Abstract

This conceptual paper argues that change makers, here called transformation stewards, attempting to catalyze transformational change need three core skillsets specific to stewarding transformative change, and further argues that mindfulness practices can potentially enhance these capacities. One skillset is reflexive systems-based awareness and understanding. Another includes capacities for fostering what gives life in complexly wicked social-ecological systems. A third is having capacity for and willingness to steward whole system change, rather than lead it in the conventional sense, which is made necessary because of the nature of organizing transformation stewards in complex, life-oriented systems. Tentative evidence from the literature supports the idea that a combination of experience and mindfulness practices of various sorts can enhance these capabilities.