What is replenishing our creativity?

[Anna Betz]

As I have been reflecting on what world I would like to live in and what I would like to pass on to future generations, I was wondering how commons are build and what I really mean when I talk about building commons. I tend to talk about resources, boundaries, governance, stewardship, dividends, ....  but is that really what replenishes my creativity and the creativity and life of those with whom I share community and with whom I learn and grow? 

At the conceptual level, agreeing on shared values seems the easy bit. What really matters is that we have the collective will to live and demonstrate them through our way of being.

While reflecting on this, I came across an amazing blog by Venessa Miemis.  

Here are a few characteristics she uses to describe what she calls 'this tribal culture':

* we respect ourselves and each other – expressing gratitude and appreciation for the unique gifts and talents everyone brings to the table

* we’re all leaders – positively influencing each other’s thoughts, words, and actions, and offering support and feedback in service of each other’s growth and development

* we’re playful – we’re aware that creativity comes at the intersection of conflicting ideas, sprinkled with a little mischief. ideas and information are our building blocks, and we share them freely, with an attitude of open-minded curiosity and an experimental spirit

* we learn continuously – about ourselves, each other, and the world, making us flexible and adaptive. we expand into all our capacities, not just the rational and strategic ways of thinking, but also tapping into intuitive perception and the realms of imagination, insight and inner wisdom

* we’re happy – we have a sense of control, a sense of progress, a sense of belonging, and a sense of higher purpose and vision

* we have freedom – this is both a state of mind and a practice of self-management. we’ve released old patterns of fear and perceived limitations, and instead choose to be courageous, focused and committed. we’re empowered to make decisions based on the principles guide us. we let go of the need for command-and-control structures, opting to build personal responsibility and strong relationships instead.

* we love life, and each other – no, seriously. it’s a joy to be around people who are passionate about what they do and take pride in their art. and life is art. we see the world as a canvas, ripe with possibilities to birth magical things. we act in service for highest good of all.

NOW….  

This is when commoning is happening!  

 

 

 

 

 

[Clive Menzies]

Hi Anna

I've yet to marshall my thoughts sufficiently to respond as George has suggested. My introduction to the commons is recent and I've much to learn and think about. In this context, I've just skimmed through the notes you took of the James Quilligan seminars which are invaluable. Thank you.