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We can't think our way to a better world
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Dear community, As I delve deeper into decolonising my own work and life, I find myself holding the tension of living within capitalism while trying to live in ways that are healthier and cause less harm. I certainly don't have the answers yet and sit with the tension. Whilst I wrote this, I had flashback to meetings and conferences in countries across the Global South, where traditional dances and rituals were performed. At times, they felt fake. Not because the traditions themselves were fake, but because I felt they were a 'side-show' rather than the main event. A feeling that culture and ritual were added around the edges, while the meeting itself remained firmly rooted in colonial ways of thinking, working and holding power. Like many of you (I think!), I find the tension between our dominant colonial lifestyles and living as healthy, connected human beings challenging. At times I feel that even leaving the house I'm causing harm! I am realising I have spent much of my life in the cognitive and physical worlds. I tried to think my way out of challenges. Perhaps some lengthy emails!🤣 I have often turned to exercise and dance to release my internal struggles. As a man, those struggles have sometimes emerged as unhealthy anger 😔 As I continue to explore what a more decolonial life might mean, I keep returning to four interconnected parts of being human which help me frame my being. Spirit. Emotions. Mind. Body A core all my service and how I want to be in this world. By spirit, I don’t mean religion. I mean being connected to something greater than myself. Something that was hard to find again after the global cuts to aid, diminishing justice work (which brought through a deep tussle with a capitalist way of being) By emotions, I mean recognising and honouring what is moving through me in healthy and less harmful ways. This is hard. My emotions can still come out as blame towards others. The mind and body matter too. But I realise cannot think or exercise our way out of everything! The world is changing incredibly quickly. ChatGPT launched in November 2022, less than four years ago. How wild have the changes in society felt since then? Is AI bringing the biggest transformation in our western society since the Industrial Revolution? Amid all this change, our human culture feels increasingly fractured. What I feel is missing is a regular reconnection with our identity as human beings. Rituals. We need rituals that reconnect us with one another and with community, including at work. Not a side show as I remember. But as a main event. In workplaces, I see rituals as the way create away days and retreats. They become occasional points of recalibration. In my personal life, I see as intentional gatherings, perhaps why birthdays and passing anniversaries become so important to us. Spirit. I would probably never call it “spirit” at work! I would probably call it the organisational culture or values. To me, these are the spirit of an organisation. In work cultures, when there is a significant shift in identity, I feel when there is a reconnection to ritual and community we can reorient themselves. In my personal life, I see this less and want to help bring more attention to. Loneliness and isolation Having had the privilege of running sessions at Buddhafield and Medicine Festival, one of my biggest insights was how many people are seeking to re-establish their connection with other human beings. The depth of our loneliness may be one sign of what we have lost. I wonder how much this is also in the workplace? We don’t all need to dance naked beneath a full moon, although if that works for you, it’s all good! 🤣 But as our world changes so rapidly, I wonder if we need regular rituals that reconnect us with being human? For me, one example was the gathering following my father’s passing. It created space for tears, anger and frustration that he was gone, and then, eventually, love. At work, it's been holding deep spaces to bring in all the aspects of Spirit. Emotions. Mind. Body. Then look at what culture and values we want to hold together, before moving into actions! I wouldn't call them rituals in the moment, but perhaps these are. As we enter a new season.. Here's what I'm flowing with, so offer that to you too. Journal. Please do! The thinking mind is still important. Send me an emoji and I’ll share my seasonal reflection questions. 📝 Connect with your body. For some, that might be the gym. For others, dancing, walking, stretching or resting. Find some way of holding ritual, including at work. Make time to reconnect while so much of our work and our lives is changing. And.. Find time to grieve what has been lost, or what you never received. The heart will expand after this. Can you imagine a world in which we remain deeply connected to ourselves, to one another and a better world, even while surrounded by the changes AI continues to bring? Upcoming events Come and connect as human beings in London Rise in Our Roots For healthcare workers, we’re holding this beautiful event Grief Tending for Healthcare Practitioners For men opening up and growing into healthier relationships with themselves, others and the world Men in Social Impact Love Your Rage: A Day for Womxn to Embody the Wild Within, led by Zaira Mughal 17 October And a tune!
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Mohammed Ali (The Innovation)
If you are working on social impact and social justice this is a newsletter to energise your journey - sign up by adding your email below
Dear amazing connections, We've been running Rise in Our Roots up north with community leaders for nearly a year! And we’re now bringing a special two-hour session to London! 🌱 If you’re up for discussing some of the struggles facing leadership in the UK and overseas, while also experiencing some of the energising and opening processes at the heart of Rise in Our Roots, I’d love to see you there! ✨ All in person. No AI. No Zoom. Proper human connection and sharing of energy. 📅 24 September |...
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