An earth-based paradigm is ecological. It is a returning to our most natural, wild, and creative selves.

An earth-based paradigm has been lived by indigenous cultures all over the world. Individuals and communities used to be deeply connected to the rhythms and cycles of the earth, living in reciprocity and relationship. Praising life was essential and practices grieving deep loss were vital. From this perspective, we are intricately, and intimately, interwoven with the world beyond our skin.

Deepening our connection with the more-than-human world involves a radical slowing down to remember and reimagine the natural, wild self and its forgotten wisdom. Without the veil of separation between you and all of life, what it means to be fully alive expands, deepens, and opens up. And while our human being-ness invites consciousness of our impact in the world, we also hold a beautiful capacity for individual soul expression.

“Earth-based healing practices… include the profound experience of interconnectedness, a sense of belonging recovered within the oldest layers of our animal and spiritual selves. Such experiences of interconnectedness, even when met with pain, can be profoundly healing. The ego becomes less alienating as we open ourselves to others, the world, and the larger mystery of life.”

Betsey Purluss, Ph.D. Mentor, Psychotherapist, Wilderness Guide