Study Background: I will be taking a 3 week course at Schumacher College in England

EARTH AND THE SACRED: THE PERSONAL AND THE PLANETARY
Rupert Sheldrake, Alastair McIntosh, Verene Nicolas & Marianne Williamson
July 1-20, 2007

Much of today’s environmental thinking is based upon a predominantly scientific analysis of complex planetary problems. This course will explore the sacred, religious and spiritual dimensions of environmentalism to develop a vision where the care of the earth plays a central role.

Week 1: Religion and Ecology Rupert Sheldrake, who is himself a controversial scientist, will present his perspective on the relationship between religion and ecology.
Week 2: Ecopsychology and Ecopolitics Alastair Mcintosh and Verene Nicolas will explore the relationship between ecopsychology and ecopolitics which can lead to a more holistic world view.
Week 3: Personal/Planetary Transformation Marianne Williamson will work with course participants to develop a vision in which personal transformation and planetary sustainability go hand in hand.

Study Learning Goals

• Explore the metaphor of ecology and strategic communications through the lens of current ecological thought
• Practice thinking in metaphor and styles of communication that will have a bearing on documentary work for RP2.
• Gain a deeper understanding of  common denominator points on which social, spiritual and cultural change can be facilitated.

Foundational Reading:

• The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
• Soul and Soil by Alastair McIntosh

Supplemental Research:

• When Impossible Happens by Stanislav Grof
• A Power Governments Cannot Suppress by Howard Zinn
• Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man by Marshall McLuhan