The Emérgéntly Framework

The Emérgéntly Framework consists of two spirals illustrating how Emérgéntly can be used as a metaphor for how complex systems function. It is a fractal  (pattern that repeats at different scales) using the four interdependent elements of Nature, Fire, Earth, Water, Air, mapped onto an unfolded tetrahedron in a dynamic spiral sequence. Download the Spirals Overview 

Functions Spiral	Application Spiral
The Functions spiral is a dynamic spiral of four interdependent elements, using the metaphors of a tetrahedron unfolded and the verbs, ENERGISES, SOLIDIFIES, UNIFIES, TRANSFORSMS, representing the four elements of Nature.  Note that the spiral represents a sequence, and that the element positions can change depending on context in order to reflect a different sequence or ranking of elements.	This is how to apply the Functions Spiral. CONTEXT energises our thinking in the place-time real world. The NATURE METAPHOR resonates across all cultures and solidifies the issues, inviting deep thinking to reveal the interdependent RELATIONSHIPS that unify diverse parts of the whole. MINDSETS transform ego-centric strategies into eco-centric approaches for the emergence of synergy and sustainable solutions in tune with Nature.

Why Emerge Gently?

Bridge the Gap Between Science and AI (Ancestral Intelligence)

Bridge the gap.
From connections,
solutions emerge.
Yodimi  

More on the Emergence of AI.

Emergence is self-generating, and emergent systems exhibit synergistic effects. This is the nature of nature, where individual parts of an ecosystem interact to catalyze the unfolding of events and the creation of life. This emergent synergy is what feeds the aliveness and growth of the living-system.
From: Regenerative Leadership by Giles Hutchens & Laura Storm

What are Emérgéntly's Foundations?

Jon and Yoshimi Brett, in conjunction with friends, ecologists, architects, farmers...facilitators of change...created the Emérgéntly Framework as an extension of TetraMap which focuses on the nature of behaviour (human nature). The same principles apply to the nature of systems. Emérgéntly adds the dynamic spirals to focus on the evolution of relationships and their interdependencies for a better understanding of whole-systems thinking (what they call eco-logic). The Emérgéntly Backstory describes a rough chronological cast of characters and their theories that have influenced Emérgéntly.

Planning and strategising traditionally begins by defining desired outcomes, envisioning the end result, then figuring out how to manifest it efficiently. Now, amidst multiple emergencies, it is imperative to first shift mindsets from siloed to systemic contexts. We can then plan holistically to catalyse solutions that emerge gently... boldly... often serendipitously.

Why Nature as a Metaphor?

Nature I am, Nature we are.
Heal Nature, heal ourselves.
Heal ourselves, heal Nature.
Yodimi   

Nature is our indigenous teacher, our AI – Ancestral Intelligence, filled with lessons that elegantly apply to challenges around getting along peacefully amidst ever-increasing chaos. She teaches us daily about the roles of biodiversity and interdependence in her ecological, connected systems. Nature does not waste, does not pollute. All of life adapts, contributes, is regenerative.

Nature shares her lessons with us through the 4 elements of Fire, Earth, Water and Air. These four elements are a common language understood by cultures around the world. Often accompanied by a fifth element, the metaphor may represent a combination of all elements or the bigger context that all elements exist within.

Why the Verbs Energises, Solidifies, Unifies, Transforms?

Emérgéntly is about functions (or roles) — how/what the system as a whole, energises, solidifies, unifies and transforms, hopefully to a better reality that serves Nature. The functions and the relationships between them determine the outcomes. For an example of this in practice, see the video, Emérgéntly Unfolded here=>

Why Triangles?

Triangles have no opposite sides or angles. The four triangles fold up into a three dimensional tetrahedron, a triangular based pyramid, which also has no opposite sides or angles. One face of the tetrahedron shares an edge with every other face, so they are all equally interconnected - equally interdependent.

The Emérgéntly triangular framework is essentially a map of the interdependent relationships between four unique elements. The tetrahedron is the way Nature works (see Buckminster Fuller). The carbon atom's tetravalent properties are a fractal for fourness in Nature and carbon  is the fourth most abundant element in the universe by mass after hydrogen, helium, and oxygen (see Wikipedia).

In fact, there is an Emergence Theory that reality is built from tetrahedrons.

Nature is a totally efficient, self-regenerating system. If we discover the laws that govern this system and live synergistically within them, sustainability will follow and humankind will be a success. R. Buckminster Fuller

Why Spirals?

Spirals are a convention for showing action sequences that are not simple, straight-line, linear sequences. Like our climate, every year we cycle through the same seasons, but every year the weather acts differently... ever dynamic, sometimes spiralling through disaster to a new equilibrium. In fact, our planet is spiralling through the universe.

Another example is the Kolb Learning Cycle which is also described as a continuous spiral.

Emérgéntly spirals through four phases (labelled elements). Depending on the order, the elements are positioned in the Emérgéntly framework. By convention, the spiral travels anti-clockwise out from the centre, then into centre of the next spiral… why?  

NEXT: Approach: Seed Spirals

Text by Yoshimi & Jon Brett is marked with CC0 1.0 (OK to copy)