What Can Systems Thinkers Learn from Grieving

Grief and grieving is a universal experience for everyone. How we grieve, where we do it, when we do it, who’s allowed to grieve, and for what we grieve all shape a number of aspects of our lives.

This session will explore what we can learn, as systems thinkers, from a multi-perspectival view of grief and grieving. We’ll discuss and contrast different approaches and experiences with grieving that can, at times and on occasions, sit outside the default cultural norms and expectations. What do our grieving practices say about us as individuals and as a collective? How does our grieving culture shape our relationship to (systems) change?

This Systems Thinking Ontario session is an immersive discussion that takes place at the Space for Grief installation at Evergreen Brickworks. The installation is developed by members - Calla Lee, Ziyan Hossain, and Fran Quintero Rawlings - who will be the co-discussants in this session and will speak to the experience.

About 'Space for Grief'

Space for Grief,” is an immersive and interactive public art installation that explores community bonding and healing through the transformative nature of grief. It is a place where art and healing intersect, providing a destination for reflection, connection, and renewal.

The installation will launch as part of the Good Mourning festival, with an extended stay throughout November 2024. The multi-site installation includes a composed soundtrack to guide visitors through a meditative space in Tiffany Commons. The installation also includes the Museum of Grief where common cultural artifacts offer insights into various types, expressions and observations of grief.

Each installation is designed to hold space for individual stories while fostering a collective understanding of the universal nature of grief.

https://www.spaceforgrief.com/

Bios

Fran Quintero Rawlings is an artist, researcher, and systems thinker passionate about creating transformative experiences at the intersection of art, social justice, and systemic change. As co-managing director of Method Collective, she leads projects that bridge the gap between human experience and design, advocating for compassionate systems and inclusive spaces.

Ziyan Hossain is a strategic foresight practitioner and artist. His work has explored behavioural economics, urban and organizational culture, generational dynamics. He has worked as a facilitator, planner, researcher and User Experience designer with banks, hospitals, Pharma companies, educational technology, various arms of government and musical equipment companies.

Calla Lee is a visual communicator and strategic foresight practitioner with experience in change management and operational strategies. By understanding how systems relate, interact, and overlap with each other she is able to help her clients engage and experience business transformations that create innovative solutions that meet business objectives and consumer needs.

• Evergreen Brick Works
• 550 Bayview Ave., Young Welcome Centre (view location of Young Centre here)

See more details at https://wiki.st-on.org/2024-11-11

Open-minded novices and learners are always welcomed. We'll try to keep the conversations understandable by the layman, and entertain questions for clarification.

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Host or Publisher Systems Thinking Ontario