Our Story
An Impossible Question Means a Journey
We have learned that the practice of sustainability, or to question what is sustainability is a lot like the practice of Zen. It is not some kind of big aha, or slick eco-trend, but rather a simple concentration on our usual everyday routine of living, doing and being. Sustainability, like Zen, is a practice and journey of awareness, action and ripple effect.
Yet, of course, if living sustainably, and living within Mother Nature’s rules were that easy, achieving sustainability wouldn’t be that elusive or difficult for humanity to attain. We’d know all the right buttons to push, doors to open, and practices to become successful. In Zen, this is called the great gateless barrier, something so seemingly simple and self evident, yet also a process that could take a lifetime to perfect. Sustainability, in its broadest sense, is like Zen. It is an epic journey and study of paradox and perspective.
Our Sustainability Story is Your Story – An Epic Re-Invention Story
Sustainability is an epic reinvention story. Yet, it’s important to understand that reinvention stories don’t start from scratch. Each new beginning for you or your organization is one of many in a much bigger story of our collective march towards sustainability.
The best reinvention stories grow from deep roots that preserve the integrity of the larger story. This is the kind of story the practice of Zen is trying to have us live, one that is all-inclusive, never denies or says no, but learns to accept what is and transform it into a higher reality. So at Global Zen Sustainability, we help others past the great gateless barrier of sustainability and engage them in their own epic story of envisioning a sustainable future.
Become a Global Zenja
Wisdom is different than being smart. Wisdom demands reflection, integration and acceptance. So, our story is one of chopping wood and carrying water. We see the work of sustainability as being like that of a martial artist, or ninja, who is a student of Zen.
To train as a martial artist one must be reflective, calm, empowered and able to take risks in the face of uncertainty and mystery. We call this becoming a Global Zenja, where we help others train as martial artists of sustainability. We help people, organizations and businesses cross-train, adapt and become disciplined about traveling with a light footprint.
Developing a mind like water is the path of becoming a Global Zenja.
Welcome to Global Zen Sustainability!
