.
5. Embrace collaboration: Connect with other "islands" to amplify your impact and foster a sense of interconnectedness.

Within these islands of coherence, individuals can take on different roles to foster and strengthen the collective effort. "Convenors" play a crucial role in bringing people together, facilitating dialogue, and creating a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities. "Advocates," on the other hand, champion the values and goals of the island, ensuring that its voice is heard and its impact is amplified.

How have I applied this?

1. Identify my values and passions: My passion is education and specifically with helping people understand how to tap into their own resourcefulness and resilience, what I call MindShifting
2. Connect with my community: I discuss these issues within my local community and extended family, with my fellow like-minded (and not like-ended) travelers on social media, and I participate in three communities of practice.
3. Start small: I started with the first MindShifting course, which now is three courses, and I taught that course to people I knew. I’ve expanded the reach of the courses to educators within New York and Washington state, hoping to reach more states. And I wrote a book.
4. Cultivate mindfulness: I do 10-15 minutes of mindfulness each morning, and also at times when I feel I need it. Of course, this doesn’t always calm me down, but I have family and friends I can reach out to who are familiar with MindShifting and mindfulness practices and who can “talk me down from the wall.” Still, I find I can reframe my mind in many many instances by myself.
5. Embrace collaboration: I know others who are also doing remarkable things. For example, India White with grit and math, Robbi Nierenberg with Performance Intelligent coaching, Angela Maiers with mattering, Celestino Magalhaes with engaging teaching practices, and Kevin Honeycutt with motivation and engagement. We all give energy to each other.

Examples of Islands of Coherence in Action

Several real-world examples illustrate how individuals and small groups are creating islands of coherence to address societal challenges and foster positive change:

• The Society of St Vincent de Paul: A church-led group that has raised money to help victims of the Pasadena and Altadena fires, focusing on those who lost everything and have to figure out how to start from nothing. My cousins established a communications helpline and charity campaign within the Vincentians.
• Syntropic World and Intentional Communities: These examples highlight the power of shared values and collective action. Syntropic World, an online community, promotes the principles of syntropic agriculture, a regenerative farming method that mimics natural ecosystems. By sharing knowledge and resources, they are creating a global network of individuals and groups committed to ecological restoration and sustainable living 7. Similarly, intentional communities, where people come together to live and work with a shared purpose, offer a tangible example of how islands of coherence can foster a sense of belonging, cooperation, and social responsibility 7.

These examples demonstrate how individuals and small groups can create islands of coherence that address real-world challenges and foster positive change. By focusing on local action, collaboration, and a shared vision, they are building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Overcoming Challenges

While the concept of islands of coherence offers a powerful framework for positive change, it's important to acknowledge and address potential challenges:

• Scaling up: While starting small is crucial, expanding the impact of these islands can be challenging. Expanding the impact of these islands can be challenging. One approach is to focus on "scaling out" and building bridges instead of simply "scaling up." This involves sharing knowledge, collaborating with other islands, and creating networks of interconnected initiatives rather than trying to replicate a single model on a larger scale.
• Maintaining coherence: As groups grow, maintaining a shared vision and purpose requires ongoing effort and communication. It's essential to foster open dialogue, address conflicts constructively, and ensure that all members feel heard and valued.
• Resource limitations: Many islands of coherence operate with limited resources, which can hinder their growth and impact. To overcome this, it's important to tightly focus on where you can have an impact, prioritizing resource efficiency while possibly also looking for funding sources.

By embracing collaboration, fostering open communication, and adapting to changing circumstances, these islands can thrive and contribute to a more coherent and resilient world.

Synthesis

The concept of "islands of coherence" provides a valuable framework for understanding how to address societal anxiety and empower we can make real progress. By creating spaces of shared purpose, collaboration, and positive action, these islands offer a sense of stability and agency in the face of uncertainty and division. They allow each of us to shift our focus from negativity to constructive engagement, fostering a sense of belonging, resilience, and hope.

The research highlights several key takeaways:

• Inner and outer coherence: Cultivating both inner coherence through mindfulness and self-care and outer coherence through community engagement is crucial for navigating challenging times and fostering well-being.
• Shifting from ego-centric to eco-centric systems: Embracing interconnectedness and shared responsibility can reduce anxiety and promote a more holistic perspective.
• Empowerment through action: Participating in islands of coherence can help us move from feeling powerless to feeling capable of making a difference.
• Scaling out through knowledge sharing: Expanding the impact of islands of coherence requires collaboration, knowledge exchange, and interconnectedness.

By embracing these principles and actively participating in the creation of islands of coherence, we can contribute to a more just, sustainable, and resilient future.

Conclusion

In a world grappling with uncertainty and division, I believe that the concept of "islands of coherence" offers a beacon of hope and a pathway towards a more positive future.?

The world is indeed a complex system, often far from equilibrium. But as Prigogine suggested, small islands of coherence can have a profound impact on the whole. Just as seemingly separate islands in the ocean are all connected beneath the surface, these diverse efforts towards positive change are interconnected, contributing to a larger movement of hope and transformation. By embracing the principles of islands of coherence, we can become active participants in this movement, creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. Let us each find our own way to contribute to this collective endeavor, building a more coherent and resilient world for ourselves and for generations to come.

Footnotes

1. Thank you to Nola Simon who introduced me to the term.
2. For more information on complex or chaotic situations, look up the Cynefin Framework. These are also covered in the MindShiftin course Flexible Mindsets for Long Term Success

Sources

1. Islands of Coherence - Future Observatory Journal, accessed January 25, 2025, https://fojournal.org/strategy-report/islands-of-coherence/

2. Islands of Coherence - Garrison Institute, accessed January 25, 2025, https://www.garrisoninstitute.org/islands-of-coherence/

3. Islands of Coherence - by dorukkurt - Medium, accessed January 25, 2025, https://medium.com/@dorukkurt/islands-of-coherence-1c35d68e6b9c

4. Islands of Sanity Course Month 2 Saturday 1 - BOOK SESSION: Climate Cure - How we live with Anxiety. - YouTube, accessed January 25, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf1rNsZQdm0

5. Association between sense of coherence and depression in patients with chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed Central, accessed January 25, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9833581/

6. Coherence creates leverage - The System Innovation Initiative, accessed January 25, 2025, https://www.systeminnovation.org/blog/five-lessons-from-system-shifters-lesson-three

7. Small Islands of Coherence in a Chaotic World | by Christine McDougall - Medium, accessed January 25, 2025, https://christine-mcd.medium.com/small-islands-of-coherence-in-a-chaotic-world-2b69c97625c