Thursday, August 9, 2007

PS 58-60: Sharing human spirit with the wild

Daria Gwizdz and Mieczyslaw Remin. University of Silesia

There is an increased consciousness of the role of art and humanities in ecological care. It encompasses a reflection of life, its diversity and unity, great natural beauty, and idea of a peaceful world. They are intrinsic values of our Ecology Education and Environmental Ethics Project. It has developed in multicultural environment and is based on years of our experience of using art in education of young people, including people with problems. We have used art which is inspired by nature and encompasses music, poem, painting, performance and ritual. An example of memorable form of learning that connects art to nature and inspires creative imagination is an outdoor living painting shaped by the living forms of children and adults. In an unforgettable way each of participants feels equally important, plays the part of creator and is connected in a symbolic web of life. Children, students and their teachers learn how to see and accept other people perspectives and understand that his or her point of view is only one way of seeing world. Consequently, participants gain a sense of empathy and compassion for a myriad of complex situations, and create a new perspective of their relationship with the world. Discovering and using of aesthetic qualities of nature enriches our relationships with other people and the world, and guides us toward more environmentally-friendly lifestyle and sustainability. When looking at tiny wild flowers gets us on our knees we share our spirit with the wild.

See more of PS 58 - Ecology education
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See more of The ESA/SER Joint Meeting (August 5 -- August 10, 2007)