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Ecopsychology

                        

“Nature is always lovely and invincible no matter whatever is done and suffered by her creatures. All scars she heals, whether in rocks or water or sky or hearts.” - John Muir

 As I observe life, it becomes obvious that there exists much suffering throughout our planet.  This is exhibited by various forms and degrees of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety-related disorders. Many people journey through life with feelings of worthlessness.  In an effort to suppress or ease their pain and suffering, they sometimes turn to alcohol and drugs. We know that the long-term effects of these solutions are devastating to one's self, as well as to nature as a whole. Feelings of low self-esteem result in the creation of a fear-based mentality which hinders our ability to live life with confidence and love.

A fear-based existence is crippling. By reconnecting with nature we can rediscover the love and peace nature intended us to experience.  Even Hippocrates, often considered the father of modern medicine, understood the powerful abilities of communing with nature.

Nature cures.”

In a previous South Shore Breaker article, I mentioned the use of ecopsychology-based activities to treat various forms of mental illness. Several years ago I had the opportunity to study and facilitate ecopsychology courses under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Cohen, Special NGO Consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council Program.  Dr. Cohen founded and coordinates Project Nature Connect which offers courses from The Institute of Global Education, a United Nations Non-Governmental Organization.

"I am familiar with Dr. Cohen and his ecopsychology work. He offers an environmentally sound, hands-on educational process that reduces apathy, catalyzes peace and promotes mental health. It fulfills our personal and economic needs, deeper ideals and spirit. His work deserves the attention of every person who seeks to reverse our troubles."  Dr. Robert Muller, Chancellor of the University for Peace, United Nations, Assistant Secretary General Emeritus of the United Nations, recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Peace Prize and UNESCO Prize for Peace.

The ecopsychology theory recognizes that human health and sanity are intimately linked to the health of the Earth and must include sustainable and mutually-enhancing relationships between humans and the non-human world. Ecopsychology places human psychology in an ecological context, and aims to heal the divisions between mind and nature, humans and the Earth. Its central concerns are the physical, psychological, and spiritual health of the human and non-human world while at the same time promoting an understanding of the psychological processes that either bond us to, or alienate us from, the natural world.

Dr. Mark Germine Editor-in-Chief, Psychoscience Journal has endorsed Dr. Cohen’s program in the following manner:

 “I’m a psychiatrist and have done or know just about every therapy there is. You (Dr. Cohen) have developed a kind of basic and applied science for reaching down into the ordinarily unconscious area of pure feeling, an essence of nature… I think your applied ecopsychology therapy has enormous potential for both ordinary people and the mentally ill. I've done hypnosis and other techniques and have not seen such a deeply unconscious state brought to the surface before.”

While enjoying moments in nature one can examine life’s difficulties from a calmer, relaxed perspective, which can inspire insightful solutions to pain and suffering. Over time one’s health is restored and healing takes place.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” -John Burroughs


Connecting with nature activities can also be used by individuals, teachers, parents and students who are involved in educational institutions.
                                                                                                                                                                          
As a former public school teacher, I know that these activities can be of great benefit when used within our educational organizations. I know that many students suffer while attending school and throughout their lives. The application of ecopsychology activities has the potential to not only assist in alleviating various types of personal and academic suffering, but to also help individuals in discovering untapped growth, development, and peace of mind.

There are a growing number of students whose needs cannot be met by the conventional education system. The knowledge and wisdom taught in ecopsychology programs offer hope for the creation of educational programs which will assist in the positive development (academic and personal) of students who are suffering from low self-esteem and a decreasing sense of self-worth, as well as students whose neurological and cognitive processing is hampered by the requirements of the regular public school environment. 

"Each hands-on sensory experience reduces stress and abandonment fears while promoting healthy bonds, minds, and environments. Incorporating these activities in counselling and education allows the natural world and its integrity to become a co-counselor and teacher." Dr. Daniel Levine, Superintendent of Schools, Lopez IslandWashington.

As we strive for a more fulfilling, peaceful and healthy life, we begin to realize that our personal health is greatly dependent on the health of our planet. Nature-connecting activities, proven to bring about a powerful and positive change to individual lives, offer one of the healthiest solutions to our many problems.

At a time when more and more people are searching for a natural way to become healthy, ward off disease and heal psychological ailments, nothing could be more powerful and natural than the conscious process of reconnecting with nature.  Its healing energy offers solutions to numerous ailments often not found in traditional psychological processes and therapies.  Use of scientifically researched, sensory, nature-reconnecting activities often reduces psychological addictions. 

Nature is the one place where miracles not only happen, but they happen all the time. Thomas Wolfe


Dr. Cohen is currently offering a free online course, “ECO 800NHP: Who are we? The Science of Nature, Psychology and Spirit”, at the following link: 

http://projectnatureconnect.org/eco_800nhp/

Further information related to Dr. Michael Cohen’s Project Nature Connect and accredited ecopsychology degrees can be found on the following site:

 http://www.ecopsych.com

Dr. Cohen can be contacted at the following email address:

[email protected] or contact Stacey Mallory at [email protected]

Look deep, deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

Nature Video Link: (music composed & performed by Mark Nelson Meuse)
http://youtu.be/9CO_d2NXgCo 


* Note: It is always of value to have a medical doctor be part of the team you choose for your holistic approach to dealing with any type of illness. 






















This post first appeared on Life: Love + Fear + Jo, please read the originial post: here

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