Readin', Ritin', and Regeneration

Thoughts on growing a more peaceful planet

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and now live outside of Sacramento, California. Recently, my wife and I travelled back to the Midwest, making stops in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Returning to my roots always elicits memories of phrases passed along by my very colorful father.

 For several years, we lived in a rented house next to Route 23 on the south side of Columbus. Long before Dwight Yoakum wrote the  song “Readin’, Rightin, Route 23”, Dad said that those were the 3 R’s learned by residents of Appalachia seeking a better life in the “promised land” of Ohio. Both sides of my family have ancestors who moved north in search of job opportunities. Over time, I have developed an increased respect for them and for others who have worked hard in the fields, mines, and factories of our nation. Route 23 North oozes strife, struggle, and survival.

 There is another “R” word which has been knocking at my mental door lately. It is regeneration. The novel I am currently writing involves a marine biologist who seeks to apply knowledge of sea stars’ regenerative abilities to neurons in the human brain. In fact, there is research currently being conducted on that topic ( Sea cucumbers and starfish reveal the secrets of stem cells and regeneration). The ability to regrow new cells is, of course, not unusual. Humans daily regrow red blood cells, skin cells, fat cells, muscle cells- the list goes on.

 However,  once specific neurons in the human brain are damaged-such as occurs in dementia-regrowth does not occur. Researcher Kris Noel Dahl of Carnegie Mellon University is excited to apply knowledge of sea star neuronal growth to humans. "In the larval state, starfish have a distinctive head that contains their brain," says Dahl. "If the head is removed or damaged, the differentiated cells that are definitely not neural cells will de-differentiate, crawl up to the head region, and regrow into neurons. To not only do this in the larval state, but to regrow something as complex as a brain — this is an amazing regenerative capability"(The Future of Human Healing Lies in the Brain of the Starfish). Research into applying this learning to humans is ongoing, and exciting(Enhancement of neural regeneration as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease).

 I think we humans need to regenerate socially, going beyond gaining the capacity to regenerate cells and body parts. There is plenty of room for growth in this area. In his marvelous essay, “How to Design a Regenerative Mind,” Ernesto van Peborgh says “In the era of profound ecological and social upheaval, the call for regeneration becomes not just a strategy for environmental sustainability but a blueprint for a profound transformation of the human psyche”(How to Design a Regenerative Mind). van Peborgh goes on to say ”This perspective shifts our focus from intervention to participation, from dominance to dialogue, inviting us into a co-creative relationship with the ecosystems of which we are part”.

 Participation, dialogue, co-creation. These are powerful ideas. There is no better time than today to bring these ideas to fruition. In another powerful essay (Social regeneration and the fundamental principles toward activating regenerative communities) Jorge Garza offers this paradigm:

“In building our shared future, we must design infrastructures, institutions and regulations that are future-fit in their capacity to recognize themselves as living systems and contribute to cultivating humanity’s brightest side. We must encourage the development of healing infrastructures that foster a renewed sense of trust, purpose, co-existence and coherence among individuals, communities and organizations.”

Regenerative minds, regenerative infrastructures. Lofty ideals, but I believe they can be achieved if only we have the courage and conviction to begin. In November of 1863, President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, reminding Americans of the struggles we’d overcome eighty seven years previously. Lincoln inspired a broken nation to seek a new freedom, to devote themselves to uniting with others in order to save our democracy.

Today, I would argue that transforming our collective psyche into one based upon co-existence begins with an awareness of our own individual mindsets. Making peace means letting go of old combative ways of thinking and coming into dialogue with those with whom we may not fully agree. It means recognizing that we share this nation and this planet with multitudes of beings, each of whom want to be happy and safe.

 My Dad’s favorite joke involved twin buffalo named Harley and Arley. Harley and Arley were standing on the plains of Montana one dusty afternoon. Harley challenged Arley to a running race. The twins took off, running at full speed. Suddenly, Harley turned and noticed that Arley was a quarter mile behind him, staring into space. Returning to his brother’s side, he asked what was the matter.

     Arley replied, “I thought I heard a discouraging word.”

 Here’s hoping that you hear and utter words of encouragement, rather than discouragement, along your path. Whether you travel along Route 23, a creek-side trail, or Carefree Highway, I hope that all is well with you and yours during this long, hot holiday weekend.

     I’m curious:

*Is there a memorable motto or phrase that you’ve inherited from an older relative?

*What does the word ‘regeneration’ conjure up for you?

Thanks, as always, for reading my words. Stay cool. Be kind.