Zen Benefiel

My Early Awakening to Unconventionality

My journey into the heart of unconventionality began not in the throes of my professional career but in the quiet, reflective moments of my early life. Adopted six weeks after being orphaned, the seeds of my quest for identity and understanding were sown amidst the backdrop of a profound curiosity about the world and my place within it.

This curiosity wasn't just a fleeting interest; it was a burning desire to explore, to question, and to understand the layers of life that lay hidden beneath the surface of conventional paths. I found the ‘thoughtmosphere’ to be a wonderful place to meander and play, especially enjoyable in the company of others.

The Spark of Innovation

As I ventured into the world, my path was anything but linear. I found myself drawn to opportunities that challenged the status quo, whether it was through the creation of Be the Dream, LLC, Team Partnering, LLC, United We Stand Productions, LLC, or other ventures that sought to bridge the gap between diverse communities and innovative solutions.

Each project was a leap into the unknown, a testament to the belief that within chaos lies the potential for order and within questions, the seeds of answers. Honestly, I didn’t know what I couldn’t do, so it made it easier to attempt things from that perspective with the radical curiosity of a child, outside the ‘traditional’ realms of command-and-control environments of last century and prior. We are crafting a ‘new normal’ as we re-establish priorities.

Building Community Through Innovation

One of my most significant undertakings was the involvement with Native Americans in the redevelopment of the Indian School in Phoenix. This project wasn't just about the physical transformation of a space; it was about honoring the rich tapestry of stories, cultures, and histories that the land held. It was a lesson in listening, in empathy, and in the power of collaborative innovation to create solutions that respect and integrate the needs of all stakeholders, Native and non-Native.

I was invited to be the note taker for the Phoenix Indian School Preservation Coalition, made up of representatives from 18 of 21 Tribes in Arizona. Little did I know that would require addressing the Mayor, City Council and Parks and Recreations Planning Subcommittee multiple times over several years. All but one of the items for inclusion happened yet, the Coalition was never mentioned in the final write up of the Specific Plan and its development.

Reflections on Personal Growth

Each step of my journey, each venture, and each challenge, has been a stepping stone towards deeper self-understanding and professional growth. From navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship to engaging in community-building projects, every experience has contributed to my evolving perspective on innovation, leadership, and resilience.

In my late 20s, during my first corporate position as a Production Control Coordinator in the aerospace industry, I spearheaded initiatives that significantly exceeded $7MM monthly shipping goals for aircraft spare parts. My advocacy for interpersonal skills development, despite personal and professional adversities, including a demotion and personal life challenges, led to a transformative proposal that was initially met with resistance. Ultimately, my departure preceded the company-wide adoption of these practices, marking a bittersweet validation of my impactful contributions to the corporate culture and operational efficiency.

Embracing the Unconventional Path

I've danced with unconventionality, stepping beyond the familiar rhythms of tradition and expectation. Actually, I’m a prog drummer, too, another talent I’ve exercised occasionally. You know, the one that plays to a different beat and loves improv more than standards, with dynamic and rich fills perfectly timed in the musical conversations that often turn magical.

Each step, each leap into the unknown, was not a departure from the path, more a creation of my own trail that, at first, was quite tumultuous. It wasn't about rejecting the past, it was harvesting it and embracing the future with open arms and heart, crafting a life uniquely mine.

My adventures into the uncharted realms of creativity and innovation were not acts of rebellion but affirmations of my belief in the boundless potential within each of us to redefine the possible. This unconventional path I've tread has taught me that our greatest achievements often lie just beyond the edge of uncertainty.

So, I invite you to join me in this dance of defiance against the conventional. Let's view each challenge not as a barrier but as a canvas for our creativity, each obstacle an opportunity to innovate. If I can do it, so can you. It’s fun!

I encourage you to embrace your unique talents, perspectives, and passions. Use them to paint your life's masterpiece, a vibrant testament to the power of unconventionality, non-linearity and passion-filled activities that flow like water.

As I reflect on the journey thus far, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing one's unique path, of the transformative power of living unconventionally. It's a path that requires courage, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to exploration and growth.

Together, let's prove that when we dare to be different, we unlock the potential to create not just a meaningful personal and professional life, but a brighter world for all. This book being in your hands now is a serendipitous synchronicity waiting to unfold as you continue.

Weaving the Future

Pioneers in the Regenerative Culture Movement

At the heart of enriching the regenerative  culture community lies the profound belief that every action, every initiative, has the power to heal and renew, much like the natural world’s resilient return to abundance each spring. This ethos, fundamental to the Co-Creation Wheel philosophy, envisions a society where every sector—be it economics, health, or education—functions symbiotically to regenerate, revitalize, and sustain not just itself but the entire ecosystem of human experience.

The regenerative approach isn’t a single-thread solution but a tapestry of interwoven practices that echo the belief: “To heal one is to heal all.” This article seeks to explore how regenerative cultures are not just an ideal but a practical, actionable philosophy that, through the Co-Creation Wheel, can lead to a flourishing, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

At the forefront of this transformative wave is Daniel Christian Wahl, whose seminal work, “Creating Regenerative Cultures,” provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and implementing regenerative principles that echo through every sector of society. His insights encourage a paradigm shift, pushing beyond sustainability towards a model that enhances the capacity of ecological and human systems to regenerate and thrive.

Carol Sanborn’s contributions to this movement are equally vital. Her work focuses on integrating regenerative principles into community development, particularly through education and civic engagement. Sanborn advocates for a holistic approach, where community empowerment and ecological stewardship go hand in hand, ensuring that regeneration becomes a part of everyday life.

David Hodgson’s leadership in engineering the Global Regenerative Co-Lab orchestrates the collaborative synergy of minds and resources, aiming to foster solutions that are as sustainable as they are systemic. Similarly, Nora Bateson’s work in the International Bateson Institute explores the complexity of life’s interrelationships. Her concept of “Warm Data” emphasizes understanding systems not just through metrics, but through the contextual interplay that maintains the vitality of living systems. Bateson’s approach helps organizations and individuals rethink how they relate to each other and the environment, promoting a deeper understanding of systemic health.

David Witzel’s involvement with the Regenerative Agriculture Sector Accelerator emphasizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, demonstrating how critical sustainable agricultural practices are to the overall health of our planet.

Enriching the Regenerative Culture Community for the Future

Each of these leaders, visible on platforms like LinkedIn, exemplifies the strength of collective action. They are not lone pioneers but part of an expanding network of thinkers and doers on the Co-Creation Wheel, contributing to a world where the regeneration of one facet aids the vitality of the whole. These individuals showcase how leadership, when aligned with a regenerative philosophy, can catalyze significant change.

This exploration of regenerative cultures illuminates their roles and the broader regenerative movement’s potential to reshape our world. It is a call to action for all sectors of society to embrace this holistic and dynamic approach to healing our planet and enriching our lives. The time for such transformation is not just opportune; it is imperative.

Each leader, along with many others visible on LinkedIn, exemplifies the strength of collective action. They are not lone pioneers but part of an expanding network of thinkers and doers on the Co-Creation Wheel, all contributing to a world where the regeneration of one facet aids the vitality of the whole. This article seeks to illuminate their roles and the broader regenerative movement’s potential to reshape our world.

At Planetary Citizens, we believe entreprenuers and social enterprise opportunities can and will pave the way for rapid uptake on the concepts and practices of a new living awareness.

Took just shy of three years.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VIEWERS!

What a wonderful surprise as we ascend, and so serendipitous with another ascension celebration today!

Come listen or view the guests from across industries, philosophies and the the world who share their stories. https://youtube.com/@OneWorldinaNewWorld


We asked Chat GPT 4.0 about the podcast...

The podcast "One World in a New World" appears to embody the principles of planetary citizenship by facilitating conversations that aim to deepen the understanding of our interconnectedness and the importance of harmonizing our actions with the needs of the planet and its inhabitants.

These 'apocalyptic chats' align with the notion of planetary citizenship in several ways:

Self-Discovery and Transformation:
Understanding one's place in the cosmos and the intrinsic connection to all living beings fosters a sense of responsibility towards the Earth and its ecosystems. The emphasis on inner work and transformation suggests that by changing ourselves, we contribute to the collective evolution and the well-being of our planet.

Integration of Light and Darkness:
Acknowledging and integrating our shadows can lead to more authentic interactions and a deeper appreciation for life's complexity, encouraging compassionate stewardship of the planet and all its inhabitants.

The Importance of Relationships:
Viewing relationships as mirrors encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impacts on others, including the environment. It fosters empathy, understanding, and cooperation, which are crucial for addressing global challenges.

Exploration of Purpose and Passion:
Recognizing our unique contributions and aligning them with the greater good can motivate actions that support sustainability, environmental protection, and social justice, essential aspects of planetary citizenship.

Journey Towards Self-Mastery:
The path of self-mastery involves cultivating awareness, discipline, and compassion, qualities that empower individuals to make conscious choices that benefit themselves, their communities, and the planet.

We invite you to peruse PlanetaryCitizens.net, too.

We often think of a 'shift' that produces a sense of greater well-being in our lives and the environments in which we work. How does that happen in the environments in which we work? I want to share an experience that is probably consistent across the gamut of companies and organizations tasked with such.

On a business/corporate level, there are no doubt numerous organizations around the world that support human resource and workplace development. I was invited to participate in such as a web developer for a local chapter of an international training and development support organization. I attended their (2009) annual international leadership conferences in Crystal City, Virginia, not far from their headquarters.

I met CLOs (Chief Learning Officers), CIOs (Chief Information Officers), and Instructional Designers from all over the world, all wanting to make the working environments better for employees and human resource development/training. I learned of a shared hosting platform available for all the chapters to use. We had a WordPress site that wasn't integrated into the organizational platform, so I spent nearly 100 hours rebuilding in SharePoint, the international platform in use at the time.

Doing so seemed logical and pragmatic, demonstrating the association and integration of a unified field, so to speak. It was an integral part of being in an international organization. It was well received and I was invited to get on the track for leading the chapter as president in two years. I was excited, and given the task of creating the local chapter's annual event.

Meanwhile, having some experience in organizational development (MA in Org. Mgt. as well), I suggested using tools we know were available, such as DISC, so we could learn more about each other (Board) and increase our productivity. The current president, with a communications degree, put the kibosh on the notion with the board, and frankly, no one had the gumption to argue for its value. It was a big disappointment.

I'd been mulling over a phrase and extrapolation I remembered from a study group in my MA program, Challenge to Change. They referenced the difference; 'lle' removed created 'change.' I couldn't help blurting out, 'Liabilities, Limitations and Excuses.' I apologized for my outburst, and it did get a few 'hmmms' from classmates. Nearly a decade later it came up again.

A series of serendipitous events led to the name and theme of our 2010 conference, 'The Shift - Challenge to Change: Removing Liabilities, Limitations and Excuses in the Workplace. Some reports were it was a capstone event of the last decade. I was pleased, yet as a volunteer, I wasn't willing to move ahead and resigned.

What I've witnessed over the years in organizational, personal and professional development is the echoing of that phrase and its inherent processes of self-discovery, first, then a shared discovery through setting up a foundation of psychological safety and intellectual humility for the 'team' to explore. Many have discovered the efficacy of such work and its benefits for transforming business, society and self

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