Discover Your Sustain-ABILITY: Shaping The Future
Finding Your Facet From The Fourth Field
Hello Movers, Shakers and Visionary Makers.
Remember the sorting hat in Harry Potter? Wouldn’t it be nice to get sorted into a house that relates to what magic you can contribute with collaborators of your kind?
In our fast-paced world, finding your place in the sustainability movement can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you that you already possess a unique superpower for creating positive regeneration for the ecosystem, society and our species?
Welcome to "Discover Your Sustain-ABILITY" – a transformative journey that will reveal your sustainability archetype and empower you to make a lasting impact.
[Take the 10-second assessment now]
Forming From The Fourth Knowing of The Field
The number one problem facing humanity today is not climate change or inequality or war. It is not the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI). Rather, it is our sense that we are powerless to change any of it. The old ways of knowing and acting in our world are no longer sufficient. Our systems are collapsing. If we are going to serve societal transformation in the face of this collapse, as we believe is fully possible, we need to draw on a new form of knowing—knowing for transformative action.
Read the full article by Journal of Aware Based Systems Change (JASC) here
Otto Scharmer Senior lecturer at the Sloan School of Management, Massachusettes Institute of Technology (MIT), and co-founder of the Presencing Institute
Eva Pomeroy Research Lead, Presencing Institute
Faced with polycrisis and systemic challenges, many of us feel a sense of collective depression—a lack of agency in addressing the bigger picture. But what if there was a way to transcend this feeling and tap into a deeper form of knowing?
Enter the concept of "the fourth knowing"—a revolutionary approach that goes beyond traditional first-, second-, and third-person perspectives. This form of knowing is not just about what we perceive individually (first-person), how we interact with others (second-person), or objective observations (third-person). Instead, it's about connecting with the deeper currents of change and possibility that surround us.
The fourth knowing manifests in several key ways:
It comes through us but is not of us—tapping into a larger field of consciousness.
It decenters our perception, shifting our focus beyond our individual selves.
It heightens our sense of potential, making previously unattainable possibilities seem within reach.
It awakens our sense of agency in contributing to the evolution of the larger whole.
It leads to significant long-term impact and practical results.
By embracing this fourth way of knowing, we open ourselves to a new level of understanding and action in the face of global challenges. It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and our role in shaping the future.
This is where our Sustain-ABILITY archetypes come into play. Each archetype represents a unique way of embodying this fourth knowing, allowing us to contribute to sustainability efforts in profound and meaningful ways.
Shaping The Future By Looking To Plato’s & Pythagoras’s Past
You may have noticed the unique geometric shapes representing each archetype. These aren't just random designs - they're platonic solids, and their choice is as intentional as it is meaningful.
Platonic solids are special three-dimensional shapes where each face is the same regular polygon. There are only five such solids in existence:
Tetrahedron (4 faces)
Cube (6 faces)
Octahedron (8 faces)
Dodecahedron (12 faces)
Icosahedron (20 faces)
We've chosen these ancient forms to represent our archetypes for several profound reasons:
Universal Harmony: Plato believed these shapes were the building blocks of the universe, representing earth, air, fire, water, and the cosmos itself. By using them, we connect our sustainability efforts to the very fabric of nature.
Perfect Balance: Each platonic solid embodies perfect symmetry and balance - qualities we strive for in our sustainability work.
Interconnectedness: Just as these shapes can nest within each other, our archetypes are interconnected, working together to create a holistic approach to sustainability.
Strength in Structure: The geometric stability of these shapes mirrors the resilience we aim to build in our sustainability efforts.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Application: By using these timeless forms, we bridge ancient philosophical insights with cutting-edge sustainability practices.
As you discover your archetype, take a moment to appreciate the rich symbolism behind its representation. Like these perfect forms, each of us has a unique and vital role to play in creating a harmonious, sustainable world.
[Would you like to see which platonic solid represents your archetype? Take our quick assessment now!]
Your Superpower To Sustain Awaits
Using cutting-edge AI, systems design thinking, open-source collaborations and inspiration from nature itself, we've developed a quick assessment to uncover your sustainability archetype.
In just 10 seconds, you'll discover if you're a:
Provider: The goal-oriented leader
Influencer: The engaging communicator
Connector: The masterful networker
Builder: The practical planner
Sustainer: The long-term thinker
Integrator: The strategic synthesizer
Each archetype plays a vital role in our collective effort to create a healthier, happier, and more interconnected world. But don't just take our word for it...
"Discovering I was a Connector changed everything. I've always enjoyed bringing people together, but now I see how my natural skills can create real possibility in how I contribute and get recognized for my efforts."
- Sarah K., Under One Sky community member
A Deeper Dive Into The Archetypal Abilities
Providers: Recognized for their goal-orientation and resilience, providers are typically focused on delivering results and solutions. They are often involved in leading projects that require a strong sense of direction and purpose.
Influencers: Known for their excellent social skills, influencers play a critical role in spreading ideas and engaging broader audiences. They are essential for campaigns and initiatives that require public engagement and advocacy.
Connectors: With their strong networking prowess, connectors help bridge different groups and individuals, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing. They are key to expanding the reach of EMERGE’s initiatives across different communities and sectors.
Builders: Noted for their practical and analytic skills, builders are crucial in the planning and execution phases of projects. They transform ideas into actionable plans and tangible outcomes.
Sustainers: Steadfast and deeply understanding of cyclical systems, sustainers are focused on long-term viability and sustainability of projects. They ensure that initiatives are not only launched successfully but also maintained effectively over time.
Integrators: With the ability to synthesize information and think critically, integrators bring together various elements of projects to ensure that they are cohesive and well-coordinated. They play a critical role in aligning projects with broader strategic goals.
Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe
Once you've uncovered your archetype, the real magic begins:
Connect: Join your designated group on our Discord channel
Innovate: Engage in discussions and projects tailored to your archetype
Transform: Develop skills unique to your role, yet fundamental to all
Impact: Contribute to our holistic initiative to EMERGE away from ESTABLISHED, unsustainable, degenerative and imprisoning systems
[Click here to take the 10-second assessment and join your tribe!]
Community Challenge: Nature-Inspired Answers
Let's put our collective creativity to work by leveraging Biomimicry Institute wisdom.
Let’s see what natural collaborations and co-intelligence we can inspire. Copy the statement and drop your ideas in the comments below.
"As a (insert your sustain-ability archetype here) I create conditions that are conducive for life by (insert your actions, ideas, vision here)".
Just as every character in a great story serves a purpose, every sustainability archetype is crucial to our mission.
Together, we're more than just a community – we're a regenerative transformation network. By contributing your unique strengths, you're helping us deliver open-source, collective consultancy that guides impact projects towards shaping our future.
...we have a place for you in our sustainability story.
[Take the 10-second assessment now]
Free Resources Await
As a thank you for embarking on this journey, we're offering:
Stick with us as we move, shake and visionary make our way onwards and upwards together, Under One Sky.
P.S. Don't forget to share this post with friends who might be searching for their role in sustainability. Every archetype we discover brings us one step closer to a brighter future!