Animism, Creativity, and a Tree: Shifting into Nature Connection through Attention to Subtle Energies and Contemplative Art Practice
Canadian Journal of Environmental Education
Short Title:
Animism, Creativity, and a Tree
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
Nov 30, 2013
Pages:
111 - 126
Sources ID:
36521
Collection:
Contemplation and Ecology
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
What can happen when the "monkey mind" of habitual conceptual thought is awakened to the more-than-human through attention to subtle energies and artmaking? Drawing on autoethnographic methods, we demonstrate how one graduate student's creative engagement with a tree brought animist theory to life. This paper illustrates how a combination of time-in-relation, the contemplative artmaking practice of Creative Nature Connection, and special attention to subtle energies--the dark matter being addressed in this paper--can enable experiencing a tree as a sentient autonomous being. We address implications for environmental education and introduce easily doable principles for shifting into connection and opening to the unseen energy that connects all life.