We all want a better world yet sometimes the problems we face can feel overwhelming. If our conversations are dominated by polarizing and reactionary perspectives on problems then there is little room to discuss solutions. Solutionary activism is when we put a spotlight making real impact in the world by seeing beyond problems. We are seeding inspiration… and it spreads like wildflowers!
“To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” -Buckminster Fuller
There is often a cynical, angry, hopeless and fatalistic attitude held in many activist communities. Meanwhile there is a persistent essence of spiritual bypassing, narcissism, and outright denial in many of the “conscious communities”. Each of these communities have a lot that they can learn from the other. Yet they are both missing practical solutions that create meaningful impact in the world.
Change Your Brain by Shifting Your Attitude
Focusing on solutions rather than problems has a profound effect on the way our brain processes information. Leveraging our neuroplasticity to foster more positive and productive thought patterns creates a huge impact on the world around us.
When we concentrate on problems our brain activates the amygdala. This is the part of the brain associated with fear and stress responses. This leads to heightened anxiety and a narrowing of focus, making it harder to think creatively or see opportunities. Dwelling on problems reinforces negative neural pathways, making us more prone to pessimistic or reactive thinking over time.
Whereas shifting focus to solutions engages the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions like problem-solving, decision-making, and planning. This shift promotes a sense of agency and optimism, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine that reward forward-thinking and encourage motivation.
This “solutions mindset” also helps us access a broader perspective, fostering creativity and resourcefulness. Over time, focusing on solutions strengthens neural networks associated with resilience and adaptability. This enables us to approach challenges with clarity and confidence. This attitude shift improves mental health and empowers us to take meaningful action, creating a positive feedback loop.
What is Solutionary Activism?
Solutionary activism unifies people from different disciplines to create excitement, synergy, and inspiration for meeting the challenges of the day. “Solutionaries” include scientists, artists, psychologists, farmers, youth, elders, and everyone in between. Inspired action and impact are two common threads that connect these people. These visionaries are everywhere but they are often so busy with their projects that they are hard to find.
“We are inviting and unifying businesses worldwide to save the reef. The future we see is one where our actions above the surface help protect the ocean and what’s below.” -Coral Gardners, We the Reef Program
Examples of Solutionary Individuals
Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza:
Rosa is a researcher who focuses on understanding the chemical and genetic diversity of our planet. She is a Peruvian chemical biologist, storyteller, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning artist. This leads to the discovery of new medicines, bioremediation tools (restoring earth’s ecosystems naturally), and biotechnological solutions. As a scientist and award-winning artist, Dr. Rosa lets her curiosity and love of adventure guide her. She guides others into discovering and learning about the planet through creative thinking. You can follow her informative videos on Instagram for more inspiration.
Paul Stamets:
Paul is a mycologist (studies fungi/mushrooms), author, inventor, and educator. His research shows how mushrooms can help the health of people and planet. The central premise of his work is that natural habitats have immune systems, just like people. Mushrooms are cellular bridges between people and ecosystems. He inspired the acclaimed film Fantastic Fungi (highly recommended). Paul excels at utilizing fungi for bioremediation. Give Paul a follow on Youtube and learn more about his amazing work.
Peter Fiekowsky:
We have all heard about the climate crisis, yet few have heard about climate restoration. This MIT-educated physicist and engineer co-founded the Foundation for Climate Restoration. Peter is changing the discussion around climate from one of doom and gloom to one of regeneration. He works with top scientists, innovators, policymakers, citizens, faith leaders, activists, and students to collaborate across disciplines for climate restoration. You can read his recent book Climate Restoration here.
Vandana Shiva:
Vandana is an Indian physicist, ecologist, food sovereignty advocate, and acclaimed speaker/author. She founded Navdanya which has led the charge for reclaiming sovereignty, health, and ecosystem restoration through women-led/farmer-led movements. Navdanya is part of a global movement for the recognition of the legal rights of nature. This includes justice for rivers, ecosystems, and communities. It is a legal framework to protect them from exploitation and degradation. Biodiversity, biotechnology, bioethics, heirloom seeds, regenerative farming, and genetic engineering are among the fields where Shiva excels.
Solutionary Organizations are Saving the World
The list of solutionary individuals is as prolific as the organizations they create and collaborate with. Organizations like The Coral Gardners are restoring coral reefs. Coral reefs are the rain forests of the ocean because they sequester carbon from our atmosphere.
Tree Sisters, support us in shifting our identity away from a consumer species into a regenerative species. So far this organization has planted over 26 million trees while empowering women to step into their feminine nature-based leadership.
Instead of complaining about our polluted ocean, this group is doing something about it. The Ocean Cleanup removed their first 100,000 kilograms of plastic from the Pacific Garbage Patch recently. You can learn more and get involved by visiting their website.
Highlighting Solutions and Unifying the Solutionaries
This is a massive and exciting undertaking. It will take participation from individuals, businesses, media platforms, and people everywhere. Those of us who care about the health of our planet’s ecosystems are not alone. This small article barely scratches the surface or begins to illustrate just how large the global movement of solutionaries is. There will be more articles and media on this topic in the coming months.
Get Involved
If you have a business you can consider partnering with some of these organizations and individuals. Donations to these nonprofit organizations or volunteering can be life-changing. Go to the Youtube Channels of your favorite solution-makers, subscribe, comment, and share their work on your channels. Stay tuned to UNIFY where we will be showcasing these visionaries on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Solutions-thinking will change the way you see every problem. Let inspiration and passion become what fuels you every day. We have abundant tools at our disposal for connecting our networks and communities. Together we can overcome hurdles with solutions that create real impact in the world. As the saying goes, “you are either part of the problem or part of the solution”.
*Cover Image: Planting Seeds and Harvesting a Healthy Future for our Planet Photo Courtesy of Navdanya
