A simple practice to learn from living systems

Natural principles are a core part of regenerative practices. They are seen in permaculture, biomimicry, biophilic design, systems-thinking, regenerative leadership, regenerative economics, ancient and indigenous wisdom.

Living in alignment with the way that life operates is the only way that has been proven to be resilient on planet Earth and is the opposite of the currently dominant extractive and machine-minded ways that we must urgently move beyond.

Groups that adopt regenerative, living-systems approaches are better able to work towards their vision, with less conflict, burnout and overwhelm.

This approach also ensures that all activities are regenerative (beyond sustainable) and create the conditions for life and health at a local and global scale. At an individual level, nature-connection and learning from nature support us to be happier, healthier and more purposeful.

Some ideas to practise Learning from Living Systems

Everyone can participate, at any age, anywhere.

Ideally head outside, but the same activity can be done indoors, using your imagination – on your own or in a group.

1. Head outdoors to your nearby nature. Ideally a woodland or other diverse ecosystem.
2. Practice using all of your senses to observe what is around you. Then sense into what is happening inside of you too.
3. Look for the characteristics of a healthy ecosystem (examples are: growth, cycling of energy, resilience, co-operative relationships etc)
4. Ask yourself – what can I/we learn from those characteristics in my own life/ my group?
5. Repeat regularly and ensure all your decisions are in alignment with the principles by which Life operates.

Remember that you and your group are living ecosystems – so nature’s principles of success apply to you too.