Finding Balance with Satish Kumar: Love, Optimism, and Regenerative Economics - Cuppa 36.5

03/01/24 • 49 min

Welcome to Cuppa 36.5 of 40. In this episode of the 40 for Tea, host Rachel Allan has a heartfelt and profound conversation with world-renowned activist, peacemaker, and author, Satish Kumar. With over half a century of activism, Satish is a beacon of hope, drawing from his profound interactions with figures like Pope Francis and Martin Luther King to inspire global change.

Satish recounts his poignant journey delivering peace tea to global leaders, advocating for mindfulness, unity, and heart-led communication in times of adversity. He shares anecdotes of bridging divides with a cup of tea, a powerful conversation and connection with nature, advocating for patience and trust in the tireless pursuit of justice.

As co-founder of Schumacher College, Satish talks of regenerative practices and sustainable living, grounding his teachings in the belief that the economy should enhance human and planetary well-being, not exploit it. He reframes HR from Human Resources to Human Relationships. Painting a compelling portrait of an economy that celebrates human relationships and operates within the ecological "doughnut."

We delve into Satish's guiding principles – soil, soul, and society – and how we must nurture each dimension to foster environmental and spiritual connectivity. With coherent and compassionate wisdom, Satish champions love as the metaphysical gravity that holds our universe together.

We celebrate the power of love, optimism, and the courage to transform not just our external world, but our inner landscapes as well.

This is not just an episode; it's an invitation to pause, reflect, and join us on a journey to uncover what truly matters.

So grab your cuppa and let's dive in together.

Part 2 of 2..

N.B. This episode was recorded March 2022.

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08:11 Deliver peace tea to world leaders, prevent nuclear war.

10:41 Persuading through connection, not just intellect.

13:51 Build trust through communication.

19:05 Patience.

20:24 Solving problems requires interconnected focus on environment.

24:27 Embrace diversity, emphasis on common humanity.

31:19 Meeting Pope Francis, urged climate action.

35:37 Schumacher College education model.

41:02 "Small is beautiful, within ecological limits."

44:07 Love sustains humanity, nature, and connections.

We celebrate the power of love, optimism, and the courage to transform not just our external world, but our inner landscapes as well.

This is not just an episode; it's an invitation to pause, reflect, and join us on a journey to uncover what truly matters.

So grab your cuppa and let's dive in together.

Part 2 of 2..

N.B. This episode was recorded March 2022.

-------------------------------------------------

08:11 Deliver peace tea to world leaders, prevent nuclear war.

10:41 Persuading through connection, not just intellect.

13:51 Build trust through communication.

19:05 Patience.

20:24 Solving problems requires interconnected focus on environment.

24:27 Embrace diversity, emphasis on common humanity.

31:19 Meeting Pope Francis, urged climate action.

35:37 Schumacher College education model.

41:02 "Small is beautiful, within ecological limits."

44:07 Love sustains humanity, nature, and connections.

Previous Episode

From Divorce to Discovery: Sue Flood gifts the Wild Places of Expedition Penguins, Passion, and Personal Growth

Welcome to Cuppa 37 of 40 for Tea, as host Rachel Allan shares a cup of English Breakfast tea with acclaimed wildlife and travel photographer, Sue Flood, on an intimate journey across the icy landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctic. Sue Flood unveils the stark beauty of these remote territories, teeming with life, and challenges our perceptions about exploration, conservation, and photography.

This tea we are taken to places of awe and surprise. Sue shares personal stories of proposal - divorce and second marriage; all with nature as witness. Before diving into the vast expanse of Antarctica, Emperor Penguin Colonies and exploration through the lens of nature connection, climate change and her love of tea. More details below...

In th meantime, go grab a cuppa and lets dive into this awe filled, generous expedition into true passion, and the power of the heart in nature...

More details & time stamps below if you want it:

**Life Lessons & Laughter:** Experience Sue’s heartwarming and humorous stories, from the “divorce whale” incident to her rekindled romance and unique wedding with a celebrity witness.

**Polar Exploration:** Sue Flood sets the stage by discussing the differences between the Arctic and Antarctic, the unique wildlife present, and the breathtaking scale of these regions.

**An Ambassador’s Lens:** Learn about Sue's role as a photo ambassador, and her efforts to inspire others through her wildlife photography skills while forging a deep connection with the natural world.

**Emperor Penguin Encounters:** Immerse yourself in Sue's passion for emperor penguins, as she shares her close encounters, highlights their life cycle, and uncovers the secret behind a heart-shaped pattern on a penguin's chest.

**Environmental Insights:** In light of climate change impacts and conservation efforts, Sue discusses the changes observed in Antarctica and the hopeful signs amidst the challenges.

**Photography and Filming:** Revel in Sue’s tales of overcoming her fears for the sake of capturing the perfect shot and her remarkable experiences filming with the Blue Planet and Planet Earth teams.

**Love for Tea:** Discover how a simple love for Earl Grey tea offers comfort and reflection, even in the coldest corners of our world.

**Giving Back:** Hear about Sue's collaboration with Julian Lennon's White Feather foundation and her conservation-oriented initiatives.

**Capturing Nature:** Unveil the heightened awareness that comes with time spent amongst wildlife, and the importance of observing nature for restoration and inspiration.

**Connect with Sue Flood:**

Find out more about Sue Flood's incredible work and her book, "Emperor: The Perfect Penguin." Explore behind-the-scenes content and learn about her upcoming projects and expeditions.

Sue's Website. & Instagram: [@SueFloodPhotography]

01.13: Intro to Sue Flood

06:58 The Relationship Stories: The Proposal filming Bowhead Whales

08:58 The Divorce Whale Story: Humpback Whale Filming

11:41 Necker Island & the Second Marriage Story

14:44 Overcoming fears, new photography ambassador appointment.

21:22 Training photographers in Antarctica.

25:01 The Emperor penguin life.

26:31 Adults care for chicks, exhibit extraordinary life cycle.

32:35 Connection to nature, Awe and Beauty.

34:16 Michael Pallin acknowledged Sue's sixth sense. Cultivating sixth sense.

40:13 Teaching wildlife photography and leading expeditions globally.

41:59 Human - Nature Interconnection

45:27 Volcanic eruption led to healthier Arctic bears.

47:57 Climate Change in Antarctica & info on protection.

50:30 Unforgettable moment in Antarctica's penguin colony.

51:37 Penguin sheds gray fluff, reveals unique heart.

53.05 Where's the Earl Grey?

Next Episode

Collective Healing Through Dialogue: with NNI's Jonelle Naudé & Wiebke Renner

Welcome to Cuppa 37 of 40. In this episode of the 40 for Tea, host Rachel Allan invites you to a lively conversation with NNI dialogues Jonelle Naudé and Weibke Renner. We dive straight into tea, crossing divides and removing the charge from power words.

These powerhouse women are firm believers in the power of facilitated, genuine communication and the transformative role of empathy in resolving conflicts. At the heart of their philosophy lies the knowledge that when people's voices are truly heard, a space for understanding and new solutions are created. NNI dialogue is a systems based methodology born through working in post apartheid South Africa. Tangible change is measured through 3 specific steps.

We are challenged to question the dominating focus on the "why am I right?" mindset, which often hinders progress. Instead, we are encouraged to consider that multiple truths bring resilience to a system, fear as a protector and perhaps the emotions we feel don't always belong to us.

We celebrate what it is to be human, are offered valuable perspectives on how to get unstuck in relationships, teams and in life events. As we ask the question "how do we be with complexity and move forward together?"

There's also a bit of energetic plumbing!

So grab your cuppa and let's dive in together.

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00:00 Intro - Podcast Cuppa explores human connection and resilience.

08:15 - What is NNI - Founded in South Africa, promotes systemic dialogue.

11:29 - How it works: the measurement system: Shift in emotion, thought & behavior.

13:17 - Example in South Africa.

17.17 - Microcosm teaches us about the Macrocosom

22:59 - Update on whats happening in 40 for Tea.

25:45 - Facing suppressed feelings.

29:25 - Embracing multiple truths, creating connection through sharing.

33:12 - Diversity in voices is essential for a healthy ecosystem.

35:11 - Resilience.

39:51 - Judging words - a reframe.

44:50 - Channeling entities a real phenomena.

48:32 - The Gold

The headlines:

Understanding and Expressing Emotions

The role of external facilitators in helping individuals identify and express emotions.
Using anonymity to express emotions without feeling personal overwhelm.
Collective processing and normalization of a wide range of emotions.
The impacts of suppressing emotions on personal and collective progress.

2. NNI Dialogue Methodology

Aimed at crossing divides and ensuring all voices are heard.
Creating empathy by speaking from the experience.
Structured space for discussing complex issues including taboo subjects.
Coexistence of multiple truths in dialogues.
This process is like being Energetic plumbers

3. Co-creation of Meaning in Words

The importance of deconstructing words to understand their relationships.
Engagement with words beyond academics to comprehend diverse meanings.
Removing judgments from words to maintain neutrality and observe emotions.

4. Energetic Dialogue and Healing

Dialogical experiences embodying different voices to shift the awareness & system.
The practical work that impacts physical, emotional, and spiritual planes.
The guests as "energetic plumbers" shifting collective energies and offering aid.

5. Collective Transformation in Dialogue Settings

Tracking group transformation cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Case study from Bonnevale showing dialogue-induced recognition and steps towards healing.
Systemic approach focusing on themes and energies instead of individual stories.

6. Reflection of Societal Systems