Introduction to Deliberately Developmental Spaces - a 6-Session Prototype Course
We need cultural experiments that are transformative. We need them for our own lives and society at large.
What: Our first-run “Intro to DDS” course.
When: 6 sessions Wednesday 5th- Wednesday 12th February 2025 1700-1830 CET.
How: This series is invite-only to help us in the development of the material.
This course is an opportunity to explore the ideas connected to Deliberately Developmental Spaces together in a small group and for the presenters to develop and distill this material with the benefit of a deadline and audience.
Our longer-term intention with this material is to distill it into a white paper and a more polished, openly accessible course. This approach is inspired by what we did at Life Itself for the Second Renaissance Pilot Course in December 2023.
Overview
Deliberately Developmental Spaces (DDSs) are environments consciously supporting cultural and ontological development (and, at the cutting edge, experimenting and innovating in this).
These spaces focus on deliberate, conscious cultivation of inner capacities, informed by multi-dimensional models of development. They can have a wide range of foci, from advanced spiritual growth to conscious parenting experiments grounded in attachment theory.
DDSs have similarities with existing institutions ranging from Harvard Business School to Buddhist monasteries. However, they also are different, or at least offer a different frame. For example, they emphasize the inner dimensions of development, including the spiritual, far more than traditional education institutions. They differ from (some) traditional monasteries in taking a more multi-dimensional approach to development and having a greater “lay” emphasis. Finally, these spaces are informed by rich ontological models and go beyond basic practices (e.g., mindfulness in schools), aiming for significant cultural and ontological transformation.
DDSs are not uniform, and there is significant variation and experiment in form and focus. For example, while some DDSs may focus on spiritual advancement, others may center around community flourishing or education. The broader DDS lens allows us to see how diverse environments can contribute to the learning and practices necessary for cultural and ontological innovation.
Course Outline
Here is our current outline for each session in brief.
Session 1: Metacrisis motivation
Why do we want DDSs? Why do we desire cultural and ontological innovation?
Introduction to the concept of cultural and ontological innovation.
Why traditional institutions fall short in addressing deeper developmental needs.
Case for urgency: societal challenges and the need for innovation in human development.
Session 2: Domain, Maps, Rafts
What is ontological and cultural “development”? Theoretical frameworks and key terminology.
Introduction of the terminology of Domains, Maps, Compasses and Rafts
Exploration of multi-dimensional models of development.
Key theoretical underpinnings (e.g., spiritual, psychological, and social frameworks).
Examples from Ramana Maharishi, Lester Levinson, and attachment theory.
Session 3: What Are Deliberately Developmental Spaces (DDSs)?
Existing examples and analogies: Case studies and inspiration from diverse domains.
What makes a Deliberately Developmental Space different: Characteristics, goals, practices and distinguishing features.
Defining DDSs and their core principles: conscious cultivation, innovation in techniques, and deeper engagement.
Session 4: How to create and sustain DDSs
Practical guidance for initiating and supporting these environments
Ecologies of practices for example the Praxis Ecology developed at the Life Itself Bergerac Hub by Valerie.
Key questions to consider.
Session 5: How do we build a field/network?
We'd like to see DDSs network together, exchanging knowledge, exchanging learnings etc across the broader network of DDSs.
Sharing knowledge, methods, and learnings among spaces.
Vision for a broader impact: connecting diverse spaces under a unified lens.
Session 6: Broader Lens, Applications and Future Directions
Ecumenical vision: there are many different forms of DDS and whilst we can identify a core for this specific emerging field we can also use the DDS as a lens to look at the wider field of educational environments.
Applying the DDSs framework to fields like education, parenting, public health, politics and academia community building.
Envisioning the future: how DDSs can transform culture and society.
Conclusion
We need new cultural experiments, and those that are both developmental and integrative. They’re not just developing the individual; they’re integrating. They’re cultivating wisdom. They’re also cultivating a deeper relationship to life. They’re about integrating the mind, body, and spirit. We need cultural experiments that are transformative. We need them for our own lives and society at large.
