Approach
The approach of the Ecological Living Project is a synthesis of various perspectives and schools of thought. It is this combination that we feel gives ELP its unique flavor and quality. The purpose of this synthesis is to re-define what it means to learn so that participants get the maximum benefit from the program. Our goal is no less than to shift the paradigm we operate under so that we may be in the world in a way that is sustainable, balanced and joyful. (excited? cause we are!)
To get a better understanding of this, we have provided six articles that elucidate the main components of ELP. The articles talk about both the concepts themselves and how they apply to the program. We highly recommend reading them to see how they resonate with you and thus how good a fit the program is.
Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed Learning is about taking responsibility and ownership of your learning path. Contrary to the school system which dictates what, how and when you will learn, a self-directed philosophy allows the learner to make these choices. It is based on...
Click here to read an article on the educational system by authour Daniel Quinn
Mentoring
A mentor is a guide and teacher, a friend and facilitator. While mentors are not limited to humans beings (the land can often be a powerful teacher), for the purpose of this article, we’ll stick to people. Mentoring is...
Click here to read an article on the importance of having a guide, by Tamarack Song
Community Living
Humans are social animals. For the majority of our evolutionary history (more than 99% of it), we have lived tribally, in small, close-knit groups. This model of social organization worked for humans as effectively as a pack does for wolves, a hive does for bees, and a pod does for whales. That is to say...
Click here for an article on an overview of the community movement.
Deep Ecology
“Deep Ecology is a holistic approach to facing world problems that brings together thinking, feeling, spirituality and action. It involves moving beyond the individualism of Western culture towards also seeing ourselves as part of the earth. This leads to a deeper connection with life, where Ecology is not just seen as something 'out there', but something we are part of and have a role to play in”.
Click here to read full article
Indigenous Wisdom
Indigenous wisdom refers to the beliefs, knowledge, perspectives and lifestyles of tribal peoples from around the world. This wisdom is intuitively human wisdom, but is preserved more wholly in the indigenous tribal cultures that still survive. We are all indigenous somewhere, and at some point. Indigenous wisdom comes...
Click here to read an article on the wisdom of indigenous people
Personal Growth
Personal Growth is a broad term used to imply any experience, form or practice that enhances one’s well-being – physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. It might be reading a book that gives you a new insight, it might be a regular spiritual practice, it might be personal/group therapy, or it might be going on a vision quest – the list is endless. Essentially, it is...
Click here to read an interview with therapist, Carla Royal
General reading that we find inspiring and profound.
'Nature and Madness' by Paul Shepard
Interview with Jean Liedloff, author of 'The Continuum Concept'
