How can we live in a way that is both aligned in what matters most to us and is responsive to what is needed in the world today?

Della Duncan, renegade economist, eco-spiritual educator, and host of the Upstream podcast, has spent her life exploring this question. Her path has taken her from conventional economics to Schumacher College, the teachings of Joanna Macy and the Work That Reconnects, and ultimately toward a vision of economics anchored in right livelihood, a topic that she helps people explore in her role as a Right Livelihood Coach. 

In this conversation, Della shares her own wayfinding journey and what it means to orient a life around ecological values. We explore the pillars of the Great Turning, the idea of a “livelihood garden,” and Frederick Buechner’s invitation to look for where “the world’s great hunger and your great gladness meet.” We ask what nature might teach us about who we are, what it means to cultivate a livelihood that nourishes rather than depletes, and how we can listen for the work that is ours to do.

Links: 

Della's website

Schumacher College - holistic, ecological, transformative and transdisciplinary education

Joanna Macy's Work that Reconnects - a form of group work designed to foster the desire and ability to take part in the healing of our world

Naropa University - Buddhist-inspired contemplative education

Spirit Rock - Buddhist meditation retreat center in California

Music by Sunsette - check it out! 

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WillCall - bring your story to life

Lotus Compass - travel inward

projectsekai.org

Athena Steen, co-founder of the Canelo Project, has spent decades exploring this. A master builder and artist working with earth materials, her life reflects a deep listening to place and process.

In this conversation, Athena shares her journey into the “infinite possibility of expression,” raising children through unschooling, and learning to trust her inner voice. We explore the energy of homes, a philosophy of “no mistakes,” and what becomes possible when we pay attention to the patterns of the natural world.

Links: 

Canelo Project: Athena's natural building school in southern AZ

The Nito Project: Cinematic & instructional natural building YouTube videos made by two of Athena's sons 

Strawbale & natural building books by Athena & Bill Steen

Music by Sunsette - check it out! 

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WillCall - bring your story to life!

Lotus Compass - travel inward

projectsekai.org