Shift Or Get Off The Path
System Leads To A Better Earth
By using the Natural Systems Thinking Process along the specific route of the Heartwood Path one comes to the realization that for a “better earth” to be possible a “better you” is necessary.
To make the person/planetary connection beneficial for all concerned (human and non-human alike) this “better you,” cannot just be a person who is educated in ecology, she cannot just be a person who is passively concerned about environmental destruction, she cannot even just be a person who knows how to make ecologically sound purchases or knows the candidates endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters.
Shift or get off the path.
Although all of these attributes are important, they are merely some of the precursors to what is really needed because, being solely inner world shifts, they do not serve as an adequate fulcrum for real, outer world movement towards bringing the civilization into balance with the environment. They will not help us realize that what Einstein knew: “all our lauded technological progress—our very Civilization—is like the axe in the hand of the pathological criminal” (Jensen, 2006) p. 663).
To find your rightful place in the ecological scheme of things, learn universal principles, anchor your unique gifts to the world, integrate yourself into the whole, develop valued traits, and go into action.
The above-mentioned inner world shifts will not, therefore, by themselves stem the tide of environmental destruction. In addition to all of these scattered inner world betterments, a concerned individual has to also have both an expanded psychological perspective (one that includes saint-like compassion—which means “feeling together with” (Zonar, 2000, p. 214)—for all sentient beings—and a workable, less random approach to activism that is personally doable, effective, inspires sustained involvement, and gets to the core of the problem: making the world’s economy subordinate to the environment and helping people both psychologically and behaviorally regain their rightful, ecologically sound place in the scheme of things.
Here’s how to do it:
The Heartwood Path is a step-by-step program that involves learning universal principles, anchoring one’s unique gifts to the world, integrating oneself into the whole, developing valued traits, going into action as an individual, persevering by connecting with the enchantment of daily life at home, reconciling self and other through sexual intimacy, going into action with a group, and learning to be a nature-centered life coach.
Determine if you need to make a change.
Before going on further it may be useful for you to consider if the premise of the Heartwood Path—improving the environment by positively changing the happiness and giving character of the participant—is plausible to you. If so, stay with this course. If not, other courses of action may be more beneficial to you. I trust that your responses in the following activity will keep you heading down the Heartwood Path.
The Heartwood Path improves the environment by positively changing the happiness and giving character of its participants.
The Lever
Promoting happiness and a giving character in individuals can contribute to positive changes for the environment. Here are several ways in which fostering these qualities can lead to environmental improvement:
Environmental Awareness and Education:
Educating individuals about environmental issues and the importance of sustainability can lead to a greater understanding and appreciation for the natural world, fostering a sense of connection and happiness.
Encourage a spirit of environmental stewardship by emphasizing the impact of individual actions on the planet. Cultivate a giving character by promoting the idea that contributing to the well-being of the environment benefits not only the individual but also the broader community.
Connection to Nature:
Spending time in nature has been linked to increased happiness and well-being. Encourage activities such as hiking, gardening, or simply spending time outdoors to help individuals connect with the environment and experience the positive emotions associated with nature.
Foster a sense of responsibility and care for the environment by helping individuals recognize the reciprocal relationship between human well-being and the health of the planet. This can instill a giving character that values the preservation of nature for current and future generations.
Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles:
Adopting sustainable habits, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and making eco-friendly choices, can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and satisfaction, contributing to their overall happiness.
Emphasize the idea that sustainable living is a form of giving back to the environment. Encourage individuals to make choices that minimize their ecological footprint, demonstrating a giving character that considers the well-being of the planet.
Community Engagement and Collaboration:
Engaging in community projects related to environmental conservation can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and connection, contributing to their happiness.
Collaborative efforts on environmental initiatives, such as community clean-ups or tree-planting events, promote a giving character by fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the well-being of the local environment.
Gratitude Practices:
Cultivating gratitude for the natural world can enhance happiness. Encourage individuals to reflect on and express gratitude for the beauty and resources provided by the environment.
Gratitude can inspire a giving character by motivating individuals to reciprocate and contribute positively to the environment. It encourages a mindset of stewardship and responsibility.
Promoting Mindfulness:
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or mindful nature walks, can contribute to emotional well-being. They help individuals appreciate the present moment, including their connection to the environment.
Mindfulness can cultivate a giving character by fostering a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of all living things. This awareness may lead to a greater commitment to actions that benefit the environment.
Social Support and Positive Relationships:
Positive social connections contribute to happiness. Creating a supportive community that values environmental well-being can enhance individual happiness.
Positive relationships can foster a giving character as individuals share a common commitment to environmental causes. Collective action becomes a powerful force for positive change.
By nurturing happiness and a giving character in individuals, we can create a positive ripple effect that extends to environmental attitudes and behaviors. This, in turn, contributes to a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between people and the planet.
To determine if you need to make a change, commune with nature and determine both the ways you need to improve your own character and the ways you need to improve your environment.
