As organisms in conversation with the each other and the environment, we are not creating from a vacuum, but rather we are evolving elements of the existing ecosystem. Looking around the edge of the forest, other organisms are also creating and reacting to the environment around them – innately we know that organisms can flourish by working together.

This forest has evolved focused on a hierarchy – placing the importance of some over the balance of all. But, it’s important to note that just because the ecosystem of that forest exists, does not mean it is healthy. We are starting to see ourselves as organisms at the edge (fringe) of a long-standing forest (traditional financial system) – one that has been developed over a long period of time with structures and dynamics that have been reinforced over centuries. This analogy is imperfect and highly simplified – with time and more learning will likely evolve, so bear with us as we explore this together. Most recently, to guide us as we move forward – we tried to figure out a natural analogy for our work and its connection to others. We are training ourselves to flow and adapt to change like water filling in empty spaces. We are taking lessons from how mycelium, through its connectedness, builds healthier ecosystems by shifting resources from those with excess to those that require support. This post was originally published by Community Credit Lab, which is now part of Common Future.Īt times when Ryan and I feel stuck or unsure of what path to take, we try to reflect on natural systems and patterns to give us insight and perspective.

Ak press emergent strategy