The Modern Maze

When I say the word “narcissism” - what emotions, feelings, or thoughts arise in your body or mind?It’s a word with heavy implications. Because of this, we tend not to associate ourselves with it. I can speak for myself when I say I’ve had a strong aversion to admitting my own narcissistic tendencies. And I know I’m not alone in this.But what if these patterns show up more subtly than we expect? Do we see traces of narcissism playing out in our daily lives?And if we zoom out, how often do we see these traits mirrored in our leaders, our systems and our public figures? How much of our world is shaped by the fear beneath these behaviours?As my dear friend Nico from Conscious Connected shares, the journey of narcissism is one that moves from fear to love. In this episode, he speaks openly about his journey of recognising his narcissistic patterns and his pathway to personal transformation. He now dedicates his life to helping others make this same shift, from fear to love.We explore the power of breathwork, a tool Nico has integrated deeply into his life. He shares simple breath techniques that anyone can practise, no matter where you are or what you’re going through.This conversation is about truth, humility and the practices that bring us back to ourselves and to love.Connect with Nico on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nicodevitorlando/https://www.instagram.com/conscious8connected/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

On our previous episode, Adrian Röbke and myself discussed the process to identify your unique niche to contribute to a regenerative and just future. If you did not, check out part one of this conversation here.But what now?You might feel:* ⁠ ⁠Uncertain on how to create collaborative & impactful projects* ⁠ ⁠Anxious about being able to pay your bills when you pivot your career.* ⁠ ⁠Overwhelmed by how to safeguard your well-being when engaging with complex problems.Contributing to systemic change can feel like a leap of faith.But, there are proven strategies to make it work.In part two of this podcast, Adrian Röbke and I explore tips and strategies on:* ⁠ ⁠How to message your work to attract aligned opportunities.* ⁠ ⁠How to make an income to pay your bills.* ⁠ ⁠How to care for your well-being & preserve focus.Through this process, you will be able to implement your visions in practical ways.There are many ways to make both an impact and an income.It's time to create yours.Resources:Dive deeper into this process with the articleSubscribe to the Systemic Shift Newsletter for weekly tools, tips and opportunitiesConnect with Adrian on LinkedInAdrian Röbke builds the capacity of impact networks to co-create systemic change. He is a network weaver, facilitator, capacity-builder & social entrepreneur. For a decade he is showing up each day to catalyse regenerative & just futures. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

We live in a time of overlapping crises.It's a lot to take in.You may feel:⁠ ⁠- Overwhelmed by global problems, which create so much suffering.⁠ - ⁠Frustrated about the slow pace of change while time is running out.⁠ - ⁠Confused on how you can best contribute your talents to make a difference.It often feels like a Modern Maze that keeps us powerless.But, we can choose a different story.In today’s podcast, Adrian Röbke, a network weaver & social entrepreneur and I explore tips and strategies to:1.⁠ ⁠Combine your skills, experience and knowledge into your unique niche.2.⁠ ⁠Engage in aligned collectives to find allies and co-create systemic change.3.⁠ ⁠Clarify which systems, geographies and ideas you want to focus on.Through this process, you will be able to build a more meaningful career. There are many ways to make both an impact and an income.It's time to create yours.So, tune in to discover how you can contribute fully to regenerative & just futures!Part II will be out soon.We will cover:⁠ ⁠- How to implement impact career strategies- How to make an income with this work.- How to care for your well-being & preserve focus.Resources:Dive deeper into this process with the article: https://the-systemic-shift-newsletter.beehiiv.com/p/the-ecology-of-your-life-s-work-a-systems-approach-to-your-impact-career-7a59Subscribe to the Systemic Shift Newsletter for weekly tools, tips and opportunities: https://the-systemic-shift-newsletter.beehiiv.com/Connect with Adrian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-röbke/Adrian Röbke builds the capacity of impact networks to co-create systemic change. He is a network weaver, facilitator, capacity-builder & social entrepreneur. For a decade he is showing up each day to catalyse regenerative & just futures. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

Wow what a year 2024 has been. In our final episode of the year, we pause to reflect on the state of our hearts, minds and souls as we navigate the turbulence we've faced.Together, we'll craft a vision for 2025 - one born from our collective yearning for change and our shared journey.What lies ahead for The Modern Maze will be shaped by our desire for wholeness, healing and a deeper connection to the world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

How can we empower individuals and communities to shape their collective future?In this episode, we welcome Caroline Sanz-Veitch from Regen Melbourne to explore the transformative power of participation in city planning.Caroline dives into Regen Melbourne’s work on new urban governance, emphasising community engagement, storytelling, leadership archetypes and innovative democratic models. Together, we uncover how these approaches can inspire communities to reclaim their narratives and take meaningful action in shaping their world. References:Regen Gazette article bank: https://www.regen.melbourne/news.Follow Regen Melbourne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regen-melbourne/If you are interested in collaborating, reach out to [email protected] Mapping Social Cohesion Index Reports: https://scanloninstitute.org.au/research/mapping-social-cohesionWellbeing Protocol being piloting in Melbourne: https://www.thewellbeingprotocol.orgRaundtable example: https://raundtable.com.auReferences for Jon Alexander and Baratunde ThurstonGreater Melbourne City Portrait: https://doughnut.regen.melbourne This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

With our summers growing hotter and longer, we are confronting relentless heat that reshapes daily life. Heat waves have become our deadliest environmental disaster and will increasingly become more common as the planet continues to heat up. We are joined by Emma Bacon, the founder and executive director of Sweltering Cities. Sweltering Cities, founded in 2020, focuses on advocating for liveable and equitable communities affected by extreme heat. Emma highlights the critical need for better housing, transportation, and urban planning to mitigate the impacts of heat waves, especially for marginalised communities. We discuss extreme heat's physiological and societal effects, underlining the importance of cross-sector solutions, systemic changes and greater government involvement to truely address the growing risks of climate change. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

In our latest episode, we'll explore how our modern worldview has fractured our understanding of reality, dividing us from nature, each other, and ourselves.For most of human history, people lived with an intimate connection to the natural world, understanding that we are part of a living, breathing ecosystem. But over time, empires rose, and the European Enlightenment introduced a new way of thinking.Nature became an object to be studied and exploited, and humans were reduced to isolated, rational beings. How does that affect how we look at ourselves, each other and Mother Earth?Join me as we unravel how dualism has shaped our disconnection and explore how we can heal and reconnect with the deeper unity of life ⚖️ 🌎References:📚 Less is More - Dr Jason Hickel📄 Hamilton, C. (2002). Dualism and sustainability. Ecological Economics, 42(1-2), pp.89–99. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0921-8009(02)00051-4. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

During the COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, I began a daily gratitude practice to cope with rising anxiety and uncertainty. While life’s pace caused the practice to fade, the first half of 2024 brought intense challenges that made gratitude feel distant. However, once those challenges passed, I realised that gratitude had quietly sustained me, evolving from a daily ritual into a deep, unconscious connection with life’s simple joys and Mother Earth. Now, recognising gratitude's power within me, another question began forming in my mind. “Could gratitude save our planet?” Science reveals that consistent gratitude can rewire our minds, fostering a lasting, albeit subtle, increase in happiness. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that our existence is rooted in duality—light and dark, creation and destruction. True harmony is found in embracing joy and sorrow as essential to our growth. Gratitude, when genuinely expressed, not only deepens our resilience but also strengthens our connections with others, subtly transforming our lives. Like a wave gathering strength, gratitude can spread its warm light around the world. By fostering gratefulness for those close to us and ourselves, we brighten up our community and our inner worlds. And that’s enough. Feel the gratefulness, breathe it in. Sip it.How does it make you feel in your body?How does it make your heart feel? Deeply think about all the beautiful things your community gives you. Give thanks. Hug deeply. Look into their eyes and feel the connection. Be vulnerable; let your heart shine through. Show others how much they mean to you. Be optimistic, and see the good in others. Acknowledge the shadows, the darkness. Without darkness, we couldn’t see the light. It’s always there; it’s just a question of how hard we look. And ask yourself, if gratitude was allowed to flow through the world like a gentle creek, why couldn’t that change the world? References:📄 Kurian, R.M. and Thomas, S. (2023) ‘Gratitude as a path to human prosperity during adverse circumstances: A narrative review’, British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 51(5), pp. 739–752. doi:10.1080/03069885.2022.2154314.📄 Kates, S. and DeSteno, D. (2020) Gratitude reduces consumption of depleting resources [Preprint]. doi:10.31234/osf.io/k95rj.🌐 https://www.wri.org/insights/interactive-chart-shows-changes-worlds-top-10-emitters🌐 https://www.ecowatch.com/wind-solar-energy-production-coal-us-2024.html🌐 https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/07/09/deforestation-in-colombia-fell-to-historic-lows-in-2023-how-did-they-achieve-the-drop🌐 https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/06/20/greatest-recovery-of-a-cat-species-ever-achieved-iberian-lynx-is-no-longer-on-brink-of-ext📺 Andrew Huberman: The Science of Gratitude & How to Build a Gratitude Practice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVjfFN89qvQ  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

In today’s episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Alison Whitten, the Director of Systems Lab at Regen Melbourne.Launched in November 2023 and inspired by Doughnut Economics, the Greater Melbourne City Portrait (also known as the Melbourne Doughnut) is a platform that applies diverse inputs and perspectives to create a holistic picture of Melbourne’s movement towards a safe and just place for people and planet.We dive back into the impactful concepts of Doughnut Economics and how this powerful framework was applied to Melbourne, exploring its significance in fostering a more equitable and ecologically sustainable city.You can find the Greater Melbourne City Portrait here: https://doughnut.regen.melbourne/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com

In this episode, we continue our exploration into the origins of capitalism. Following the enclosures of Europe, the next chapter of this story follows the Age of Discovery, as Europeans took to the seas in search of resources, wealth and new trading routes. When Europeans started to colonise the Americas after 1492, they were not driven by the romance of 'exploration', 'discovery' and 'adventure' as our schoolbooks tell us.Guided by Dr. Jason Hickel's book 'Less is More', we will trace how colonisation wasn't merely an expansion of territories but a fundamental reshaping of global economies and societies. As we unravel this chapter, we discover that colonisation was far from the benign process often depicted in conventional narratives. Instead, it involved aggressive strategies that deliberately imposed scarcity on abundant resources, securing the wealth and power structures that laid the groundwork for modern capitalism.This journey through the darker passages of history invites us to reflect on how deeply ingrained ideologies of capitalism and colonisation continue to influence our world.In our next episode, we will be discussing the Melbourne Doughnut! I am very excited to sit down with Alison Whitten, The Director of Research from Regen Melbourne, and discuss the Melbourne Doughnut in all its glorious detail. I highly recommend checking out the Melbourne Doughnut before our conversation, which is scheduled to take place in two weeks.https://doughnut.regen.melbourne/References:📚 Less is More - Dr Jason Hickel📄 Degrowth: A theory of radical abundance - Dr Jason Hickel📄 Arora, S. and Stirling, A. (2023). Colonial modernity and sustainability transitions: A conceptualisation in six dimensions. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, [online] 48, p.100733. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2023.100733.🌐 What Was the Age of Exploration? - ThoughtCo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themodernmaze.substack.com