Institute

A confluence of events creates a new culture

In the beginning we explore how the work of diverse individuals and groups from around the world have coalesced create about a new culture. That culture -- alive and well -- is currently at an inflection point' where it is, for the very first time, becoming aware of itself, its scale and its power in the world.

How gifting creates community and how an economics theory shaped Burning Man.

How does the exchange of items between people create an imagined and shared reality between those engaged in the exchange? We look deeply at the power of gifting, why we gift to some people vs engaging in market sales and how selling to strangers evolved into normal practice for most. Then, we look at why some of our favorite events and cultures in the world so deeply reject any form of trade. Last - from the frame of exchange - we explore how some of the major political uprisings over the last 80 years have warned us about specific pitfalls of our current system.

Cultural Creatives vs. True Believers

It seems like the world is going crazy, intellect is on the decline and marbles are being lost. What is that all about? This week we will look at the factors that create instability in both individuals and cultures. What makes someone an easy target for fanatical political movements? Frustration, lack of meaning and self doubt lay fertile ground for the creation of True Believers. These are the people that we read about, see on the news and remember from High School and wonder, “What happened to them? How did they get like that?”

Values define us - not boarders

Now that we know we are part of the largest studied majority in the world, Cultural Creatives, comprising over 37% of the population and growing. Together we are forming a new world view influenced not by history, religion or geography but rather based on values.

The religion you refuse to admit that you are part of.

Comparative Religion scholars (the role Joseph Campbell held) from around the world agree that there is a major phenomenon happening. The fastest growing religion in the world is coming to life, and there is a good chance you are part of it. They call it Spiritual but Not Religious, SBNR for short. It’s so popular that it has an acronym.

The week a murder in Minneapolis, a virus and a fascist leader set off a chain reaction.

At one moment 28,000,0000 people posted a black square on Instagram while protests and riots raged in every American city, + 18 nations worldwide. That number represents 100’s of millions of people who are fed up, pissed off, angry, and tired of it all - for many different reasons. This is about racism, wealth inequality, hatred, willful ignorance and fear.

How “We are all one” went from a hippie slogan to a global experience.

Regardless of what side of the coin you are on, everyone knows that something’s gotta give. Yet no one quite knows what that “something” is. A pandemic sent the citizens of the world home to their own devices. Alone - we came together through a shared experience - as one.

The great machine of culture stopped in a way that it never has been before. Surely this experience must be a catalyst for some great change. But, what?

Technology, constant change and the watercourse way.

‘Future Shock’ and constant change is forcing us all to become Taoists. The pace of change today is so rapid and so powerful that we have no option but to be unattached to the way things are or were. In reaction to this - many either become luddites or rush backwards towards towards fundamentalism.

A missing document may hold the power to connect a yearning world.

Declaration, principles, commandments, manifestos, constitutions, charters, mythologies, and stories are manifestations of the use of language in our continuous attempt to define ourselves, our community, our identity, our rights or our purpose.

The shift from me to we.

The last 100 years of growth has given us Abraham Maslow, personal growth and self actualization. Now, what do we do with all these self actualized humans?

Today we witness a core shift in the way we approach self interest. As individuals realize that the wellbeing and actualization of their community has a direct impact on their personal wellbeing - we will continue to experience a shift towards what many are calling the ‘Collective Potential Movement.”

What happens when your country longer represents your identity?

“Where are you from?” Our place in the world is somehow directly tied to our national identity. Why is this such an important question and what happens when it becomes hard to answer?

Throughout history we witness the fall of civilizations. We can’t help but wonder if we are approaching one of those moments.

Learn How Your Story Can Start Social & Cultural Movement

Great stories define culture and create movements.

RETURN in partnership with UNSETTLED brought community together for a Discovery Session, where participants used foundational structures from the Hero’s Journey, Pixar, and Burning Man to create their own story.