35- Can Laura Interest You In...Cultural Systems/Stories and How They Live in Us?

Our guest is Laura Hartley, founder of the Scintilla Centre, which offers classes, salons, and coaching for changemakers. She absolutely blows our minds with her interest—the ways we live out the stories of our cultural systems (even those we don’t align with or agree with). These include systems like capitalism and patriarchy, and stories about urgency and scarcity. She says we often forget our own power to make choices that don’t replicate these systems and that we can, instead, plant the seeds for something more just and regenerative. Yes, yes, yes!Laura tells us about her inciting incident, which started with her work in climate activism. We hear how people trying to change the world can (and often do) end up mimicking the same energy and patterns of the systems they’re working against.  We learn how changemaking starts with doing the work as individuals, rooted in our bodies. She teaches us how to “notice the water” of the cultural systems and stories we’re living in, and how to interrogate these stories.Along the (fascinating!) way, we get into all sorts of topics, like:Countercultural ideas versus straight-up conspiracy theories.The concept of "right relationship."Ways we’re taught to turn against ourselves, and who benefits when we do this.Making changemaking something beautiful, both born of longing and yet, rooted in reality.Even “healthy” concepts such as mindfulness, fitness, and spirituality get highjacked by the capitalist story of “growth at all costs.”Do the homework along with us! (Preferably all the time, forever and ever) Here’s the homework:1. Notice when you use the word “should.” Consider: What’s the story there? Is it true, does it benefit me, does it benefit others? What would happen if the story wasn’t true?2. Notice your body at the same time. What does the “should” feel like? What arises when you interrogate the story?3. Challenge your imagination. Ask yourself: Why not? What if? Let yourself dream.Website: https://scintillacentre.com/Newsletter: https://www.scintillacentre.com/#newslettersignupInsta: https://www.instagram.com/laura.h.hartley/Logo design by Marielle MartinSong: Upbeat Drums with Stomps and Claps by music_for_videoBlueSky: @canweinterestyouin.bsky.socialInstagram: @canweinterestyouinEmail us your interests! [email protected]: canweinterestyouin.com