Our own bodies are host to billions of microorganisms relying on our skin, mouth, and gut for existence.
Like the ecosystem in the natural world, which purifies water and produces oxygen, making the earth livable, our own human microbiome supports us by aiding in the digestion of food and supporting bacterial resistance.
My hope is that recognition and stewardship of our microbial ecosystem might inspire in us new connections with the natural world. It could lead to healthier and more resilient communities. Here’s a few ideas for how to think about both living systems.
Idea 1: Living systems are complex, with poorly understood interdependencies. Accepting uncertainty can be hard for us, but it’s essential that we have humility and be aware that there is far more that we don’t know than what we do. Since we don’t understand exactly how most biologically-based systems work, we don’t know how to protect them from harm, nor are we able to easily repair or replenish the populations once they’ve been damaged.
Idea 2: There isn’t always a clear or static definition of “healthy.” What is considered “good” and “bad” might depend on context. This is just another example where we find ourselves challenged with getting comfortable with ambiguity.
Idea 3: Paradoxes abound. How is it possible that antibacterial soap and antibiotics make us more, rather than less, vulnerable to bad bacteria? We have a long history of taking action despite not fully understanding the living structured whole — that is, all of the relevant structures, systems and processes. When we do this, we risk unintended consequences and damage.
In graduate school, I was introduced to Carol Sanford’s regenerative business work. She is extremely deliberate about word choice, which has sensitized me to strive to use words that are in alignment with my intentions. I hadn’t realized when our society made the shift from agriculture to industry, so did our language, thinking and problem-solving models.
I believe it’s valuable to be aware of when you’re using mechanistic words like “construct” or “drive,” when life-based words like “nourish” and “adapt” might be more consistent.
— Beth Berglund is a Stillwaters board member and graduate of Pinchot University with an MBA in sustainable systems.
