• Business as Usual describes the dominant industrial-growth society and its colonial roots, focused on endless economic growth and competition. It views crises like climate change and social unrest as temporary setbacks and largely maintains existing power structures.

• The Great Unraveling tells the story revealed by activists, scientists, and Indigenous leaders who expose the systemic harms underlying our current systems: environmental destruction, social injustice, and ongoing colonial violence. It reveals the deep crises we face—from ecological collapse to inequality and displacement.

• The Great Turning offers a hopeful, emerging narrative of transformation toward a life-sustaining society. It emphasizes respect for the Earth, cooperation, social justice, and reconnecting with Indigenous wisdom and relational ways of being. This story highlights courageous efforts to defend life, reshape societal foundations, and shift values and perceptions.
  
  

This framework supports cultural creatives, educators, and changemakers in diagnosing dominant narratives and inspiring new stories rooted in justice, regeneration, and solidarity. It encourages holding the tension between despair and hope and joining movements that act for a thriving planet and equitable future.

Links:

• Three Stories of our Times 

  • https://workthatreconnects.org/three-stories-of-our-times/ 

• Dimensions of the Great Turning

  • https://workthatreconnects.org/great-turning/ 

• The Work That Reconnects:

  • https://workthatreconnects.org 

Listen - We Are The Great Turning – Episode 2: The Three Stories of Our Time

https://youtu.be/04Ne1hvm4X4?si=H3IDGuApqcZJ9xs6
Legendary activist Joanna Macy and environmental advocate Jess Serrante in dialogue.
From the 10-part free podcast, We Are the Great Turning.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyOuAoSmZkKrkSok2aN6USVCiTuqwrXvi 

“The Work That Reconnects helps people discover and experience their innate connections with each other and the self-healing powers of the web of life, transforming despair and overwhelm into inspired, collaborative action.” – Joanna Macy