The term wicked problem was new to me before this course. My understanding of what a wicked problem entailed was entirely new for me when I entered the classroom for this seminar. I know a little about climate change, but I wasn’t aware it had a name. When it comes to environmental issues, wicked problems are those that arise as a result of struggles that have been existing over a period of time over natural resources and the reach of economic gain. Climate change, inequality, starvation, and health care are all examples of wicked problems. It is possible to have wicked issues of varying severity and influence on the globe. Climate change is one example of a wicked problem that is becoming increasingly widespread. Climate change is complicated by many lesser issues that complicate any attempt to address it. My parents have never discussed climate change with me since they believed it was a political matter, but my sister has always been interested in these topics and would talk to me about them whenever she had the opportunity. When I learned about climate change or terrible economic problems, I was enthralled and wanted to know what I could do to better the economy. Before, if my sister mentioned an issue, I’d conduct some research and get paralyzed by the sheer volume of knowledge, unsure of what I should do next or, worse, unwilling to take action because I didn’t know where to begin. This course aims to bring a compassionate curiosity to the many ways to understand a wicked problem.

Beginning with our minds, intellectually analyzing a wicked problem is one of the most crucial ways to comprehend it, but it may also be the most difficult. For the first time in history, I believe that sustainability and climate change are now becoming a topic of conversation in today’s globe. Even while this has a beneficial effect today, we still need to keep asking questions and analyzing what we call ‘sustainable’ and whether it is genuinely sustainable and long-lasting for the future. Together, we must rethink the way we produce sustainable solutions and accept responsibility for our actions in order to come up with answers to wicked problems. By using our mind and critical thinking to come with innovative solutions to the issue will allow us to have more productive conversations. When addressing wicked problems, I’ve discovered that bringing in a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives is critical since it fosters a more creative atmosphere. I enjoy hearing everyone’s diverse perspectives in class because it opens my eyes and encourages me to think critically about the issues we’re discussing.

To grasp a wicked situation, one must also go to the heart. A wide range of negative emotions, such as horror, despair, and outright shock, can be elicited by wicked issues. When we observe the impact of wicked problems, these feelings might arise. Inequality in wealth, for example, is a nasty problem that elicits alarm. It’s frightening to consider that a society dominated by the wealthy may emerge from our current state of economic disparity. My grief and rage for these folks are compounded by the alarming situation of the growing wealth gap. Nevertheless, it may be a tool for empathizing with others who are impacted by a horrible condition, even if sometimes it is unhealthy to solely follow our emotions instead of our reason. Rather than focusing on the difficulties I face, I rather need to focus on what I can do to help. I have the power to affect change just by following my heart. My heart alone can inspire people to grow and can lead to a positive impact on the world around us. The things that make each of us unique include our unique set of beliefs and worldviews and our diverse experiences and upbringing. Our capacity to comprehend and empathize with others is pushed to the limit when we blend these elements together, especially in a new circumstance or cultural context.

Finally, a wicked problem may be viewed via the senses of the body. Taking action is the only way to understand a complex issue thoroughly. Taking action includes participating in community clean-ups and environmental conservation efforts as a volunteer. When I was in high school, I was a part of a group that planted trees around the campus. Trees, in addition to being calming and allowing you to engage with nature, provide several environmental benefits. I believe it is critical to have a somatic perspective on a complex subject, yet this is something that is frequently neglected. We read about global warming in the papers and in school, but it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we, as individuals, must take action if we hope to see a difference in our environment. We, humans, are to blame for the current state of affairs on the planet. We, as well as all other living creatures, are at risk because of this destruction. As a result, we must act quickly to protect our ecosystem.

Throughout this course, I believe that I’m making my way to completing the goal of understanding wicked problems with a compassionate, humble response. I can improve on this by having more open conversations with people who have different opinions. It’s hard to talk across different genders, political views, or religions, and I often avoid talking to them. I am not an arguable person or think a certain way; I am actually very open-minded to things and readily welcome new perspectives that might not align with me. However, I just don’t talk even though having diverse conversations is more innovative, better at problem-solving, and better off in the long run. I can also improve by implementing mindfulness practices. Through further connecting with my mind, heart, and body, I gain the tools to confidently learn, discuss, and evaluate all sorts of challenging and complex, wicked problems. Not only that but being aware of my feelings and senses can help me direct my attention away from how I am thinking, which is usually negative and help me engage with the world around me.