Why Matriztica?

Mah-TREES-tee-ka

  • "Mah" as in "mat"

  • "trees" with a long "ee" sound

  • "tica" with the stress on the "trees" syllable

The term Matriztica refers to a concept developed by Chilean biologists Humberto Maturana and Ximena Dávila. It blends the Spanish word matriz (meaning "matrix" or "womb") with an emphasis on the interconnectedness and relational nature of all living systems.

In Matriztica, everything is seen as interconnected, with each part influencing and nurturing the whole, similar to a living organism or ecological system. This perspective not only encourages a deep awareness of how our actions and relationships shape and sustain life's social, biological, and spiritual fabric.

Matriztica Core Principles:

Relational Existence:


Matriztica asserts that we exist within an intricate web of relationships. Each living being is connected biologically, emotionally, and socially, impacting and impacting others within their environment. This web of relations is a continuous process of interaction, shaping and transforming the individuals and the collective in a constant state of becoming.

Interdependence & Co-Creation:

In the Matriztica view, every being co-creates reality through interactions with others. No one exists in isolation; we all participate in shaping our shared world. This idea extends beyond human relationships to include the natural world, encouraging respect, responsibility, and a sense of stewardship for the interconnected systems that sustain life.

Biology of Love:


A cornerstone of Matriztica is the concept of the biology of love, which Maturana and Dávila define as the fundamental emotional foundation for human connection and well-being. They argue that love is the primary emotion that enables us to accept others as they are, fostering a space of trust, empathy, and cooperation. This biology of love is viewed as essential for healthy relationships, societies, and even ecosystems.

Epistemology of the Observer:


Matriztica also touches on the idea that each individual is an observer who constructs their understanding of reality based on their unique experiences, emotions, and biology. This suggests that no objective reality exists, as each observer interprets the world differently. Recognizing this subjectivity encourages openness to diverse perspectives and reduces rigid thinking.

Holistic and Inclusive Perspective:

Rooted in systemic thinking, Matriztica sees all aspects of life—biological, psychological, social, and ecological—as interwoven. This perspective challenges reductionist approaches that attempt to separate or isolate elements of life. Instead, Matriztica encourages holistic views that honor the complexity and unity of existence.

Matriztica is more than a concept; it's a worldview that redefines what it means to be human in relation to each other and the planet.

To live with a Matriztica perspective is to embrace a way of being that honors relationships, values diversity, and sees love as a fundamental part of human nature. It invites us to cultivate environments where all life forms can thrive, encouraging a shift from competition to collaboration and isolation to belonging. It encourages us to live with a sense of interconnectedness, acknowledging that every action reverberates through the web of life.

This philosophy fosters a sense of responsibility, empathy, and gratitude for the world and all beings within it.