May 19, 2024

Notes on an Ecological Approach*

Revealing the world we need and deserve within the world we have is an everyday practice of unlearning what we think we know and becoming present to how the miraculous future is already evident here. — Alexis Pauline Gumbs, "this is what it sounds like (an ecological approach)” (2010)

if you’re reading this issue of new terms & conditions on the date of its release, sunday, may 19, it is my birthday. as i write i am 10 subscribers away from 100 people receiving my words bi-weekly to their inbox. when i launched this newsletter back in january i was nervous. i hadn’t had a formal writing practice in several years, which i would now say aided in the most juiciest parts of my practice becoming a secret to myself as well as the world. it’s a scary thing to dream aloud, putting your lips to the universe’s ears and confessing your desires.

now, at almost 100 subscribers, the secret is out and what’s even more beautiful is the way that this process has (re)connected me to the parts of myself that were a whisper in rooms with folks who’s practices made my heart sing. i now celebrate being part of this deeply intertwined and entangled web of dreamers imagining new worlds that already exist, and the constellation of experiences, spaces, and conversations that have given shape to my practice.

An ecological approach is long-term. The intentional practice of growing a vision for a lovingly transformational way of life in an economic system that seeks to make our lives and love unthinkable feels ambitious and risky. It is actually as simple as remembering who we are, what life is, and acting accordingly, for the rest of our lives… and with an intergenerationally accountable relationship to the future with us always. — Alexis Pauline Gumbs, "this is what it sounds like (an ecological approach)” (2010)

when we remember everything is connected — that we are part of a set of interdependent relations between earth and humans we restore our ability to future. new terms & conditions, the forthcoming abc glossary, and my practice, are an invitation to restore our connections — to return to what already exist through an ecological approach. i not only reclaim my vision of a future that can and does exist but also my responsibility to ensuring that future comes into being. what does a return look like for you? what aspects of community and earth would you hold yourself accountable to? what aspects of your practice would you reimagine? what tools would you use? what tools would you use differently?

ec·o·log·i·cal

/ˌekəˈläjək(ə)l,ˌēkəˈläjək(ə)l/

1. relating to or concerned with the relation of living organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

this reflection feels especially fitting as i bask in my solar return. my grandmother used to say, “there’s nothing new under the sun.” it is a saying that speaks to our human evolution as we move through time but in this moment it speaks to me about the gift of living in a way that honors the fullness of my (our) creativity and desires so that we can dream in the face of capitalism. there is nothing new under the sun — everything we need is present and has always been. as i celebrate my practice i return.

i return to writing.

i return to sites of digital preservation.

i return to community rooted in care.

i return to archives.

to storytelling.

to teaching.

to visioning.

wishing us all a gentle return. to hear more about me finding my way back to myself, listen to episode 3 of the art workers podcast (thank you nathalia for having me).

lastly, it would be a much appreciated gift if you told a friend to tell a friend to subscribe. you also have the option of becoming a paid subscriber, which helps support in building the abc glossary (coming soon!)

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