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| Caribbean Property Magazine Home / March 2008 / 'The EcoPsychology of Place' | SEND THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND  |
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MARCH  2 0 0 8Issue 14
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THE ECOPSYCHOLOGY OF PLACE THIS DISCONECTION FROM NATURE RESULTS IN DEVASTATING DEVELOPMENT TAHT CAUSES BOTH SHORT AND LONG TERM DAMAGE TO OUR ENVIRONMENT.
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| Ecopsychology is a field that is developing in recognition that human health, identity and sanity are intimately linked to the health of the earth and must include sustainable and mutually enhancing relationships between humans and the non-human world. Ecopsychology places human psychology in an ecological context and is aimed at healing the divisions between mind and nature. The central concern of Ecopsychology is the physical, psychological and spiritual health of both human and nonhuman species and an understanding of the psychological processes that either bond us to the natural world or alienate us from it. Whilst Ecopsychology is relatively new as a formalised discipline many of its theories and practices are similar to those of ancient and indigenous wisdom sources. EACH NATURAL AREA AS ITS OWN SUBTLE ENERGETIC VIBRATION KNOWN AS 'SPIRIT OF PLACE'...'  When clients and consultants engage in the nature connection workshops they make genuine sensory contact with nature and reintegrate the intelligence of the natural world into their perceptual awareness and thought processes to support the development of their planning process. The purpose of the nature connection workshops in the planning process is to facilitate the lost art of two-way communication between humans and the rest of the natural world. Each natural area has its own subtle energetic vibration which is known as the ‘spirit of place' or ‘Genius Loci'. By engaging and learning from this unique energy we can create designs that are born out of the land, arising naturally from it in ways that can complement, integrate and even enhance. When this is achieved the planning process is in harmonious alignment with the ecological system and any decisions and development emerges naturally from the land rather than being imposed upon it. When we can listen to the land we discover the essence of the place in multidimensional ways that a survey based on strictly quantifiable data can not capture. Earth Activist and Permaculture Teacher, Starhawk, summarises this process by stating that: "We cannot intervene effectively, cannot say something back to the world, unless we first understand and hear something. And we cannot hear unless we open our ears and realize that the world is speaking to us. And as soon as we do, we become more alive, more wild, more at home in a vital and dynamic universe" Being willing to learn from nature is a profound acknowledgement that, no matter what skills, talents, knowledge and experience we may possess, we still have a lot to learn from the rest of the natural world. Expanding beyond the strictly anthropocentric (human-centred) view we find humility, sensitivity and respect that shifts the paradigm of site planning and design, to a more holistic and inclusive level. This experiential process is vital if we are to embody and employ ecological lessons rather than just discuss them as intellectual ideas. As Deep-Ecologist and Philosopher Arne Naess reminds us, "it is not enough to have ecological ideas, we have to have ecological identity, or ecological self." ON SITE CONNECITON WITH THE LAND ENABLE US TO LEARN FROM THE DYNAMIC CREATIVITY OF NATURE... An on-site connection with the land enables us to learn from the dynamic creativity of nature and tap in to the perspective and wisdom of other species. The emerging science of Biomimicry , which ‘studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems', is showing how much we as humans can learn from the rest of the biosphere. Through a conscious process of observing patterns, the growth of plants, the path of sunlight, the flow of the wind we can learn much about optimal site planning that harnesses the very best of the natural energies already present onsite - for example, if the forest stays cool without air conditioning then how can we do it? Taking the time to examine the detailed design of nature, such as ant nests, the spiral of plants, the webs of spiders enhances the imagination and these artistic expressions of nature are often integrated into the work as reverential imitation. The nature connection process also gives us the chance to really open our minds to hear what nature has to say about our plans - what is the view of the trees, the ants or the wind?. When we are increasingly conscious of the needs of both humans and non-humans we can plan in ways that are sensitive rather than sentimental and firmly grounded in reality. To let go of preconceived ideas and truly be responsive to nature's voices requires courage and willingness, but our efforts are rewarded with insights and imagination beyond the norm. Since there is limited information available on the nature connection approach to site planning I offer details of the workshop content and participants comments from workshops I have conducted in the last two years for ecolodge projects in Dominica, Belize and Costa Rica.  The Nature-connection workshops are all conducted within the natural ecosystems of the site. At the outset of the session participants are gathered in a standing or seated circle. (As participants become more comfortable in the space everyone tends to sit on the ground which enabled us to be even more connected to the Earth.) The circle formation is a vital part of the workshop that allows all participants to be on the same level and instantly provides a sense of equality which can overcome any socially constructed barriers between management, staff and consultants. It also allows everyone to see each other clearly and sets up a forum where all participants are both the ‘teachers' and ‘students'. This circle is recreated and returned to after each activity and becomes a safe container for the sharing of thoughts and feelings. To facilitate effective communication, a talking stick is used so that one person at a time can clearly speak without interruption. This is a powerful method of communication which gives space for all views to be heard with full attention. To gain the most from the circle, participants are reminded to: speak from the heart, listen from the heart, and to be spontaneous and brief with their offerings. The workshop begins with an expression of gratitude to give thanks for everything in the present moment from the beautiful surroundings, to each member of the team and the unique opportunity to consult with nature. This sets the tone for a transition from business meetings and formality and into reverence and peacefulness. Brief introductions are then made by each team member, and even if they already know each other, this brings a fresh start to the proceedings.  To truly be able to connect with and learn from nature we need to be grounded, centred within ourselves and fully present to the ‘here and now' rather than caught up in mind chatter about past or future events. This seemingly simple task is one that meditators spend years working at and each of the activities we do in the workshop are referred to as ‘active meditations' in order to remind us to remain in the moment and alert to all that surrounds us. Rather than shutting out the surrounding world, the aim is to become focused and aware of both our inner and outer worlds as they merge. In order to begin the sessions in this grounded and present moment state of being participants are guided through brief full body, sensory meditations. This initial practice is calming and enables a more clearly focused approach to the work ahead. At the workshop in Costa Rica, participants were asked to take a moment to express how they were feeling after the activity and share in the circle some of which are quoted below. "Light. My eyes were cleaned by fresh breaths of a widened view. Colors and movements surprised me as I could see much more from a calmed perspective. The river is more beautiful and alive. It gives a sense of peace and cleanliness, washing away leaves and floating pollen in its slow green current." "Peacefulness and thankfulness. It stopped the mind talking to me. The meditative mood helped me hear all the sounds that often I don't hear in nature. Happiness of the 5 senses. Appreciation of every moment of life. Warm soles of feet in dirt. Buzzing bees, carefree butterflies, chirping birds - nature today." "Aware. With Nature connection I feel aware, content, appreciative, supported, peaceful, intertwined. When disconnected I feel controlled, frustrated, eager, questioning. Every time I take the time, or am forced to take the time to reflect, meditate or strengthen my connection to the greater spirit or to nature and myself, I have a glimpse of another world...a world where I would like to spend more time." "Grounded, aware, awake, tuned in, at ease, in peace, complete, thankful, in awe, blessed." The workshops then continue to include a range of activities that involve solo (and sometimes paired) exploration of the chosen site and a specific task that enables to the participants to more fully connect with nature. One such example is the ‘Asking Permission' activity where participants are asked to find an area they feel strongly attracted to and then to silently or verbally ask permission to engage with that part of nature. After making their request they must then, as with any good conversation, wait for the response. Although nature does not talk in a human language, it invariably sends some kind of positive or negative response and this simple yet innovative activity brings the realisation that we can enjoy a non-verbal yet two-way communication with nature. Since this is not a natural state of awareness for most of us it always gives interesting and eye-opening results. After each activity participants are asked to write about the activity and then return to the group circle where everyone can share their insights with others. These group sessions are a vital opportunity to allow everyone the space to speak about their experiences and have them heard. Even in situations where the clients are very connected to the land it is rare they articulate this fully to each other or to the site planners in everyday conversations and even simple pleasures of the natural world are rarely discussed in ways that give justice to their magnificence and impact. ‘Mystical' nature experiences are often hidden or neglected to be shared lest others find them crazy or weird and yet in these circles we find that everyone has a bond with and love for the natural world. As only one person speaks at a time, every member of the team has the opportunity to clearly articulate their thoughts and feelings whilst everyone else silently listens. The space and time spent as a group engaging in this practice allows for a deeper level communication than in normal discussions or meetings and builds a greater sense of trust, respect and sharing between all the team members.  The process of writing about the experiences serves to preserve them, allow them to be recorded for future use and reflection, and offers more validation and clarity than is gained if using spoken word alone. The journaling process also opens up new doors of creative expression that can lead to a deeper and more meaningful account of the process and the participant's inner thoughts. In addition to the input the workshops provide for the master plan they are also seen as a useful technique for personal development which offers a meditative approach, enhanced creativity and communication skills. Some participant's responses on this aspect of the work are as follows:  "I feel like I already had a connection to the land but the exercise was important in bringing a spiritual connection with the land. It is important to incorporate places into the master plan to have that spiritual connection." "They have helped me see the larger picture and connect with all the elements of the land; the rivers, the estuaries, the wildlife, the cosmology, the trees, the forest and the ocean." "Design is more than a one way process and we need to take time to listen to the land before taking irreversible steps." After the workshops are completed the processes and information are documented and presented as an integral part of the site plan document. The collected contributions of the participants serve as a rich resource that are used to guide the development of the site plan and valuable information to investors and future guests or owners of the practices used to transform the eco-step into a giant leap! The written expressions of participants, memories of the process and enhanced connection to the land are lucid reminders that keep the consultants connected to the spirit of the place long after they have returned to their desks and drawing boards.  ...IN A WORLD OF ... ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY AND SOPHISTICATED CONSUMERS, THERE IS A... DEMAND FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ... The experience of connecting with nature in the planning process can counteract the short-term vision that is a predominant feature of modern day decision making. In preparing an ecologically sensitive plan we engage in the reconnection process to gain a greater appreciation of natural cycles, slow us to a gentler rhythm and have a more expansive view of time that allows us to think ahead about the legacy we will leave for future generations. The Applied Ecopsychology, nature connection approach is a cutting edge practice and it is unfortunate that within the planning and development industry it is still far from the norm. However, in a world of heightened ecological sensitivity and sophisticated consumers there is a new and increased demand for sustainable development which has employed a sustainable approach from the outset. Thus it is hoped that nature connection workshops will be far more widely employed in the site planning and designs process in the future. Author: Terri Henry lives in Dominica and is available to deliver Applied Ecopsychology nature connection workshops and consultations throughout the Caribbean region. | ||||||
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