Displacing the Mind to the Body: Combining Methodologies to Address Socio‐Ecological Crises

This paper integrates arts‐based methodologies into research and design, bringing new ways of knowing to the complex socio‐ecological challenges we face today. New findings demonstrating that cognition is deeply rooted in bodily and social interactions highlight the need to shift our focus from the mind to the body. The authors provide a conceptual foundation and detailed instructions for practicing Social Presencing – which focuses on social dynamics – and Warm Data, which focuses on interrelationships within systems. Outcomes for participants included a clear evolution from stagnation and conflict to greater connection and potential for collective action, and the ability to face complex problems with a more collaborative perspective.