Welcome!
This self-guided activity fosters an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen relationships with ourselves, our community, and sense ourselves as an interconnected part of our natural world. We come together to share our reflections and connect in the optional online gathering. More about Lost Species Day and global events here |
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1. Self-enquiry - read before participating in the NSTP process.
Take notes or sketch about your thoughts, feelings, questions, what you find interesting or resonates with you as you explore the following notes and prompts before participating in the NSTP practice.
In this practice we are expressing how we feel about species extinction, acknowledging our feelings and reflecting with a creative process where we come together in our share sadness, grief and pain.
Ecopsychology practices do not focus on providing you with a lot of information. We offer tools and experiences for you to explore, connect, reflect, express creativity and make sense of your personal experiences. The Natural Systems Thinking Process (NSTP) assists us to tune-in, become more receptive and mindful as we explore multi-sensing, receptive relationships. Eco-art therapy acknowledges the role of an embodied nature-experience with creative expression.
“Ecopsychology represents a social-therapeutic environmental philosophy arguing that reconnection with nature is essential, not only for the maintenance of the physical world (habitats, animals, plants, landscape and cultures) but also for people's basic well-being” (Roszak, 2001; Roszak et al.., 1995;Totton, 2003).
When we examine the psychological processes that bond us to the natural world or separate ‘us’ from ‘it;’ we may see ourselves as part of nature or separate. An ecopsychology perspective is that we are all intrinsically woven and interdependent, our planet and universe is always evolving. Nature-separated thinking and actions have resulted in an illusion of separation. This separated belief has permitted our species to unconsciously and consciously damage, destroy and exploit nature. This has resulted in a severe imbalance in our planetary systems. A capitalist civilisation dominating our planet with an exploitative growth-model focuses on power and profit, and this is resulting in the highest rates of species extinction in recorded human history.
Joanna Macy states that by owning and honoring our pain for our world, by being courageous and daring to experience it, we learn the true meaning of compassion; to “suffer with”. What had isolated us in private anguish now opens outward and delivers us into the wider reaches of our inter-existence. Expressing the discomfort we feel facilitates an enhanced awareness and transforms it from being inside our body. We can feel a release and expansiveness when we open to collective transformative action. Greif needs to be collective and sharing our feelings is one way of transitioning them and finding out that we are not alone with our pain, our pain is collective and it is in us for a reason.
"Use your breath as an anchor and your senses and sensations as a compass."
"...capacity to suffer-with is the literal meaning of compassion, a central virtue in every spiritual tradition. It says you are a compassionate being. Another word for that, in Buddhism, is bodhisattva... So don’t you apologize for the tears you shed or the rage you feel about what’s happening to other beings and to our living world. Your tears and your rage are just the other face of your belonging.” - Joanna Macy.
“... there is great power and wisdom in our emotional response to our world. Until we are prepared to be moved by the profoundly tragic ways we treat the planet and each other, our behaviour will never change....Grief is not something to be pushed away; it is a function of the depth of the attachment we feel for something, be it a loved one or the planet. If we don’t allow ourselves to grieve, we stop ourselves from emotionally processing the reality of our loss. It prevents us from having to face the need to adapt to a new, unwelcome reality...Unfortunately, we live in a culture where we actively avoid talking about hard realities; darker parts of our psyche are considered dysfunctional or intolerable. But trying to be relentlessly cheerful or stoic in the face of serious loss just buries more authentic emotions that must eventually come up for air...As a climate scientist at this troubled time in human history, my hope is that the life force of our Earth can hang on. That the personal and collective awakening we need to safeguard our planet arrives before even more is lost. That our hearts will lead us back to our shared humanity, strengthening our resolve to save ourselves and our imperilled world.” -by Joëlle Gergis, Climate Scientist.
Take notes or sketch about your thoughts, feelings, questions, what you find interesting or resonates with you as you explore the following notes and prompts before participating in the NSTP practice.
In this practice we are expressing how we feel about species extinction, acknowledging our feelings and reflecting with a creative process where we come together in our share sadness, grief and pain.
Ecopsychology practices do not focus on providing you with a lot of information. We offer tools and experiences for you to explore, connect, reflect, express creativity and make sense of your personal experiences. The Natural Systems Thinking Process (NSTP) assists us to tune-in, become more receptive and mindful as we explore multi-sensing, receptive relationships. Eco-art therapy acknowledges the role of an embodied nature-experience with creative expression.
“Ecopsychology represents a social-therapeutic environmental philosophy arguing that reconnection with nature is essential, not only for the maintenance of the physical world (habitats, animals, plants, landscape and cultures) but also for people's basic well-being” (Roszak, 2001; Roszak et al.., 1995;Totton, 2003).
When we examine the psychological processes that bond us to the natural world or separate ‘us’ from ‘it;’ we may see ourselves as part of nature or separate. An ecopsychology perspective is that we are all intrinsically woven and interdependent, our planet and universe is always evolving. Nature-separated thinking and actions have resulted in an illusion of separation. This separated belief has permitted our species to unconsciously and consciously damage, destroy and exploit nature. This has resulted in a severe imbalance in our planetary systems. A capitalist civilisation dominating our planet with an exploitative growth-model focuses on power and profit, and this is resulting in the highest rates of species extinction in recorded human history.
- What do you feel about nature separated-thinking and the effects on our planet?
- What have you noticed about how the industrial growth/consumer society is operating in your own life, community and in our world?
- Is there a specific animal, plant or place that is extinct or threatened and you feel discomfort about it?
- Can you identify the kind of actions or habitat imbalance which has caused this extinction or is threatening?
Joanna Macy states that by owning and honoring our pain for our world, by being courageous and daring to experience it, we learn the true meaning of compassion; to “suffer with”. What had isolated us in private anguish now opens outward and delivers us into the wider reaches of our inter-existence. Expressing the discomfort we feel facilitates an enhanced awareness and transforms it from being inside our body. We can feel a release and expansiveness when we open to collective transformative action. Greif needs to be collective and sharing our feelings is one way of transitioning them and finding out that we are not alone with our pain, our pain is collective and it is in us for a reason.
- Scan your body and tune into it. Can you identify feelings, senses or sensations brought up in your body from thinking about this? They may be sadness, grief, loss, anger, frustration, injustice and, or disconnectedness.... anything at all... Witness these feelings inside your body, imagine where they are, what the shape and colour they might be... What do you usually do with these feelings? How does it feel to consider these feelings with non-judgemental curiosity? Consider they are here to guide us, they have a role to play, they are not good or bad, negative or positive. Can you make a list of these feelings, take them from inside your body to paper, add colours and embellish as you desire.
- What happens when you acknowledge pain, accept the sensations, instead of judging them as good or bad, positive or negative? Rather than pushing uncomfortable sensations away, resisting or blocking, what happens when we try to welcome the breath deeply and slowly to flow through the discomfort and transform them? Do you recognise a primal bond, anchor and comfort with nature within the breath?
"Use your breath as an anchor and your senses and sensations as a compass."
- Uncomfortable sensations are tapping into our ecological unconscious and expressed by our bodies 'felt' senses and sensations. Ecopsychology methods seek to understand and heal our disconnected relationships with ourselves, communities and our Earth. Our ancestors had ancient rituals and wisdom for healing and 'tuning-in' to our natural world; connecting and maintaining reciprocal relationships. It was essential for our survival. We have evolved now through generations without the practices that kept us tuned-in and sensing our reciprocal relationships as part of nature. Can you feel loss of connection or longing for this ancient connection?
- What do you love or appreciate about your chosen animal, plant or place? Scan your body and tune into it. Can you identify and list emotions, feelings or sensations brought up in your body from thinking about love, appreciation and connectedness? Can you feel an energy shift or transition in your body?
"...capacity to suffer-with is the literal meaning of compassion, a central virtue in every spiritual tradition. It says you are a compassionate being. Another word for that, in Buddhism, is bodhisattva... So don’t you apologize for the tears you shed or the rage you feel about what’s happening to other beings and to our living world. Your tears and your rage are just the other face of your belonging.” - Joanna Macy.
- Grieving is not something we have to do alone. When we share rituals or events that mark loss or grieving, we honour this loss and the being or place that is lost to us or threatened. We can also view what we feel as 'my' grief turn to 'our' grief. When we feel pain and discomfort together, we can consolidate the experience and feelings, heal, transition and also make sense of the feelings and thoughts about loss. We can transition them through our body and feel a release.
- How does it feel to view your life and be curious about your feelings, responses and reactions as if you are on an adventure, pilgrimage or it is part of an initiation? Initiations are not easy, they need to be challenging enough for us to learn, gain new skills, be creative and adaptive, and find a new way of being as we go forth. All life when pushed to edges, into tension or chaos, to its limits, will evolve, and will create something new.
- What discomfort do you feel ready to lean into to learn, grow and evolve? What uncomfortable sensations do you feel you need support with? Connections with people is important for our wellbeing. What people, resources and tools do you need? Who will share in your grief and any actions or rituals? Can you think of 3 people you could share your grief, sadness, loss, and injustice concerns? Would you like to share this experience with them?
“... there is great power and wisdom in our emotional response to our world. Until we are prepared to be moved by the profoundly tragic ways we treat the planet and each other, our behaviour will never change....Grief is not something to be pushed away; it is a function of the depth of the attachment we feel for something, be it a loved one or the planet. If we don’t allow ourselves to grieve, we stop ourselves from emotionally processing the reality of our loss. It prevents us from having to face the need to adapt to a new, unwelcome reality...Unfortunately, we live in a culture where we actively avoid talking about hard realities; darker parts of our psyche are considered dysfunctional or intolerable. But trying to be relentlessly cheerful or stoic in the face of serious loss just buries more authentic emotions that must eventually come up for air...As a climate scientist at this troubled time in human history, my hope is that the life force of our Earth can hang on. That the personal and collective awakening we need to safeguard our planet arrives before even more is lost. That our hearts will lead us back to our shared humanity, strengthening our resolve to save ourselves and our imperilled world.” -by Joëlle Gergis, Climate Scientist.
- Can you identify constructive actions that you have found useful in the past, or that you may like to try that provide a physical sense of purpose to counteract the uncomfortable sensations? (These may be self-care actions, community actions, political actions... etc.)
2. NSTP (Print or open)
The self-guided practice utilizes the Natural Systems Thinking process which includes mindfulness, consent, multi-sensing, re-connecting, and gratitude. Please gift yourself at least an hour of unhurried outdoors time to fully engage in the practice.
The re-connecting NSTP practice guides us to remedy our alienation from nature with reconnecting on a multi-sensing level, leading us to sense ourselves as part of an intricate alive and intelligent entity.
Please feel free to enjoy leading friends and family members in this practice. I request you do not use this exercise in professional practice, please keep it affordable and enjoyable for Greensong participants to access, and supportive of Warburton Environment.
The 6-step NSTP - Greensong Guidelines are adapted with permission from Dr. Michael Cohen's Natural Systems Thinking Process. (Project NatureConnect) and with inspiration by Dr Teresa Sweeney's Eco-Art Therapy.
You may wish to listen to the Greensong Guidelines audio explaining the NSTP steps in greater detail before participating, or open it and use it to step you through the process as you participate. Please contact Deb for a link or if you have any questions about it.
Print or open on your iphone/device and head outside to a spot that you feel attracted to...
Please be mindful to adhere to maintaining physical distancing and health regulations for your local COVID-19 safety precautions when outdoors in nature.
The self-guided practice utilizes the Natural Systems Thinking process which includes mindfulness, consent, multi-sensing, re-connecting, and gratitude. Please gift yourself at least an hour of unhurried outdoors time to fully engage in the practice.
The re-connecting NSTP practice guides us to remedy our alienation from nature with reconnecting on a multi-sensing level, leading us to sense ourselves as part of an intricate alive and intelligent entity.
Please feel free to enjoy leading friends and family members in this practice. I request you do not use this exercise in professional practice, please keep it affordable and enjoyable for Greensong participants to access, and supportive of Warburton Environment.
The 6-step NSTP - Greensong Guidelines are adapted with permission from Dr. Michael Cohen's Natural Systems Thinking Process. (Project NatureConnect) and with inspiration by Dr Teresa Sweeney's Eco-Art Therapy.
You may wish to listen to the Greensong Guidelines audio explaining the NSTP steps in greater detail before participating, or open it and use it to step you through the process as you participate. Please contact Deb for a link or if you have any questions about it.
Print or open on your iphone/device and head outside to a spot that you feel attracted to...
Please be mindful to adhere to maintaining physical distancing and health regulations for your local COVID-19 safety precautions when outdoors in nature.
3. Seek a place in Nature...
Take your printout or open to the self-guided NSTP practice in an outdoor space you find attractive, safe and comfortable.
Take your sketches, notes and questions from the self enquiry as well as any art materials you feel attracted to use.
You are invited to express yourself creatively however you choose within the practice steps, or after completing the practice.
You my choose to creatively respond to anything at all about this experience.
You do not have to be an artist. It can be an advantage not to be as learned thinking processes can block the intuitive creative flow.
When you complete your practice, see the Reflection Evaluation to consolidate and deepen your creative embodiment experience, help make sense and meaning. And add your creative expression to the online Gallery before Nov 15th.
HOW: Post on GREENSONG KINSHIP FB page or via email to [email protected]
INCLUDE:
Feel free to share your experience and the gallery on your social media using the hashtags #LostSpeciesDay2022 #noconsent #transitionnow #greatforestnationalpark #ecotourism #endnativeforestlogging #forestconservation #xrforests #warburtonenvironment #ecoart #extinctionwitness
Take your printout or open to the self-guided NSTP practice in an outdoor space you find attractive, safe and comfortable.
Take your sketches, notes and questions from the self enquiry as well as any art materials you feel attracted to use.
You are invited to express yourself creatively however you choose within the practice steps, or after completing the practice.
You my choose to creatively respond to anything at all about this experience.
You do not have to be an artist. It can be an advantage not to be as learned thinking processes can block the intuitive creative flow.
When you complete your practice, see the Reflection Evaluation to consolidate and deepen your creative embodiment experience, help make sense and meaning. And add your creative expression to the online Gallery before Nov 15th.
HOW: Post on GREENSONG KINSHIP FB page or via email to [email protected]
INCLUDE:
- One or two images or a URL link for performances, music, song or dance... (from a youtube or vimeo) of your creative expression.
- Your name (or anonymous if you prefer)
- A reflection from your experience (up to about 250 words) Your reflection 'artist statement' describes your learning, feelings, and/or the process from your eco-art experience.
- Optional: add a contact link to be embedded in your name for on the gallery website. (Ie. a business link, your social media page)
Feel free to share your experience and the gallery on your social media using the hashtags #LostSpeciesDay2022 #noconsent #transitionnow #greatforestnationalpark #ecotourism #endnativeforestlogging #forestconservation #xrforests #warburtonenvironment #ecoart #extinctionwitness
GATHERING ONLINE - optional participation
Sharing and reflecting on our experiences deepens our relationships with the natural world and each other.
Some of the gallery artworks will be exhibited during the gathering and participants will be invited to talk about their experience and reflections.
This is an opportunity to be truly present to each other, and feel strengthened in our capacity to continue to act for life on Earth.
WHEN: Monday 21st November 2022
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89409160343?pwd=NkppdzZEZ2F0dHNZM1lSZk82ZTQvZz09
Meeting ID: 894 0916 0343
Passcode: KinfolkVIP
NOTE:
Sharing and reflecting on our experiences deepens our relationships with the natural world and each other.
Some of the gallery artworks will be exhibited during the gathering and participants will be invited to talk about their experience and reflections.
This is an opportunity to be truly present to each other, and feel strengthened in our capacity to continue to act for life on Earth.
WHEN: Monday 21st November 2022
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89409160343?pwd=NkppdzZEZ2F0dHNZM1lSZk82ZTQvZz09
Meeting ID: 894 0916 0343
Passcode: KinfolkVIP
NOTE:
- This 2-hour gathering is not a presentation.
- This is an interactive/camera on session, please ensure your camera is on and you are ready to be fully present for the whole time.
- You will be emailed the zoom link and a reminder email prior to the gathering session. The session will open 5-10 minutes before the scheduled start to provide time to ensure the camera and audio is working and we will start on time.
- We use Zoom, please ensure you have free extension application on a computer or laptop and are familiar with how to use it prior to event. We may use functions: mute and unmute, chat box, change name, and you can see gallery view. These functions may not be available on your phone or small hand-held device.
- Zoom sessions will NOT be recorded.
SOS: Sustainability of Self: Eco-Resilience
This event is offered as part of the SOS Eco-Resilience project focusing on transitioning uncomfortable sensations related to climate and ecological grief and anxiety.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
SOS sessions are not a substitute for medical care, regular treatments, and medications. If you feel in a crisis state, or feeling intense anxiety/grief, please contact a professional service provider ASAP. It is easier to heal and transition with profesional guided assistance. Please note Deb/Greensong is not a psychologist, an ecopsychologist is quite different. Some specialist links are provided on the SOS Eco-Resilience project page.
This event is offered as part of the SOS Eco-Resilience project focusing on transitioning uncomfortable sensations related to climate and ecological grief and anxiety.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
SOS sessions are not a substitute for medical care, regular treatments, and medications. If you feel in a crisis state, or feeling intense anxiety/grief, please contact a professional service provider ASAP. It is easier to heal and transition with profesional guided assistance. Please note Deb/Greensong is not a psychologist, an ecopsychologist is quite different. Some specialist links are provided on the SOS Eco-Resilience project page.
THANK YOU
I acknowledge the first people of our various countries we are gathering on and pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
I also note the role our ancestors play in our participation here right now and our continued work for correcting injustice.
We also gratefully acknowledge and the more-than-human entities play in our lives and well-being.
I thank Megan Hollingsworth and the Lost Species organisations, Warburton Environment,
Dr. Michael Cohen of Project NatureConnect and Dr. Theresa Sweeney
I also note the role our ancestors play in our participation here right now and our continued work for correcting injustice.
We also gratefully acknowledge and the more-than-human entities play in our lives and well-being.
I thank Megan Hollingsworth and the Lost Species organisations, Warburton Environment,
Dr. Michael Cohen of Project NatureConnect and Dr. Theresa Sweeney
