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Weekend Getaway: Exploring Our Shadow Side

April 21, 2024 | by

Weekend Getaway:

Exploring Our Shadow Side

In our “Weekend Getaways” series, we aim to offer unique escapes that inspire reflection and rejuvenation. Our first getaway took us to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, where we explored sustainable tourism and its impact on local communities. Our second getaway takes us somewhere a bit different—to our shadow side.

Unmasking the Shadow Side

Anna Denardin, Christina Maria Cecilia Sayson, Luiza Oliveira, and Samantha Suppiah have identified 19 harmful behaviors commonly encountered in the sustainability and regeneration industries. They have created six “masks” to help individuals embody and reflect on these behaviors for deeper self-awareness.

The Six Masks

These masks represent various negative behaviors and attitudes that can emerge in the sustainability sector, such as:
  • The Perfectionist: Striving for unattainable standards, hindering progress and innovation.
  • The Savior: Believing that one has all the answers, disregarding local knowledge and experiences.
  • The Gatekeeper: Controlling access to resources and information, limiting collaboration.
  • The Virtue Signaler: Performing ethical behaviors for recognition rather than genuine impact.
  • The Martyr: Overworking and sacrificing personal well-being for the cause, leading to burnout.
  • The Blamer: Focusing on faults and failures instead of solutions and growth.

Embracing Inner and Outer Work

At StayAltered, we recognize that “no one is free from these masks.” We have all embodied and encountered these behaviors at some point. Acknowledging and addressing them is essential for personal growth and meaningful progress in our work. The inner work of self-reflection and transformation is just as crucial as the outer work of making a tangible impact.

Learning from Thought Leaders

We extend our gratitude to Freya Higgins-Desbiolles for sharing this insightful resource from POSSIBLE FUTURES Decolonial Collective. Their work, drawing inspiration from Tema Okun, Heather Luna, and their experiences, highlights the importance of addressing underlying patterns and behaviors in the sustainability movement.