Psychological 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 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.
Additional student reviews of the course are available at
orienteval2a.html
orienteval3g.html
orienteval4h.html
orienteval5j.html
orienteval6k.html
orienteval7z.html
orienteval8.html
