The Great Simplification in Action: Building Resilience Through Local Communities
The Great Simplification #156 with Christian Sawyer
Long-time listeners of The Great Simplification may have a good grasp of the many impending crises that humanity faces. But once we understand the scope of this predicament, what changes could we make to prepare in our own communities right now?
Today, I’m joined by local organizer and activist Christian Sawyer, to discuss how he’s built a pro-social community in rural Arizona. Christian emphasizes the power of local collaboration and demonstrates how the cultivation of social capital builds resilience in the face of challenges, as well as creates better lives for those who live in the community. Together, we explore the dynamics of community work parties, the skills learned through cooperation, and the significance of trust and friendship in building a supportive network.
What do aspects of The Great Simplification look like in action? What are the most common challenges faced in group settings, and what lessons can it teach about the values of love, wisdom, and art in fostering meaningful connections? How can anyone, anywhere start creating local initiatives and engaging with ecological awareness? When fostering community, why should we emphasize empowering individuals in order to solve local problems and advocate towards the protection of our most important resources?
In case you missed it…
It’s not everyday that a stranger thanks you for ‘ruining their life’. In last week’s Frankly, I reflected on a powerful encounter with a venture capitalist whose life was upended - and ultimately enriched - after immersing himself in the full content of The Great Simplification podcast. This man’s journey from techno-optimism to a deeper understanding of the limits of infinite growth on a finite planet shines a light on the purpose of this channel: to inspire and equip curious, prosocial individuals to channel their skills and creativity toward building a future that’s better than the default.
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It was especially enjoyable to hear from someone living in an area I'm familiar with. One of my best friends lives part-time in Bisbee and worked in Sierra Vista. Her father in-law (now deceased), with the help of his brother and a friend, built her mother's adobe and straw bale house just themselves in that area about twenty years ago. I bet he would have loved to be a part of Christian and Ash's community!
Christian's wisdom for young people is invaluable, as is his insight regarding problem-solvers stretching other thinking and social muscles. I'm going to try Qigong.
Regarding mental health, I agree. And it's such a tough nut to crack. In the U.S. good mental health (health in general) is not a universal birthright anymore. It's a commodity, and the things that support it are largely co-opted by the economic and cultural systems we live in. So many things that should be free or affordable and easily available to all are rather costly and difficult to access for average Americans. I've started the book "The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging" by Julia Hotz (I might have mentioned it in a previous episode's comment on YouTube, apologies if so), and it's going to be interesting to see what her findings are, especially for Western cultures.
"...true wealth is the web of connections formed between people who are real-life neighbors" (https://buynothingproject.org/commitment). We're getting to know our neighbors, forming local connections, and planting social seeds primarily through Buy Nothing at this time, envisioning these connections leading to other opportunities down the road, as what Nate calls TGS unfolds. You can form a local BN group yourself if there isn't already one. It's not just about material goods, but also giving of self and services, as well as doing enjoyable things in person (gardening, knitting, reading, dancing, board games, you name it).
Another great episode! Much gratitude!
Loved this conversation. It gave me the nudge I need to take my agency yet another step further. Thanks for sharing your story and thanks Nate for the incredible enabling work you do!