Struck down: but not for long
One day you’re striding the dales, and the next you can hardly move. That was my experience about two weeks ago.?
I knew they were a lot of flu lurgies around so I thought that’s what I had. It wasn’t until I realised I’d lost my sense of smell that it dawned on me… aargh, the dreaded COVID-19. The test confirmed it. I’d gone from a Novid (someone who’d never had it) to a Covid.
Aside from doing all the things you’re supposed to… resting, ginger honey and lemon for the sore throat, painkillers for the nightmarish headaches… I also read a lot. I tend to have a few books on the boil and all are linked to the theme of regeneration. (Sorry, I just can’t help myself ;)?
This quiet time also gave me a chance to sift through my notes and interviews I’ve done so far for my book project. I’ve been wanting to distil what I know. It helps me figure stuff out. And I’m hoping it will help pique your curiosity too.?
So, what is regeneration?
Obviously, it’s the opposite of degeneration. That’s about loss. This is about life.?
Its basis is not in the material world of mechanics or engineering – the entropic world. Its roots are in the living world of life – or the negentropic world.
So it reflects what is deeply innate within us. As you read this, the cells of your body are regenerating. The ground beneath your feet is shapeshifting with the processes of millions of microbes. Your gut – or biome – is evolving.
But what does this have to do with business?
Regenerative theory and development has taken some of the fundamental principles of living systems theory, together with complexity theory, philosophy, Indigenous cultures, new economics (to name but a few) and aims to put vitality and viability back into the system we all share.?
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Simply put, to heal the damage done.
Regeneration: a verb not a noun
Unlike sustainability which tends to focus on metrics and targets. Being regenerative is not an end state. It’s not a noun. It’s a verb — and it’s a principle to live by.?
Former Head of Regenerative Design at the RSA, Josie Warden,?puts it like this:?Being regenerative is both “a mindset and a way of seeing and being in the world.”?
3 questions to alter your perspective:??
How about you? What systems do you have the opportunity — and the delight — to influence??
I would love to hear your thoughts.?
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 for this biweekly newsletter.
I help speakers & presenters define their content, weave in strategic stories & build an inspirational keynote/presentation through coaching. I also build confidence & certainty through practical tools & coaching.
1 年Bummer you had Covid eventually. There can’t be too many Novids left. Glad you’re feeling better. Love those questions. I aim to only have one version of me. However thinking about who I need to be for the meeting I’m about to have I see as what do I bring with me to the meeting for the benefit of others. It’s outward focusing instead of inward. Its the difference I can make.
Anthropologist & Environmental Designer
1 年I hope you are feeling better now, Claire? Thanks for the insights! ????
Your Purpose-led Business Genie ??♂? Purpose With Profit Growth Blueprint Beyond #ESG #polycrisis #plantforward - Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) | Senior Strategist | Consultant | Speaker
1 年Claire Scobie - I want to "Snap" and for everything that you have written. I don't know whether to applaud, like or support this post. There should be a pick all group. :) I recently had the covid bug too. It was my second time. Not fun. In regards to regeneration, it's the 'holy grail' of where we want to get to. There are many movements now starting to build momentum and I'm so encouraged to see indigenous leaders sharing their ways. It's hard for me to fathom sometimes. I'm an accountant by profession so it's re-learning what life is all about and sharing it in ways with an agnostic business audience. The https://capitalscoalition.org/ is applying new paradigms to value nature, societal, human and financial capital. These are examples of the shift. Here's to amplifying the growth to bring about system change. Thank you for sharing. ????
Founder, All of the Good Things | Founder, Authentic Selling | Owner, AfriBeads
1 年Beautifully articulated Claire. Your writing reminds me of a book I just reach by Raynor Winn - Landlines. A beautiful book about walking and life. I really love the concept of regeneration - the idea that we are constantly rebuilding feels very hopeful to me.
Founder @ Give and Take Co | Social & Environmental Impact Strategy
1 年Regeneration sits nicely in a version of donut economics, which is not brand new but seems to be gaining traction. Essentially, living within our means (and I mean that in the very broadest sense); thinking and acting like we are part of a community and an eco-system - not simply an economy is paramount. It's old wisdom, long ignored if not forgotten. There is so much to be learned and remembered from the ancient cultures of the world!