Mindset
A long perspective
Personality
Evolution of us
If the world is viewed as a geologist, it is possible to gain insights into human existence. Geology depicts the Earth’s story and timescales beyond human experience. This knowledge connects us to its origins, both present and future and results in a deeper understanding of nature and our planet.
Global warming has been observed since the mid-20th century. In geological terms, this is not a long period. Change is possible with an optimistic belief in a society that cares and is in balance with the natural world.
Western culture seems disconnected from its ancestral past while some other cultures remain closely connected through the generations. Daily pressures can allow us to forget what matters in life. People want more than just earning and consuming and want to make a difference in their own lives and others. If we consider future generations in all we do, it is possible to make a significant leap forward. Leaving a universal legacy is a mindset that gives life purpose and a set of priorities.
By keeping a journal, you can gain insights into your habits. Tracking and documenting habits helps us to remember what is essential in life.
Banner image, Old Tjikko, a 9,550 year-old Norway spruce, Sweden
Geologist view
Purpose and priorities
Legacy mindset
Habit tracking
Work
A new rhythm
To understand the gravity of the current situation, we need “to start living the data”. Those who see the urgency of climate change are already proactive. However, there are billions of people who need to start thinking and acting for our ecological future.
We are designing now for future generations. Visualise new ideas that help forward-thinking. Designers begin to make new choices when planning multi-year developments. Visualising where we are on the parameter is vital to get the message across.
Each individual can be a revolutionary force. We cannot often see and experience the consequences of the present. It is crucial to visualise the future and imagine the outcome if we continue on the current path. With nearly 8 billion people on the planet, the power of change is enormous. What can happen if each and every one of us make changes, however small.
Everyone has a superpower and can use it to bring about transformative change in society. Mentorship becomes more critical; personal inspiration is crucial to transform the way people live their lives. The young champions of the climate movement inspire people of all ages.
We have learned more about ourselves during the lockdown, our rhythm of working, exercising, and relaxing. Our work surroundings will become more like home with green space, good food, pets and coffee, meeting areas, and various ways to work without sitting. Alongside work, how do you spend your time? Hobbies have been a meaningful way to spend engaged time. Learn a new skill, make something or create a side project.
Visualise the future
Mentorship
Deep work
Hobbies
Active
Being outdoors
As humans, what we want is simple. We want to be in touch, be together and have relationships with each other. New technology can bring lifestyle changes that can make us more lonely. There are human needs that remain unchanged such as sitting together around a fire. When outdoors, we can be challenged by the elements. We feel more humble when challenged by a wave, a storm, the sun or the rain. Through the experiences of gardening, walking and trail running, we can feel the seasons more closely.
People learn to garden with baby steps, germinating seeds, and enjoying the food grown from them, working on soil fertility and water availability. The attention is focused on the collective rather than the individual, such as developing a communal vegetable garden as part of a local neighbourhood risk and resilience strategy.
Caring for the planet and the growing realisation of our lifestyles’ consequences on the environment drives us to seek activities that bring us into contact with the natural world, such as growing our food. It is a move away from monoculture towards enjoying the variety and abundance of nature. Permaculture and food forestry gives us a better understanding of nature and our interactions with it.
Adjusting with the seasons and using the natural temperatures, for example, through cold exposure, can improve stress and immune system responses. Natural environments restore our focus and enhance our sense of well-being.
Earth keepers
Food forest
Organic gardens
Restorative
Spending
Conscious spending
There is a shift away from the concept of individual ownership to shared ownership, away from colonisation and a move to a more positive future, one that cares for all living things. Take what you need and nothing more, and if lucky enough to be able to invest, do so for social value in the community and for future generations.
The true cost of each purchase should be made clear from the materials, production, transport and impact on the climate and health of those involved in production. Prices that better reflect the environmental costs of a product can promote more sustainable production and consumption practices. For food, it would mean that meat would increase 146% in price, dairy products 91% increase in price and fruit and vegetables would be 25% more expensive. The decline of animal-based products could also release an enormous landmass.
Absorbed in our daily life and consumerism, we often put our human needs ahead of the natural world’s interests. This is to the detriment of our bond with nature. It is essential to listen to nature to improve our weakened relationship and start making products with zero impact. We need to become more planet-centric rather than human-centric.