Online Learning Lab
Beautiful Economies
A New Story of Economics - Rooted in Life and Connection
Step into a six-week embodied learning experience that moves past empty promises. Together, we’ll discover economic stories and practices that nourish communities, heal the Earth, and inspire hope.
Testimonials
"This lab has facilitated such a beautiful reimagining of economics in a way that leaves me time and time again, feeling full of appreciation. I'm grateful to experience, in an embodied way, an economic model that feels hopeful, compassionate, and sustainable."“It wasn't just about concepts; it was about connection - with others in the group, with my personal and professional network, and with the fundamental values that drive real societal change.”“The way you lead us into enormous ideas through embodiment makes so much sense, not just to my brain, but to my whole being.”
about you
You are ready to get real
Are you a changemaker noticing how the words sustainability and regeneration seem to ring hollow in the mouths of corporations and politicians? Are you a leader looking for a way to make sense of our current global challenges that incorporates the heart as well as the head? Are you an educator trying to communicate these challenges in ways that empower and engage?And are you ready to move beyond the greenwash?The Beautiful Economies Learning Lab was designed for you.Sign up now and meet your fellow travellers.
Beyond the greenwash there is a place...
It's called the Beautiful Economies Learning Lab. Let's meet there.
Next Lab Dates
Lab 11: Tue Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct 21, 28
9.00 - 11.00 UK time
Lab 12: Tue Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct 21, 28
13.00 - 15.00 UK time
Lab 13: Wed Sept 10, 17, 24 Oct 1, 22, 29
15.00 - 17.00 UK time
Context
Why Beautiful Economies?
When we think of economies we rarely think of beauty. In our current system the emphasis is on consumption, production and the growth of GDP.In this Learning Lab, we take a different view. Here, economics is the many different ways we organise our energy and resources (both material and non material) to meet our fundamental needs in harmony with our surroundings. This opens up the possibility of building systems that do not harm ourselves, others and the Earth upon which we depend, and even actively restore and heal us.We call these Beautiful Economies.
Join us as we reframe the story, remember our shared purpose and re-enchant the dismal science.
reframing
What stories underpin our current system?
We are storytelling beings. We make sense of the world through narratives which shape our choices and grow our cultures. Today perhaps the biggest story driving our decisions is the story of economics. It tells us what is of value, where to invest our time and energy, where to place our attention. But is this story aligned with our deeper values and a healthy ecology? And if not, why is it still so compelling?We are here to unpick that with you.
remembering
What part can we play in a Barefoot Economy?
In the 90s in Latin America a group of researchers created a framework for assessing the health of an economy through the lens of nine fundamental human needs. They called it Barefoot Economics or Human Scale Development and it turns conventional economic theory on its head. Can you really call yourself rich if you work so hard you have no time with your loved ones? Is money really the measure of wealth?Let's find out together.
re-enchanting
How can we have eyes for the beautiful?
Economics is often called 'the dismal science', yet it dominates every aspect of our lives. It paints a picture of human culture as self-serving and transactional. Yet the truth is that each of us only made it this far through the selflessness of those who cared for us as children, the institutions and infrastructure our societies have collectively invested in and everyday kindnesses which often go unnoticed. In this Learning Lab we will foreground the myriad ways in which we show up for each other and the more than human world, and the beauty we are all capable of creating.
Read more about the course content by clicking the link below
Our Approach
We have created this online learning lab with the purpose of reinforcing the importance of real life inter-personal connection. Group size is limited to eight participants to allow more time to get to know each other and draw on the unique knowledge and gifts each of us will bring.Blending the best of online facilitation with the neuroscience of connection and somatic practice, we create deeply embodied experiences and build in human connection at every opportunity.Expect thought-provoking off-screen activities, personal and group reflection and small achievable weekly tasks that engage with the world beyond your zoom window. This is a space to share and learn with a small group of humans willing to leave their job titles in the waiting room.
Learning Lab Fee
Reduced: (for students and those on low income) £120
Regular: (to cover cost of design and delivery) £180
Solidarity: (for those in a position to offer more support) £240
Executive: (you are doing well out of the current system and are ready to give back) £360 - £1000
If you cannot afford the reduced ticket, but still want to join, please get in touch to discuss a free or low cost place. If you are in a position of privilege please buy a solidarity ticket or contact us to find out how you can support this work further.FFI Contact: [email protected]
Next Dates
Lab 11 Sept 9 - Oct 28: 9.00-11.00 UK time
Lab 12 Sept 9 - Oct 28: 13.00-15.00 UK time
Lab 13 Sept 10 - Oct 29: 15.00-17.00 UK time(note: no sessions from Oct 6 -17)
The Beautiful Economies Learning Lab consists of six weekly sessions lasting 2 hours. Between sessions there are some gentle prompts to help integrate the learning and access to a shared whiteboard to collect your experiences.Please note that there will be NO RECORDINGS of the Lab. This is an interactive embodied process which requires your presence as part of the group. Please check that you can make all dates proposed before signing up.
Book your place here:
Inez Aponte
I am an educator, storyteller and consultant in the Human Scale Development approach, also known as Barefoot Economics. Barefoot Economics uses a fundamental needs framework to assess the health of economies, and helps us change the narrative around economic success to include the many ways we meet our needs that fall outside the scope of westernised notions of value.Drawing on my background in performance storytelling and improvisation, I focus on the interplay between language, narrative and behaviour change and help people cultivate a ‘radical collective imagination’, as the basis for addressing our shared complex challenges.Clients and collaborators include Schumacher College, the Centre for Alternative Technology, Bath University and The Montfort Social Institute in Hyderabad, India.I am a fellow of the Schumacher Institute.In 2021 I founded a social enterprise called Crazy Beautiful World with my then 16 year old son. Our mission is to connect young people with the adults who care about their future to explore compassionate and wise ways to navigate the challenges of the 21st Century.