Somatic Ecology

Many people argue that we are in a deepeningenvironmental crisis. To develop adequate responsesto these growing problems we need to find the mostcomplete ways to think about the world and our placein it. While it seems odd at first: if the body is valued asa knowledge source a more ecologically balancedrelationship may emerge between humanity and nature.The theoretical underpinnings for this idea includeearlier theories of environmental ethics the studyof the history of the body in western society andthe study of outputs of Somatic practices. To develop a healthier relationship with nature wemight start by listening more closely to the part ofnature with which we are most intimate - our bodies.Changing the existing relationship toward our naturalselves involves challenging human/nature andhuman/body dualities. Somatic training methodologiescan play a critical role in re-valuation of the bodyas a source of knowledge.