Vandana Shiva, Robert Pirsig, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Einstein and others speak on the inner change that system (and climate) change requires

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It’s an important report - “Research and Evidence for the Potential of Consciousness Approaches and Practices to Unlock Sustainability and Systems Transformation” - but it begins with a beautiful set of quotes, poeticising the challenge of the title:

You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to remember that the planet is carrying you. — Vandana Shiva

The true system, the real system, is our present construction of systematic thought itself, rationality itself, and if a factory is torn down but the rationality which produced it is left standing, then that rationality will simply produce another factory.

If a revolution destroys a systematic government, but the systematic patterns of thought that produced that government are left intact, then those patterns will repeat themselves in the succeeding government. There’s so much talk about the system. And so little understanding. —Robert M. Pirsig

You cannot change a system unless you transform consciousness. — Otto Scharmer.

Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift. —Robin Wall Kimmerer

We must be able to fill our own cups before sharing. That process of filling one’s cup is reflective and can lead to an in-depth understanding of any subject as you can consult and consider it deeply before taking action. —Alice Ndlovu

A human being is part of the whole called by us ‘universe’, a part limited in time and space. He [sic] experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection to a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. —Albert Einstein

The report is an academic (but clearly expressed) assessment of the various “inner” traditions and practices that might be used, in order to build the will for profound, effective responses to the climate catastrophe. (We note that Jamie Bristow - the mindfulness expert, and one of our great friends and colleagues - is on the lead author list).

However again, as an entry point, there are some rich quotations to be extracted from the paper. Take this extract from an interview with a senior climate scientist, Gustave Speth, former Chair of the United Nations Development Group, who once said:

I used to think that the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought with 30 years of good science we could address those problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy... And to deal with these we need a spiritual and cultural transformation – and we scientists don’t know how to do that.

This passage from the paper sets out its key findings (the references have been removed for readability, but are in the paper itself):

There is mounting evidence and support that the human story of disconnection is the underlying common thread of our interlinked socio-economic and environmental crises

We know today that climate change and other sustainability challenges are, in fact, internal, human relationship crises. The human story of separation or disconnection forms part of the Modern worldview.

In communities dominated by this worldview we have increasingly excelled in abstract thinking, predicting and controlling our environments to every greater material and technological advantage…

We have in fact become increasingly removed from ourselves, each other and nature – gradually embracing a story of separation which finds its expression in a deep-seated sense of superiority, and issues like consumerism, racism and polarisation.

It assumes that we are all separate from each other, and that we are separate and superior to the rest of the natural world. Treating the environment as a resource that exists solely for the material benefit of (certain parts of) humankind, and as an end for our economy, has led to its abuse and destruction.

The way we relate to ourselves others and nature is thus crucial. However, an increasing number of studies show that current forms of disconnection from self, others and nature reinforce each other, as do inner and outer dimensions of sustainability.

In fact, interlinkages between the mind, our emotions and climate change lead to a vicious cycle of deteriorating individual and planetary well- being and increasingly undermine progress toward sustainability.

Hence, whilst most large-scale sustainability and climate action to date has focused upon political and practical solutions to physical problems, voices coming from diverse traditions, perspectives, disciplines and professions increasingly warn that the neglect of inner factors leaves current approaches and theories of change wanting.

Empirical studies, e.g. from the past international climate conferences and reviews of current sustainability approaches provide a clear evidence base of this neglect and the need for more integrative approaches/

New, more integrative approaches are thus urgently needed. It is imperative that we deepen investment for adequately addressing individual and collective inner dimensions of sustainability. [We establish this] in order to reduce irreversible impacts on our climate and food systems to ultimately support societal and planetary well-being, flourishing and regeneration.

As expressed in the 2020 UN Human Development Report: ‘Nothing short of a wholesale shift in mindsets, translated into reality by policy, is needed to navigate the brave new world of the Anthropocene, to ensure that all people flourish while easing planetary pressures.’