reimagining the future together with our kids
A Learning Journey...
A Learning Journey...
A Learning Journey...
In August 2021 we learnt the latest scientific assessment on climate change published within the IPCC report and, according to the UN Chief, we are now in a CODE RED for humanity. We are heading for the tipping points of planetary boundaries and towards Hothouse earth.
I'm on a pragmatic journey to the learn the facts and what we as parents can do about it. Last September, I began a Masters of Regenerative Action to learn the latest science from researchers and change makers around the globe. I want to take part in solution driven conversations that result in transformative change within our homes and develop solutions that help children and families become empowered change makers too. From my own life circumstances, I developed the "CreativeEco+EQ Play" theory that I feel is critical for rapid and widespread societal change. As mentioned above, I believe that creativity, emotional intelligence and playfulness are the key in the shift towards a thriving future for our kids.
Making choices
A Learning Journey...
A Learning Journey...
As parents the greatest thing we can do, on behalf of our children, is to demonstrate resilience through current and future trauma and crisis and show that there is great opportunity for growth and renewal. We can embrace this crisis and see it as just the beginning (birthing) of the next human evolution. We can start to take action and move towards a deeper and more meaningful existence together as a human family. Our challenge is to simplify life and our rate of consumption but the complexities of doing so takes a very uncomfortable acceptance that the capitalist and consumer driven lives we have been immersed in have been detrimental to the well-being of the planet and the future of our children. Our ultimate challenge is to make the choice to turn towards more conscious, mindful and radically different lifestyles. We've heard this all before but how do we; live without the use of fossil fuels? Consume foods we know come from regenerative agriculture and fishing practices? Wear clothes that support the communities and environment in which they're made? And, purchase products that are regenerative in their design and part of a circular economy? How do we create new economies where we choose to share assets and resources - not own them? The answer to all these questions lies in our hands.
It's in our hands...
It's in our hands...
It's in our hands...
We are the first generations to witness and see in great detail the devastating impact of our extractive "growth" economies and with that comes a very uncomfortable realisation of the extent to which our lives need to change. The material wealth, status and ownership we have valued (and were taught to strive for) is quickly becoming the antithesis of what an abundant thriving future for our children looks like. We have unknowingly been blindsided by the status quo of ownership and material wealth and extracting more from our life support system, planet Earth, than it can provide. Together we need to learn how to untangle ourselves from these social trends and beliefs and grant the highest respect of social status to those demonstrating a commitment to future generations of humanity and the planet.
A new metrics for status instead of money - a measurement demonstrating our regenerative actions and contribution to our fellow humans and planet... and as a byproduct, how fulfilled, contented and happy we are becoming - In other words, what Abraham Maslow calls "self actualisation" and becoming "fully human".
Parenting the future
It's in our hands...
It's in our hands...
I sense that our generation was born for this moment along with the children we have brought into the world. As the parents of school aged children, and as we reach the middle of our working careers and peak-earning potential, I believe that we have the responsibility (whether we like it or not) to come together, stand up and lead this change. We can (and have to) pave the way for our children.
We can parent the future and step into the greatest demonstration of human potential.
One of the most helpful things we can do is to share resources, ideas and come together in solidarity and celebrate our collaborative efforts.
I sense through my own experiences that there is a calling on the natural ability of women and mothers to finds ways to hold the emotional space and compassionate circles of care for the anxiety and trauma that will arise through this era of transformation.
A PLAYFUL approach
Creativity, Environment, Emotional Intelligence & Playfulness?
Creativity, emotional intelligence & playfulness are key to activating mass cultural and systemic change; enabling regenerative and circular economies and ensuring a thriving planet for future generations. With a collective vision, determined action and radical optimism the future we dream of will become our reality.
Over the last 20 years I've developed an educational approach and framework called CreativeEco+EQ Play to help put this theory into practice. I first started exploring this theory during postgraduate research at RMIT Melbourne in 2004 and then a PhD at the Glasgow School of Art in 2008. However, it was only after becoming a parent that the learning really began. My three kids and I have learnt how to rethink and reimagine a completely new life together which has meant breaking away from the status quo.
The kids have been an absolute inspiration in their creative expression, emotional intelligence and playfulness. Much of the content developed for The Creative Rise programmes (myMIMO and EarthPunks) comes from their stories, solutions and creative genius. It has been exciting to witness how, if they are given the support, skills and tools, our children can develop a strong sense of self and identity
CreativeEQ+Eco Play is inspired by Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the Human Potential Movement. The aim of the solutions I've developed is to provide holistic learning experiences which: encourage children to reimagine and explore alternative and healthier ways to live (shelter, eat, dress, move); to find ways in which they enjoy creatively expressing themselves; and seek opportunities to connect with each other and nature in meaningful ways. In Maslow's words, to become "fully human" through the process of Self Actualisation.
The ultimate goal of The Creative Rise is to help children unite in a collective vision and to empower them, amplify their voices and give them the agency to enable the changes they want to see within their own lives, in their schools and communities... and, as they step into adulthood, the confidence to influence systemic change and realise their regenerative vision together globally (North & South.)
For more information visit www.thecreativerise.com
storytelling through art
