Green Sisters: A Spiritual Ecologyby Sarah McFarland Taylor explores how Catholic nuns across North America are embodying ecological spirituality in daily life. Inspired by the vision of Thomas Berry, these communities have embraced practices such as organic gardening, eco-building, seed saving, and activism as part of their religious vocation.
Taylor presents a vivid ethnography that shows faith communities not only critiquing consumer culture but creating alternatives. The sisters’ vows extend to care for the Earth, their liturgies become celebrations of creation, and their convent gardens serve as sanctuaries of renewal.
What makes this book powerful is its groundedness. The ecological crisis can feel overwhelming, but Taylor demonstrates how transformation begins with small, faithful practices. In these communities we see the Great Work in action — spirituality embodied in compost heaps, community kitchens, solar panels, and acts of solidarity.
For readers who resonated with Berry’s The Great Work, this book offers the next step: the translation of vision into practice. It is a hopeful and inspiring reminder that another way of life is possible, one rooted in reverence, sustainability, and community.
The Mediator alternative archetype reminds us that peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of understanding. With empathy, neutrality, and patience, Mediators help others find common ground and rebuild trust. Yet their challenge lies in maintaining self-care and conviction while fostering unity. In a divided world, their gift of bridge-building is both essential and profoundly healing.
Reflection prompts
What helps you stay grounded when mediating conflict?
How might communities change if more people adopted a Mediator’s mindset?
Recognizing the influence of the dominant paradigm is only the first step. To truly step beyond it, we must actively live the alternative – not just think about it. This shift requires conscious daily practices, lifestyle changes, and reimagining how we relate to work, community, and the natural world.
In this article, we will explore practical ways to break free from old conditioning and integrate more regenerative, sustainable, and soulful ways of living into our daily lives.
🎥 Prefer to listen or watch? This short video explores the same ideas and offers gentle encouragement to begin living the alternative – on your own terms.
1. Redefining Work and Success
To break free from productivity-driven worth, we must redefine success in ways that align with meaning, balance, and well-being.
A. Shift from Hustle to Purposeful Work
Identify what kind of work feels fulfilling and regenerative rather than draining.
Move toward work that feels aligned with your values, rather than just chasing financial gain.
Consider alternative economic models such as cooperatives, slow business, or skill-sharing communities.
B. Embrace a New Definition of Success
Instead of external markers of achievement (money, prestige), measure success by depth of relationships, creative fulfilment, and personal growth.
Prioritize inner peace and joy over external validation.
Accept that life moves in cycles of growth and rest – not constant upward progression.
2. Cultivating Community and Interdependence
Breaking away from hyper-individualism means reconnecting with mutual support networks and building relationships based on collaboration instead of competition.
A. Foster Stronger Local Connections
Engage in community-led initiatives such as co-ops, time banks, or local food movements.
Prioritize relationships built on trust, reciprocity, and shared values.
Offer help and accept help without guilt – interdependence is natural and necessary.
B. Shift from Consumer to Creator
Instead of buying everything, learn to create, repair, or trade.
Participate in sharing economies (borrowing, lending, gifting) rather than defaulting to ownership.
Find ways to contribute skills rather than just consuming services.
3. Living in Harmony with the Natural World
To reject the extractive mindset, we must rebuild our relationship with nature as a reciprocal and sacred connection, not just a resource.
A. Embrace Slow Living and Seasonal Rhythms
Align your activities with the natural cycles of rest and renewal.
Recognize that periods of stillness are just as valuable as periods of productivity.
Spend time outdoors without an agenda – observe, listen, and learn from nature.
B. Adopt Regenerative Practices
Reduce reliance on industrial systems by growing food, composting, and conserving energy.
Support ethical, sustainable businesses rather than extractive corporations.
Treat all resources with care, recognizing that everything we take must be replenished.
4. Developing Inner Awareness and Resilience
Shifting away from deeply ingrained conditioning takes time, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. Here’s how to cultivate it:
A. Question and Reframe Old Beliefs
Notice when you feel guilt for resting or shame for not being productive – these are signs of conditioning.
Regularly ask yourself, “Who benefits from this belief?” If it only serves corporations or systems of control, it may not be serving you.
Replace old narratives with affirmations of self-worth, sufficiency, and balance.
B. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection
Engage in daily reflection or journaling to notice patterns and shifts in thinking.
Cultivate gratitude for what already exists rather than constantly seeking more.
Recognize that true security comes from adaptability and relationships, not accumulation.
Conclusion: Choosing to Live Differently
Living the alternative is not about escaping society, but about engaging with it differently—on your own terms. This is a lifelong process of learning, unlearning, and adapting.
By redefining success, embracing interdependence, reconnecting with nature, and cultivating deep self-awareness, we create new ways of living that align with soul, community, and sustainability.
Each small step – whether it’s questioning an old belief, growing food, resting without guilt, or forming deeper relationships – contributes to a larger cultural shift beyond the dominant paradigm.
Reflection Questions:
What’s one small shift you could make this week to live more in alignment with your values?
Where in your life are you being called to slow down or reimagine success?
How can you cultivate more connection, both with others and with yourself?
This is not about perfection – it’s about intention, practice, and a willingness to live differently.
This article is part of the series Beyond the Dominant Paradigm. You can begin the journey with the introductory article.
If you’d like to explore these ideas more deeply, download my free guide Walking the Soulful Path when you sign up for my monthly newsletter.
It’s one thing to rethink the dominant paradigm – it’s another to live differently. The Soulful Path to Life Purpose programme is designed to help you put these ideas into practice in a way that feels aligned and meaningful.
Thomas Berry’s The Great Work is a landmark text in ecological spirituality and cultural transformation. Berry names the defining task of our age: moving from an exploitative relationship with the Earth to one that is mutually enhancing. He argues that the ecological crisis is fundamentally a crisis of worldview, requiring a cultural and spiritual transformation as profound as any in human history.
Berry shows how the “extractive mindset” – seeing nature as resource and humans as producers – has shaped economics, education, and religion. Against this, he offers a vision of the universe as a “communion of subjects,” where every form of life holds intrinsic value.
The book is not abstract philosophy but a call to action, addressing how each sphere of society can contribute to the Great Work of transition. His integration of science and spirituality gives readers both grounding and inspiration.
Reading it today is sobering yet hopeful. Berry makes clear the scale of change needed, but he also insists that great transformations have happened before. The Great Work is both compass and call — guiding us toward a more life-giving paradigm.
The dominant paradigm shapes how we think, work, and live—often without us even realizing it. It influences our definitions of success, our relationship with time, and even our sense of self. But what happens when we start to question it? What if we recognize that the assumptions we’ve been conditioned to accept are not inevitable truths but constructs that can be re-examined and reshaped?
Thinking beyond the dominant paradigm requires us to unlearn deeply embedded beliefs and embrace new ways of seeing the world. This article explores how we can become more aware of the paradigm’s influence and how we can shift toward a more regenerative, holistic, and meaningful way of living.
1. Recognizing Conditioned Thinking
One of the biggest obstacles to thinking beyond the dominant paradigm is that it feels like common sense. We don’t question it because it’s the water we swim in. To break free, we must first recognize its influence in our lives.
Ask yourself:
What assumptions do I hold about success, work, and progress?
Where did these beliefs come from? Family, education, media?
Who benefits from me believing these things?
By identifying how we’ve been shaped by the dominant paradigm, we create space for alternative perspectives.
2. Expanding Our Perspectives
To move beyond the dominant paradigm, we need to explore other ways of thinking that offer different models of existence. Some alternative worldviews include:
A. Indigenous and Earth-Centred Perspectives
Emphasize reciprocity rather than extraction.
Recognize interconnection instead of individualism.
See time as cyclical rather than linear.
B. Regenerative Thinking
Prioritizes sustainability over constant growth.
Values balance, rest, and restoration as much as action.
C. Non-Western Philosophies
Many Eastern traditions, such as Taoism and Buddhism, emphasize flow and harmony over force and control.
African and Latin American traditions often focus on communal well-being rather than individual success.
By learning from diverse perspectives, we can begin to see the limits of the dominant paradigm and imagine new possibilities.
If you’d like a visual guide to some of these ideas, this short video explores how we can begin loosening the grip of the dominant paradigm and envision new ways of living.
3. Practical Shifts in Mindset & Action
Rethinking the dominant paradigm isn’t just about intellectual understanding—it requires real shifts in how we live. Here are some ways to start making changes:
A. Rethink Your Relationship with Work and Time
Challenge the belief that productivity = worth.
Allow yourself time for rest, creativity, and deep thought without guilt.
Shift from efficiency-driven thinking to meaning-driven choices.
B. Reconnect with Nature
Recognize the intrinsic value of nature, beyond its usefulness to humans.
Spend time outdoors without an agenda—just to observe and be.
Consider ways to live more regeneratively, whether through food choices, energy use, or lifestyle changes.
C. Cultivate Interdependence Over Individualism
Build community by sharing resources, skills, and support.
Ask for help and offer help—move beyond the myth of self-sufficiency.
Engage in collaborative projects rather than competitive endeavours.
D. Redefine Success and Growth
Instead of always striving for “more,” ask: What is enough?
Measure success by fulfilment, relationships, and contribution rather than financial or career status.
Allow for seasons of rest and retreat instead of forcing constant progress.
4. Integrating a New Way of Thinking into Daily Life
Thinking beyond the dominant paradigm isn’t a one-time shift- it’s an ongoing process of questioning, learning, and evolving. Here’s how you can continue integrating these ideas into your daily life:
Practice mindfulness and self-inquiry. Notice when old patterns arise and challenge them.
Surround yourself with people and ideas that inspire alternative ways of thinking. Read, listen, and engage with perspectives that challenge mainstream assumptions.
Be patient with yourself. Unlearning takes time, and it’s okay to move at your own pace.
By making these shifts, we begin to loosen the grip of the dominant paradigm and step into a way of living that is more aligned with our values, our well-being, and our planet.
Conclusion: Creating a New Narrative
The dominant paradigm has conditioned us to see the world in a specific way, but it is not the only way. By questioning its assumptions, exploring alternative perspectives, and making intentional shifts in how we live, we can begin to think beyond it and embrace a new paradigm—one rooted in connection, sustainability, and meaning.
Reflection Questions:
What parts of the dominant paradigm feel most ingrained in your thinking?
Which alternative perspectives resonate most with you?
What is one small shift you can make today to start thinking beyond the dominant paradigm?
If you’d like to explore how imagination can open up hopeful alternatives to the dominant paradigm, take a look at my review of Rob Hopkins’ bookHow to Fall in Love with The Future
In the next article, we’ll explore how we can put these ideas into practice – living the alternative, not just thinking about it.
If you’d like to explore these ideas more deeply, download my free guide Walking the Soulful Path when you sign up for my monthly newsletter.
If you’re ready to shift your perspective and move beyond the constraints of societal conditioning, The Soulful Path to Life Purposeprogramme provides tools and guidance to help you think and live differently.
The future can often feel like a frightening place. Headlines warn of climate crisis, economic instability, and political upheaval. It’s easy to fall into despair, assuming that tomorrow will inevitably be worse than today. But Rob Hopkins’ How to Fall in Love with the Futureoffers a different story – one rooted in imagination, community, and possibility.
Hopkins argues that our greatest challenge is not technological or political, but imaginative. We have forgotten how to dream. Yet history shows us that big transformations always begin in the realm of imagination. From food co-ops to renewable energy projects, Hopkins shares inspiring stories of communities already experimenting with futures worth falling in love with.
What makes this book so compelling is its mixture of vision and practicality. Hopkins doesn’t offer abstract ideals – he offers examples of people already doing the work, inviting us to see ourselves as part of this story. His tone is warm, human, and deeply encouraging.
As I read, I was struck by how often my own images of the future are coloured by fear rather than possibility. Hopkins helped me remember that imagination is not escapism – it is an act of courage. To fall in love with the future is to refuse despair and to choose wonder instead.
For anyone seeking a more hopeful, soulful vision of what lies ahead, this book is both balm and challenge. It will leave you asking: What kind of future am I ready to fall in love with?
In a world shaped by the dominant paradigm, success is often defined by wealth, status, and productivity. We are conditioned to believe that to be successful, we must constantly achieve more, earn more, and accumulate more. But what if these definitions of success are not only limiting but deeply misaligned with what truly fulfils us?
In this article, we will explore how the dominant paradigm’s definition of success shapes our lives, why it leaves many people feeling empty, and how we can move toward a more soul-aligned, regenerative understanding of success—one that is rooted in meaning, connection, and well-being rather than relentless ambition. By shifting our understanding of success, we can also uncover a deeper sense of purpose—one that is not dictated by societal pressures but emerges from within.
1. The Dominant Paradigm’s Definition of Success
Most mainstream definitions of success are based on:
Material Accumulation → The more you own, the more successful you are.
Productivity & Hustle → Being busy and overworked is a badge of honour.
External Validation → Success is measured by recognition from others (titles, awards, social media followers).
Constant Growth → Progress is seen as linear—bigger, faster, stronger.
While these measures may provide temporary satisfaction, they often lead to burnout, disconnection, and a sense of never being “enough.” More importantly, they distract us from our deeper purpose, leading us to chase external goals rather than cultivating inner fulfilment.
2. The Hidden Costs of This Definition
While chasing conventional success, many people experience:
A. Chronic Burnout and Exhaustion
The pressure to always “level up” leads to mental and physical exhaustion.
Rest and joy are often sacrificed in the name of ambition.
We become disconnected from what truly gives our life meaning and purpose.
B. Loss of Meaning and Purpose
People achieve traditional success but feel empty inside.
The focus on external achievement disconnects them from deeper fulfilment.
The pursuit of success often overrides the pursuit of purpose, leaving individuals feeling directionless despite outward accomplishments.
C. Strained Relationships and Loneliness
Hustle culture often places career above human connection.
Success-driven individualism weakens community bonds.
D. Environmental and Social Consequences
Infinite growth on a finite planet is unsustainable.
Wealth accumulation often comes at the expense of exploited labour and environmental harm.
3. What If Success Looked Different?
Instead of measuring success by external achievements, what if we redefined it based on inner fulfilment, connection, and contribution? By doing so, we not only create a more sustainable way of living but also open the door to a more authentic sense of purpose.
A. Success as Wholeness and Well-Being
Living in alignment with your values and purpose.
Prioritizing mental, emotional, and spiritual health over constant productivity.
Recognizing that success is not just about what we accomplish but also who we become.
B. Success as Contribution, Not Accumulation
How much positive impact do you have in your community or the world?
How well do you share your gifts in a way that supports others?
Success and purpose become intertwined when we focus on contribution rather than self-focused achievement.
C. Success as Deep Connection
Prioritizing relationships, love, and community over personal ambition.
Cultivating a sense of belonging rather than competition.
Our sense of purpose often emerges through meaningful relationships and shared experiences.
D. Success as Living in Harmony with Nature
Recognizing that success is cyclical, not linear—seasons of growth and rest are natural.
Living sustainably and regeneratively, rather than attractively.
Finding purpose in the rhythms of life, rather than forcing constant progress.
If you’d like to explore these ideas further, this short video offers a soulful perspective on redefining success and purpose in today’s world.
4. How to Shift Toward a More Soul-Aligned Definition of Success
If the dominant paradigm’s version of success no longer resonates with you, consider these steps:
A. Question Your Conditioning
Ask yourself: “Where did my idea of success come from?” “Who benefits from me believing this?”
Reflect on whether your goals are truly yours or imposed by external expectations.
Consider whether your definition of success aligns with your deeper sense of purpose.
B. Prioritize Inner Fulfilment
Measure success based on how you feel, not just what you achieve.
Shift from “Am I productive?” to “Am I at peace?”
Recognize that living with purpose is a form of success in itself.
C. Build a Supportive Community
Success is not a solo journey – surround yourself with people who share your values.
Invest in relationships, not just career growth.
Engage in conversations about what success means to you and how it connects to your larger purpose.
D. Embrace a More Cyclical, Regenerative Approach
Let go of the pressure to always be “on” – allow for seasons of rest and reflection.
Recognize that slowing down can often lead to deeper wisdom and clarity about your purpose.
5. Conclusion: Success as an Expression of Purpose
The dominant paradigm’s version of success has led many to burnout, disconnection, and dissatisfaction. But we have the power to redefine success in a way that honours our souls, our relationships, and the planet.
By shifting our understanding of success, we also create space for purpose to emerge naturally—not as something we have to chase, but as something we embody in the way we live, love, and contribute.
Success does not have to mean endless hustle, accumulation, and external validation. It can mean living with intention, cultivating deep relationships, making a meaningful impact, and embracing the natural rhythms of life.
Reflection Questions:
What beliefs about success have you internalized from the dominant paradigm?
How would you define success if external validation didn’t matter?
What small steps can you take to embrace a more soul-aligned version of success?
By redefining success in this way, we create room for a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life – one that is led not by pressure, but by deep, meaningful alignment with what truly matters.
This article is part of the series Beyond the Dominant Paradigm. You can begin the journey with the introductory article.
If you’d like to explore these ideas more deeply, download my free guide Walking the Soulful Path when you sign up for my monthly newsletter.
If success for you is more than just status and productivity – and you want to redefine it on your own terms – The Soulful Path to Life Purposeprogramme offers a supportive framework to help you do just that.
What if imagination was the most powerful tool we had to change the world? In From What Is to What If, Rob Hopkins argues that our greatest crisis is not just climate change or inequality, but a failure of imagination. Without the ability to picture different futures, we remain stuck in systems that no longer serve us.
Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Town movement, invites us to move beyond “what is” and dare to ask “what if?”: What if our towns were designed around connection rather than consumption? What if prosperity was measured by well-being and ecological health instead of GDP? What if schools encouraged curiosity instead of conformity?
The book is filled with inspiring examples of communities already living these questions. From urban farms to community-owned energy projects, Hopkins shows that imagination is not a dream but a practical force for cultural change. His stories remind us that creativity and play are not distractions – they are essential to survival and resilience.
What makes this book compelling is its balance of hope and urgency. Hopkins does not deny the gravity of the crises we face, but he insists that hope grows when people come together to dream and act.
For me, From What Is to What If resonates deeply with my Beyond the Dominant Paradigmseries. It challenges the cultural assumptions that keep us trapped in “business as usual” and affirms that bold change begins with the courage to imagine otherwise.
How the Dominant Paradigm Exploits Nature and People
In the dominant paradigm, we have been conditioned to see everything – our time, our labour, our relationships, and even the natural world – as resources to be extracted for maximum efficiency and gain. This mindset, which underpins both capitalism and industrialization, has led to profound social, environmental, and spiritual consequences.
But what if we viewed the world not as a set of resources but as a network of relationships? What if work, meaning, and life itself weren’t about taking as much as possible but about reciprocity, balance, and regeneration? In this article, we’ll explore how the extractive mindset shapes our lives, where it comes from, and how we can begin to shift toward a more regenerative way of being.
If you’d like to reflect more deeply on this theme, here’s a short video that brings the ideas in this article to life through imagery and invitation.
1. What Is the Extractive Mindset?
At its core, the extractive mindset is the belief that everything exists to be used, optimized, or profited from. It is an attitude of taking without giving back – a mindset that turns nature into a commodity, work into exploitation, and even human relationships into transactions.
Key aspects of the extractive mindset include:
Nature as a commodity → Trees are not beings; they are lumber. Rivers are not sacred; they are hydroelectric potential.
Work as an energy source → Employees are “human resources” to be used up and replaced.
Relationships as transactions → Friendships, networking, and even dating become based on personal gain.
Time as a resource → Every hour must be maximized for efficiency and profit.
This way of thinking has shaped not only our economy but our entire worldview – so much so that many people don’t even question it.
2. The Historical Roots of the Extractive Mindset
Where did this mindset come from? While humans have always interacted with their environment, the extractive approach intensified with:
Colonialism → Lands were seized, peoples were enslaved, and resources were stripped for the benefit of imperial powers.
The Industrial Revolution → The rise of factories turned humans into machines and nature into raw materials.
Capitalism & Economic Growth → A constant demand for more—more wealth, more expansion, more efficiency—normalized the idea that success means taking as much as possible.
Over time, this way of thinking became so dominant that it felt “natural” – but it is not inevitable.
3. The Consequences of the Extractive Mindset
A. Environmental Collapse
Ecosystems are destroyed for short-term economic gain.
Climate change is a direct result of treating the earth as an infinite resource.
We are extracting more than can regenerate, leading to mass extinction and habitat loss.
B. The Burnout Economy
People are expected to work longer hours with fewer rights.
Productivity is prioritized over well-being.
Hustle culture tells us we are never doing enough.
C. The Commodification of Relationships
Social media and dating apps reduce relationships to likes, swipes, and algorithms.
Networking becomes a transactional game rather than authentic connection.
We feel lonelier and more disconnected than ever before.
D. The Hollowing Out of Meaning
We are taught that our worth is what we can produce or achieve.
We extract from ourselves – pushing through exhaustion, sacrificing joy, and ignoring the need for rest.
Spirituality, creativity, and contemplation are seen as “non-productive” and therefore unimportant.
4. How Do We Break Free from the Extractive Mindset?
We need to shift toward a regenerative rather than extractive way of thinking. This means honouring cycles, relationships, and reciprocity instead of endless growth and depletion.
Here’s how we can start:
A. See the World as a Relationship, not a Resource
Instead of extracting from nature, learn from indigenous worldviews that emphasize respect and reciprocity.
Shift from “How can I use this?” to “How can I be in right relationship with this?”
B. Reclaim Work as a Sacred Act, Not Just Labor
Recognize that rest is part of the cycle, not a waste of time.
Shift from hyper-productivity to deep, meaningful contribution.
C. Approach Relationships with Generosity, Not as Transactions
Build friendships based on shared values rather than networking for advantage.
Foster community over competition.
D. Honor Cycles Instead of Forcing Constant Growth
In nature, everything has a season – including our energy and creativity.
Accept that slowing down is necessary for sustainability in all areas of life.
Conclusion: Choosing a Different Paradigm
The extractive mindset is deeply ingrained, but it is not the only way to live. By shifting toward a regenerative approach – one based on reciprocity, sustainability, and balance – we can create a life that is more meaningful, more connected, and more in harmony with the world around us.
This shift is not just personal; it is part of a broader cultural transformation. The more we challenge the dominant paradigm, the more we create space for new ways of thinking, working, and relating.
If you’d like to explore practical alternatives to the extractive economy, you might enjoy my review of Rutger Bregman’s Utopia for Realists. Bregman imagines bold but grounded policies – from universal basic income to shorter working weeks – that challenge the cultural assumption of endless growth and show how we might create societies built on sufficiency, dignity, and shared flourishing.
Reflection prompts
Before moving on, you might like to pause with these questions and notice what comes up for you:
Where do you notice the extractive mindset showing up most in your own life – in how you use your time, work, relationships, or connection with nature?
Have you ever experienced a moment where you shifted from seeing something as a resource to valuing it as a relationship? What did that feel like?
Which part of life feels most drained by the extractive mindset, and how might you begin to bring more reciprocity or balance there?
What helps you resist the pressure of hustle culture and reclaim time for rest, creativity, or joy?
Can you think of a small, regenerative practice (in work, relationships, or with the natural world) that you’d like to nurture more often?
How do you personally define “enough,” and how does that contrast with society’s push for “more”?
And if you’d like to go further, download my free guide, Walking the Soulful Path. It comes with my monthly newsletter, offering fresh insights and resources to support your own journey toward a more soulful, regenerative way of living.
If you want to shift away from seeing life as something to extract from and toward a more regenerative, soulful way of living, The Soulful Path to Life Purposeprogramme can support you on that journey.
What if we dared to imagine a world without poverty, exhausting workweeks, or closed borders? In Utopia for Realists, Rutger Bregman makes the case that such visions are not idle fantasies but possibilities grounded in history and research.
His proposals – a universal basic income, a 15-hour working week, and open borders — may sound radical, but Bregman reminds us that ideas once dismissed as utopian, such as democracy or universal suffrage, are now everyday realities. His point is clear: if we cannot picture alternatives, we cannot create them.
Bregman’s work is not a detailed policy manual but a call to expand our imagination. He invites us to step back from the dominant paradigm of endless growth and busyness and instead consider what truly matters for collective well-being. By shifting the horizon of what seems possible, he argues, we create space for new conversations and cultural change.
For those of us exploring new ways of living, Utopia for Realists offers both hope and challenge. You may not agree with all of Bregman’s ideas, but engaging with them sharpens our sense of what’s at stake. In times of uncertainty, the ability to imagine alternatives may be one of our most vital resources.
