• Collapse Now and Avoid The Rush

    Collapse Now and Avoid The Rush

    “We use these situations either to wake ourselves up or put ourselves to sleep.” Pema Chodron (1996) When Things Fall Apart This short post is largely a personal reflection on barriers that keep us from thinking about the possibility (inevitably?) of social collapse. Unbelievably this is the first post of mine for nearly 9 months!…

  • Limits to Growth: on what Authority?

    Limits to Growth: on what Authority?

    In a recent blog post Professor Jem Bendell, author of the Deep Adaptation paper wrote a challenge to views expressed by John Foster of Lancaster University/ Green House UK Think Tank ( the latter’s strapline is “It aims to lead the development of green thinking in the UK.” I’m beginning to automatically view with caution…

  • Reconnecting through land-based crafts and skills in socio-ecological systems

    Reconnecting through land-based crafts and skills in socio-ecological systems

    Where I reflect back over this weeks two events, the first of our safe-to-fail ‘experimental’ initiative Land Skills for Wellness and Sustainability introducing crafts, skills and nature based learning to students, faculty and staff at UWaterloo for wellness and sustainability benefits. With a bit of complexity and flow theory thrown in. Connecting to the Land…

  • Working in Complexity (with another visit to the Schoolhouse)

    Working in Complexity (with another visit to the Schoolhouse)

    A few weeks ago I began a course called Complexity Inside Out taught by Chris Corrigan and Caitlin Frost of Harvest Moon Consultants. I have followed Chris’ blog for a few years now on the recommendation of my friend and mentor Ron and the insights he offers to those of us working with complexity and…

  • Land Skills for Wellness and Sustainability

    Land Skills for Wellness and Sustainability

    This Spring, a new project is starting at the University of Waterloo which will offer students, faculty and staff opportunities to connect with land-based skills and crafts. The project is a collaboration between the Ontario Land Skills Network and the University of Waterloo and is based on research linking craft and skills practice, connection to…