It’s a rare film that comes along that checks all the boxes for being a true example of the best of ecopsychology philosophy. Fortunately, last year’s winner of the Oscar for Best Documentary film is such a work of art. My Octopus Teacher wins on so many levels. Not only science, but also as a testament to the healing power of nature and to the inherent interconnectedness that we share with other species when we open to and cultivate the ecological self.
I love the feeling around teaching students the importance of picking a single place, visiting regularly, and simply being there for a given amount of time. I have many personal stories of how this practice has impacted my life - sometimes in profound ways. The thing about wild nature is, it takes time to connect with it. the relationships have to build, gradually, by all the participants (human and non-human alike). Eventually, they grow familiar with one another. Once that happens, a certain kind of dialog becomes possible. Thank you for encouraging your students to connect.
I love the feeling around teaching students the importance of picking a single place, visiting regularly, and simply being there for a given amount of time. I have many personal stories of how this practice has impacted my life - sometimes in profound ways. The thing about wild nature is, it takes time to connect with it. the relationships have to build, gradually, by all the participants (human and non-human alike). Eventually, they grow familiar with one another. Once that happens, a certain kind of dialog becomes possible. Thank you for encouraging your students to connect.
Thank you for reading the post Robert, and for your great insights and lived experience around connecting with wild nature...