| dc.description.abstract | Current policy and practice have inadequately addressed the fundamental roots of unsustainability, with prevailing incremental approaches failing to generate the necessary scale, speed, and depth of action. Amidst this backdrop, emerging research highlights the interconnectedness of inner (individual) and outer (collective and systems) levels and the potential of inner change to drive sustainability transformations. Despite this, empirical studies exploring the connection between individual and collective levels remain scarce, particularly within the context of ecovillages which constitute holistic communities with substantial transformative potential due to the integration of social, economic, ecological, and cultural dimensions.
This study seeks to fill this critical gap by investigating the inner-outer dynamics within the ecovillage of Los Portales in Spain. Employing a mixed-methods approach that includes in-depth interviews with ecovillage members, participant observation, and document review, the research explores how members individually embody transformative qualities and how these are nurtured within the collective environment of the ecovillage.
The results of this study reveal intriguing connections between the individual and collective levels within ecovillages. There is a constant interplay where individuals actively shape the collective environment, which, in turn, provides an enabling space for individuals to cultivate transformative qualities. Central to this dynamic is the pivotal role of inner work, which underscores the necessity of inner development in fostering collective growth. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of embracing a relational view of reality, recognizing that meaningful transformations arise from the intricate and interdependent web of relationships between individuals, their communities, broader society and the natural world. | |
