The Plant Yourself Podcast

No Problem Too Big, Part 2: Touchstones: Dr Richard Hodge on PYP 597

Aug 26, 2024

Dr. Richard Hodge, an expert on indigenous knowledge systems and Aboriginal culture, discusses how these perspectives can help us navigate today’s complex challenges. He emphasizes the importance of totems, like the dragonfly, in fostering connection and collaboration over control. Hodge presents his Dragonfly Model for deep systemic change, highlighting the value of shifting our perception and values. He also explores the transformative impact of parenthood, the significance of community engagement, and the need for emotional courage in effecting meaningful social change.

01:11:52

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Episode guests

Richard Hodge

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Richard Hodge emphasizes the importance of viewing relationships holistically, drawing from indigenous wisdom to navigate interconnectedness in our complex world.

The Dragonfly Model illustrates that personal transformation requires patience and incremental growth, emphasizing the significance of aligning actions with individual values.

Deep dives

Understanding Complex Interconnections

The concept of complexity is essential to grasp when engaging with the world, as highlighted by the discourse on the interconnectedness within nature and community. Dr. Richard Hodge emphasizes the importance of viewing relationships in a holistic manner, particularly as reflected in First Nations cultures where connections to land, ancestors, and the community are deeply embedded. This perspective stands in contrast to a more Western view that often perceives entities in isolation, failing to account for their intricate ties to the environment. Thus, acknowledging these complexities can enhance our understanding of both our values and our roles within the wider ecosystem.

Intro

6min

Nature as a Touchstone: Lessons from Biodiversity and Dragonflies

3min

Understanding Perception and Value Frameworks

3min

Parenthood and Societal Value

10min

Navigating Change Through Collaborative Inquiry

26min

The Value of Experience Over Efficiency

2min

Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap

17min

Transformation and the Metaphor of Dragonflies

3min

Thoughts on the episode? Let us know.

What can we learn from indigenous knowledge systems about how to navigate and transform our world?

My guest, Dr Richard Hodge, points out several aspects of Aboriginal culture that can help us act effectively and with heart and wisdom in a world full of problems.

To guide us in a complex world, we need touchstones of value.

For many indigenous peoples, that's the function of totems and totemic beings: kangaroo, echidna, wallaby, and so on.

Counterintuitively, seeing the world through a totemic perspective offers greater clarity than how we often view it, through the lens of our limited egoic state, entangled with fight-or-flight fancies that superimpose themselves over reality.

Our perception colors our interpretation of the world.

The Western mindset sees the world as a number of separate objects, ourselves among them. Which means our prime directive is always control and domination of the "other" — whether it be nature, or the weather, or animals, or other people.

Shifting to an indigenous way of seeing creates connection and opportunities for collaboration and synergies on a systems-level.

And that's the level at which transformational change at scale becomes possible.

With that foundation, Dr Hodge shares his Dragonfly Model of systemic, deep change.

If you can, watch rather than just listen, because there are diagrams and models that can help you follow the concepts and the conversation.

Enjoy our yarning, and please let us know what you think.

Links

DrRichardHodge.com

Thomas Berry, "The Meadow Across the Creek"

Stephanie Kelton, economist

Mariana Mazzucato, economist

Bertrand Russell, "In Praise of Idleness"

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