Ecological Wisdom:
Paul Krafel's Hand Trowel Work: Small actions, deep observation, working with natural systems
Loess Plateau Restoration: Proof that upward spirals can transform vast landscapes (documentary)
Systems Thinking:
Donella Meadows' Leverage Points: Understanding where to intervene in systems for maximum positive impact
Design from Trust Principles: Building trustworthy improvement practices (explore the full framework)
Martial Arts Philosophy:
Aikido's Blending Principle: Using incoming energy rather than fighting it
Zanshin (Continuing Awareness): Staying present to how your actions land
Week 1: Micro-Scale Awareness + Trust Building
Set intention each morning: "What will I touch today, and how can I build trust while improving it?"
Practice three small improvements daily, always with permission
Evening reflection: "What did I leave better? How did I build trust?"
Week 2: Inquiry Development
Before improving anything, ask: "What's already working here?"
Practice one appreciative question daily
Notice when you want to "fix" vs. when you want to "tend"
Practice "Assume Good Faith" - look for positive intentions in others
Week 3: Permission and Boundaries
Ask before improving things that belong to others
Practice saying no to improvement opportunities that drain you
Distinguish between your role and others'
Experiment with "Nothing About Us Without Us"
Week 4: Scale Navigation and Community
Identify which scales feel most natural to you
Practice moving between scales mindfully
Connect with one potential practice partner
Share your learning with someone else
Before Acting:
What's the energy here? What does this situation want?
Am I the right person to help with this?
How can I build trust while creating positive change?
What's the smallest intervention that could create positive momentum?
During Practice:
Am I working with the grain or against it?
How is my energy being received?
Am I including the right people in this improvement?
What am I learning about improvement itself?
After Action:
What ripples did this create?
How did trust levels change?
What would I do differently next time?
How did this serve the larger web of relationships?
Core Reading:
"Thinking in Systems" by Donella Meadows
"The Art of Peace" by Morihei Ueshiba (founder of Aikido)
"Emergent Strategy" by adrienne maree brown
Design from Trust Principles - The philosophical foundation
Practices to Explore:
Appreciative Inquiry
Theory U
Permaculture Design
Restorative Justice
Nonviolent Communication
Connected Communities:
Transition Towns movement
Aikido dojos (for the physical practice)
Social innovation networks
Regenerative business communities
Upkido is an experiment in collective improvement guided by principles that build rather than erode trust. We're still figuring out what practices work best, which techniques are most effective, and how to create sustainable upward spirals at every scale.
Ready to join? Contact us to connect with other practitioners and help evolve this practice.
Already practicing? Share your experiences, challenges, and discoveries. The dojo grows stronger when we learn together, and trust deepens through shared vulnerability and growth.
Remember: The goal isn't perfection - it's direction. Every small improvement you make with integrity and care teaches you something about the art of positive change and trustworthy strength.