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Accredited Nature-Connecting Holistic Health and Wellness Degree Courses On Line: Natural Attraction Ecology Career Education Personal and Professional Whole Life System Training Grants and Jobs.
Project NatureConnect
Institute of Global Education
Organic
Psychology Applied Ecopsychology Ecotherapy
Special
NGO Consultant, United Nations Economic and Social Council
Practical distance learning to increase person/planet well being.
Natural Attraction Ecology Field Reports
Applied Ecopsychology in Action
| SYNOPSIS: These quotable field reports are the outcomes of the funded sensory science of Natural Attraction Ecology. They offer a sampling of the results obtained by engaging in its organic ecopsychology process. It is a science that helps us improve health wellness and counseling by enabling our thinking and feeling to safely connect their natural senses with the green spirit of nature's grace, balance and restorative powers. Participants benefit from and strengthen their inborn love of nature as they share and master ecotherapy activities that strengthen their personal and professional relationships in a good way. The reports are empirical evidence that demonstrates the contribution of our sensory connections with natural systems, in people and places, to increasing personal, social and environmental well being. NOTE: If you are looking for a quote on a specific topic, apply your finder to this page. Use the Project NatureConnect search engine to locate additional pages with similar information PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Educating Counseling and Healing With Nature Supportive Degrees, Career Training Courses and Jobs On Line Project NatureConnect offers nature-centered distant learning that enables you to add the benefits of nature-connecting methods and credentials to your degree program and/or your skills, interests and hobbies. We honor your prior training and life experience by providing grants and equivalent education credit for it. You may take accredited or professional CEU coursework and/or obtain a Nature-Connected Degree or Certificate in most disciplines or personal interests. A partial subject list is located at the bottom of this page.
FIELD REPORTS: on-line program participants share their results from doing the nature-connecting activities found in The Web of Life Imperative and Reconnecting With Nature books. (Continued from Educating, Counseling and Healing With Nature where "Webstrings" are identified as the natural attraction strands of the web of life that hold it as well as each of its individual members together) For additional reports visit our Search Engine and Survey of Participants For this activity I was attracted to my huge Lovage plant. In case you have never seen a lovage plant, it looks alot like parsley. I asked its permission to learn from it, and was attracted to the seed pods quiver a bit in the gentle breeze. When I look at the dark green color it brings up a sense of freshness and joy in me. I noticed that the plant has been 1/3 eaten by an insect, and remember that catapillars are attracted to this plant that turn into black swallowtail butterflies. In the past I've observed the catapillars, and have watched them turn into butterflies. The lovage plant seems almost like a compassionate parent kind of being to me because of its relentless giving to the creatures it nurtures into being. I recognize that may be one of its webstring intelligence values, but there are so many more....Me, as human witnessing this plant, enjoy it, am grateful for it and the feelings it provides me. I also am grateful for the beautiful creatures it nurtures, because of their beauty I am able to feel elevated feelings, and connection. So another of its intelligent webstrings seems to be about love, nurturance, providing beauty, promoting beauty. I wonder if the creatures it nurtures feel love for it--which would mean another of its intelligent webstrings is to provide and receive love. ^^^ For this activity I went to my front lawn where there is a huge 250 year old oak tree in the middle of the forest. At first, my attraction was to the tree, but as I sat for 10 minutes with my eyes closed, my attractions went more toward the sound of the crickets of various species. They were singing in a way that seemed symphonic, and collaborative. It seemed as if I were sitting in a symphony of string instruments of a sort who were all connected through webstrings to make this sound that brought up feelings of joy, surprise, and delight in me. I believe that all the insects were aware of each other, but would not have thought about this had I not sat for the 10 minutes with my eyes closed as prescribed by the activity. Webstring intelligences are inherent in everything, as we are learning, and paying attention to them for me is somewhat at times overwhelming due to the uplift of feelings for me. ^^^ Just after reading this section, I was rewarded with the sight of an unfamiliar tree RESPLENDENT with incandescently blue berries. And reading it, I was reminded of the rewards of completing the first part of this assignment. For the entire rest of that day I felt much more balanced and at peace, in spite of having a normally stressful doctor's appointment to go to. And I slept noticeably better that evening. So it is clear to me that the rewards extend beyond the joyful interactions of the moment, to an increased resiliency and hopefulness and tranquility. Who I am today is no doubt influenced by my societyís tendency to devalue nature. During my nature connecting experience I was struck by the quantity of trash I saw accumulating at the wood's edge. The other people were way off in the distance intent on sports activities. If we disrespect our source in this way, how can we expect to flourish? The earth is my source and I am becoming alive to its power. Irrepressible Spirit joins us. I was reminded of how time spent exploring nature with my senses and feelings has immense value. I believe it actually has a great capacity to heal. I also noticed how important it is to look beyond labels. And I noticed something of how my own stories related to money impact my experience of nature. ^^^ Softness of the sand, bright reflection of sunlight, rhythmic rushes of water, warmth, cool breeze calls an invitation to enter, life in movement within the tidal zone, welcome. Arriving swells glisten smooth, cold water and fresh breeze enliven the skin, arriving and passing through, flowing mist and sound of rushing water, movement increasing alignment, slow meeting with land. This activity allowed me to view my attraction in a natural area as a “connection”, all of my attractions became part of me at that moment, recognizing my attractions as a “connection” allowed me to become part of the greater movement of life. I enjoyed feelings of playfulness, rhythm, and alertness. My self-worth increased because each of these experiences brings me the feeling of participating and being part of something so powerful and beautiful as the ocean. ^^^ I was feeling a bit disturbed/depressed about something in my recent past. I walked out the side door of my house to reluctantly leave for work. I stopped to look at the garden and had not intended on focusing on the project at hand but I had time to kill as they say. I was extremely attracted to the way the garden looked that morning. I felt an instant connection with the way the sunlight was streaming through the trees. I was able to actually see the mist or dew in the air. There was no breeze that I could feel but the air shifted and the thin curtain of mist shifted as well. I was fascinated and awe struck! Gently, a small leaf spiraled down to the ground. No wind had blown it or squirrel disturbed the leaf from it's place attached to a tree branch. It was the leaf's natural time to let go and to change. I felt an affection for this natural area that I have tried to alter with flowers and bushes, vines and colorful flower pots, bird feeders and bird baths to make the area pleasing. The trees are a protective canopy and it is my safe haven. I discovered that nature is a protecting force and even small, somewhat inconspicuous things can have great meaning. Sometimes it's not the obvious shove or push to change that makes the difference but instead the almost inaudible whisper that comes from within that is recognized. I am grateful to have had this experience. I went to work and had a wonderful day! I was not worried about past happenings and felt content to be where I was at the time even though change was inevitable. I felt better about myself and more accepting of those around me. ^^^ Last year was extremely challenging for my youngest son, Cal, and it ended terribly. No one can get help unless they are first able to think, receive, process and respond, and none of that is possible if they do not have oxygen to the brain. Most children with autism who are in distress, which we call a “meltdown”, are in fight or flight response. You cannot stop that physiological response in their body by demanding that the child calm down, yet this is often exactly what adults do. Instead in our family we practice “BBB”, belly-button breathing, to help calm. Throughout the year when the staff was unable to help Kito calm down they would allow him to call me. The first thing I would always say before trying to assist was “Breath with me.” We would breathe together over the phone, he on one end of the line, me on the other. Just breathing. When he was calm enough to be able to communicate with me, we’d be able to come up with a plan about what to do next. Until one day last year when he was completely overwhelmed, panting and beginning to have a full blown anxiety attack and they didn’t let him call. Let me describe him. Cal is 13, but he’s a very tiny boy and often mistaken for nearly half his age. Children with autism are also often developmentally at least 2/3 their real age (thus the phrase: developmentally delayed) so he has a more child-like demeanor than his same age peers. He only wears green, head to toe: the softest green cotton organic shirts and sweatpants, a green jacket. He tops it with a soft green hat pulled tightly down over his face to hide from the overstimulation of the outside world: loud noises, bright lights, bad smells and particularly the overwhelming intrusion of humans. Cal is an unusually sensitive boy, unusually tenderhearted, particularly toward animals. He likes to pick up rocks so his pockets are often bulging with them. He collects “treasures”: pinecones, leaves, acorns, feathers, sticks and they are strung all over the house. So that day he tried to call me from school and for whatever reason, although they had allowed it all year, suddenly they didn’t allow it. His panic was overwhelming and he dashed down the hall to the office. He loses the ability to speak when upset, but he was trying to tell them “I want to call my Mama!” The secretary understood what he wanted and said, “You don’t have permission.” He ran to the nurse and was crying hysterically, panting, unable to breathe only able to say, “My Mama!” She had overheard the secretary’s response and replied, “You don’t have permission.” Unable to speak, having trouble breathing, in a total panic he ran outside to lie on the grass—to seek solace from nature, to feel the air on his skin, to calm down alone. They thought he was running away so they chased him, they pinned him and terrified---he bit the teacher. THEN they called me. I nearly pulled him out of school, nearly decided to homeschool him, but that’s a whole other story about how I’m changing the world by changing our school/town. But in short, since it was so close to the end of the year we mutually agreed to withdraw him for the last two weeks of school. Yesterday began a new school year along with a new school as he transitioned to the 7-12 grade middle/high school in our small community. Ordinarily stressed and anxious about school, he has been terrified. He’s beginning with only one class period a day, but you would have thought we were walking to death row as I took him inside. We stopped a moment first outside the door, “Let’s breathe.” We stood there together silently, me exaggerating my breathing as I led him through the BBB routine. I put my hand in his pocket to touch his hand and found it grasped around a rock, tightly squeezing it. Just then I noticed a pine cone on the ground nearby. I picked it up and as he watched, I slipped it into his hand in his other jacket pocket. He squeezed then tightly, his face showing the effort. “Breathe.” I said. He nodded. Last night I was going to write out my assignment, but as I tucked him into his bed (futon—we sleep in the traditional Japanese way, communally on the floor together) he grasped my arm anxiously. I lay alongside, spooning his small body, my arms wrapped around him, his head resting on my arm and against my breast. I noticed his breathing was erratic, anxious. I closed my eyes and began to be aware of my own breathing. In, out, in, out. My chest expanding with my lungs and feeling almost as though I was breathing for both of us and in a way, I was. His erratic breathing began to match my more measured calm pattern. I thought about the assignment. People think of autism as a mistake in nature, but in fact it is merely a variation (some believe it may even be an evolutionary step). I thought about my son, not as flawed but perfect in his own way. I leaned my face down against his hair and sniffed it. The lovely aroma of lavender—organic shampoo of course—and thought about how more noticeable it is not only when close but with my eyes shut. I noticed the feeling of his skin against mine and thought about how perfect and amazing skin is, how nature has given us the most beautiful useful birthday suit. There are millions of nerve endings in the skin leading to increased bonding between human beings. I thought about his muscles beneath his skin, how the message from his brain told him to tighten the muscles in his arms in order to let me know without speaking that he wanted—no, needed—me to stay. I thought, “I didn’t ask permission to be with his body”, but no, yes I had. I have a way of approaching my children and others with autism gently, like you do with a skittish creature who is easily frightened. I watch for signs of whether they are okay for me to approach, to get close to them, see if their body remains relaxed in my presence. That IS asking permission: May I be here in your space? As I thought of all of this I realized that my attraction was to stay in that moment in nature (my son) rather than to rush off to write about another. So I took note of every sensation, every breath—his and mine. I then opened my eyes and noticed other things. The light from the moon through the window that shined on his face as I watched him breathe with me, deeper and deeper even as he slept, relaxing, his anxiety flowing out of his body as he breathed out. I saw how tiny and vulnerable he was, this little creature entrusted to my care by God, by nature, but the universe. I felt an enormous gratitude. Thank you for choosing me, I said softly against his little curled ear and hoped that it imprinted his unconscious. I felt both the softness and slight stiffness of the quilt which smelled like sunshine because it was dried on the clothesline. I moved my feet forward to reach my husband’s on the other side of Cal. I looked up to see his eyes shining. I listened to the sound of crickets and frogs outside the open window and thought of the raccoons, owls, bats and other creatures who were enjoying the night and felt my heart swell with gratitude. And soon I was breathing unaware. ^^^ For this activity, I went to my front lawn. There is a large sea oak tree that I have always had an especially strong attraction. I asked permission from nature to join with the tree and “it was not given”. I asked permission to join with the other trees and like wise, I did not receive a sensation of permission, but I did notice that there was one very large bush that was giving me permission to join with it. I thanked it for allowing me the permission to join with it and I asked it the question, Why am I not happier? When all other trees and plants were still and not giving me any sensation, it seemed to sway and gave me the sensation of: “you are spending all your life looking for answers and seeking knowledge, which is good but you are ignoring life.” “you need to live and love and enjoy life. Give your self time to live, that is the real answer to life, just living.” When I looked up all the trees and bushes were swaying as if they had joined in to give their support to this answer.” I immediately knew that they were right. Often times, after 8 hrs of studying at work, I will go home, ignore my family and ignore nature so that I can study more and for what purpose? I will have spent my life learning, trying to find the secret of life and have missed the enjoyment of life. I stood back and tried to shut out all distraction and become an essence of the trees, I tried to internally join with the swaying and obtain the rhythm of life. I gave thanks for this knowledge and permission to join. ^^^ NSTP has both challenged all of my western-driven goals and reaffirmed my natural attractions. It is changing how I see everything--literally. Everywhere I go I notice that my attraction and craving for nature has increased, as has my ability to find a way to fill it. I've noticed it has changed how I interact with my children, my husband, my clients and friends. I find myself making decisions about where I meet my girlfriends for "Girls' Night Out." Instead of a restaurant, we now meet in a local park on a blanket and bring our own food to share. It has changed how I help my clients (families and individuals with autism I assist in my community, all pro bono) who call me for assistance, often in a panic because they are so stressed. Unlike my colleagues who say "Have a cup of tea, take a bath, listen to music." Instead I say, "Go outside. Walk. Look. Listen. What do you see? Close your eyes, what do you hear? What do you smell?" The conversations I have with my three children with autism have changed. After the last few years of doing the bulk of my work inside on a laptop, I am now working outside under a tree and they are drawn to join me. We lie on the ground, and stir our senses and talk about it. I ask them what they are attracted to and each has very different attractions. My daughter has started to express tremendous empathy in regards to all living things, including trees. She wailed in sorrow when I told her about an old growth tree that was felled. It's like the scales have fallen away from our eyes. These are just the highlights of how NSTP has changed and is continuing to change who I am and how I live in the world, and consequently, all of those around me. For these reasons, and many more, I would like to continue with toward receiving my masters from your program. ^^^ Through the wet garden I walk. Grass glistens. There is so much new growth I have to bend and duck my way along the so-called paths. The earth is dark, soaked. My feet sink slightly. Connection. An arching rose branch catches my sleeve. Connection. A low-hanging branch entangles my hair. Connection. I feel welcomed wherever I walk. How good to see you and sense you again, the garden seems to say. Where have you been? Touching the plants, being touched, I feel the relaxation of connection with the freshness of green. During these rainy days I have been indoors, working on other tasks that required my attention. I have missed this greenness. It has missed me. Today I carry a bowl. I pick zucchini, enjoying the heaviness of the vegetable as I lift it. Connection. Then I move to the tomato plants. The ripened, red fruit twists off easily in my hand. Connection. Returning to the house I pull off some late season blueberries and pop them into my mouth. Connection. Inside the house I do this and that. Then I notice a movement on my shoulder. A bright green caterpillar is inching along, connecting. Because I cannot reach around to release it, I ask for Yukio's help. Connection. As he tries to ease the caterpillar from my sleeve it clings stubbornly with spiny, sticky feet, demanding continued connection. But off it comes and he carries it outside. Later in the evening we are at my friend's home. I have brought pods of the Chinese lantern plant, two enormous rose hips and some grass, nestled in a hosta leaf, also a small dish of blueberries on a bed of mint leaves. My friend welcomes us with a smile and music. Connection. Later we are joined by someone we do not know, but who came tonight to meet me. We talk about the Canada Geese, the summer, the deliciousness of the blueberries, good experiences in nature. Connection. On the way home we turn around the curve near our house and a family of wild boar jump out and run across the road. Connection. I count seven. The smallest one falls behind the group, running here and there. We stop the car so that it can reorient itself and join the others. The wild boar disappear into the night. We feel privileged to have seen them, if only for a moment. Connection. Every moment of life is connection, it is as simple as breathing and without connection there is nothing. It is not a matter of whether I would like to be without this sense. I could not be alive without this sense. Life means connection. My self-worth is enhanced. I feel and appreciate the many connections of my daily life. ^^^ I am so excited to be a part of this organic learning opportunity. I had the blessing, in an otherwise chaotic childhood, to have parents who introduced the joy and magic of camping to their children. Many of my fondest memories contain the thread of encounters with Nature. Like many adults I spent most of my life trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I knew I would go to college but then what? I chose teaching because I love sharing and enjoy the company of children. The big issue for me in regards to this profession was that I never felt that I belonged. Was I a rebel? A non-conformist? A female version of Peter Pan? I used to “joke” that my favorite subject was recess. I have been a reluctantly retired teacher for the past five years. Prior to “retirement” I taught in a residential treatment facility forchildren with emotional and behavioral challenges; most the products of seriously deranged home lives. It was in this environment that I rediscovered what I always knew to be true for myself. Nature heals! When I took my class on walks through the woods they actually got along whereas in the classroom they’d fight. At the petting zoos the non-communicative child would gently hold and speak with baby goats. These ahas sparked my desire (fire) for Outdoor Education. During the first three years of retirement my husband and I sold our home in Pennsylvania and traveled the country. I continued to pine the lose of the dream to teach kids outdoors. So at the age of 57! I became (with my husband) the oldest, and I might add most “kick ass”, Outdoor Leadership Interns. I conquered every fear I ever had in that program. High and low ropes courses, canoeing, kayaking, caving, rock climbing, expedition camping challenged every “self-imposed limitation”! I allowed myself to fall in love with every experience because it brought me closer to the person I knew I was. The trees held me up, the deep caves became the womb of the earth, the flowing river became a metaphor for my life; experience brings confidence. Now at 60 I look forward to stretching yet again so I can share at a deeper level all the healing available right out the front door. ^^^ In learning how to let nature's wisdom reverse my disconnection and discontent, I went to an attractive natural area that was familiar to me and comfortable as well. My daughter and I had barn chores to do and I thought it would be nice if both of us used this time to reflect and enjoy ourselves outside and focus on the activity. Upon passing through the pasture gate, I asked permission and gained natures consent to help me with this activity. The dogs bounded ahead of us to find mischief to get into like chasing the barn cats. I began by knowing the area non-verbally, then as a connection and then as an attraction. The first attraction I came to was the shade of the pear tree as we walked from the car to the barn. The smell of the fruit as I held it in my hand and the texture of the skin was a pleasureable feeling. I was attracted to the pears that were rotting on the ground and the amount of bees and wasps that were on them feeding. Colleen called our, "Watch out for the wasps!" She seemed perturbed as I ignored her warning and stopped to watch their activity. They were much too busy to worry about what we were doing. It was enjoyable to observe these creatures go about their business. The horses were no where to be found and we decided to work on emptying the water troughs and scrub them clean. The water from the hose was freezing and gave me chills even though outside it was humid and the air was still. I loved the way the water caressed my skin as I put my hands under water. As always, no chores are complete with out the fun of a water 'fight' on a hot day. We had been making so much commotion that a few curious steeds were now standing at the gate as our audience. Colleen brought Misty in to the grooming area of the barn next. I broke out the brush, clippers, scissors and hoof pick. I have always marveled this mare's regal beauty. I stood and gazed at her before beginning to groom, soaking in the wonder that an animal could be so majestic. I stroked her silky coat that seemed not to need brushing at all. She was warm and soft and soon so relaxed that her head was resting on my chest as I brushed and trimmed her forelock. I jumped back as she exhaled loudly. Like Colleen's Chi exhale when she practices with her sword, the mare was releasing breath and relaxing. I had been so involved in what I was doing that I got startled, jumped back and let out a scream. Colleen laughed at me and I in turn laughed at myself. Misty was too relaxed to care. I noticed that each time I sensed a natural attraction it felt comfortable to me in one way or another. It was an enjoyable outing and we had fun in this beautiful, nature supported area. Colleen and I finished up our 'chores' and decided to hike some of the trails used for riding. It was too hot to put a blanket and saddle a horse and we needed some exercise. We headed toward Lake Allatoona, the dogs following close behind. It began to become unattractive and frightening when the incessant and deafening drone overhead the canopy of trees got closer and louder and continued for several minutes. I had heard military planes overhead before while inside my house and would peek my head out the window to see the commotion. However, this was a different,terrified feeling. I was vulnerable. In my head, I told myself that it was military maneuvers from Lockheed and nothing else, but I was outside, alone with my daughter and the dogs underneath a jungle of trees. The dogs began to bark furiously and the puppy tucked his tail as he looked skyward and continued barking though bewildered and frightened. As they passed overhead, I counted the low flying helicopters as I could view them from an opening in the woods. I counted 7 but there could have been more. I began to place myself in an imaginary war zone. Is this what it may have been like for people/communities that had experienced military insurgence and did the fear get replaced by nonchalance after a period of time? After collecting my wits and calming myself, I thanked my surroundings for giving me this sensory gift. The comparison of the beauty of nature-in balance with itself and the symbol of the destructiveness of mankind. We continued on walking in this natural area and did the activity again so that nature's wisdom would indeed reverse my discontent with the former situation. I am a person who enjoys natural sensations and feelings but I understand how easily assaulted they can be by wranglers and how frightening and alone it can feel. Each and every attraction/connection from nature sparked a feeling comfort and goodwill and validating the experience by putting it into words or a phrase helped bring the sensations and feelings to consciousness for me. ^^^ Today I went to an attractive natural area in my forested back yard. I immediately asked for its permission to become involved with it and gained its consent to help me with this activity. The dappled sunlight on the leaves and branches descending down the hill and the gentle breeze on this humid September day remained attractive. I thanked it for giving permission. I thanked the cicadas for being there for me with their familiar hum and then the periodic quietness. I thanked my natural sense of language for helping me fully connect with the area, even though I can not begin to describe the 'hysterical laughter' sound that emanated from an unknown type of bird overhead. I thanked my sense of reasoning that this was a sane thing to do. I thanked my sense of reason also that it feels right & natural to give and express thanks. Finally, I expressed gratitude and thanks for nature because it has created these good and comfortable feelings that lead me to this place within. I felt the warmth of acceptance after the entire thanking process. I did feel different after expressing gratitude and appreciation for the beauty around me. I was humbled. My gratitude and thankfulness were reinforced by this activity b/c I rec'd it back from nature. I became aware of my surroundings in a new light. The earth does not have to sustain us as it does due to our destructive nature. But b/c of unconditional love/attractions this continues in spite of us and expressing thankfulness nullifies the narcistic 'me, me, me' attitude ^^^ Having worked myself to utmost tiredness, being busy trimming flowers, hedges and lawn in my compound; I managed to trudge under the welcoming embrace of bamboo trees directly opposite my house. What a soothing balm it was. Soothing breeze hauling like it wants to connect me with the bamboo tree in nature. The breeze eveloped the entire place, leaving me believing in the elements of regeneration of R.W Emerson. The bamboo tree swirled in whirling motion; I quickly slept off, dreaming of angelic visitation. I woke up highly energize, have triple strength to cover a whole day job. What a great inspiration sleeping under the bamboo tree. ^^^ Lately, your writing has been like going on a psychological vacation. The postings I read from the group physiologically clears my head. It's like mental yoga. Your posting conveyed to me that nature is mystical with the ability to inspire, energize, and strengthen us even in our dreams. ^^^ I am so excited to be a part of this organic learning opportunity. I had the blessing, in an otherwise chaotic childhood, to have parents who introduced the joy and magic of camping to their children. Many of my fondest memories contain the thread of encounters with Nature. Like many adults I spent most of my life trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I knew I would go to college but then what? I chose teaching because I love sharing and enjoy the company of children. The big issue for me in regards to this profession was that I never felt that I belonged. Was I a rebel? A non-conformist? A female version of Peter Pan? I used to “joke” that my favorite subject was recess. I have been a reluctantly retired teacher for the past five years. Prior to “retirement” I taught in a residential treatment facility for children with emotional and behavioral challenges; most the products of seriously deranged home lives. It was in this environment that I rediscovered what I always knew to be true for myself. Nature heals! When I took my class on walks through the woods they actually got along whereas in the classroom they’d fight. At the petting zoos the non-communicative child would gently hold and speak with baby goats. These ahas sparked my desire (fire) for Outdoor Education. During the first three years of retirement my husband and I sold our home in Pennsylvania and traveled the country. I continued to pine the lose of the dream to teach kids outdoors. So at the age of 57! I became (withmy husband) the oldest, and I might add most “kick ass”, Outdoor Leadership Interns in Virginia just outside Washington, D.C. I conquered every fear I ever had in that program. High and low ropes courses, canoeing, kayaking, caving, rock climbing, expedition camping challenged every “self-imposed limitation”! I allowed myself to fall in love with every experience because it brought me closer to the person I knew I was. The trees held me up, the deep caves became the womb of the earth, the flowing river became a metaphor for mylife; experience brings confidence. Now at 60 I look forward tostretching yet again so I can share at a deeper level all the healing available right out the front door. ^^^ I taught Rodney, 23, the WMWE Chapter 13 activity, "Meet the Wrangler," on page 13-3. As we sat under an archway in nearby Reservoir Park, he began to talk about the wranglers in his life - mostly family members - and how they have made him feel alone, afraid and abandoned, just as his father said that he had felt as a child. Rodney said that one of the wranglers in his life was, in fact, his father, toward whom he felt devotion, but also fear and resentment. (For example, that evening, he had asked his father for some of the roast beef in the refrigerator, and his father refused. When I later asked Bill why, he just said, "I don't know.") Rodney said that sitting there with me in the park, surrounded by natural foliage, the leaves that had fallen on the archway above us, the wind and the sky, he felt less tense, happier and hopeful. Having known Ralphie since he was four years old, I felt that he was unusually focused and feeling relieved. He talked about trying again to find a job, and how he thought that he might finally leave a destructive relationship with his girlfriend. When I talked to him a few days ago, he had met someone new! Teaching NIAL activities is very attractive to me. In NIAL, my senses more easily open pathways to my thinking. Thought transparency through NIAL leads me to the right connections, and to make the right corrections. I am experiencing a sense of being in the right place. I reeducated the part of me that used to struggle with how to get to clear. One participant said, "Project Nature Connect gives added value to natural areas. The natural world is my ally. It seems so wrong to injure it outside or inside. This workshop touched my creative side, renewed my spirit." ^^^ Having been in a very chaotic Orientation Course with many very busy overcommitted members it became evident as time and communication passed the bonds of webstring support became an insiration and the motivating force behind all we needed to accomplish. It was the very act of commitment to the process that became our collective sanity. Nature heals, strengthens and reorganizes our brain in wonderful ways. I was originally stressed by the amount of reading and responding required until I relaxed the self-imposed level of perfection. I allowed the activities to become my refuge. Gone are the highlighted passages and notes in sidebar pages until I have the time to savor every word. I've also taken multi-tasking seriously...reading and eating outside...whilst meditating ...whilst communing...whilst allowing Earth to Speak...whilst allowing my soul space to be with all creation...add your own "whilst" here. May You Be Peace Sister, ^^^ This morning I was feeling anxious, unsettled and my wife Kelly kept asking me to do things I really didn’t want to deal with at the time. I fought the feelings all morning. Then around noon, I finally decided that that I should do this weeks exercise. I usually stay in the yard and do the exercises in the morning. Today I was drawn into the woods behind my house not in the earlier cooler part of the day but at noon. I walked about 20 feet down a path into the 20 acres of wetland and woods that the community shares. There is usually a proliferation of under and overgrowth as well as a healthy dose of bugs. Today I was greeted with open arms. There were no bugs buzzing around my head, a gentle breeze blew through the woods and despite the 90 degree temperature and high humidity it was actually cool, for a Florida summer at least. I stood there and repeated a mantra of web strings and before long my anxiety lessened I felt my connection grow. In the 15 to 20 minutes I stood there I observed several things that I was attracted to. I guess I had a few lessons to learn today. First my attention was drawn upward. I was struck with the number of recently dead trees. It seems like there is one species that is dying out in our woods. The brown dead leaves contrasted sharply with the vibrant green that was all surrounded me from above. Then I was visited by two beautiful butterflies one predominately black with yellow spots the other predominately yellow with black spots. As I felt my connection shift, my attention was drawn to a leaf caught in a spider web. Despite a negligible breeze this leaf was spinning around like a top. It continued to spin as I watched it seemingly spinning on its own. As I glanced away I became aware of a few really long spider web strands stretching from one tree to another then to another. My experience in Nature shows me that I am a person who gets good feelings when I stop, immerse myself in a natural environment and silently listen and observe with the heart instead of the mind. My lessons today were that death and life coexist. One cannot exist without the other. While it is always painful to release someone or something that is close to you, No new growth can occur until we let go of what is dead or no longer working and make room for the new growth we are looking to manifest. The spinning leaf reminded me that even when we can’t feel or perceive the vibrational web strings are there, they are actively sending us their messages. We just need to listen. I had a hard time when I first read the results of Dr. Cohen’s study that indicated that some students found they no longer needed to meditate to become calm. How could connecting to nature replace meditation? What I have come to believe is that they continued to meditate. They just found a more powerful method to calm, connect and become aware. Can there be a more powerful method to connect to our source than to immerse ourselves into its very creation? I learned the power that natures has to calm our nerves and when we are calm our other senses become more acute Connecting with Nature is nature's meditation. It reinforced my trust of natures gifts and helped me remember that Nature is always there waiting for us ^^^ My natural attraction is a large Amethyst stone in it's natural form. I asked humbly for consent and to share time with it, and to observe it. I like the stone because of it's natural, pure form and the beautiful colors of deep purple in the center of the stone and graduating outward to lighter hues of purple on the outer portion of the stone, and having it's own unique style and character. I like myself because of my unique style and character. I feel content with me in this light because it feels natural to me. I learned from this activity to confirm that true love of self is essential in order to truly love others and to be loved by others as well. Without having to force or make yourself be loved...but instead...LET yourself be loved. To be able to have humility and respect and to slow down... appreciate myself and others and even something as simple as a stone. ^^^ I am 57 years old, living in Jacksonville, Florida I have been married for 29 years and have 2 children 27 and 24. I Completed a34 year career working for Pitney Bowes 2 months ago. I worked in numerous functions ranging from Manufacturing, Finance IT, project management and management within the next month or two. I am currently actively seeking a new direction in my career that more closely aligns to my beliefs and values. I am looking forward to new adventures that broaden my understanding of who I am, to connect with nature and learn more about the healing benefits that can be derived for me, humanity and the earth itself. The outdoors has always been a part of my life. Most weekends and all vacations are spent hiking, swimming, canoeing skiing, playing tennis, working in the yard or garden or just hanging outside. I remember planting my first garden when I was 10 and it has been an enjoyable passion ever since. Until recently I never thought much about what it was that was attracting me to nature. All I knew was that when I had the time I was outdoors. It just seemed to be the place to be. Upon reflection, being in nature, calms my nerves, revitalizes me and brings me a sense of peace. Most importantly, it helps me feel a sense of connection to all that is. Being in the middle of an ancient forest or on top of a mountain fills me with a sense of awe and inspiration. I cannot remember a time that despite sore muscles, blisters, and some bug bits, that I didn’t leave, a little bit calmer, and sleep a little bit sounder. One of my most notable trips was to Sequoia National park. As we walked through the redwoods, I stared breathing deeper, felt alive and energetic and could almost feel the trees and the woods breathing in harmony with me. I believe that if we can change our own consciousness we can begin to change the consciousness of the planet. ^^^ Hi Al: You are right.. we are all 'mad' and some of us are working towards getting unmad by awakening our senses! I do believe our self-doubt is being lifted with each connection... much love ^^^ I went to the Rose Gardn with my friends today. I didn't go there for my activity on purpose. It was a very beautiful day today and we took a long walk, almost an hour from Oregon Zoo to the Rose Garden. It's tiring but we all enjoyed walking and the sunshine. It's the first time I've been to Rose Garden, though I knew Portland is famous for that. I was deeply impressed at the first sight of the Garden. There were roses everywhere, with different colors and huge varieties. I was standing on the pathway, had no idea where to start. Those roses were so attractive and elegant under the sunshine. I decided to choose this place to do my activity. I have had the good feelings about the imagination mentioned in Chapter 17 and I hve felt the power it brought to me. So when I followed the guide, rub my hands across the top of my head as if my nature-separated stories were collected. My hands were like the magnet to detect those wranglers' stories and I suddenly felt very good that I was out of control of the false imformation. Then I shaked my hands hard in the air and discard the stroies into the envrionment, I felt they were cast away and gone with the wind without any trace. I was relaxed and happy with that. I have a strong feeling that I was so energetic, everything around me was so nice and I couldn't help waiting to share this good feeling with them. I walked along the path, each rose is a supporter, they swayed in the wind smiling happily at me, I was closer, but still kept the distance. I knew they didn't want to be bothered too much by being hold rudely, to appreciate their beauty, I just said "Hi" politely to them, took deep breath and the sweet scent came out. I was surprised at the different scent these roses gave, actually I know little about roses, but I didn't pay more attention to the names on the board, and I didn't think that make sense to me, I couldn't remember those names and I'd rather enjoy the moment watching them, sensing their color, shape, size, texture... It's amazing to see so many colors that I used to believe all roses are red, pink, yellow a nd white. I definitely saw more today, which again proved that the annoying stroies basically didn't provide the accurate information while we finally witnessed by ourselves, and again the importance of connection with nature. I felt I was one of the roses while I kept walking in this Garden. I could even heard nobody talking, everyone seemed to be immersed in this wonderland. And the bees were joyful and busy working among the flowers. There's once I put my nose close to the rose and there was a bee dancing in the center of the rose, I wasn't afraid at all and neither did the bee, I appreciated so much with the peaceful environment nature creates. My friends were also totally immersed in the beauty of the roses as they smiled all the time. When I asked them how they felt, they said that they felt joyful and refreshed and they would like to come again. Nature never puts anyone under pressure. The disturbance comes from the wranglers' stories always mislead our ways of thinking. The various colors of the roses is more than what I used to think. I loved the feelings that there were no differences between the roses and me, we breathed, enjoyed the sunshine, loved peace and respected each other. I loved the friendly way that in which the bee and I got along with each other - trust. ^^^ My attractions are with your whole post/experience. I resonated with you on this--"I actually felt a unity only previously read about or intellectualized, no better or worse than any other being." Many times throughout my life I have felt the bliss of what you so eloquently describe in words. Your post serves as a perfect example of the sincerity, thoroughness, and wholeness that you put into these chapters and activities. My experience shows me that when placing myself in a non-thinking state of being (or stillness, as in meditation), the cultural filters are diminished significantly to allow my inherent being to emerge for full perceptual and cognitive participation and harmony. I find that the very early predawn hours before light, and just after dark in the evening, are for me unique atmospheric ecotones (or edges) of the spirit world. The next chapter will bring this home very clearly. Les, I feel a communion with you, and very much respect the degree and thoroughness that you so reverently put into your work in this course. Thank you very much. Great work good fr iend---keep going! P.S. One thing I have found helpful is, when possible, I went to the end of the chapter and did the activity first, before reading the material. I found, in doing this, that the experience profoundly validated and enhanced the chapter readings---experience first, then reading. ^^^ My initial feeling without asking for consent was a feeling of complete arrogance and a feeling as if I was mindlessly taking nature for granted. When I asked the trees out here in the yard for consent I have a feeling of humility, appreciation, respect that I didn't have before. It does make a difference. As I was saying, "Unity" silently I could feel more love for the nature around me and I felt as if the trees had been starving for much needed love. As if they have been growing so tall for so long absent of love and appreciation. It felt sad. On the other I am glad that in doing this assignment it helped to initiate the healing process of the neglected nature around me and the healing within myself. When we feel better, we heal the nature around us, which turn gives the healing back to us, thus achieving a reconnection with nature. The qualities that I admire in a person I am close to are respect, compassion, integrity. These are not abnormal qualities but... nor is it common that people express these qualities...or even know how to for that matter. However, I do feel that most people have these natural qualities somewhere within their psyche. I just feel that circumstances, and how people are raised, influenced, "brain washed" or "programmed" by others causes a severe disconnection to themselves, others and nature. Which stifles a person's ability to express or reconnect with those hidden qualities. This is why there is so much violence towards humanity and animals, hatred, confusion, and suffering in every way imaginable. That is why people struggle to have unity. Nature suffers as a result of this too. Most people are overlooking our prejudice against nature, the origin of these problems. That is why there are so many people who thrive on blaming others or anything they can unnecessarily. ^^^ Go to a natural area. Turn into an indigenous plant or animal. A corporation has added a chemical poison to the area never before seen in nature. How do you deal with this? What do you sense? 1. The Activity: I am a skunk. My family and neighbors have lived at the bottom of this wooded ravine, 40 or 50 feet below the city’s bypass road, for as long as I can remember. We live close to a residential area, but people never come trekking through here. It’s always been “live and let live.” Recently, however, I’ve started hearing loud, crashing noises, and smelling engine gases. Bobcats (the manmade kind) are rolling around, ripping up the foliage, cutting down trees, and leveling the land. Nobody can find anything to eat anymore; and there are no shaded places left to gather or to rest. It’s hard to even find a place to hide when the machines come huffing by. By nightfall, we are all so hungry, that we are forced to venture forth into the neighborhood and ravage people’s garbage cans. We’re always so nervous and on edge when we have to leave our community like this. Many of us have been hit by cars and left to die in the middle of the road, just trying to find anything at all to feed our families. I have found a few patio decks and other places to hide under, but I’m so paranoid that I keep renting the air with these gassy bursts, hoping to fog-out whatever might be coming after me. I know I’m becoming a nuisance, running around the city like this, grossing people out, but what else can I do? I learned that individuals or cultures remain nature centered as long as they do not buy into a nature-conquering technology or rationale. For example, to own, maintain and use a gun for survival makes one dependent on the new brain story and skills that produce, shoot, sell and repair guns and ammunition. That story is verbal and disconnected from the Earth community for the natural world knows not of guns. When nature-centered cultures, ‘educate’ themselves to nature-disconnected stories, their problems may change but they become less resolvable as well. I suggest we do what nature does, engage in its multisensory process, moment by moment and help the global community keep on its balanced, sustainable course. We may not be able to envision the end result, but the process being right guarantees that the future will be right. By embracing nature, I am connected and safe. I can hear, see and feel the voices of the animals, the birds and the trees. I can share these voices with others. This lifts me up, and relocates me to good places. I no longer think that only people had the right to “feel.” Black Elk said, “The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the Universe and all its powers…that this is really everywhere, it is within each of us.” ^^^ Go to a natural area and see whether you can find an introduced plant there that is taking over the area….the normal diversity of attractions that support [it] in balance are missing. [It] becomes out of control and runs wild over indigenous plants or animals, a victim of the story that brought [it] to this area. The Activity: 1. How do you deal with this; what do you sense or feel? I am the flower, Morning Glory, planted on the front fence by a well-meaning friend of the homeowner. Another one of this man’s friends was unhappy about having her own front yard overrun, so she asked him to remove me. I was then taken to my current home. I sense that the grass, and trees here are not happy about having my vines wrapped around and through them. I do think the owner likes me, though. At least, I try to smile warmly and lean toward her as she quickly brushes past me on her way to work. I guess I’m sort of feeling schizophrenic, not sure where I stand. Others in the environment probably view me as extremely pushy and self-centered. I’m afraid I’ll end up getting severely cut back, if not weed-killed into oblivion. I’m trying to be as radiant as possible in the hopes that I will eventually be liked by everyone, or at least gotten used to, and allowed to stay. If somebody complemented me; like, maybe, told the owner how nice I looked on her fence, and then if I could get trained on a stake or trellis, or something, to keep from over-powering the other living things out here - that would be great. I repeated this activity by getting permission to be the inner nature of a person who takes over situations insensitively. She's a teacher who has no problem admitting, “Oh, yes. I must be in control.” She is one of the most thorough, most devoted teachers I’ve ever met, but many people see her as loud, dictatorial and overbearing. Recently, she was given “a day in the street“- without pay - for insubordination. Her view, however, is that, “All my life, people have misunderstood me and have either attacked me, or taken me for granted.” She complains that people only see her as a threat because they lack her level of resourcefulness. She believes that if she does not take direct control of every situation, the project will be a failure and she (her reputation, her view of herself) will go down with the ship. On the mountain we wondered if Maple trees could grow near salt water. As we returned home, we noticed several large Maple trees growing right on the water’s edge. We had passed them every day for five years, yet until we were confronted with our question, we never thought of them in that light. We thoughtfully sought information. Nature provided it and appropriately guided our thinking and actions. Later, we actually found an overlooked Maple in our yard, right on the water’s edge, part of our view every day I began to think we were so wrangled that we were allergic to ourselves. I feel gratified to know the animals and plants. I am attracted to the feelings and stories of natural elements and wish there were not an “out there” and an “in here.” We all belong together, feeling attracted, connected, kin. ^^^ Stepping out in the clean crisp fall air, I feel light renewed and uplifted. I’m attracted to the sounds around me as the creatures of my yard bustle in preparation for the coming season. I watched the squirrels make off with the apples that I left them yesterday and felt the satisfaction that only comes from the pure act of sharing. In the past I had only recognized good feelings as coming from specific acts of kindness brought about by people. I didn’t understand that these acts of kindness were natural. I have been wrangled to believe that the harsh cruelties of the world were natural and that kindness was a tool to counter the natural cruelty. I have since learned that kindness, giving, sharing and cooperation for mutual good is the natural order of the universe including mankind and the greed, cruelty, and fighting is an invention from some far off time of ignorance. When did it become bazaar for people to laugh out load for joy rather than at the expense of another? When did it become prevalent to fret and worry and look for problems to solve? As I watch the three squirrels gathering the apples, I don’t see them fighting over them or attempting to divide them. I feel that they know that to hoard to many would only result in waste as the fruit would rot before it could consumed so, they take what they need and leave the rest. I’ve learned that the good feelings derived from sharing and under consuming are from nature. I also have learned that we don’t have to constantly be in motion attempting to create joy but rather joy is meant to be a natural state of being. ^^^ As I entered the forest area I asked permission and for guidance during the activity. I began by reading the chapters meditation process and then walking slowly through the forest. I was attracted to the trails that took me along the river banks. There was a lot of activity going on, as there always is. The colors were amazing. It's approaching the harvest season so many of the wildflowers are budding and a lot of the grasses are starting to seed. It was quite interesting to see all the plants at this stage of their lives. The visualizations were very powerful. I felt a very strong energy surge fill my entire body. It stayed with me throughout the entire activity. As I imagined becoming one with the earth and immersing myself with all the earth I felt that calm feeling I have talked about in other activities. I could feel the interconnectedness of all things. It became quite clear that we are all dependant on each other to do our part in cooperation with nature. As I walked up to the different plants I noticed an attraction to some Goldenrod plants. I have been allergic to them for most of my life. I still found them attractive and started to approach them, however a mosquito started buzzing around me. At first instinct I swatted at it. But then I realized the mosquito was actually telling me this is no good for you. Observe it, and move on. I continued to walk slowly, going through each step in the chapter and feeling kind of blissful. I noticed that at some time an inch worm had landed on my shoulder. I gently picked it up and tried to place in a tree. However it seemed quite content to stay on my hands. I allowed it to crawl on my hands and observed which parts of my hands were more sensitive. After several tries I still couldn’t get the little guy to return to the trees. So I asked it why it thought my hand was better. A thought came to mind, the sun was quite hot that day and my hand was cooler than the tree. I then realized that I was trying to put the worm in the outside leaves of the tree and it would be exposed to the sun. So on my next try I reached inside the tree and the worm was quite content to climb onto a leaf. Bye this time I was finished with the activity and I headed back to my car. I thanked the earth and the area for allowing me the opportunity to share in this experience. I learned how codependent we are for the healthy existence of all creatures. and that even mosquitoes have a valuable purpose when you listen. I learned that gentleness is the first step when you truly want to do no harm. I love the calm, loving, peaceful feeling I get when I do these activities, it enhances my self worth It was fun discovering the green in green feeling when I first started an energy surge and my ability to communicate with the inch worm and find out what it needed to be safe and unharmed. It is good knowing that even a pesky mosquito can try to get me out of harms way. ^^^ One of my most peaceful, memorable, natural attraction experiences was hiking here in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. I came across a rocky stream surrounded by tall trees and mountains that led to a river. The stream was so picturesque with large, boulder like, earth tone colored rocks. As the water passed around the rocks a soothing sound like a water fall was echoing in the air. I wanted to get more involved in this experience... I came across an area of the stream where the clear, crisp, cool water was flowing over and around smaller sized rocks and in the center of this area, was a small "pool" of clear crystal like water, I sat in the center of this small pool and rested on the surrounding rocks and it was the most relaxing feeling, it became one of my favorite areas for some real relaxation. As the water passed over and around these rocks into the small pool, it was like relaxing in a small Jacuzzi (but better) and the "water fall" sounds that the water created, was so harmonious with the rocks and occasional sounds of birds chirping, it sounded like a rain forest. I was so relaxed I closed my eyes and succumbed to the power of peace. I thought to myself "ahhhhh.....it doesn't get any better than this". It was my inborn, natural sensory attractions to this natural area that provided the enjoyment and rewards. I know my inherent sensitivities to natural attractions are alive and well because when I visited this attractive natural area, I could enjoyably sense and feel the vibrational energy of the cool water, earth, trees, warm sunshine and the fresh air. All of the elements were in balance and working together, creating a healing energy. I am naturally attracted to a nearby lake that is surrounded by various types of pine and oak trees and small foot hills. The difference that I feel when I ask for "consent" from nature is a feeling of greater peace, a greater connection, a sense of humility and respect. Before... it never occurred to me that I should ask for consent, I never even thought about it. In retrospect, It was arrogant not to ask for consent... and very ignorant actually. Looking from my window at some tall trees with large green leaves, I began to observe this natural area in silence. Without labels it became more clear... that the existence of nature is a creation from the higher power and creator. The good things I felt from doing this activity is a being able to be silent and allow nature to express itself to me. Feeling the true energy that nature holds, learning that nature is powerful and yet so delicately sensitive.Our state of mind has a direct impact on nature. It is all about energy and being more aware of our natural surroundings. I was walking my dog and closed my eyes and let him lead the way...not for long though, this was a brief activity. I could hear the sound of his dog tags and a rustling sound as if he was walking on leaves. He is hyper- active and I didn't want to trust his judgment. I could feel him tugging on the leash and trying to run, it felt scary. When I opened my eyes he had led me to a nearby area of tall grass. He loves to explore everything. So, I thought I better use some common sense and keep my eyes open... and get another partner next time. ^^^ After asking for consent from nature I proceeded with this assignment. My hand that was covered felt sheltered and very confined from air and light. This is similar to being sheltered and restricted to a cold, dark place with no light and very little air. This can have a negative effect on humans, plants or animals that are in confinement and restricted of any freedom. It is definitely a form of suffering. My uncovered hand was free, unrestricted in it's movements, embracing the air, light and freedom. People and animals that have this freedom are healthier mentally and physically, can even live longer compared to being in confinement. My sense of self worth was improved, because I began to appreciate the concept of freedom. We can have freedom in many ways...freedom to imagine, to speak, to explore nature, the freedom of being able to give and to receive, connect and reconnect. Freedom to make choices that will be of benefit to those around us and the planet in which we live. I felt good doing this assignment, but also I felt it increased my sensory perception and self awareness. I became more aware of what it feels like to be confined, therefore I became more aware of how humans and animals feel that are held in captivity. Captivity is not only physical, people and animals can experience and suffer from captivity psychologically, animals suffer from captivity all of the time against their will. This activity helps to diminish insensitivity. Act
now.
Master
Organic Psychology by doing it. http://www.ecopsych.comAchieve a Degree or Certificate to strengthen your professional interests, or your hobbies or pastimes, by connecting them with nature. Implement your strongest hopes as you increase personal and global well being. Topics, subjects or leisure pursuits can include those listed below or other areas of interest: |
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