A Nature Course Invigorates and Empowers Us to Act and Speak Our Truth
Anonymous Participant Orientation
Course Evaluation
Organic Psychology Elements of Global Citizenship
Zen
Master and poet Thich Nat Han was asked by a visitor what needed to be
done to stop the destruction of the planet. Instead of saying stop the
war, love one another, end world hunger, or the like, he said, "What we
most need to do is to hear the Earth crying."
Master
Han understands all things are connected, that we are one with our
planet and it is one with us. He has coined the term "inter-are," and
uses it in relation to our relationship. This planet and all of it's
beings inter-are. We are linked to and dependent on the relationship
between us, our stories are intertwined and inseparable, no matter how
hard we leap to believe otherwise.
"Mutual
co-arising" is a term used in Buddhism and describes how life arises
together, life that supports life in a mutually rewarding manner,
communicating, playing an integral part of the Is-ness. These are
important understandings for our time.
Natural
Systems Thinking Process (NSTP) is a model we can use to experience the
Is-ness, Inter-are-ness and the mutual co-arising of the natural world.
The exercises allow a direct connection with Nature and the natural
systems through the webstrings that connect life to all other life. By
continuing to use these exercises we can unclog the pathways with which
we perceive our local and extended environment. If our disconnection
and separation from the rest of creation is at the root of our personal
and social woes then NSTP and the healing of our planet inter-are, they
are mutually dependent and will arise together.
Through
the exercises developed by Dr. Michael Cohen a person can re-member
with their innate sensory abilities and re-connect with their Natural
heritage. Understanding that we are not separate from Nature and that
as we destroy the planet's ecosystems we are destroying ourselves is
critical to envisioning a hopeful future. On an individual level we
realize we are never alone and that we are supported by powers greater
and more loving that we can imagine. This understanding alone can
change the face of Western Civilization and bring about much peace and
harmony to the world.
I
have had the good fortune to be raised out in the country and in close
relationship with Nature. It is no wonder I have chosen environmental
education, protection and rehabilitation as a life career. Even though
I have a well-established relationship with Nature I received a lot of
insight and benefit from participating in the Orientation Course. With
each exercise I felt myself melt into the natural flow of energy and
communication of the surrounding area, feeling its love and acceptance.
After each exercise I felt relaxed, renewed and appreciative. I began
feeling better toward myself, more forgiving and less apt to judge
myself harshly. I felt more able to handle the difficulties of life and
relationship with open heart and ears. Mostly I felt a growing feeling
self-worth and self-esteem that had laid dormant for many years and
this invigorated and empowered me to act and speak my truth.
Participating
with a group while completing the Orientation Course has been a
wonderful experience. I have loved hearing the thoughts and feelings of
the other learners and have benefited from the exchange. Having the
opportunity to hear other voices from around the world speaking the
feelings I hold in my heart has brought me closer to them although we
have never met. I hope someday to meet my course mates and tell them
how much I appreciate their wisdom and support, in person. Having
empathy and communication with people in other cultures connects us in
such a way that their trouble becomes my trouble and their joy becomes
my joy. I will not support action that will harm those I care for and
therefore the chance for war, or violent conflict is diminished. I will
not deliberately hurt what I love.
One
of the most precious things I got from our interact group was their
support. It can be a frightening event to open our hearts and minds to
strangers, inviting criticism and judgment. The level of acceptance and
kind words shocked me at first. I was not prepared to be listened to,
supported and encouraged by people I didn't know. It is hard to find
that among people I do know. I was uncomfortable with the positive
feedback and did not feel worthy to receive it. By continuing the
exercises, increasing my self-esteem and hearing the support of the
group I have been able to hold their goodwill and feel deserving. This
is a big change for me. I can only hope that my fellow participants
have been able to feel the love and support I have for them and how I
wish for them their highest good. These are feelings that heal.
During
this time I have placed many things into my Holy of Holies and it
continues to grow and shine. From Nature and our group I have placed
love, compassion, caring, tolerance, hope, joy, tears, patience,
beauty, belonging, brotherhood and sisterhood, self-love,
determination, wisdom and the ability to speak on behalf of those
without a voice. Having these and more in my sacred place gives me the
strength and resolve to embrace the future with bright and hopeful
eyes. Having the tools of NSTP gives me the means to stay
connected and help others to reconnect with nature. With each moment I
am in direct contact with the Natural, Intelligent, Accepting and
Loving aspects of Nature I am constantly feeding and strengthening my
Holy of Holies and my ability to be in service to our Mother Earth.
I
believe it is fundamental that if we as a species are to continue to
evolve we must balance our creativity with wisdom. If not our
creativity will likely destroy us and many other innocent life forms on
this planet. Self-reflective consciousness has developed to the point
that the separatist view is being challenged by a collective, or unity,
view of life. If we cannot make the step, or leap, to fully embracing
this collective potential we will certainly lose our societal
structure, if not the human species all together.
Even
if we change today the pain and suffering that will ensue will stagger
the heart and mind. The longer we wait the more traumatic the
experience will be and the longer it will be to social equilibrium and
balance. By employing the NSTP model into our lives we can reduce the
amount of personal suffering we experience as well as the collective
suffering around us. No one can make these changes for us. They cannot
be taught only the way can be shown. It will come down to our own
experience, beliefs and actions that will make the difference. NSTP
gives us the tools to find out our true place in Nature what we do with
that knowledge is up to us, individually and collectively.
Project NatureConnect
