Finding the Courage to Care - Ways to build a Mothering Economy with author Jenny Grettve
Aug 28, 2024
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Jenny Grettve, an author, philosopher, and systems thinker, discusses her upcoming book 'Mothering Economy.' She emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards generosity and care, challenging us to rethink our connections and governance structures. Grettve explores the adverse impacts of technology on childhood and the importance of nurturing relationships. She advocates for redefining economic values to prioritize care and community over monetary gain, highlighting the need for deeper emotional maturity in addressing global inequalities.
The podcast emphasizes the need for a cultural shift toward greater generosity in Western societies to foster deeper care for one another and the planet.
It advocates for embracing life's complexities and uncertainties to promote open-heartedness and deeper connections in our relationships.
The conversation calls for a transformation in our value systems, prioritizing care and shared responsibility over traditional profit-driven economic models.
Deep dives
The Foundation of Generosity
The discussion centers around the need for a cultural shift toward greater generosity in our Western societies. The author invites listeners to reflect on whether humans can cultivate deeper care for each other and the planet. Examples are drawn from various conferences where the need for love and connection in economic thinking is becoming increasingly acknowledged. This highlights a growing awareness that systemic change requires more than just technology; it requires a profound transformation in how we relate to one another.
Embracing Complexity in Life
One of the key principles discussed is the acceptance of life's complexities and uncertainties. The idea is presented that modern society often avoids confronting existential questions, leading to a disconnection from what truly matters. Rather than seeking rigid answers, individuals are encouraged to embrace the flux of life and engage with the present moment. This acceptance fosters a space for deeper understanding and connection with others, reinforcing the need for open-heartedness.
The Importance of Seeing Others
A significant point made is the importance of truly seeing others and recognizing their intrinsic value. This goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it involves a profound understanding and appreciation for all living beings. The idea is that cultivating this kind of awareness can create stronger connections and enhance community relationships. By practicing this on a daily basis, individuals can foster a sense of empathy and collective responsibility toward those around them.
Rethinking Interdependence
The conversation highlights the need to rethink our relationships with each other and our environment as a framework of interdependence. This perspective requires acknowledging the interconnectedness of all lives, leading to a more compassionate approach in our daily interactions. Emphasizing mutual care, the discussion promotes a worldview that recognizes the impact of our actions on others and the environment. By fostering these relationships, societies can shift toward a more nurturing and sustainable future.
Transforming Value Systems
Finally, the need to amend our value systems is pointed out as crucial for societal evolution. Current economic models, which prioritize profit over well-being, must evolve to reflect values of care and shared responsibility. The dialogue suggests that cultures that prioritize emotional connections, rest, and mutual support can drive systemic change. Acknowledging and valuing these elements can help shift the focus from individual gain to collective flourishing.
'Are we [in our WEIRD culture] intelligent enough to be more generous than we have ever been throughout history?' So writes Jenny Grettve, in her new book, 'Mothering Economy'. Jenny is an author, philospher, systems thinker and designer who joined us in Episode #228, talking about the principles and practice of her generative, systems-led design agency, 'When!When!'
At the time, she said she was writing a new book - and now, ‘Mothering Economy’ is coming out at the end of this month (August), so we’re back in a wide, deep, provocative, generative conversation about what it might takes for us to have the courage to care deeply for ourselves, each other and the more than human world. She writes, ‘The profound mothering among humans that I envision is not a burdensome technological revolution, but rather a simple way of being together. We have a vast number of examples: what we lack is the intention and commitment to raise awareness…’
And so let's do all we can to raise awareness by exploring the ideas deep in Jenny’s book and searching our own beings for ways to show up with stronger, clearer, more open hearts.
In the meantime, please enjoy this wide, deep, thoughtful, caring, connecting conversation with Jenny Grettve, author of Mothering Economy.