Ecopsychology or ecobabble? What do you think?
Consider the urge to garden "organically" along with the current popular movement toward wanting things to be "natural". What could be wrong with that?
We hear that people today just crave a sense of connection with the Earth. Now I don't know for sure, but I suspect people have always enjoyed being out of doors and I also suspect nobody would purposely expose themselves to toxic stuff provided there was an acceptable alternative. And so, of course, the advertising folks take that to the extreme and reinforce the sentiment and build a wave of excitement. No wonder "natural" is the "in thing"! How could any one say NO!?! I mean, really, if one said no to natural, then apple pie might be next!
And so I am bemused to discover the new field called ecopsychology. How opportune!
The ecopsychologists claim to intend to encourage in-depth exploration of our relationship to each other and to Earth.... As the page pushing the newsgroup explains it:
"Ecopsychology is an emerging, multidisciplinary field, where psychology and ecology are used to examine the psychological and spiritual roots of the environmental crisis. Ecopsychologists view humanity as interdependent with all other life forms, including Earth itself. By reawakening this consciousness, we act instinctively to care for the Earth and all life."
You may wish to glean more information and perhaps subscribe to their newsgroup by scrolling down through here. Let me know if you think this is for real or if it's Madison Avenue at work!
Now this next absolute gem may just push the edge of the lunacy frontier. Fact or fiction? Fad or fantasy? I leave that decision up to you! Explore this Natural System Thinking Process courtesy of Project Nature Connect: Applied Ecospychology In Action.
Pardon me while I step outside to do some real connecting with nature! In case you are stuck inside reading this and can't get out -- you might like to try some of these virtual Sounds from the Zen Garden!
ENJOY!
Note from Your Editor: Have you noticed all the great new garden topics at Suite101? In case you haven't checked lately, take a look at the great selection listed under the Garden Section on the Table of Contents!
Editor's Note: Beginning 2/15/98, watch out for Gecky my "kid link" indicator. This icon means I think a link is particularly appropriate for or of possible interest to children.
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