“Everything you see is a track of some process or combination of processes.” Every object, every “outcome” is not simply a thing or product, but a manifestation of underlying patterns of process, whether mountain or child or sickness or wealth. However, an overly mechanistic orientation can have us focusing exclusively or excessively on form, on object, on “issue,” and ignoring the underlying contributing dynamics. Being oriented towards process is not (simply) about talking, but exploring how life happens in a given place or system. It is about inquiring into the underlying patterns of connection, flows of resources, means of interaction and exchange, how and to what/whom value is ascribed, power dynamics and inclusion, etc. This is not to say that form and structure do not matter, but without going to the level of process, it is hard to imagine achieving transformational change. Examples abound, including efforts to change what is most visible (infrastructure, programs, positions, dollars raised, land set aside) because it seems easier, more measurable, or allows (temporary) declarations of victory. But when problems resurface, or pop up in different form, are we more willing to step back and ask why? There are indications that often the response is doing more of what has proven unsuccessful and essentially perpetuating or exacerbating existing patterns. In this sense, the place to start is here:...
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 00:30:58 +0000
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