Slowing down allows us to bring awareness to the present moment; a tuning in to what is happening both internally in our bodies and minds, and externally in our environments and in others. By slowing down and tuning in, we might also start to recognise what it is we appreciate - in ourselves, others, or the world around us. Just like Alan and myself both felt appreciation for the beautiful blossom on the trees during our walks.

My work with emotional sustainability began with an inquiry into values.  Values are a very strong thread in the new picture of human potential, and something that I continue to weave into my work as a facilitator. I shared with Rijul that I bring values into workshops because I recognise that in spaces where we need to bring people together, values and emotions allow us to understand each other on the level of common humanity. When we are invited to share how we are feeling, and what values are important to us and why, we can start connecting and building trusted relationships because we recognise those things in others in ourselves.

What we might call the USP of Deep Democracy is a safe yet courageous process for first uncovering, and then exploring any polarities that surface, if the minority refuses to come along with the vote. Moving to a ‘debate’ invites participants to express statements from the perspective of both polarities, without directing these at any particular person in the group. Expressing statements from both sides allows the group to explore both perspectives, and in the reflection after, to surface any insights that may inform or transform decision making. 

Bendell outlines in his paper a framework  based on 4 Rs. The first 3, Resilience, Relinquishment and Restoration, are outlined in the original paper. The 4th, Reconciliation, has been added by Bendell as a response to feedback and exploration since the paper has been made public. This new addition aims to provide ‘hope and vision in the face of collapse.’ After all, we cannot act well, and think long-term, from a place of pain and despair.