Earth-self interconnections: an exploration into the significance for continued global and individual growth

The significance of the Earth-Self interconnections for , personal and planetary growth was explored in this inquiry. Because Native Americans are a people who traditionally have been tangibly and consciously aware of Earth-Self interconnectedness, their philosophy that all life is connected was used as an example in examining the Earth-Self interrelationship. This foundation was followed by an elucidation of possible methods of integrating, through experiential and academic means, these interconnections with individual lifestyles and attitudes; and the potential results investigated. Education is perceived as both a formal and informal process. Learning is a process of opening - to other ideas, philosophies, awarenesses - formally in the classroom and informally through multitudes of experiences. Conceptually, Native people believe opening is a process of balancing; what is reflected out, is mirrored back. A balanced individual is the reflection of a balanced earth. It is argued that pollutions and meteorological changes are indicative of the Earth's present imbalance. We mirror that imbalance. As a challenge posed in this thesis, by opening and becoming aware of the Earth-Self interrelationship, can we not rebalance wholistically? This inquiry explores the potential of rebalancing.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Adult and Continuing Education

Department dc:contributor.department

Adult and Continuing Education

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1987

Author dc:creator

• Perantoni, Esther Schwartz

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Boucouvalas, Marcie

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Chalofsky, Neal E.
• Depczenski, R. G.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-11202012-040235

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/45916