Since the dawn of the modern era, we have imposed our will, our concepts, our desires on the natural world. We have focused our ingenuity on extracting resources from the earth and breeding plants and animals that serve our needs. Clearly we have reach the limit of that model and in the future need to scale our consumption to what this finite planet can support. How do we know what that is? Indigenous communities worldwide point to having a reciprocal relationship with the natural world, respecting every element of the world as a living being in equal standing. In a world that exists in harmony we would enter the natural world with an attitude of listening. We would want to know what this wondrous assemblage of creatures and beings has to tell us. Our cultural belief does not give us that option, but if you ever wondered how native people learned to make medicines that required complex processing and mixtures of several herbs, they will tell you it was simple, the plants told them how to do it.
When I began investigating options for a sustainable society, I began with the idea that we could learn from the indigenous communities. However, I was told over and over that any real solution would come not from them, but from connecting with the natural world directly. So I began to listen.
When I slow down, the the wilderness I am surrounded by begins to speak. Sometimes I hear things or see things that I cannot have known with my mind. This series is about listening to what shines through the spirit of these beings. I offer it as a first step back to the wholeness native peoples speak about. Three conversations follow.
Earth Speak
Most aboriginal cultures regard the earth as alive, and as the mother of life. It has a voice that many can hear. Can we learn to listen to it and learn first hand how to live in harmony with it. Its message is clear, but like any conversation it can be distorted by the listener. This is what I hear. Follow the conversation.
| Tree Talk | The Smaller Beings |
|---|---|
| In the evolution of life on this planet, trees represent a stunning climax, for their sophistication, their powerful effect on balancing the environment and in their utility to humans. For me they are the elders of the forest and I seek out their wisdom. Follow the conversations. |
The more humble plants are equally essential, especially the molds and fungi. Our human society has evolved to excessively concentrate power and wealth in a few oligarchs. That does not happen in nature. Their voices are heard in the forest, and we would do well to listen also. Follow the conversations |
Return to the Forest
Exploration of Death, Time and Purpose
Follow the conversation