Reconnecting Economics and Ecology with Della Duncan

We As Nature

In this episode, regenerative economist Della Duncan weaves together a story reconnecting nature and economics. From looking ‘upstream’ at root causes of inequality to reclaiming our role as natural economists, Della’s story covers so much ground, including the discoveries she’s made on her personal journey to ‘Right Livelihood’ and practical invitations towards exploring this for ourselves.
In Della’s We As Nature story, she shares:

• The ‘Upstream’ metaphor she discovered while working as a Sexual Violence Counsellor, and how this led her to explore the roots causes of violence in the community
• How realisations about rising and widening inequality became the impetus for her to take a deeper look at our current economic system
• How studying with Eco-Justice Buddish Activist and Scholar Joanna Macy, author of ‘The Work that Reconnects,’ has been a deep source of learning and impact
• The retreat that led her to see herself mirrored in nature in an experience of the ‘ecological self’
• How during her mindfulness journey she was ‘kicked off the cushion’ and began to apply mindfulness and compassion practices for the betterment of all living beings and the natural world
• Insight into the notion of separation that underpins the vehicles of supremacy that are prevalent in today’s world
• The educational journey that has shaped her: from a degree in International Relations and Sociology to studying Authentic Leadership at Naropa University (a Buddhist university in Colorado), where she was first introduced to Buddhist economics, which then led her to complete an MA in Economics for Transition at Schumacher College
• The ways in which E.F. Schumacher and Satish Kumar have inspired her journey
• The broader meaning of ‘Right Livelihood’ and how this has shaped her life
• A short and simple meditation for connecting with the wide web of life
• A 3-part invitation to support each of us in exploring our own right livelihood journey

Find out more about Della’s work:

• Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
• Upstream podcast

Credits
Creative Producer & Host: Nathalie Joel-Smith on behalf of Flourishing Diversity
Music Composer and Sound Producer: Dom Martin
Live Event Production: Andrea Langlois and Laura Tyley
Illustrations: Rohama Malik
About Flourishing Diversity
We As Nature was recorded during an online gathering hosted by Flourishing Diversity.

Flourishing Diversity nurtures the human capacity to respect and uphold vibrant cultures and flourishing ecosystems.

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