Institute of Global Education PROJECT NATURECONNECT The Natural Systems Thinking Process     Complimentary Discovery Course...Sample of Responses to activities Exploring Psychological Connections With Nature   "Like each of her plant, animal and mineral children, every person is born loving Mother Nature. In us, part of that love tenaciously survives contemporary society's abusive conquest of Nature and that love. Therein lies hope. Nurture your felt love for nature. Never deny it. It is your remaining connection with Nature's unifying, attraction essence and peace that wisely organizes, preserves and regenerates life relationships. Its expansion in our thinking reduces our destructiveness, imbalance and disorders. Those of us who are not rationally filling the void in our life with our felt attractions to nature have been brainwashed into producing the problems we and the environment suffer personally, locally, and globally. Ignore the nature-disconnected leaders and influences that deride your desire to use and teach the Natural Systems Thinking Process. It empowers people to genuinely reconnect with nature, backyard or backcountry and thereby reduce our problems." - Michael J. Cohen   Part One. Thoughtful contemplation The Mountains Many years ago, about 20 now I was in college trying to complete an AAS in recreation leadership in Plattsburg NY. I was in throws of drug and alcohol abuse as well as deep depression. Sometime in February a couple of guys dared a friend and me to complete the Northville/Lake Placid trail in upstate NY. It's a 125 mile trip. They told us girls could not do it. So we went. I remember one day during a 12 mile hike coming to a small river and on the other side we could see a lean-to. We were in the middle of nowhere in April. No snow, but very cold. We decided to take a rest at this stream. I laid my pack against a tree, sat down by the stream, took off my boots and soaked my blistered feet. I didn't have expensive clothes, so warmth came from 3 t-shirts and a flannel shirt covered by a running coat. Work pants cover long cotton underwear. My raincoat was a trash bag. Yet as I sat there in this quiet land, I felt warm, alive. Then all of a sudden the sun came out and warmed our faces. The quiet turned to singing and gurgling of water. Life was just beginning again. In the distance you could see mountains covered by snow. I felt a sense of wholeness and peace there and didn't want to leave. I found myself in those mountains and along that 11 day trip. It was the beginning of my journey of healing and self awareness around my purpose on this earth. It still took me another couple of years to get cleaned out but that trip opened my heart to my potential as a human being. When someone asked me to think about a peaceful place and visualize it, I go there every time. It is funny, I have decided to do that trail next summer. I have imagined myself sitting by that stream for a long time and next summer I can really be there. The enjoyable part of those moments was the quiet, the smells, the sounds, the since of clarity and opened of mind that it seemed to conjure up in me. The sensory attractions were the sight of the mountains in the distance. Their commanding presence brought a feeling of comfort and safety to me. It was as if the mountains held me in their arms. The water and it's touch, cool clean and inviting. Water reminds me of clearing out, of cleansing. The sounds, of the water gurgling and birds singing could put me to sleep.The winds touched me, I felt so at peace. I could have stayed right there and slept on the grass. It was a bed of warmth and softness. I thought that if I slept here I would wake up a healthy person, free from my dysfunction and abuse. I have never been taught about these types of experiences in a class, book or person, although my mothers family live in the heart of the Adirondacks in NY. My mom taught me to fish and be in the outdoors. My first hike up a mountain was when I was 8 years old and I went up Mt. Marcy. My first camp out was at 4 on a beach near some woods. If anything these experiences set a pattern up that allowed me to make contact with those feelings. However, I do believe it is difficult to teach about the feelings and sensations. I think you are born with that ability and through contact with nature and mother earth, that connection is nurtured. Unfortunately some people don't get these experiences and that connection is not made. I know many people who are afraid of the wilderness. My therapist is one and although she is considered a shaman by many she was never connected to nature, until I came in her office. My exploration and pushiness about being outdoors has challenged her to take the step. Now they go off and spend weekends in northern Maine. I want to design a weekend for folks who are afraid of the wilderness, a re-connect to nature program and take people out here in Maine. I believe that we all have inside of us the ability to connect because we are already apart of it. I believe the universe is one big living entity. If we are a part of that entity then we are a part of mother earth. We can decide to be a virus or some part that is needed for survival. I believe we are a vital piece of this living organism. The task is to jump start our connected to bring it alive so we can interact with mother nature and in so doing maintain each other in a healthy symbiosis.   A Small Tree My prior experience was with a small tree in a Meditation Garden that was open to the public. As I walked the mediation garden for the first time I came upon this tree, nothing special about its look or location, yet within a few seconds I experienced this feeling of HOME. The feeling was such a surprise; I had never before experienced any such strong feeling when in the vacinity of a tree. It was truly amazing--I left the tree, the feeling dissipated. I returned to the tree from a different direction; once again, there was the feeling. I was in wonder and delight--how could a tree do this? How did the gardners find such a tree in the first place?? Or was it just a regular tree until the gardens planted it here, and began tending it ??? What were their gardening methods!! I wasn't taught this experience in a class, from a book, or another person. Yes (between giggles of delight) I recognized that this experience was inherent, that it was between me and the tree and not from our current civilization's story. I agree fully with the summary question (Q10). I am a sensory being, and there's MUCH MORE to my senses than this current culture usually tells me. From the Insight Article, "How Can We Come To Our Senses?": We definitely need a process that allows us to openly be part of the web in a good way. I'd suspect that there's lots of people who've had experiences like our with nature, but they're "in the closet." They're unrecognized, unvalued, and probably subconscious. I've definitely been feeling the sadness, hurt, and despair that comes from separativeness--especially from being disconnected from nature. And I still cut myself off, although less unknowingly--"cut off" is the way we were taught "to think." (The word "think" now has to be in quotes for me these days, because there's something odd/incomplete/unwholistic about it. And now, I can call it "disconnected thinking," which is naming it more accurately.) So now, properly recognizing disconnected thinking as the problem, I can become more aware of when I'm doing it. And then, I have a choice. Then, I can shift my perception/thinking to natural attractions--and thus be less sad because I'll be producing less of my own sadness. And I'll be less of a victim of thinking in a language that isolates me from the unifying web process. (While part of this process is familiar to me--recognition and observing awareness--from yogic studies & practices--now, I get to include ALL OF NATURE. And share my experiences with people who are doing the same thing = accummulating a number of shared experiences = becoming a community!!   Nature Awe Every weekend I drive to the country to see my horses which have been the focal point of my life for the past sixteen years. One horse, in particular, holds a special place in my heart and I know that when he is no longer in this world a part of me will have been lost. He was my tenth birthday present from my parents and over the years he has been a faithful companion and has endured many competitions only to please me. Years have brought me from a carefree little girl to a time-restricted adult, but one things remains constant and it is the love of this horse. My competing days ended some years ago when my horse, Ute, exited his prime. He developed a pulmonary disorder that restricts his activities. Some days are good and he is active, other days he is coughing and sullen. Weather place a part in all of this. Since his retirement from the show ring I have tried to keep him feeling purposeful (I swear he gets jealous when I ride the other horses). One Autumn day I decided to take him out trail riding on a nearby 70 acre parcel of land. Upon entering the woods everything changed. We entered off the road onto a cut path that runs through a sparsely wooded field. At that moment both Ute and I were transformed. He was excited. I wasn't in control. We walked along as a perfectly formed unit, not as horse and rider. The sky was blue, the air was crisp, and the newly changed leaves rustled in the gentle breeze. We continued on and Ute called the pace. The path led to a stream in the pine woods and that is where magic can happen. I was in awe. How beautiful, natural, and serene it all was! Why hadn't we done this sooner?! Instincts overtook training and Ute forged ahead exploring the new territory. At one point I let go of the reins, looked up and said a little prayer thanking the creator of all this beauty for giving me this perfect moment in time (Even now as I write tears well up in my eyes). A lifetime passed in the woods and we had to head home. Ute knew the way. Horses are so good like that. Once again I let him be in charge and he decided that cantering home was within his capabilities. The horse that usually coughed at a trot was running as if he were ten years younger. Something special happened that day. Possibly it was the energy that surrounded us, the newness, or a perfected connectedness between horse, rider, and the ground below. The sensations that made the experience so enjoyable, attractive, and rewarding were the smell of woods, the sound of the animals in the trees and scurrying on the ground, the fresh air, the sense of freedom, an awe inspiring view, and life it brought back into my tired old horse. A complete transformation happened. A certain energy pulsed and I achieved a certain clarity. I had no room in my mind for thoughts of things to do and the daily stresses of life. I had entered another world where only instinct and respect matter. This kind of feeling can't be taught. I feel that we are born with an innate desire to be surrounded by things that are natural, free, and untouched. I feel that I am fortunate to have had been raised by parents that encouraged the love of animals, nature, and allowed me to freely explore all the wonders this Earth holds for us. I have had the opportunity to take urban children out on 2 hour trail rides when I worked at a stable. They would spend their summer at a nearby camp and one of their activities was horse back riding. The first day everyone was terrified of the horses and the idea of going into the woods. After the first 30 minutes it seemed as though all the children relaxed and put their trust in the horses and me. By the end of the 2 hours the children were petting and hugging their horses and chatting away about the deer and other wildlife they saw. They came to ride once a week for 2 months and I had the pleasure of seeing them open up and embrace nature. This morning I sat in my backyard with the dogs. The puppy was having a great time running and exploring. It is a cool spring morning here in NJ. This new season is bringing life to the little yard and the tulips are growing and the grass is turning green and Frances, the Jack Russell Terrier puppy, looks like a princess sitting in the ivy. I give thanks to nature on a regular basis and feel privileged to have the ability to smell the fresh air, see the new vegetation, hear the birds, and to love that little puppy who brings a smile to my face everyday. I am also grateful for the health of my 13 year mutt, Angus, who after years of being alone and solitary has a been rejuvenated by the arrival of his little friend three months ago. I trust my senses and the way I feel. To live any other way would be being untrue to myself.   Beach Unity I had a time figuring out which experience to reflect on as I have a few favorites.  The winner this time was a magical day I had at a river "beach" that feels like an ocean because nearby land is so far away.  I had my two kids with me (ages 4 and 8).  It was sunny and warm with a wonderful breeze and the great smell of brackish, fishy water.  Like you were on a pier.  The water was gently lapping and the kids were playing and wading.  They were so joyful and content.  The hostility towards one another in the car ride down had disappeared.  The nearby trees felt like guardians and supportive structures.  I loved their greenery.  There were nearby cliffs that just added so much to the scenery.  I felt so happy and warm.  And blessed that I had the time to take us there.  I felt peaceful, relaxed and a sense of slowness and ok-ness, like there was no where else I would have rather been that there at that moment.  I had no thoughts of the past or future and no worries.  In the present.  It felt good. I certainly have gone back many times since then and loved it each time, although sometimes not as free of concerns as that time.  These experiences of mine were definitely not taught to me.  I agree with the summary Q that the attractions in the area provided most of the rewards and that my attraction connections to them are inherent to me. The sun's light and warmth, the trees, the colors, the smell and oh yes the feel of warm sand between my toes - the best !!! I would be very upset if that particular wonderful piece of land - currently a state park - were unavailable - or something similar to it.     Webstring Callings My friend Lyna and I, along with my daughter, Kirsten (age 10) adventure to the woods together a couple of times a year. It was in the middle of our last trip, in the Porcupine Wilderness, where the Little Carp River meets Lake Superior, that I awoke one morning by the shrill sound of a bird. The eagle, I wondered, as I briefly contemplated its constant presence since we arrived at the cabin. Then I heard the call of the crow nearby. His voice seemed to be calling me. I paused in my warm sleeping bag. Should I get up? Again the shrill sound of the bird. I crawled out of my bag into the chill of the cabin air. Again the crow called. I dressed, gathered my rain gear and headed outside. There was the eagle, perched in the tree about 50 feet from the cabin. I stood still. Yes, I realized, I was being invited to engage in my day of being in nature. Today, Lyna was spending the day with Kirsten so I could spend some silent, sitting, being time. The eagle flew off down the river to the lake. As I put on my rain gear, I noticed the sun reflecting off the raindrops left on the branches of the conifer trees from last nights thunderstorm. I could feel the magic of the morning after a cleansing rain. I decided to head down to the lake. As I approached the beach, I passed through an area of low river bottom ground full of plants beginning their spring sprouting. I notice a spider web across the path. I walked around it. Then I ecounter another web across the path. I stepped over it. Then another. They seemed to be telling me to stop, like a barrier; don,t go this way. I turned around. There before me in the glistening of the sun in the early morning mist was a beautiful array of spider webs spread among the newly sprouted foliage. Two perfectly made webs and strands and strands of silk that seemed to connect each and every plant. It was the most beautiful design I had ever seen! Wow, I kept saying to myself in a trance like way. Then my eyes drifted. I was awestruck. There were webs everywhere. Everywhere! In the foliage, in the trees, across the path and all seemed to be connected with a single strand of silk. Each branch of every tree seemed to have a web, no matter how high up I looked. It was more than amazing. I sat down on the path continuing to just be with the moment. Just when I thought I had found the last one, I discovered another, another, and another. So many webs, intricate and individual, surrounded me glistening their combined power in the dawning of the new day. I didn,t have to try to look behind me, I knew they were there. I was surrounded, feeling like I was sitting in the center of the web of life. I sat on the path taking in the magic until the sun rose higher in the sky and the physical picture of the interconnectedness of life faded. The time felt so short and so long. I felt like nature had spoken to me because it wanted to teach me something important. When I have moments like these I don,t have words. I just have feelings of knowing and understanding. I do know I learned something that affected and changed my inner being. Although, my logical brain, questioned the calling, I still felt compelled to follow. Each day, I focus on listening and letting my inner being lead me. My questioning of whether to even get out of my sleeping bag seems ludicrous in hindsight, but it is a metaphor for my daily life as I struggle with decisions of doing what,s "right and doing what I know is true for me. When I go to the woods, it seems much easier to listen. It also feels right; there isn,t anyone but myself in the moment to give me any advice. That is very freeing for me. This reflects one of the questions in the reading. "Have I prejudicially learned that doing this is "flaky or fuzzy thinking or may make me look foolish.so I won,t do it. I know it is not flaky and I,ll do it, but I fear those (like my family) who might think I am and so I tend to not always open myself up in my daily encounters. This experience made me feel like I was an intricate part of the earth, of creation, of life. I knew that whether I could see it or not, I too had one of those silk strands connecting me to the web of life. For that time I could feel the light, hear the color, listen to the moisture, and feel like I experienced the community of sharing and connectedness that I long for. This whole experience reinforces the webstring concept for me. Return to Course Index Page Institute of Global Education PROJECT NATURECONNECT The Natural Systems Thinking Process P.O. Box 1605 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360-378-6313 www.ecopsych.com www.webstrings.org Dr. Micheal J. Cohen, Director send e-mail .