The Dichotomy of Masculinity: Old Narrative vs. New Paradigm
Throughout my life, writing has served as a significant outlet for expression and learning (although I have always felt I wasn’t very good at it). One topic I've consciously sidestepped until now is the widespread conversation about the 'Crisis in Masculinity.' Growing up in the patriarchal society of South Africa, I am well aware of the traditional masculine narrative.
THE NEW RELIGION OF SELFA Deep Dive into Modern-Day Narcissus Culture
I just came back from 3 weeks of travel and was struck by something very concerning. To be honest, I have been concerned about this for the past several years, as I have seen more and more people that I thought I knew make life altering decisions based on what can only be described as ‘The New Religion of the Self’.
Unveiling the Mirage A Candid Scrutiny of Modernity and its Inherent Failings
In the innocence of my early years, the rigid confines of societal norms and expectations were as elusive to me as the ephemeral shades of a distant horizon. It was only as I navigated the tumultuous seas of adulthood that I came to the startling realisation of my nonconformity. From the outset, I was a square peg trying to fit into the round hole of convention.
Eco-Narcissism: How Bees & Slime Can Teach Us to Be Better Human BEINGS!
Over the centuries, anthropocentrism has fostered an inflated sense of human exceptionalism, which blinds us to the spectrum of intelligence manifested in nature
THE PRACTICE OF WALKING IN STILLNESS
Mindfulness is much more than a trendy buzzword - it's a powerful practice with potential benefits such as enhancing relationships, boosting attention, reducing stress, and aiding in physical pain management. Despite some skepticism and conflicting scientific data, the value of mindfulness in our daily life cannot be overstated.
Decolonisation of Indigenous Wisdom: A Path to Solving Modern Challenges
Every one of us in the modern world today, if we go back far enough in our ancestry, all come to a place where our ancestors once lived, as many indigenous people do today.
Leadership Lessons From Our Animal Cousins
As humans, we often consider ourselves to be the most intelligent and capable species on the planet. This paradigm, often referred to as ‘human exceptionalism’, which views humans as superior and separate from the natural world, is one of the main contributors to the current crisis we are facing today.
Leadership in the 21st Century: Drawing from Nature to Overcome the Crisis
The world faces an array of challenges that require strong leadership. Unfortunately, the crisis of leadership in many areas has led to a lack of trust, confidence, and faith in those in positions of authority. In this article, I want to highlight how both research and principles found in nature can inform the development of effective leadership strategies that will help us overcome the challenges we face as humans.
Natural Leadership as a Solution to Our Challenging Times
Throughout my years as a social scientist and while researching for my doctorate, I explored leadership theories ranging from the "Great Man Theory" posited by Scottish writer Thomas Carlyle in the mid-1800s to late 20th-century literature on leadership. This body of work shifted from a purely leader-centric approach to one focused on a follower-leader dynamic. Transformational leadership, servant leadership, and later "post-heroic," "post-transformational," or "distributed" leadership theories emerged, followed by the aesthetic, emotional, dramaturgical, and embodied leadership approaches. My thesis centred on a more recent, mindful-based approach to leadership. However, as a researcher and social change maker, I felt that these theories somehow missed the mark.