EDE Curriculum 2012.pdf - Gaia Education

sound a bit idealistic, it is a worthwhile starting point, for re-integration is what is necessary. Here are
some principles and practices employed by ecovillages around the world to accomplish this reintegration:
� The use of ritual and ceremony to honour such natural functions as the cycling of the seasons,
the phasing of the moon, and the four (or seven) directions.
� The use of Feng Shui, Vastu, Sacred Geometry, and other geomantic disciplines to auspiciously
place constructions in the built environment - often in alignment with energy points or ley
lines.
� Setting aside significant percentages of the land for natural functions.
� Identifying and preserving special places - such as groves, hilltops, promontories, water features
- as sacred sites
� Creating meditation nodes and sanctuaries
� Constructing earth temples, shrines, and altars
� Using architectural and siting practices that blend buildings into the landscape
� Regenerating previously damaged tracts of land so they can thrive again
� Bringing Nature right into the ecovillage and making it highly visible wherever possible
With the use of these principles and practices, and more, ecovillages are healing that split between
humanity and Nature, and creating conditions of optimum co-existence. In creating these conditions,
listening to Nature becomes possible once more and reconnecting with Nature can be achieved simply
by going about one’s daily affairs.
This module interfaces the Spiritual and Ecological dimensions of the curriculum. With the expansion
of consciousness and identity that comes from a sustained spiritual practice, it becomes easier, even
obvious, to accept responsibility for healing the Earth. Reconnecting with Nature becomes part of the
spiritual practice because Life can be perceived as an indivisible whole, a unity whose integrity depends
on the health and vitality of all its parts. Untouched, undisturbed wilderness can become a
source for spiritual renewal, where solace can be sought and deep questions answered. Planting and
tending lush gardens, respecting and regenerating the life-force of a place, healing the wounds of separation
in ourselves and others - these are all acts of a spiritual nature because planetary evolution and
the living potential of all beings concerned, human or otherwise, is enhanced thereby. The human being
as conscious regenerative agent in the biosphere…could this be the spiritual mission of the next
species of humanity?
Three and a half billion years is a very long time; there is something inherently sustainable about the
ways of Nature. When human beings can drop their hubris and approach Nature as a teacher and
guide, then many important lessons will be revealed. The human body is a magnificent cellular orchestration,
the product of this full evolutionary tenure; therefore, our own bodies are the most intimate
context for reconnecting with Nature. Go and find a relatively undisturbed natural setting - it could be
a park or your own backyard. Sit still and quiet for a moment. Open up all your senses. Does Nature
have something to reveal to you?
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