Science and Spirit
Yesterday I was forwarded a blog post by Hank Campbell in which he expressed concern regarding the watering down of rigorous scientific inquiry by fields like ecopsychology. The author slams ecopsychology labeling its practitioners as quacks. I hear his concerns and do not think that the world is well served by anyone claiming to deliver a cure. As far as our psychological healing goes, I do not believe there is a cure; only a healing journey. From my perspective the difficulty with Campbell’s insight is that it is fragmented. Scientific reductionism eliminates our ability to see how things fit together. When we apply ideas or techniques developed from a disconnected view, we have no idea of the repercussions in a world where everything is interconnected.
Science has given us the profound insight that within the genomes of all human beings resides hundreds of genes identical to fish, trees, birds, and microorganisms. We are related to the rest of life through a common ancestor and a shared evolutionary history (genetic coding). Everything (with a capital E) is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects. Everything is interrelated. From this perspective, science and spiritual knowledge are not uncomplimentary. Sharing this knowledge with our children in a skillful and meaningful way will help to provoke a sense of kinship with all of life which will in turn result in a congruent, authentic creation of culture and of our participation with the bigger picture.
The wisdom inherent in ancient knowledge provides a framework within which to understand and apply the powerful but fragmented insights acquired by modern science. Respect for other ways of knowing, humility about the potential of our technologies, and love for each other and all other life-forms are all essential in searching for a way to live and flourish in balance with the natural world and each other.
Thomas Berry says that the Great Work of today lies in remembering the wisdom of our ancestors as we remain committed in carrying out the transition from this period of devastation to a period where humans will live sustainably and respectfully on the planet. When I think of transcending western civilization's current greed-based paradigm, I believe that this needs to be the focus of our energy. In the spirit of this shift, I see science and spirit as allies. This understanding and its resulting action is ecopsychology’s medicine.
I am curious to know your thoughts.
I have always loved nature. It's where I'm most at peace. For 10 amazing and intense years, I had the privilege of sharing my love for wild places with youth and families struggling to find their way in mainstream culture. We kayaked, hiked, spoke our truth at Council Fire, and formed uncommon bonds that to this day remain a source of inspiration. The place we did this work is called Ravenwood. It is a healing forest.
In 2010, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable plasma cell cancer. I needed a stem cell transplant and a radical change of lifestyle. Along with a good medical team and a strong and loving circle of people supporting me, Ravenwood saved my life. 8 years later, I'm still here. Ravenwood is now home to my family. Although I can no longer do the physical work of a wilderness guide, it remains my calling to share the healing powers of nature. I still call myself a guide but the places I now navigate and explore are the wild terrains that live within the human soul. Nature is my co-guide.
I work with the natural world to help make sense of inner emotions and life experiences. I believe that spending time in nature fosters awareness and interconnection to the world around us, providing the space for inward reflection and the potential for transformation. How we encounter and interpret the natural world creates a personal narrative that gives meaning to experiences and emotions allowing us to develop new ways of understanding ourselves and feeling fully integrated in our lives. Through connection with the natural world, we ultimately become connected to our ‘inner’ nature. Personal distress can be alleviated by developing the mutual connection between inside and outside.
The process of change I foster involves restoring balance to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions, reconnecting to the Earth, and adopting life-long practices that help incorporate new behaviour and thought patterns into a congruent way of life. My work as guide is to help reveal and cultivate the health and sanity which is already there rather than manipulate or modify sick people to be better adjusted. This requires a focus on healing through a process of whole-ing (recognizing the wholeness that already exists within), rather than healing or fixing a problem by eliminating it; wholeness-centered (holistic) instead of pathology-centered
I work with a range of practices including mindfulness and awareness, experiential activities, direct contact with nature, narrative therapy, environmental action, journaling, ritual, ceremony, and play.
As an aboriginal woman of Métis descent, I weave cultural teachings into my work, inspiring personal growth and a love and respect for the natural world.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor's in education, from McGill University and a Master’s of Arts in transpersonal psychology with a concentration in ecopsychology, from Naropa University. I have also completed masters level clinical counselling courses in counselling theory, family systems therapy, group therapy, and research methods, and have trained with the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy. I am a recognized facilitator of Joanna Macy's Work That Reconnects and a Level 3 Reiki Usui Practitioner.
