We plant trees, but why?

May 22, 2013

NOTE: Images in this archived article have been removed.

Image RemovedIn this edition of the podcast series “Bærekraft i Skandinavia” (Sustainability in Scandinavia), I reach out into the world and connect with artist, writer, and filmmaker from the United States, Joseph Redwood-Martinez. He has recently made a full length documentary that explores a reforestation initiative in Haiti, namely Sadhana Forest. The documentary is called One day, everything will be free.

In our conversation we go deep into some of the themes explored in the documentary, and Joseph also explains how immersing himself in the Sadhana Forest community challenged his whole way of thinking and being. Why do we want to change someone or something? What are our motivations? Is it actually possible to really change something? Do we even know why things are the way they are, just now? These are just some of the truly thought provoking questions that came up, making this conversation highly relevant for people involved in change initiatives or community building projects. Joseph is also looking for people who can screen his film, so feel free to contact him regarding this.

James Alexander Arnfinsen

James Alexander Arnfinsen has a teaching qualification from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), while also being trained in dialogue facilitation, conflict resolution and mindfulness. He is currently working as a teacher in Trondheim, Norway and as a mediator through the Norwegian Mediation and Reconciliation Service. He also runs his own company Agent for Endring (“agent for change”). An other important affiliation is his engagement with the network Sustainable Co-Creation, a three year leadership program led by Steen Hildebrandt and Michael Stubberup from Denmark, together with Arawana Hayashi and Otto Scharmer from Presencing Institute. In his free time he practices Aikido, a Japanese martial art that in it´s essence is about creating a healing relationship towards oneself and others. You can contact James at james.arnfinsen@gmail.com.


Tags: change-making, Haiti, reforestation