Nonlinear and Iterative

Transformation doesn't happen in a linear way, at least not one we can always track. It happens in cycles, convergences, explosions. If we release the framework of failure, we can realize that we are in iterative cycles and we can keep asking ourselves - how do I learn from this?

adrienne maree brown

Walking the spiral path.

Healing is non linear - to make space for all our different parts and experiences to come into wholeness we must travel the spiral path, the path that returns and grows and returns again and returns to compost and returns again and ….

This spiralic nature can be challenging to our minds that were taught in straight lines. Those who were taught that a single pill taken daily would fix all that could ever be wrong. But there is not just one thing, like the world around us, it is not simple. You are not simple, healing is a journey that we are all on, it is a path that is non linear and iterative. Making room for all the parts of ourselves is not easy but it can be easful. 

What are you practicing?

All that has come before is in the soil, which now yields the movement to counter Wall Street and the systems of capitalism and create a new economy of relationships, a new society of care and respect. 

In that paradigm there is no failure. 

Everything we attempt, everything we do is either growing up as its roots go deeper, or it’s decomposing, leaving its lessons in the soil for the next attempt.

adrienne maree brown

Thinking about ways to create change, just as adrienne maree brown says above, things are either growing or decomposing and both are worthwhile. On an individual level, this often comes down to what you are practicing. You are always practicing something (that practice may be on an unconscious level) and so first bringing that practice up to consciousness and considering if this is what you want to be practicing.  And if not, then what do you want to be practicing, what are you growing with your practice, are you moving toward your values every day? What are the things that need to be decomposed? What iteration of this practice can be let go? What practices do you want to return to? 

Your practices are neither good nor bad (see mindfulness blog) but what is to be evaluated is are these practices taking you in the direction that you want to go. Have you considered what direction you want to go? 

This is a record of my thoughts as I read Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown, I hope you learn something from this and read the book too. If you find yourself pondering these same concepts, connect with me through the next book club or through an individual appointment.