more eco, less ego. together, we can create a better world

Now that the days are getting shorter and darker, our energy levels are also falling. That makes it all the more important to get out and soak up nature. Nature and community are fundamentally important to us. Research confirms that people who are close to nature suffer less from stress, anxiety and depression, feel better overall and are more satisfied. But there is much more to it than that. Those who are one with nature will not destroy it. Those who are connected with others take responsibility – for each other and for the common good.

A perfect example of the power of community is the Holi Social platform. I facilitated the Holi team in September and discovered that we have a lot in common. In the interview with co-founder Piet Mahler, you can learn more about the digital meeting place for people and organisations who want to make a difference together. We also travel with you to the Italian coast, where we tested a new workshop format. Come along and be inspired.

Interview:

three questions to piet mahler,
ceo and co-founder of holi social.

We read “love our planet” and “love your neighbour” on the holi social website. Holi is the digital space for engaged people and non-profit organisations to take action together. We feel very connected to the team and their work. Probably also because we share common goals and complement each other well. With us, people find out what drives them and what contribution they want to make. And with holi, they have the opportunity to put their plans into action with others. In the interview, holi co-founder Piet Mahler talks about his drive and the chance to create a better world together.

Why did you found holi?

At holi, we believe that everyone can make a positive impact on today’s global challenges. However, many social initiatives need digital help to organise their important work. At the same time, many people want to volunteer, but lack the concrete idea or access to suitable projects. We want to change that!

How would you like to support people on holi?

holi wants to be a home for social initiatives and for people who are looking for an easy entry into social engagement. We bundle existing offers from partners so that people can quickly find their way around and get involved – with open source tools for internal communication, donations and volunteering.

What are your ambitions for the future?

holi aims to become a community-orientated ecosystem for inspiration, collaboration and networking to create positive impact together – in the digital space and in real life.

Consciousness determines being. When we no longer focus on individual well-being, but see ourselves as part of the whole, we improve our relationships. With ourselves, with others and with our planet.

In nature you quickly find your own nature.

A quiet, natural environment is indispensable for our workshops. Because nature supports our work. This is another reason why our participants quickly connect to themselves. Last month, we tested a new workshop format in Cilento, Italy, which is entirely characterised by the rhythm of nature, the sea and sensory experiences. We start the day with our feet in the sea to find our own centre. We feel the vastness and power of nature. The water gives clarity, the horizon opens the view. This creates space for inspiration. We focus entirely on our senses: What do you hear? How does the water feel? Can you feel the wind? An important ritual in the evening is to experience the sunset on the sea together. Pausing, reflecting on what has happened and consciously ending the day. A happy ending that awakens the anticipation of the next morning. Do you also feel the need to be connected with yourself and nature? Simply register for one of our workshops.

the equilibrio book tip:

leading from the emerging future

of C. Otto Scharmer and Katrin Käufer

Climate change, resource scarcity, a growing gap between rich and poor … Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer ask: Why do we collectively create outcomes that nobody wants? To meet the challenges of this century, we need to shift our economic logic and operating system from an outdated “ego system” that focuses exclusively on our own well-being to an ecosystem consciousness that focuses on the well-being of the whole. Filled with real-world examples, this guide presents best practices for building a new economy where the We wins.