Respect and rejoice in the force of life itself,
and be present in all one does.
~ James Baldwin
and be present in all one does.
~ James Baldwin
In 2019, Springhouse called together a group of community members to explore the question, "What makes Springhouse remarkable?" This group included Springhouse staff, learners in our youth and adult programs, and members of the Board. From that exploration, seven years of experimentation at Springhouse, and the doctoral work of Dr. Jenny Finn, the five principles of Sourced Design were articulated; this curriculum was developed; and the Sourced Design Lab was formed as a place to invite others to join us in the practice of vitality-centered design. We learned that what makes Springhouse remarkable is this: We put Life, vitality, at the center of everything we do. We know that life is a gift and it is our responsibility to take care of it and share it.
We know first hand that when a community decides to step into a new way of being and design, it helps to have principles for guidance and a community for support. Sourced Design principles are grounded in the research and practice of Springhouse Founding Visionary, Dr. Jenny Finn (learn more about her research that informs this platform here), and the experience of Springhouse–an intergenerational community committed to building regenerative culture by creating vitality-centered education for the past seven years. These principles are universal and serve as guideposts in the design process. The five principles of Sourced Design are:
These principles have led to a thriving and committed community at Springhouse with people who are devoted to fostering vitality and taking care of all that it brings forth. This design is not prescriptive, and does not offer a single answer to the very complex problem of the stifling nature of our current educational design. Though these principles are universal, we know they are not the one solution, or the only answer, to the problems that education faces. These principles are one pathway that people can engage to shape their vision, and work together, in redesigning learning communities that foster vitality. We will apply these principles through dialogue and community practice in ways that are rooted in place and the community where they are being practiced. The five principles are not answers, but lights to guide us in very complex and rigorous territory.
THE FIVE VITALITY-CENTERED PRINCIPLES
These five practices protect, foster, and make useful the vitality that lives within, and around, us. We have learned that when a learning community engages these practices in ways that are authentic to their place, vitality grows in each person, in the community itself, and in connection with the Earth and its wisdom.
We know first hand that when a community decides to step into a new way of being and design, it helps to have principles for guidance and a community for support. Sourced Design principles are grounded in the research and practice of Springhouse Founding Visionary, Dr. Jenny Finn (learn more about her research that informs this platform here), and the experience of Springhouse–an intergenerational community committed to building regenerative culture by creating vitality-centered education for the past seven years. These principles are universal and serve as guideposts in the design process. The five principles of Sourced Design are:
- Take care of vulnerability.
- Cultivate personhood.
- Build beloved community.
- Respect the wisdom of the Earth.
- Love and serve others.
These principles have led to a thriving and committed community at Springhouse with people who are devoted to fostering vitality and taking care of all that it brings forth. This design is not prescriptive, and does not offer a single answer to the very complex problem of the stifling nature of our current educational design. Though these principles are universal, we know they are not the one solution, or the only answer, to the problems that education faces. These principles are one pathway that people can engage to shape their vision, and work together, in redesigning learning communities that foster vitality. We will apply these principles through dialogue and community practice in ways that are rooted in place and the community where they are being practiced. The five principles are not answers, but lights to guide us in very complex and rigorous territory.
THE FIVE VITALITY-CENTERED PRINCIPLES
These five practices protect, foster, and make useful the vitality that lives within, and around, us. We have learned that when a learning community engages these practices in ways that are authentic to their place, vitality grows in each person, in the community itself, and in connection with the Earth and its wisdom.
TAKE CARE OF VULNERABILITY.
Welcoming vulnerability leads to authentic relationships and a deeper intimacy with ourselves, each other, and the Earth.
CULTIVATE PERSONHOOD.
Personhood becomes a gift to the world when it is strengthened in body, heart, and mind and given opportunities to express itself fully and courageously.
BUILD BELOVED COMMUNITY.
The greatest currency we have is community. The principles of beloved community guide relationships within the learning community and in the larger communities in which they are embedded.
RESPECT LIVING SYSTEMS PRINCIPLES AND THE WISDOM OF THE EARTH.
The wisdom in the living system of the Earth is at the heart of vitality-centered design. When practiced, it can lead to more vital and interdependent learning communities.
LOVE AND SERVE OTHERS.
Learning communities that practice these principles are prepared to serve the world with the courage, creativity, clarity, and compassion needed to meet the current challenges we face.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
- When you look at the five qualities of a vitality-centered environment, do you see any of those active in your current learning environment?
- Do you see ways that you could do those practices in your current environment if they are not happening?
- If you already orient around vitality in your design, are there qualities that are missing from this list or that you could strengthen by experimenting within a design community oriented around vitality?