why you should do it
Non-reactivity for sustainability professionals is about observing the desires and assets of the community – addressing desires they see, and not desires you see. Oftentimes when we encounter sustainability problems, we get entangled in our own perspectives. We can identify what needs to be “changed” or “solved” on the surface, without looking at the deeper layers to understand what the priorities of the community are. Listening actively to members in the community emphasizes their agency to guide solutions. Rather than allowing your personal opinions to interfere, non-reactivity tells us that we are mere advisors in a community. It is the job of the professional to listen and reflect the needs and values of the community, and present alternatives, options, and ideas, if needed. While the sustainability professional can offer help with strategy and project planning, the goals and methods need to be authored by the stakeholders, because they are the recipients of the changes that will be made. For instance, rather than focusing on what’s lacking in a community’s business district, you would focus on existing small businesses and their successes. When the community begins to gain a positive perspective on the assets they possess, they are able to focus on the good and participate in the reinvigorating visioning process. Mindfulness asks us to refine our observations and act on widely recognized and pertinent community goals. There is no reason to solve a problem that the community doesn’t see as a problem.
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non-reactivity profile
What it is, How to do it,
Why you should do it, & Why we know
Why we know
If your brain were a horse, then the prefrontal cortex would be the reins. When you learn how to direct your thoughts, you gain control over your body and brain. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for planning, problem solving, personality expression, decision making, and emotional regulation. Studies have found that meditators have thicker and increased gray-matter density in the prefrontal cortex, which enhances their ability to process information and control brain functions. The prefrontal cortex is connected to the amygdala, the area of the brain that controls emotions. Because of this connection, the prefrontal cortex can moderate emotional responses. Studies indicate that meditation strengthens connections between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, thereby allowing better control over emotions. Therefore, meditation can speed recovery from emotional events and encourage responsiveness (not impulsivity or reactivity). Oftentimes, the greatest barrier to active listening is reacting and evaluating before fully understanding the message the speaker is trying to communicate. This results in assumptions about the speaker's meaning that may be inaccurate. Practicing mindfulness enhances our ability to understand and process information, a vital aspect of active listening.
rather than focusing on what’s lacking in a community’s business district, you would focus on existing small businesses and their successes. When the community begins to gain a positive perspective on the assets they possess, they are able to focus on the good and participate in the reinvigorating visioning process. Mindfulness asks us to refine our observations and act on widely recognized and pertinent community goals. There is no reason to solve a problem that the community doesn’t see as a problem.