The New Paradigm Is Already Here

Abstract

This paper explores how abstract concepts of alignment, such as moving between different levels of attention, were made visible and concrete in a case study carried out in the context of nature tourism. The alignment practices were mapped from a design research project, where the aim was to construct and explore a prototype of future culture based on care and awareness-based co-creation. The paper combines literature form care ethics and ontology of becoming to support the alignment concepts form awareness-based systems change approach, Theory U. In addition, the collaborative and dialogical tradition of constructive design research is being introduced as a potential sense-making approach to explore the deeper meanings of experiences and events in the development process together with local stakeholders. Later, the research findings are discussed in the light of the individual and collective capacity building needs, which aim to change our inner mindset and posture of being and becoming with the world. Finally, the paper argues that the potential for change and the choice to bring about that change can be found within us as a willingness and readiness to re-invent ourselves in every moment, every encounter, and interaction.