a. Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts.
b. Concerned with wholes rather than analysis or separation into parts
Defining the variety of subsets in the equations we consider for our daily living has been the norm for many years. Not that we are necessarily mathematical in nature; simply that we calculate our actions to produce results whether we realize it or not. We tend to focus on the immediate and be less aware of the larger picture of our lives and how we interact with the world. The latter growing general awareness reveals that indeed we are ‘connected to everything.’ This understanding is creeping into the consciousness of a growing segment of society. So what does that really mean? Let us explore some relevant data.
Peter Senge introduced the "systems thinking" model to the business world in the '90s. He notes four disciplines, integrated by a fifth. Personal mastery, mental models, building shared vision and team learning are synergized by systems thinking. Basically ‘systems thinking’ is a way of viewing an environment from a broader perspective that includes seeing overall structures, patterns and cycles in systems, rather than seeing only specific events in the system.
"A high-functioning system continually exchanges feedback among its various parts to ensure that they remain closely aligned and focused on achieving the goal of the system. If any of the parts or activities in the system seems weakened or misaligned, the system makes necessary adjustments to more effectively achieve its goals." (Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC., 2007) Could we apply this view to people and planet? Hmmm…
Holistic health and medicine present a myriad of modalities capable of addressing the plethora of perturbations within the mind/body/spirit/soul or ‘system’ of our individual consciousness. In essence, we are vibration in motion affected by subtle biochemical and physiological changes. Indeed we are inextricably connected to the world around and within us. Apparently we are not used to looking within yet. What about treating the whole person instead of just symptoms?
Dr. Masaru Emoto's research on water crystals, feelings and thoughts suggests that we have a profound capacity to affect ourselves and our environment. We are roughly 85% water so just imagine the affect our thoughts and feelings have on each of us. Scientific discoveries continue to validate what mystics have espoused for years - our thinking affects our reality; the observer's thoughts and feelings directly affect the experiment. Science and spirituality speak with one voice. Are we listening? How do we think and feel in a holistic fashion?
Holistic ecology reflects the argument made that “in order to move toward greener societies, homogeneity and universalism will have to be replaced by recognition of the importance of cultural, biological, and epistemological diversity. Without such diversity, the options for life itself are removed. Indigenous peoples appreciate this diversity. Without such diversity, the options for life itself are removed. Collectively, they embody cultural and epistemological diversity, and by their very character respect the importance of the diversity that exists within the natural world." (Timothy Boston, University of Tasmania , Australia ).
Holistic education is a multi-leveled experiential journey of discovery, expression and mastery where all students and teachers learn and grow together. Holistic education recognizes the innate potential of EVERY student for intelligent, creative, systemic thinking. Holistic learning is organized around relationships within and between learners and their environment while empowering learners to live fully in the present and to co-create preferred futures. Holistic curriculum is inquiry driven, interdisciplinary and integrated, and is based on explicit assumptions of interconnectedness, wholeness and multi-dimensional being. (Holistic Education Network of Tasmania , Australia ). Google Howard Gardner’s ‘multiple intelligences’ for more.
The growing wisdom about creating ‘holistic’ relationships flows across multiple industries and the burgeoning global economy. This broader view and inclusive approach to personal and professional endeavors is challenging patterns of behavior and the ‘old way’ of doing business. Change agents are melding with Cultural Creatives ™ as the need for holistic practices in business is met. Business as usual, driven by profit and loss statements, is transforming as individuals and companies are necessarily redefining their vision and mission.
The new 21 st Century mindset includes a ‘holistic’ view, yet focuses on the practical elements that engage a new living awareness. After all, it is our awareness that changes and because of that change the world around us appears to change. The current fragmentation of our society and developing global village demand a new view. Might a holistic perspective help? You decide.
Rev. Zen Benefiel is a multi-masters degreed author, coach, consultant and facilitator with a passion for education and facilitating partnerships. Zen experienced a spiritual awakening in 1975, an honors student in college, complete with a very profound near death experience. He founded Be The Dream in 1988 as an avenue to promote holistic understanding in business and personal achievement. An international presenter on holistic project planning, he has co-created a vision for a holistic model community serving at-risk youth, called Spectrum Academy. His most recent coursework, Transformation: A Guide for Change, assists adults challenged to live authentically in these times of accelerated change.
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