Natural Systems Solutions

Reconnecting with Nature
for Sustainable Lifestyles, Organizations, and Communities

Our Philosophy

   The beauty of our basic philosophy is its simplicity: We come from the Earth and are totally dependent upon it for our sustenance, so we require a healthy planet in order to be healthy ourselves--and vice versa.

   The essence of this philosophy reflects science's awareness of the interconnected nature of reality. We see the prevailing world view of 'separateness'--spirit from body, person from person, humanity from nature--as the underlying cause of most of our current personal, societal, and environmental crises. The Earth has been in perfect balance for billions of years, so achieving health for ourselves, our culture, and our planet is simply a matter of remembering how to think and act the way the rest of nature works. This can occur by adhering to the four core principles of natural systems--mutual support and reciprocity, no waste, no greed, and increasing diversity. These principles enable the prime activity of life--the creation of self-organizing attraction relationships that support the whole.

The Natural Systems Thinking Process

   The foundation for the work this philosophy enables is the Natural Systems Thinking Process (NSTP) developed by Dr. Michael Cohen of Project NatureConnect. Drawing from, and in harmony with, both modern science and ancient wisdom, this simple yet powerful process of applied ecopsychology helps us reclaim our natural birthright of living in integrated harmony with the natural world from which we were created. The NSTP works by experientially and scientifically--sensuously and rationally--reconnecting the human psyche with the wise and nurturing Web of Life. Destructive subconscious addictions are replaced with unifying passions that produce sustainable lifestyles. Hopes become reality. Responsible personal, social and environmental relationships arise by restoring this missing link in the way we think.

   You could think of it as taking the red pill.

   Natural Systems Solutions weaves together the principles and processes of ecopsychology, urban permaculture, and effective tools for social change to provide a basis for bringing nature's wisdom into daily life and reflecting it at home, at work, in the community, and in the larger world. By combining reconnecting our lives with relocalizing our lifestyles, we avail ourselves of the power of a systemic process that allows us all, using the strength of our diversity, to create a sustainable future based on ecological wisdom, social justice and democracy--a society at peace with the earth and other cultures.

   If you would like to schedule an introductory consultation session or arrange a presentation or workshop for your group, please contact nature@attractionretreat.org or give Dave or Allison, co-founders of Attraction Retreat's Natural Systems Solutions, a call at (520) 887-2502.