Psyche and Nature
MS 615: Psyche and Nature
Pacifica Graduate Institute
2 Units/Quarter
Course Description
This course invites us to attend to the call of the living psyche and the deep mystery of nature. Covering ecopsychological, depth psychological, philosophical, and critical dimensions and drawing upon the transdisciplinary contexts of animal and plant studies, the course aims to explore the archetypes of connection and the archetypes/shadows that interrupt connection with the Earth. We unpack and deconstruct inner models of disconnection, and forge new patterns and myths integrating spirit and matter. We investigate further the ‘wild’ practices at the intersections of myth, imagination, art, and the body that affirm soulful knowing of our ancient belonging to life on Earth. Indigenous perspectives offer theories and metaphors about ecological balance and relationship, and inspire us to reconstruct and renew the myths of self and community in a more-than-human world.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing the course, students will be able to:
Pacifica Graduate Institute
2 Units/Quarter
Course Description
This course invites us to attend to the call of the living psyche and the deep mystery of nature. Covering ecopsychological, depth psychological, philosophical, and critical dimensions and drawing upon the transdisciplinary contexts of animal and plant studies, the course aims to explore the archetypes of connection and the archetypes/shadows that interrupt connection with the Earth. We unpack and deconstruct inner models of disconnection, and forge new patterns and myths integrating spirit and matter. We investigate further the ‘wild’ practices at the intersections of myth, imagination, art, and the body that affirm soulful knowing of our ancient belonging to life on Earth. Indigenous perspectives offer theories and metaphors about ecological balance and relationship, and inspire us to reconstruct and renew the myths of self and community in a more-than-human world.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing the course, students will be able to:
- investigate the factors behind the dissociation from nature and the archetypes/shadows damaging our relationship with Earth;
- engage with Indigenous thinking, knowledge, and practice in regard to systems, interdependence, reciprocity, and participation within the web of life;
- develop healing practices for self and community that invite soulful participation in an animate world;
- construct new myths about themselves, while sustaining affective and mythic responsiveness toward earth others.