The Unlearning
Ancient Algorithms of Belonging
To build places that enhance life
We must first become people who can listen
Beyond the noise of our certainties
Beyond the walls of our knowing
This is a path of unlearning
Of remembering how to see with new eyes
Where every crisis becomes invitation; every challenge, a doorway
Somewhere between
The third cup of coffee
And the thousandth spreadsheet
We forget to ask:
What if our greatest qualification
Isn't what we know
But how deeply we can unlearn?
There's a moment between thinking and knowing when the land begins to whisper its ancient algorithms of belonging.
A Place holding infinite possibilities within it.
Your job is to hear them. Your tool is Silence.
First, you'll doubt your own senses (that's normal, by the way). You'll wonder if that flutter of insight was just your imagination playing tricks.
But slowly, like learning a new language, you'll start to notice patterns: how water wants to flow, how wind shapes possibility, how life creates conditions for more life
You'll discover that making Places isn't about adding more features. It's about removing obstacles to what wants to emerge naturally.
And slowly, something shifts. You stop being just an expert and become a student again of life's endless creativity
Until one day you realize you've become but a bridge between worlds. Between what-is and what-could-be.
Here's to all of us,
Awkwardly evolving beyond our expertise
Into something wilder,
Wiser,
More alive.
My dearest dearest imaginary friend,
As the winter season starts showing its claws many tiny beautiful things are happening in my life. The Listen to Your Land intro course is taking shape, set to launch early spring.
Much beyond a simple sustainable design course. It's an invitation to practice Land Alchemy - learning to read, respond to, and form deep relationships with the places we inhabit, so that not only do we change them for the better but we allow ourselves to be changed by them in return.
Meanwhile, our climate-proofing adventure continues. After November's "Room Rescue Challenge" (one room, one weekend, one season), we're gathering on December 17th for the Winter Wisdom Wishlist webinar. We'll craft thoughtful wishes for both immediate winter comfort and long-term resilience, drawing from traditional wisdom about keeping our homes protected through the cold months.
And yes, our annual tradition returns: a month of daily mindful practice. Whether you call it meditation, alignment, or consciousness-raising (or just sitting quietly with your thoughts), we'll hold space for each other's journey. Join our small accountability circle as we cultivate awareness alongside our winter gardens.
If you so feel inclined to participate (rules to follow:)) dive in directly here.
Love,
Jo
The January Challenge Video and Instructions two years ago:
