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Complex Mess

Complex Mess Complex Mess Complex Mess

engaging effectively with complex problems

engaging effectively with complex problemsengaging effectively with complex problemsengaging effectively with complex problems

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Creative expressions

"How to allow the complexity of our own selves to be IN the discourse ... instead of having the discourse ABOUT complexity?" - Nora Bateson


By including art, poetry, graffiti, music in our sense-making...


Get in touch if you have a creative expression you would like to share that will help us engage with Complex Messes on a different level, putting us IN the discourse.


I would like my expression here

Advice

A proper ma’am, just out of nappies.

Well-meaning or full of hubris?

Either way, you exhaust me.

Observant, but with tunnel-vision

pecking at problems seen through your own eyes,

my capacities dulled as yours inflate.

You add to my burdens of guilt and fragility

overlooking who I am in your need to be wise.


There should be another word for this

stripped of self-importance and pride.

What poverty dwells in the English language

where one word, one gesture,

can be both so welcomed and deeply resented!

Advice needs some advice it seems.


Give me another word 

                  where

advice is meant ….


as a word, idea, or gesture 

emerging where wisdom meets silence

and careful listening banishes noise.

A sharing of our common humanity

embracing another’s frailty 

to produce satisfaction – even joy.


Fiona Haines   March 2024

Complex Mess

We acknowledge all Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, where we work and live that is the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been managing Complex Messes in this place for thousands of years. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present.

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