Scientifically, intuitively and spiritually, more and more
people are becoming aware that our lives, along with the global
life community, are at risk . Our sense of reason tells us that,
irrationally, our civilization asks us to engage in an undeclared,
often unseen, war against nature within us and around us. In
this war people daily struggle, fight and are injured on the
battlefield. Planet Earth is equally as injured as we assault
and abuse it. Many are discouraged, angry and in despair. They
feel helpless to create a better way of life because their efforts
to do so often aggravate their injuries.
The trauma of our war against nature blinds us to recognizing
that in every moment of our lives there exists an alternative
window of opportunity. That window opens to us living increasingly
friendly, sustainable lives steeped in responsible personal,
social and environmental relationships. No matter your profession,
social status or interests, a new science, Applied Ecopsychology,
now enables you to discover that window, climb through it, and
teach others to do the same. Via the internet, this alternative,
low cost, Ph.D., M.A. and B.A. degree program, or accredited
individual courses, are available. At your own pace, they empower
you with the knowledge and credentials to enjoy that window of
opportunity.
In cooperation with the Institute of Global Education, a United
Nations Non-Governmental Organization, cooperating universities
and Project NatureConnect let the fun, beauty and wisdom of the
natural world enhance our daily lives. They offer home study,
hands-on experiences in Applied Ecopsychology and Integrated
Ecology. These disciplines let thoughtful sensory connections
with nature reduce our stress, recycle our thinking and build
responsible relationships. They create moments that let Earth
teach.
We are part of nature, yet nature, in its non-verbal wisdom,
does not exhibit our runaway personal, social and environmental
problems. The nature-separated way we learn to think and relate,
not nature, produces our insensitivities and irresponsibility.
Society too often programs us to think and relate verbally, through
words and stories alone. We don't learn how to touch, celebrate
and think with our 53 inherent, non-verbal, sensory ways and
intelligences of nature within and around us. We seldom honor
that nature and Earth are illiterate.
Nature communicates:
We cannot solve our problems by using the nature-disconnected
process and thinking that underlies them. Project NatureConnect
corrects this short circuit. It lets us unashamedly sense and
enjoy in nature, in backyards or back country, the natural attractions
that hold the world together in balance. It empowers us to use
a process that injects these attractions into our thinking. We
learn to think, feel and speak with the intelligence and love
that guides our inner nature, natural people and Earth. Consider
the following example:
In Scotland, farmers were overturning their hay bales to exterminate
rats that lived beneath them. A trio of rats tried to flee but,
unlike the other fleeing rats, these three stayed close together.
This hindered their escape and they were vulnerable. Upon investigation,
the farmers found that the middle rat was blind; its companions
were guiding it to safety. Deeply moved, the farmers, rather
than kill these rats, celebrated them.
As did the farmers, we learn and act from nature's supportive
ways through thoughtful contact with them. We inherently contain,
and are attracted to, the nurturing cooperation, community and
trust found in nature. Although society conditions us to conquer
nature within and around us, Project NatureConnect enables us
to rejuvenate and speak from nature's enchantment in our soul,
thoughts and relationships.
Effects of Disconnection
Although we are born as nature's wisdom and delights, our stories
teach us to relate while disconnected from nature's nurturance.
Unlike any other natural species or people(s), on average, we
spend less than 1/2 day per lifetime in tune with nature's integrity.
Like an arm traumatically torn from a body, we are separated
from nature's wise and lasting fulfillments. We substitute for
them with fixes that pacify our stress and hurt. Fulfillment
from questionable stories and the technologies they create, not
nature, guides us We bond or addict to these fixes, no matter
their irresponsible effects. They fixate us. They often create
apathy and block our ability to make reasonable changes.
Reconnect to wholeness:
Applied Ecopsychology reverses our disconnectedness by utilizing
proven medical procedures. Good medical thinking and research
have created surgical techniques that reattach an amputated arm
back to the body. If reconnected properly, the arm will, in time,
function normally. Part of this art is the surgical technology
our clear thinking has devised to bring the arm back in proper
contact with the body. The remainder of the procedure is trusting
that once this reconnection is made, nature itself has the wisdom
to heal the rupture and rejoin the arm and body as one integrated
organism. We don't know how to do that healing, however nature
does it continuously for that is its way. Good medical thinking
respects that nature has this extraordinary regenerative power.
It taps into it. It surgically provides the proper environment
and time for nature to heal, as only nature can. Applied Ecopsychology
activities do the same thing with respect to our extremely nature-separated
psyche and thinking process.
Outcomes:
Research shows that the methods and materials of applied ecopsychology
and integrated ecology work as does the surgeon in healing a
separated arm. These disciplines tangibly place people in physical
and sensory contact with attractions in natural areas. This reconnection
allows nature to catalyze psychological and spritual healing.
It rebinds us to the wisdom and ways of our origins. The process
reduces stress and promotes the benefits thereof. In youngsters
or adults, participation in sensory nature-reconnecting activities
allows us to independently learn and own them. We become empowered
to significantly reverse our troubles at will.
The reconnecting process increases creativity, critical thinking
and wellness. Environmental literacy, citizenship, and learning
ability rise. The activities have shown to reduce apathy, abuse
of people and substance abuse, depression, sleeplessness and
loneliness. We also enjoy educational, environmental and economic
benefits from sensory reconnections with nature. Our spirit and
self-esteem soars. Natural areas are protected for they gain
added value.
Data from people's involvement in PNC is significant. For example,
a study group of apathetic, run down, low self-esteem, depressed,
chemically dependent, at-risk students living 180% below the
poverty level, were in a 10 week recovery program that incorporated
applied ecopsychology. The results were exciting. Average scores
improved dramatically: Beck's Depression inventory reduced from
12.2 to 1.5. Scores on the Stress Test went from 19.8 to 12.
The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory changed from 9.5 to 5.
Average scores of the Barksdale Self-Esteem Inventory improved
from 22 to 36.2. Sleep Inventory scores moved from 9.7 to 7.3.
Every student's attendance and academic progress improved as
did their environmental awareness, enthusiasm and literacy. No
indications of chemical remission were observed 8 months after
the program ended. Within 6 months some of the students offered
to help the counselors teach applied ecopsychology to other students.
Participation:
Project NatureConnect researches and produces practical self-guiding
methods and materials. These tools enable interested people to
learn, use and teach our nature-reconnecting process at home,
work or school. They even work effectively with weeds, potted
plants or pets. M.A. and Ph.D programs are now available for
those who desire to become leaders in this work.
Project NatureConnect's degree and training program offer information,
expertise and support through courses and workshops, books, the
internet and independent study. Transferable professional or
academic credit are an option for those who learn reconnecting
with nature skills. Internships are available as are volunteer
and professional positions for instructors, facilitators, administrators
and ambassadors. An introductory book, Reconnecting With Nature,
by the Project's director, Dr. Michael J. Cohen, empowers anybody
to enjoy, teach and apply ecopsychology.
For further information Return to Table of Contents
or see below
or write
Institute of Global Education
In Association with the United Nations Department
of Public Information
Degrees, Courses and Training Programs
Post Office Box 1605,
Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
(360) 378-6313
nature@pacificrim.net
Greenwich
University,
grnichu@aloha.net
1-800-367-4456
Return to Table of Contents
HOMEPAGE / CONTENTS /
OVERVIEW / RELEASE/
THINKING WITH NATURE
/ M.S.PROGRAM / Ph.D.PROGRAM
/ MENTOR / GREENWICH
UNIVERSITY / APPLICATION &
ADMISSION / FAQ / INSTITUTE
/Project
NatureConnect