From Nature to Inner Development Goals
Last week, fascinated by the potential that becoming more aware about Nature’s ways of doing could teach us, I proposed a Nature-inspired project design framework, with the intention to help guide the ways in which we design, conduct and sustain projects.
This week, I am reading about the Inner Development Goals (IDG) and I cannot help but draw the parallel. In a nutshell, the idea behind the IDG framework is that if we want to help create a more sustainable world, we need to look within and develop the inner skills to catalyse outer change.
Coincidence or patterns of connection?
Sometimes you stumble onto something that is so simple that you wonder whether you’re onto something genius or whether everybody else knew it and you’re the only one who has just found out.
Have you ever noticed how the IDGs are deeply interconnected with what Nature teaches us? It makes sense of course since we are part of Nature!
Coincidence or patterns of connection?
Genius or obvious? Maybe somewhat helpful?
Let’s find out!
Connecting the dots
Pillar #1 Being — Relationship to Self
If we cultivate our inner life, mind and body, we practice the responsible art of being more present and develop the tools which help us respond to challenges with openness and integrity.
Being – Drawing Attention
As Anne Lamott puts it: “Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” Lighthouses shine and draw attention by their being.
Pillar # 2 Thinking — Cognitive skills
When we seek to understand the system’s conditions and its interconnectedness, we can better plan, formulate and sustain commitment to visions relating to the larger context.
Thinking – Structure
This includes the ability to see patterns, to bring colour, to propose a structure for the unknown and to create stories that can inspire and organise.
Pillar # 3 Relating — Caring for others and the world
Our sense of connectedness with and/or of being a part of a larger whole, such as a community or a global ecosystem helps us relate to others and nature with kindness, empathy and compassion.
Relating – Build resilience
Resilience is built through diversity and community connection. It is deeply ingrained in the sense of care for others and the world.
Pillar # 4 Collaborating — Social skills
To grow, we need to develop our abilities to include, to listen, to hold space for others, to co-create and to foster trusting relationships.
Collaborating – Cooperate
Nature develops win-win, reciprocal partnerships that lead to mutual benefits.
Pillar # 5 Acting — Enabling change
Agents of change are not afraid of being brave and optimistic enough to imagine a better present and future. Creativity and flexibility help us come up with wild ideas and innovations, and persevere to adapt and disrupt the old patterns.
Acting – Adapt
For billions of years, life has learnt to test, learn from experience and adapt. Change is part of Nature’s DNA.
Inner Nature Development Framework
What next?
Who knows where the patterns of connections will take us next? Hopefully somewhere wild!