Moving Out of Anthropocentrism: Practices for Eco-Decolonial Regeneration
A Community of Practice for those interested
in creating regenerated futures.
We are living through a moment of collapse—climatic, democratic, and moral. When we perceive the future as something predetermined, believing we have no power to change it, our perspective becomes uncertain and bleak. However, when we understand that the future is constructed minute by minute through our decisions, we realize that we are defining the path forward.
Yet, we remain immersed in paradigms such as Anthropocentrism and Modernity, which distort our perception and prevent us from seeing clearly or making better choices. Consequently, we tend to reinforce the collapse rather than overcome it. We urgently need a paradigm shift, which requires a change in worldview — that is, a transformation of values and mindset.
We must move beyond anthropocentrism — this fragmented view that separates human from nature, man from woman, mind from spirit — and enter a relational, ecological, and more-than-human paradigm. This is where regeneration enters.
What is Regeneration: Regeneration is a transformative process that can occur across different sectors of society, such as agriculture, design, and tourism, aiming to “give new life” to related systems. These systems can be natural, social, or subjective. To regenerate means, for example: (1) restoring natural ecosystems; (2) fostering collaborative community relations in a specific place; or (3) adopting new values and beliefs within a systemic paradigm of life.
But how can design address this shift in mindset, values, and worldview?
Emerging approaches like Transition Design and Regenerative Design point to the necessity of changing our worldview, but the paths proposed by some authors are either unclear or undefined. In our understanding, we must regenerate our worldview through a process of “ecological ressubjectivation.” This means questioning the anthropocentric and modern worldview we carry, enabling us to relate to the world in healthier and more just ways.
This research investigates precisely that. We propose that Ecosystemic-Regenerative Design can create practices capable of collaborating with this process of “subjective regeneration” through ecological reconnection. Once initiated in this regenerative process, we will be able to imagine and co-create truly sustainable futures.
What is the Community of Practice?
You are invited to participate in this investigation not as a passive subject, but as an active co-creator. This is an opportunity to experience firsthand a regenerative journey composed of five interconnected stages: Observe, Dive, Cure, Recreate, and Regenerate.
What to Expect: A journey of 6 encounters over 5 weeks, combining critical reflection, embodied experiences, and creative practices grounded in ecology, regenerative design, speculative design, indigenous and decolonial knowledges, ecopsychology, and systems thinking. You will explore concepts and practices such as the “more-than-human,” ecological grieving, ancestry, connections to the past, and post-anthropocenic future scenarios.
Who Should Apply: Designers, consultants, and decision-makers who feel the urgency of the planetary crisis but feel
limited by current contexts; individuals experiencing climate anxiety without an outlet for these feelings; professionals wishing to go beyond conventional sustainability. Ideal for those seeking to develop new ecological and creative literacies to imagine and create regenerated futures.
What You Gain: At its most basic level, we hope you leave with a toolkit that allows you to reflect on your values, biases, and decisions — and how they can shape a different world moving forward. We want you to take away a repertoire of practices and exercises to support your ongoing
process of ecological ressubjectivation. Additionally, you will gain a vision of a regenerated future and a concrete commitment to guide your path and future practices.
Your Commitment: As part of an academic research project, you are expected to commit to active participation over 5 weeks (6 encounters), dedicating 2 hours per session and up to 2 additional hours during the week for executing proposed practices (approximately 23 hours total over 35 days). This timeframe is projected to yield the best results in your regenerative process: paradigm shifts do not happen overnight ;)
Dates and Registration
Sweden: October to November.
6 in-person meetings on Wednesdays, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Dates: Oct 14, 21, 28, and Nov 4, 11, 21.
The final meeting requires 3 hours for future scenario building, taking place from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (date subject to joint confirmation with the group to maximize attendance).
Location: Växjö
Fika is served at all meetings <3
Materials: All materials are provided. Each participant receives the necessary kit for executing practices and exercises.
About Registration: Registration is free. The application form available via the button below is the first step in joining the journey. Six participants will be selected for each Community of Practice — a selective group size to ensure depth of experience and individualized accompaniment.
Before enroling, we recommend the reading of all this page and of the ethic protocol.
About the Research
This project is part of a post-doctoral research study at Linnaeus University, Sweden. The researcher, Dr. Coral Michelin, has dedicated over ten years to sustainability and regeneration. This investigation is connected to the research environment called Design After Progress, led by Åsa Stahl, Kristina Lindström, and Li Jönsson, funded by the Swedish Research Agency.
The Community of Practice is the planned method to test the 8 practices designed to stimulate ecological reconnection in those who exercise them. Some practices have been used in other contexts and are here assembled as part of a more complete pathway. Beyond these practices, the journey also includes reflective or preparatory exercises.
Being a research project means we will record feedback on the use of practices and their outcomes. Audio recordings and photographic records will be conducted in a way that omits identities and respects individual privacy.
Your participation involves informed consent, confidentiality, and data privacy in accordance with international ethical regulations, alongside valuable contributions to the fields of regenerative and ecosystemic design. All details are provided in the ethic protocol.
By registering, you agree to be part of this academic study.
