Sprouts - G&G Discussion
Garlic & Grass Discussion
Posted By Howard M. Switzer of Linden, TN
I had to laugh at the image of David Cobb, whom I know and love, being asked 'What's your psychology and how do you make it available to others?' Most of us don't think in those terms, Michael. That seems to be more your area of expertise. We need more greens like you to get involved in the party, I think. Well, I say that but what you are doing is certainly very important.
I spent a lot of time on your website exploring your message, and it is the message we try to pass along in our immersion courses in permaculture and natural building at the Ecovillage Training Center on The Farm in Summertown, TN. People are always suprised that they got more than they bargained for. Of course we haven't yet got our course process down the way you apparently do to reconnect people to nature. We are flying by the seat of our pants out here exploring the great mystery. I haven't got any degree or college time at all -- or I would take your course -- but I am a registered and licensed architect in the state of Tennessee. Can I take it anyway? Can I audit? We certainly agree with you that 'The excessive conquest of natural systems within and around us disturbs the human psyche and this disturbance creates major personal, social and global problems.' And 'We omit nature from our thinking because our society not only prides itself on its conquest of nature but our socialization/education (did you read John Taylor Gattos's new book?) teaches us the false prejudice...' That prejudice explains why openly enjoying or revering natural systems, including our natural senses often earns us the name of 'escapist, flaky, tree hugging, hippy environmentalist.'
So you are one of us, Michael. I wish more members of the Green Party were aware of those things of which you speak. I know some are. By association I think some of it rubs off onto others, hopefully.
'The process gives them enough energy to appear on our nature desensitized screen of consciousness and green our thinking.' Very good choice of words, Michael. I hope to read your course book, The Web of Life Imperative. My wife and I hold civilization responsible for destroying the many thousands of natural cultures and languages that once evolved on this planet. We think hierarchy is one of civilizatons key attributes. So let me share one of my little songs with you...
'Hierarchy, hierarchy
the way this world is run you see
so much social misery
all because of hierarchy
to put one above another
is not the way its meant to be
so lets don't blame each other
Let's all blame hierarchy!'
Well, its not exactly the positive loving trasforming life philosophy you speak of, but do you think it makes a good point?
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