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
You can listen below or find this episode on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Amazon and Apple:
About Della:
Della Z Duncan is a Regenerative Economist who helps transition businesses and facilitates ‘Work that Reconnects’ workshops. She also works with individuals as a Right Livelihood Coach, supporting them to better align their values with their work.
Della hosts the Upstream Podcast, challenging mainstream economic thinking through documentaries and conversations. She is a Senior Fellow of Social and Economic Equity at the International Inequalities Institute in the London School of Economics, a founding member of the Doughnut Economics California Coalition (DECC), and is linked to various other educational institutes as a fellow and instructor. Visit Della’s website to find out more.
