Accidental Gods

It occurs to me that we are now at an inflection point in the WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich and - notionally - Democratic) culture that has been so successful in destroying the ecosphere. A significant number of us now see what has been obvious to a minority for some time: that the system is not broken - it is doing what it was always designed to do: which is to maintain power in the hands of a few white men. What we know now, is that the system is not fit for purpose - IF that purpose is the survival of complex life on this planet, if it is the flourishing of the human and More-than-Human worlds in an indivisible web of life. We need a new system - and this realisation has landed not with the people who solve their problems with violent insurrection (see Jan 6th 2021) but with people whose primary driving aim is to find ways to connect and consiliate, to create coherence with compassion, to find courage and confidence and creative curiosity. And so this is our goal now - there is no point waiting for the side we favour to win in a broken system.   - We need a whole new system predicated on new and better values.   - We need to find our connectedness.  - At a bone-deep level, in the core of our tissues and the vast expanses of our individual and collective awareness, we need to remember our place in the Web of Life and work only from this.  - We need to start building something entirely different that does not rely on the structures of the broken system, even as it crumbles (or is dismantled) around us. This is our challenge.  Facing it will require everything we've got, but the old system is a self-terminating algorithm and we can all see the route to chaos and extinction now. If we're going to pull through and find that flourishing world we can bequeath with pride to future generations, nothing else matters now. Nothing. Find what's yours to do and do with all your heart.  Build imaginal islands with friends, colleagues and co-evolutionaries of the human and More than Human world.  Build narratives based on the heart-focused values that are our birth-right.Above all else, do whatever you can to connect to the More than Human world  - to the Web of Life  in all its awe-inspiring wonder, its majesty and beauty  - and ask 'What do you want of me?'  Listen to the answer, however it comes.And then do it.

If you're over 40, the world you grew up believing in no longer exists.  The younger generation approaches the polycrisis with open eyes, striving to find and nurture resilience, to listen to the whispers of synchronicity and let it lead them - and us - to a world that works for all life. Today, we're talking to Elliot Riley. Elliot is an educator, permaculture designer and practitioner working to bring wellbeing, reforestation and perennial food production into schools. Elliot graduated during the pandemic. When he left school, he was planning to join the paratroops, but after what he describes as a 'Thunderbolt moment', he shifted tack and, despite not having the grades, was able to get a place to study history at the New College of Humanities.  One pandemic and a degree later, he realised that mainstream education struggles to equip us for the challenges of a changing world. After two years upstream, studying Trauma-Informed Education and permaculture in the Dominican Republic, Elliot returned to his hometown, where he now works at The Saint Leonard’s Academy, leading a wellbeing programme called Future Growth, which supports students whilst transforming the community’s waste into a regenerative food forest. Through an initiative called OFFSET, Elliot’s working to spread the mission further.Elliot's Patreon Page for OFFSET https://www.patreon.com/offsetfoodforests/about/Elliot's instagram account for OFFSET food forest: https://www.instagram.com/offset_food_forests/The One World Orchestra's first single https://open.spotify.com/album/62UZvSNV1gtBXdqLQLdfrw?si=WIdwzar_RvivoA-P3dBiAThe Human Hive https://www.thehumanhive.org/our-storyVaughan Wilkins and links to his PhD thesis on the Zoochosis of humanity https://www.vaughanwilkins.com/thesis  Accidental Gods Membership https://accidentalgods.life/enrol/

Andrew Hale, a certified animal behaviorist specializing in dog-centered care, discusses how understanding dogs can help us comprehend our own emotional needs. He delves into the parallels between trauma in humans and animals, emphasizing empathy and secure attachments as vital for emotional safety. The conversation highlights the importance of compassionate approaches to behavioral issues and critiques modern norms that overlook emotional well-being. Hale advocates for nurturing genuine connections, ultimately revealing how our interactions with pets can transform our relationships with ourselves.

Natalie Bennett, former leader of the Green Party and author of "Change Everything," discusses the urgent need for systemic change to tackle societal and ecological crises. She critiques the prevailing neoliberal ideology for its role in inequality and environmental degradation. The conversation emphasizes rethinking democracy, advocating for decentralized political structures and empowered local communities. Bennett also explores innovative community systems for health and sustainability, urging collective action and responsibility for a brighter future.

In this engaging discussion, Cynthia Jurs, an author and Buddhist teacher known for her work with Earth Treasure Vases, shares her journey from agnosticism to embracing engaged Buddhism. She recounts her transformative meeting with a 106-year-old Lama and the sacred practice of Earth Treasure Vases, highlighting their role in environmental healing and community connection. Jurs emphasizes the power of intention in both spiritual and environmental practices, detailing her experiences with healing initiatives, especially in Liberia, and the importance of communal spiritual engagement.

Rachel Butler, founder of Tiny House Community Bristol, and Maddy Longhurst, co-director, delve into creating regenerative living spaces. They discuss transforming urban areas into sustainable tiny house communities that prioritize wellness, connection, and ecological harmony. The pair emphasizes collaborative decision-making and sociocracy as keys to navigating housing challenges and promoting resilience. They also touch on integrating indigenous wisdom and exploring community empowerment through innovative initiatives, painting a hopeful picture for a more sustainable future.

Judith Schwartz, an environmental journalist and author of 'The Reindeer Chronicles', dives into hopeful narratives of ecological restoration. She challenges the carbon-centric view of climate action, urging a broader focus on water, forests, and indigenous knowledge. Judith discusses the role of donkeys in Australia's ecosystems, blending historical perspectives with modern regenerative practices. The conversation celebrates community-driven initiatives and underscores the importance of storytelling in fostering a more holistic understanding of nature.

Helena Norberg-Hodge, a linguist, author, and founder of Local Futures, discusses the urgent need for local economies to counteract globalization. She shares insights from her nearly fifty-year journey advocating for localization and community well-being, emphasizing the detrimental effects of global trade on mental health. The conversation highlights the importance of reconnecting with local food systems and ecological practices, while calling for systemic changes to combat corporate dominance and foster resilience in communities.

Dive into a meditative journey that encourages reflection on summer's insights as you transition into the introspection of winter. Experience a guided meditation that deepens your connection to the universe, exploring breath and sensations. Embrace transformation while fostering gratitude for the changing seasons, and nurture your relationship with the earth for a more profound sense of self.

The podcast reflects on humanity's critical transformation as we face modern challenges. It dives into trauma culture, emphasizing how isolation contrasts with the community found in Indigenous practices. The discussion reveals the concept of zucosis, linking human trauma with zoo animals’ behavior. Emphasizing community support, it highlights the need to break free from trauma and capitalism's constraints. Finally, it celebrates the healing power of nature and mindfulness, focusing on gratitude and agency in navigating life's complexities.