Deeper than Systems Change
The Infinite River of Human Development
My heart is not really that open. I expect a lot, demand a lot, and don’t really give that much. I tend to think of myself first. But I am working on it. I am learning to create peace within myself, and with others, and I’m learning to give. I’m learning to let go of the things I’m attached to and be with what is right in front of me. I’m learning to trust, and to placate fears, anxieties, and impatience. I suppose we are all working on something, even if we aren’t always aware of it. And it takes so many years to grow, heal, and change.
The six conditions of systems change is a useful model to think about how societies change. This theory suggests that there are six elements that all need to change together in order for innovations to be successful. It also suggests that the condition that is least worked with but most powerful is “mental models”: our beliefs, values, worldview, etc.
What I am learning as a systems change practitioner lately is a great respect for what already is, and a respect for the great amount of time and energy required for things to change. It is like the time and energy required for personal change multiplied by the number of people involved. Lately the word “transformation” has become trendy. It seems to imply that there is some kind of magic trick we can do, an alchemy, where we instantly change one thing into another. But actually, transformation is happening all the time everywhere in slow motion. And when one thing looks like it has suddenly turned into another, it’s probably because the previous identity is hiding for a moment, ready to reemerge again, albeit maybe slightly weaker in making space for the new.
What I am learning as a systems change practitioner is to slow down, slow down. Expect less. Compromise more. Look after my body. Look after my heart and the hearts of those around me. Participate in the infinite river of human development.
