Exploring Deep Ecology is an eight-session course for the workplace, faith center, or home addressing core values and how they affect the way we view and treat the Earth.

Discussion Course Goals:

   •     To clarify earth-related values through discussions about Exploring Deep Ecology.

   •     To discover how personal values affect the way we view and treat the earth.

   •     To understand what it means to take personal responsibility for the earth.

Topics Covered:

1. Deep Ecology: Human beings are one of many species, everything is interconnected, and sustainability should replace economic growth as our long-term goal. How do these underlying assumptions differ from current assumptions of our society?

2. Wild Nature: An experience of awe and wonder in nature can lead to a deeper sense of connection with the Earth.  How might these transformative experiences shape our relationship to the Earth?

3. Native American Wisdom: Most Americans are far removed from the Earth in their daily lives. What can be learned from the rich heritage of Native Americans and their relationship with Mother Earth?

4. The Gaia Hypothesis:  In some ways, the Earth functions like a living organism, maintaining conditions favorable to life.  How do the biological and physical worlds interact to create a self-regulating process?

5. The Universe Story:  Scientific discoveries in physics, biology and cosmology are challenging our assumptions about how the world works.  How might these insights shift our understanding of our place in the cosmos?

6. Ecopsychology: In modern society, we have lost our intimate relationship with the Earth. What are the psychological implications?

7. Simplicity: With conveniences of modern life come distractions. How can simplicity bring satisfaction in a society where materialism and technology are paramount?

8. Bioregionalism: Each person lives in a unique geographical area with natural boundaries. Will a deeper understanding of our bioregion enable us to better care for the earth?

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe”

- John Muir

Exploring Deep Ecology Course Description Flyer

*This course contains an optional nineth Celebration session where participants can explore follow up actions.