Relating to Self as a communal practice { with Richard D. Bartlett}
Sep 19, 2023
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Richard D. Bartlett, co-founder of tech co-op Loomio and director of Enspiral, shares insights on building high-trust communities. He discusses the complexities of identity shaped by communal beliefs and the importance of nurturing relationships. Richard explores vulnerability, grace, and the balance between our human and animal instincts. He emphasizes non-attachment to outcomes and the significance of meeting people where they are. Ultimately, he frames personal growth as a communal journey, filled with compassion and optimism even in tough times.
The podcast emphasizes the foundational nature of self-relationship, highlighting that self-reflection and honesty are essential for personal growth and emotional well-being.
It also discusses the importance of community in nurturing self-relationship, illustrating how supportive environments can enhance personal confidence and promote collective healing.
Deep dives
The Importance of Self-Relationship
The podcast emphasizes that the relationship one has with oneself is foundational and impacts all other relationships in life. It illustrates how improving this self-relationship can lead to significant personal growth and fulfillment. The speaker asserts that self-reflection and honest self-evaluation are crucial for understanding personal needs and desires. By acknowledging one's own shortcomings and struggles, individuals can foster a healthier internal dialogue that supports emotional well-being.
Community and Connection
The conversation highlights the role of community in nurturing self-relationship, suggesting that growth often occurs in supportive environments. The guest discusses how shared experiences and encouragement from peers can boost confidence and promote collective healing. This idea resonates with the notion that surrounding oneself with positive influences can lead to a more fulfilling life. Specific examples of how to cultivate trusting relationships within a community are explored, showcasing the benefits of collaborative growth.
Challenging Fundamentalism
A significant theme in the episode revolves around the rejection of rigid beliefs and the importance of questioning societal norms. The speaker shares personal experiences of leaving a fundamentalist religious community, which shaped their ability to recognize narrow-mindedness in various contexts. This journey towards embracing diversity of thought has enabled a more open-minded approach to life and relationships. The discussion touches on the dangers of dogmatism and encourages listeners to approach beliefs with curiosity rather than conformity.
The Dance of Ego and Self-Discovery
The podcast delves into the complexities of ego and its role in personal identity, discussing how self-awareness can sometimes lead to detachment from one's true self. The speaker reflects on the need for a balance between self-assertion and humility, highlighting that recognizing one’s desires and motivations is essential for growth. This interplay between ego and vulnerability is presented as a dynamic that can enhance self-understanding and relationships with others. The conversation culminates in the acknowledgment that true connection requires a willingness to let go of attachment to the ego and embrace authenticity.
In this episode of Relating to Self, I have a conversation with Richard D. Bartlett.
Richard helps people grow high-trust communities & decentralized organizations. He's a co-founder of tech co-op Loomio, community building network Microsolidarity, non-hierarchical management consultancy The Hum, and director of the social impact collective Enspiral.
Topics, resources, and useful links mentioned in the episode:
Why Richard is suspicious of the Self
Relating to Self as inner conversations with mischievous kids
Coming to a more agentic state of mind
Relating within a group
Good company as a privilege, how to create it?
Extending co-regulation into our identity
How to be a good mammal
Cultivating trust as a practice
Making relationships themselves as the object of curiosity
The meaning of "grace"
The balance between our animal and human sides
The illusion of free will
Meeting people where they are
Non-attachment to outcome and wonder
Not pushing your reality onto other people
Being famous for values that serve people
What's difficult for Richard
Optimism as a lens
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