Lessons from the Transformations Conference 2023

By: Justus Wachs, Luea Ritter

Abstract:

Systems sensing is emerging as a critical tool in the arsenal of those seeking to navigate and influence complex systems. Defined as a visceral aptitude that draws on human capacities for deep relational engagement and embodiment, systems sensing offers a pathway to understanding and interacting with the intricate dynamics of our world. Wachs and Ritter's workshops at the Transformations Conference 2023 provided a practical exploration of this concept, guiding participants through exercises designed to tap into their innate sensing abilities. This post aims to distill the essential lessons from these workshops and discuss their implications for T-Orgs and beyond.

Introduction:

In an era marked by complex eco-social crises, the Transformations Conference 2023 served as a fertile ground for exploring innovative approaches to systemic change. Justus Wachs and Luea Ritter, both deeply engaged in the field of transformational organizations, share their practitioner reflections and key insights from facilitating two systems sensing workshops at the conference. This blog post delves into the essence of systems sensing, its application in transformational organizations (T-Orgs), and the profound lessons learned from these interactive sessions.

The Essence of Systems Sensing:

At the heart of systems sensing lies the recognition of our interconnectedness with all elements of a system. It's about listening deeply, being in relation, and momentarily embodying the various components of our environment. This practice is not just about gathering data or analyzing trends; it's about feeling, intuiting, and experiencing the system from within. In the context of T-Orgs, which are initiatives supporting members' efforts to create and scale innovation for systems change, systems sensing becomes a vital practice for understanding and influencing the dynamics at play.

Workshop Insights and Lessons:

The workshops conducted by Wachs and Ritter were rich with experiential learning and collective exploration. Participants engaged in mindfulness exercises, Theatre of the Oppressed-inspired movements, and systemic constellation practices. These activities were designed to open up new avenues of perception and understanding, allowing participants to sense and respond to their internal and external realities in novel ways. Four key lessons emerged from these sessions:

1. Innovative Data Gathering: Systems sensing practices can gather intuitive and sensory data, helping inquiry processes see and sense themselves in real time. This can be particularly powerful in uncovering hidden dynamics and fostering a deeper understanding of complex systems.

2. Novel Perspectives: By engaging with wider ways of knowing, participants gained fresh insights into their experiences and challenges. This shift in perspective is crucial for fostering creativity and innovation in addressing systemic issues.

3. Space for Recalibration: The practices created a space for participants to reconnect with themselves and recalibrate their approach to their work and lives. This reconnection is essential for maintaining balance and effectiveness in high-stakes environments.

4. Presence to Systemic Dynamics: Systems sensing allows individuals to become present to often invisible or unacknowledged dynamics, including pain and grief. Acknowledging and working with these elements is vital for authentic and effective transformational work.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The insights from the Transformations Conference 2023 underscore the potential of systems sensing as a transformative tool for organizations and individuals working towards systemic change. Wachs and Ritter conclude with several recommendations for T-Orgs looking to incorporate systems sensing into their practice: embrace diverse ways of knowing, allow time for reflection and recalibration, and be attentive to the surfacing of trauma and deep-seated dynamics. As we navigate the complexities of our time, systems sensing offers a promising path for those committed to creating a more just, sustainable, and thriving world.