Areas of Exploration
The Ecological Living Project is setup around four main themes which will constitute the framework for the program:
- Personal Growth Work
- Community Living
- Connection to Spirit/Earth
- Earth Skills
The purpose of this conceptual framework is to tie the various experiences into an integrated whole so that participants have as rich an experience as possible. It is designed to encompass the various elements of human potential and will be used as a reference point for the various experiences of the program. For example, when learning about a new wild plant that is edible, we may share how this changes our relationship to the land. The framework is not meant to be dogmatic, but simply a tool to point us in a meaningful direction.
As a self-directed program, participants will create their own unique learning path amidst this framework. There are many areas of exploration available to participants, which will be chosen by a mix of group and individual interests. The list is not exhaustive nor is it possible to do everything in three months. It is meant to give an overview of the possibilities that are available.
These are:
- Wild Edibles
- - Learning what plants we can forage locally
- - Exploration of our relationship to the plant beings
- - Spiritual, political and economic implications of our food choices
- Permaculture Gardening
- - Exploration of Permaculture Theory
- - Hands-on work in on-site permaculture gardens
- Primitive Living Skills
- - Fire by friction, shelter building, cordage making etc
- - Nature Awareness (ex. Tracking)
- Green Building
- - Solar Systems, grey-water, humanure, solar showers etc
- - Living with & improving on-site systems
- Community Living
- - How do we create functional group dynamics?
- - What does it take to create a healthy container?
- - Exploration of accountability & responsibility within a community context
- - Open Space technology, co-creative programming
- - Non-violent Communication
- Local & Regional Community Networks
- - Regional Intentional Communities
- - Regional Events and Conferences
- - Local Community Events & Gatherings
- - Sense of Place
- Emotional Work
- - Emotional Release and Integration Work
- - Peer facilitating this work
- - Weekly Council circle’s
- - Despair & Empowerment Ritual
- - Men’s & Women’s Circles
- Spiritual Growth & Transformational Processes
- - Wilderness Expedition
- - Sweat Lodge
- - Vision Quest
- - BRETH Work
- - Trance Drumming & Dancing
- - Medicine Circle
- - Shamanic Work
- - Meditation
- - Yoga
- Activism
- - Critical Perspectives
- - Approaches to engaging the system
- - Social Justice
- - Anti-oppression
- Ecological Knowledge & Wisdom
- - Reading relevant material
- - Intuitive Wisdom
- Artistic & Creative Expression
- - Music
- - Song
- - Movement
- - Visual Arts
- - Poetry & Spoken word
- - Healing through art and creative expression
...we’re definitely excited!
