that which informs all we do
our values & approach
we are all ecological beings
human bodies are ecosystems as well as participants of the larger ecosystems around us. we all belong to something at the same time as we are a “something” to which other beings belong. to recognise and restore connection between inner and outer ecosystems may require questioning established notions of individual identity and boundaries. looking deeply into “self”, i see that i am made of entirely “non-self” elements: the air i breathe, food i eat, sensory information received from the environment, genetic material received from my parents — “i” am global ecological elements, gathered into a unique local combination. human diversity is an expression of our planet’s ecological diversity.
relational ecology & ecological reciprocity
every body lives in an ongoing state of relational exchange with the body of its larger environment, and with the other bodies also living and moving inside of it. it is not possible for a human body to have “no relationships with places”, only unconscious ones. our inner ecology will thrive most when we can be fully supported and nourished by our outer ecology. many “personal” struggles can be transformed through a process of conscious reciprocity and collaboration with land and place beings. reciprocity requires communication, and successful communication begins with listening. we practice slowing down enough to be able to listen to the diverse communication styles of the more-than-human world.
nature heals — & everything is nature(al)
nature connection can be practiced anytime and anywhere by recognising the nature that is always already here. cities, buildings, data centres and other technological bodies are made of the same physical elements as organic bodies are — natural elements, only arranged in a slightly different combination. nature includes human brains and the worlds contained within them, human hands and all the artefacts we have created with them. nothing created from nature can be “unnatural”, though they can disrupt the integrity of existing ecosystems. disruptive energies need to be handled with great care and relational attentiveness rather than wronged or shamed. we are supported by our mentor and teacher, planet earth, in the practice of welcoming everything and extending compassion to everyone.
support & nurture communities of care
we live in a time where the disruptive and dis-integrative forces of fear, tension and overwhelm are rapidly intensifying within individual bodies, relational bodies, and the body of the planet. this trend towards an overabundance of fear and alienation calls forth the necessity of consciously nurturing its antidotes; love, care, connection, relaxation, gentleness, appreciation, playfulness, creativity — essential ingredients in the ecology of belonging. intentional explorations into “shadow” energies will always be grounded in a solid foundation of loving-kindness and commitment to mutual care. we nurture supportive partnerships with land beings whose perspectives are greater than our own, honouring their wisdom and kindness by sharing it with others.
cultural relativity & reflexivity
our cultural environments shape us in more ways than we realise, the extent of which often is only apparent in contact with others who embody a contrasting cultural history. we trust the wisdom of cultural perspectives different than our own, as expressions of relational agreements between specific local ecosystems and its human inhabitants refined over many generations. in an integrated global ecosystem, all local perspectives are respected and valued as a part of the greater whole. we are committed to recognising how our practices and perspectives are shaped by the relationships we have (had) with the different places in which we live(d) — honouring the strengths offered by our specific cultural histories and acknowledging their limitations.
