Month: July 2016

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Addressing Inner Transition

inner
Photo: Maj-Lis Koivisto

Inner transition represents the spiritual and mental side of the necessary technical move from fossil fuels (partly motivated by the climate threat) to a more planet and people-friendly lifestyle. The change is often framed as meaning we need to give things up, make do with less, face harder times etc. Because of this, change to sustainability and promotion of peace that comes with sustainability, meet resistance.

We need to better understand the emotional response to these changes as well as the context in which we are trying to operate. This is one of the aims of Inner Transition.

Stephen Hinton recently gave a short introduction to Inner Transition at a garden workshop in Sweden.

Read the account of Stephen’s workshop here.
Read Transition Town co-founder Rob Hopkins’ view of inner transition.

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Excerpt from “Splitting the Arrow”

In his book “Splitting the Arrow” peace ambassador Prem Rawat explains the three levels of conflict:

  • The first is between two countries.
  • The second is between two people.
  • The third is the conflict that rages with an individual.

He goes on to say….

The first step is for individuals to nurture and practice peace in their own hearts. When enough individuals can do this, then the external wars can come to an end.

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Impressions from the Lands, Lives and Security conference

caux

It is a true honour to take part in the Caux dialogues. On this the final day, as the sun sets over lake Geneva I will just share some general impressions.

This year’s conference focused on the challenge of migration. Most migrants come from dry land areas where climate change is creating tension as food productivity falls. These tensions over land reduce the ability to manage resources worsening degradation and resulting in more conflict. The conference brought together policymakers, scientists, activists and farmers to chart ways to unpack the complexity in the challenge. Continue reading “Impressions from the Lands, Lives and Security conference”