Lifespan Systems
As we explore ourselves, our community, and the world around us, we begin to develop an understanding of our own ecosystem. We can then develop an understanding of our most authentic and rewarding role within this system. Deep Ecologists call this naturally fitting into an ecological niche, and Positive Psychologists call this a meaningful life purpose.
Using the Wheel of Life Model by Ecopsychologist Bill Plotkin and Spiral Dynamics by Dr. Clare Graves as guides, this model helps illuminate the outline of a fulfilling human life by identifying 26 developmental tasks one can undertake to simultaneously foster a strong relationship with the natural environment and develop a meaningful sense of purpose in the world. You can read the full article here.
Safety, Security, & Innocence
Practicing the art of simply being in your environment without worry is the first task. This skill can be developed by…
Simply going out to be in a beautiful natural environment with no goals, objectives, or fears. The Japanese call this forest bathing.
Starting a mindfulness or meditation practice with a focus on the present moment and nothing more.
Fully engaging in a creative process like painting, sculpting, or music merely for its own sake rather than any accolades or accomplishments.
Spending time with a baby and letting her take the lead in activities. Apprentice yourself to the infant in a safe, preferably natural, environment.
Wonder, Curiosity, & Discovery
Practicing the art of curious and inquisitive exploration is the second task. This skill can be developed by…
Playing out in nature! Build shelters, dig a hole, climb a tree, collect treasures, hide in a cave, ride a mountain bike, skip, jump, leap, and roll around in a pile of leaves.
Learning what you can about the mountains, rocks, streams, trees, and animals in your area without the use of books or websites. Use nothing more than your physical senses and imagination.
Gazing deeply into the night sky and allowing yourself to wonder. Bonus points if you use a telescope. Extra bonus points if you create your own constellation story.
Going to a children’s museum, zoo, or amusement park.
Playing tag, hide and seek, kickball, or duck duck goose with some playful children between ages 5-10. No goals or measurements, just have fun!
Socially Acceptable & Authentic Sense of Self
Practicing the art of being socially acceptable without sacrificing one’s natural and personally authentic expression is the next task. To accomplish this valuable and complex task you can try…
Identifying your genuine interests and style, as distinct from what is expected by others, proper, or popular. Which types of art, music, sports, or social activities are your favorite? Why?
Engaging in new and diverse social roles and relationships. New foods, new jobs, new social groups, new political persuasions, again, with the security, wonder, and self-directed curiosity fostered in the previous developmental tasks.
Developing conflict resolution skills that allow you to express your ideas, interests, and views, while still remaining socially acceptable. This may include nonviolent communication, active listening, or validating the emotions of yourself and others without diminishing them.
Becoming comfortable and familiar with your sexuality. Determining your sexual orientation, practicing physical and emotional safety, celebrating the diverse orientations of others, displaying and recognizing interest, and drawing clear boundaries are all crucial aspects of our social ecosystem.
Mysteries of Nature, Mind, & Purpose
Exploring the deeper mysteries of nature and your own mind is the next task. You can begin this exploration by…
Deepening your meditation practice. This may mean longer and more intentional sitting meditations, new guided meditations such as loving-kindness meditation, or an exploration of other contemplative practices such as Yoga or Breathwork.
Limiting or removing addictions, substance use, and distractions like T.V. or video games. This will allow more attention to be available for your underlying thoughts, feelings and desires to be noticed and explored.
Reflective journaling, creative writing, poetry, dance, or other expressive arts that cultivate articulation of your deeper ideas, interests, and values.
Responsible use of psychedelic or entheogenic compounds with the intention of self-discovery. This should be done with the help of trained and experienced guides or therapists.
Embarking on wilderness expeditions. These may be guided or solo, and often include the practice of fasting for three or more days.
Competent in a Delivery System For Your Purpose
Identifying and becoming competent in an ecologically valuable delivery system for your life purpose is the next task. You can begin this process by…
Identifying one or more cultural settings for the work that aligns with your purpose. Where can you find people who value your purposeful intentions?
Shadowing or apprenticing yourself to an elder or older professional who is doing inspiring work, or work that is aligned in some way with your purpose.
Developing the skills that will allow you to best embody your purpose. This may include classes, certifications, degrees, books, trainings, or personal work.
Cultivating a lifestyle that will support the successful embodiment of your purpose. This may include diet, exercise, sleep, friendships, and time management.
Forging Unique and Significant Cultural Resources
The art of forging unique and significant cultural resources is the next task. You can develop this skill by…
Letting your intuitions about processes and systems guide many of your actions and decisions. You needn’t always fully understand an insight for it to be significant.
Allowing your imagination to flow and your mind to wander and make free associations. Record your ideas, however fleeting they may be. Taking walks, naps, and breaks often helps to let ideas incubate and bubble up later with even more insight.
Paying attention to your dreams and recording them often. Your mind is free to draw connections and experiment in unique and creative ways that are informed by your budding expertise. Keep a notebook and pen next to your bed and record dreams and ideas often.
Continuing the valuable work of all the previous developmental tasks. Security, exploration, social skills, deep contemplation, and improving competence will all contribute to how well you create and deliver your unique contributions to your ecosystem.
Mentorship & Ecological Generativity
Nurturing others for security, curiosity, belonging, self-discovery, and self-expression becomes the focus of those who have successfully navigated their own exploratory journey through the natural world.
Being & Nurturing the Universe
Ultimately, a successful relationship with nature will eventually lead one back to the beginning of the cycle, to an emphasis on merely being within this vast cosmos. The grace of equanimous presence may be the most valuable mentorship of all.
You can accomplish everything within this concept map on your own, but the support of a qualified and enthusiastic coach can ensure that you accomplish them with the right amount of support at a pace that works for you.
I've designed a new series of distinct coaching packages that will help tailor my coaching to your needs even further.