Inner transformation to sustainability as a deep leverage point: fostering new avenues for change through dialogue and reflection

Christoph Woiwode,Oliver Parodi,Petra Schweizer-Ries,Iris Kunze,Niko Schäpke,Stella Veciana,Christine Wamsler,Olivia Bina

doi:10.1007/s11625-020-00882-y

Abstract

This article provides a rationale for inner transformation as a key and hitherto underresearched dimension of sustainability transformations. Inner transformation relates to various aspects of human existence and interactions such as consciousness, mindsets, values, worldviews, beliefs, spirituality and human–nature connectedness. The article draws on Meadows’ leverage points approach, as places to intervene in a system, to reveal the relevance of inner transformation for system change towards sustainability. Based on insights from a series of dialogue and reflection workshops and a literature review, this article provides three important contributions to sustainability transformations research: first, it increases our conceptual understanding of inner transformation and its relevance for sustainability; second, it outlines concrete elements of the inner transformation-sustainability nexus in relation to leverage points; and third, it presents practical examples illustrating how to work with leverage points for supporting inner transformation. In sum, the paper develops a systematized and structured approach to understanding inner transformation, including the identification of deep, i.e., highly influential, leverage points. In addition, it critically discusses the often contentious and divergent perspectives on inner transformation and shows related practical challenges. Finally, current developments in inner transformation research as well as further research needs are identified.

Highlights

Introduction and backgroundThere is growing understanding that the complex sustainability challenges of the twenty-first century cannot be resolved at merely the material, physical or technological planes (Adger et al 2013; Hulme 2009; Ives et al 2019; O’Brien 2018)
Our study shows that inner dimensions and transformation are essential to understand and facilitate personal and collective processes of change in terms of our awareness and relationship to ourselves, others, and the environment
We identify the key elements of the inner-transformation–sustainability nexus, which are today discussed in disperse studies and fields that deal with inner transformation and/or sustainability more broadly

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and backgroundThere is growing understanding that the complex sustainability challenges of the twenty-first century cannot be resolved at merely the material, physical or technological planes (Adger et al 2013; Hulme 2009; Ives et al 2019; O’Brien 2018). Both, scholars and practitioners increasingly highlight that the techno-scientific (outward) focus of sustainability transformations and transitions needs to be complemented with psychological, cultural, artistic and spiritual dimensions of human life (inward focus) and its future possibilities (see, e.g., EEA 2016, Geels and Schott 2007; Hunecke 2018, Köhler et al 2019; Leal Filho and Consorte McCrea 2019, Upham et al 2019) In this context, inner dimensions like consciousness, values, worldviews, beliefs, spirituality and human–nature-connectedness are seen as inevitably important for sustainability transformation at both the individual and societal plane (e.g., Hedlund-de Witt et al 2014; Horcea-Milcu et al 2019; Ives and Kidwell 2019; Wamsler et al 2018). They do so as part of their own everyday efforts towards transitioning to more sustainable lifestyles at small scales (Kunze 2012; Kunze and Avelino 2015; Seyfang and Smith 2007; Veciana and Ottmar 2018).

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