Systemic Principles

The human being is a living, adaptive system, continuously interacting with natural surrounding eco-systems, artificially built environments, societal norms and cultural behaviours.

Each actor has some degree of influence on each other through multiple biological and psychological pathways, including epigenetic regulation and salutogenic conditions.

A Circular Perspective of Human Experience

Human actions → changes in surrounding systems → changes in the conditions people encounter → effects on human functioning and quality of life → changes in subsequent actions.*

*adapted from: Moksnes UK. Sense of Coherence. 2021 Mar 12. In: Haugan G, Eriksson M, editors. Health Promotion in Health Care – Vital Theories and Research. Cham (CH): Springer; 2021. Chapter 4. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-63135-2

EPIGENETICS

Through movement, nutrition, mental practices, and the spaces we inhabit, we can shape some of the inputs and conditions to which our bodies respond.

By choosing appropriate practices, we aim to support health, recovery, and quality of life.

SALUTOGENESIS

By making informed, appropriate, and sustainable changes, we take ownership of the choices and conditions to support health, physical and mental capacities, and quality of life—while caring for the surrounding systems on which we depend.

In other words: people help shape the conditions that subsequently shape their lives. It's a living circularity.

SYNTROPY

Through adequate and diverse nutrition, regular movement, supportive relationships, mental space, and a healthy habitat, we work with the body’s processes of regulation and adaptation rather than treating wellbeing as endless consumption or optimisation.

Mental Clarity

Attention practices, meditation and mindfulness studies report changes in stress- and inflammation-related epigenetic markers, impriving the response to stress, and possible opportunities for psychological recovery.

Habitat and Living Space

Environmental exposures, the places and the conditions in which daily activities take place, can change the way we experience life, lower the stress levels and improve the conditions for well-being.

Nutrition for good Health

Food composition, dietary pattern, correct amount, and bio-synchronized meal routines provide both resources for metabolism and positive influence on cellular regulation.

Movement and Dexterity

Conscious movements create physical demands that the body adapts to, with positive results. Scientific research documents changes in DNA methylation and other gene-regulatory processes following purpose-targeted and personalized exercise.

Related SDG Partnerships for Action

Certification as a Sustainable Living Guide

This certification program is designed for practitioners of yoga, nutrition, wellness, mental health, and similar specializations. The aim is to enrich your practice with the Simple Guiding Principles of Sustainable Living and give you the seal of quality that will set you apart.

Sustainable Makeover

Sustainable Makeover aims to help girls and young women from all backgrounds to amplify their talents and natural beauty, gain confidence in themselves, and embrace their potential to be the leaders of sustainable change. The initiative is registered in the UN SDG partnerships system. The toolkits produced for the program will be integrated with the Encyclopedia on Sustainable Living in the Post-Pandemic World.

Connecting principles
  epigenetics - one connecting mechanism     understanding gene regulation     lifestyle and environmental influences       physical activity       nutrition       psychological stress       environmental exposures     interpreting evidence       what studies measure       association and causation       limits of personal control
      Relationships with surrounding systems      surrounding systems        natural ecosystems          air and atmosphere          water and aquatic environments          soil and land          plants and animals          microorganisms          climate and seasons          ecological processes
        built and material systems          homes and workplaces          streets and public spaces          mobility infrastructure          food systems          water and sanitation          energy systems          materials and waste          digital infrastructure
        social and cultural systems          family and close relationships          neighbours and community          culture and traditions          education and knowledge          work and economy          institutions and public services          information and media          shared values and norms
      relationships and interactions        dependence and support          air          water          food          materials          shelter          energy          care          knowledge          opportunities
        access and participation          availability          affordability          accessibility          inclusion          autonomy          practical constraints
        experience and meaning          sensory experience          beauty and inspiration          safety and trust          belonging          identity          memories          cultural meaning          spiritual meaning
        influence and impact          consumption          resource use          emissions          waste          effects on other living beings          effects on other people          contribution to shared spaces
        reciprocity and care          giving back          sharing          repair          restoration          supporting biodiversity          caring for shared resources          mutual support
        rhythms and adaptation          day and night          seasons          local conditions          social schedules          changing circumstances
        sufficiency          recognising enough          distinguishing needs from wants          reducing unnecessary consumption          balancing comfort and resource use
        stewardship          everyday responsibility          collective action          participation in decisions          long-term thinking          care for future generations