Relating: Connecting As Nature A practice towards relational, collective leadership grounded in ecocentrism.

Practices that foster a keen sense of connection with ecosystems emphasize a shift from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism rooted in nature philosophy. This paradigmatic change extends beyond sustainable practices, emphasizing regeneration in the face of the overstepping of planetary boundaries, and requests connecting not only with but as nature.
In this chapter, we introduce conceptual and theoretical frameworks – particularly embodied transformative learning (TL) processes – and propose a practice named “Relating: Connecting as Nature”, which cultivates profound connections with oneself and other beings, with, and even as, nature through sensory awareness. Engaging with land, place, beings, and the entire ecosystem, fosters a sense of belonging, aliveness, and “intraconnectedness”, i.e., experiencing oneself as nature. It thus includes a deeply felt appreciation; humility in the sense of being part of something so much greater than us; a sense of empathy which extends to nonhuman beings; and compassion – all of which are important qualities of the IDG dimension relating.
Recognizing reciprocal influences between human actions and the environment is crucial for establishing responsible relationships. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of cultivating a practice of connecting beyond human beings, encouraging a profound shift in meaning perspective that aligns with regenerative cultures. This shift bears substantial implications for both the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mandating a reassessment of priorities towards planetary well-being and fostering opportunities for regenerative methodologies.