Let's go about this slowly

Author

Alison Gold
July 29, 2025

Dear Reader,

What is your relationship with time? In the U.S. (and many other places) our culture encourages efficiency, speed, and urgency. Yet, whether in my consulting or teaching work, I find that often I am encouraging people to think about the pace they’ve internalized about doing work versus the pace that would allow them to bring the level of intention to building relationships and attention to understanding history and context that they need to do the work of transforming institutions, communities, and systems.

A few months ago, I came across this poem by Mary Oliver, and I find I keep re-reading it and sharing it with folks with whom I work and collaborate. So I thought I would share it with you

Be well and do good,

Alison

❝

I Did Think, Let’s Go About This Slowly

I did think, let's go about this slowly.
This is important. This should take
some really deep thought. We should take
small thoughtful steps.

But, bless us, we didn’t.

– Mary Oliver

P.S. I will decamping to Optimistic Anthropology’s summer HQ in Sarajevo on June 5. If you’re coming to town, please let me know and “hajmo na kafu!” (“let’s go for coffee!”)

P.P.S. I have the capacity to take on some additional work in 2023! If you have something brewing and need a collaborator, let’s schedule time to chat!

THE LATEST

OUT NOW: Optimistic Anthropology in the Work of Systems Changemakers

Optimistic Anthropology’s Founder, Alison Gold, has contributed a chapter to the new book, Anthropological Optimism: Engaging the Power of What Could Go Right (Routledge Press).

Alison’s chapter is entitled "Optimistic Anthropology in the Work of Systems Changemakers" and it focuses on insights and stories from three leaders about 1) who needs to be engaged in the work of transforming systems; 2) how to cultivate interdependency between people, communities,

and institutions that make up systems; and 3) how to understand a system’s history. Many thanks to Kevin Wright, PhD; Jyothi Marbin, MD; and Archie Nagraj who are featured in the chapter! Stay tuned, we’re hoping to organize a webinar to discuss the ideas together in the future!

(20% off in April 2023.)

Bringing Into Being New System Goals & Cultural Models

Read this bonus content that emerged from researching and writing “Optimistic Anthropology in the Work of Systems Changemakers.”

About Optimistic Anthropology

Optimistic Anthropology LLC works with organizations and cross-sector collaborations to build their knowledge, strategies, and cultures so that they can transform systems, institutions and communities to shape a more positive, just, and equitable world. We are facilitators, collaborators, and strategic advisors who work with our clients to intentionally learn about how the current reality came to be and what it will take to shape a different future.

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