The Renaissance, a period of artistic and intellectual rebirth, forever changed the course of history and led directly to the world we live in today. While it ushered in incredible advancements, its shadow also led to many of the challenges we are trying to resolve.

How can we create a modern rebirth that has the best interest of all peoples and of nature in mind?

We weave together seven key elements for creating a modern renaissance: mindfulness, self-inquiry, art, nature, ritual, community, and the power of spaces.

The 7 Influences:

Mindfulness

The Renaissance period saw the translation of Greek philosophy into languages such as Italian, making classical wisdom available to new generations. The spread of writing from north Africa, the middle, and far east began to open up the minds of a western population long stuck in religious stagnation. Today, with the spread of those same ancient texts, as well as indigenous wisdom, and modern psychology; we have before us the path to heal generational trauma and improve our world. With recent acceptance for psychedelics in medicine, and other mind-opening practices, we are now witnessing the dawn of a collective spiritual awakening. Mindfulness here encompasses spiritually as a whole but does emphasize a more considerate approach to life and a deeper human experience where we are led by our hearts and live more conscious lifestyles.

Self-Inquiry

The 1500's saw the creation of italic in printmaking which allowed the sale of portable books–knowledge became more accessible for the common person, literacy increased, and people began to journal. Self reflection encouraged individuals to question traditional beliefs and explore their own thoughts and identities.

Today we continue to expand our understanding of ourselves and the world we live in. New ideas continue to fuel new discoveries, innovations, and inventions. The journal provides a powerful tool for rewriting the way we think, phone and laptops keep us connected and at the same time more easily distracted.

Self-Inquiry is the cultivation of self-knowledge and regaining agency for our lives. There are many paths to wisdom yet spiritual integrity is important in the study of the self through all conscious practices.

Art

Europe witnessed a profound revival of the arts during the renaissance. Masterpieces and inventions by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo reflected a renewed interest in classical forms, pushing the boundaries of creative expression, this new art changed common perception.

Today science affirms the how art contributes to mental wellness, to an improved ability to solve problems, and more. Yet art has recently been ignored as a contributor to social and cultural vibrance. In spite of all, Artists continue to use art to spread messages and challenge the perspective of the norm.

Art is a transformative expression that expands our imagination of what is possible. In a time when we are constantly glued to our phones, taking time to create and make art can be the rejuvenation we need.

Nature

Nature served as a wellspring of inspiration for Renaissance artists and thinkers. Realistic depictions of landscapes and anatomy reflected deep dives into the natural world, echoing the reverence for the divine inherent in nature. The interest in nature of this time was driven by both curiosity and Industry.

Today, though, we face the degradation of our environment due to the proliferation of corporations exploiting resources–a natural evolution from colonizers gaining wealth through domination and control. The work now lies in reconnecting with nature and uniting our forces to help regenerate the natural systems around us.

Nature in her infinite source of wisdom, reflects the divine and teaches us of the importance in every season and cycle–ultimately revealing the interconnectedness of all existence.

Ritual

Prior to the Renaissance most of western Europe was experiencing social challenges. Most people lived routined lives under the monarchs of the time and most rituals involved religious rites, civic ceremonies, and family celebrations; though the renaissance introduced them to more personal practices of self-care.

Today the act of ritual has become somewhat lost due to modernization and yet ritual is the formula by which spiritual harmony is restored. We highlight the act of rituals for re-creating the way we interact with ourselves, nature, and with with one another; this is the better honoring of our time and energy.

Rituals practiced with reverence bring symbolic meaning to daily life. Whether religious, social, or cultural; rituals provide a sense of order and significance which bring us into a more present state of being.

Community

Thriving communities of artists, scholars, and patrons contributed to the Renaissance's cultural vibrancy through their collaborative efforts and communal support which propelled the era's intellectual and artistic achievements. People began to create communities based on shared interests and intellectual pursuits.

Today our communities can be global. Thanks to the internet we can share information instantly, collaborate, and form relationships online. We have a wider intake of information than ever before, and choosing what to focus on matters, we get to decide daily what it is we are helping to create.

Community is the network of people with whom we share energy with every day as well as the global threads that allow the lifestyle we live. The power of community is discovering what we care about and organizing for complementary action.

Space

In the Renaissance, spaces became hubs for cultural exchange. The introduction of "new world" goods such as coffee aided by books led to creation of cafes, salons, workshops, and public squares. These spaces facilitated an environment conducive to innovation and creativity where diverse minds could coincide.

Today, with more physical isolation due to changes in lifestyle, the layout of most modern cities, and the recent pandemic; the value of third spaces is at the forefront. The key here lies in how we create and approach not only the spaces we inhabit but also the quality of our presence together.

Space -and the environment as a whole- shapes us and recreates us, we highlight the need for in-person gathering as well as using the internet to our advantage to extend our connection and time together.

In Conclusion

Mindfulness and self-inquiry can guide us towards conscious consumption and responsible innovation. Art that confronts environmental concerns and that invites us inward can be a powerful catalyst for change. Reconnecting with nature fosters a sense of stewardship for our planet. Rituals and communities built around shared values of care and social awareness can become the bedrock of a thriving society. Designing mindful spaces that promote collaboration and dialogue can become the spark for transformative ideas.

However, a truly flourishing future demands that we confront the wrongs of the past. Here's where our vision for a modern renaissance diverges from its historical counterpart. Readdressing the imbalances caused by violence require restitution, education, and empowering resources. To address the pitfalls of corporations, we need stricter regulations, a focus on social responsibility, and creating models of exchange that prioritize human well-being over profit and efficiency.

This will not be easy. These issues are intricately linked, and progress will be gradual. But just as the Renaissance was ignited by inquisitive minds and collaborative spirit, a modern renaissance can be fueled by many of us coming together. By engaging in collaboration, sharing diverse perspectives, and organizing together to drive change.