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Ecological Psychology is a study and practice of the interwovenness of all life.  Aligned with native sciences in this way, Ecopscyhology operates with the understanding that we make one another who, what, and how we are. The water I drink becomes me. What I use to wash my body, and how I dispose of my trash, my waste, becomes the water. The energy I bring to the coffeehouse, or to my classroom, or to my family – alters the environment we share together. And, the energy I walk into, can alter me, and my energy.  

The stories I grow up with – what is shared to me from and about my family, what I learn in school, how adults treat me and each other, how my friends treat me and each other, and what I see in movies and magazines (and now, social media) -  all of this shapes my behavior, and shapes my ethos – even if I am unaware of that co-creation. In fact, perhaps especially if I am unaware.  

In order to study this physical and behavioral interconnectedness, we spot patterns in the ecological world, as well as in complex and diverse myths, narratives, and world views. Uncovering these patterns helps us to understand the intricate workings and relationships of our social, psychological, and physical ecosystems. 

Since we ARE ecological, the ecological world provides the processes and principles that also take place in our psychology. This is a gift when seeking to understand our feelings and behaviors.  

In practice, we use metaphor and deep questioning to excavate human narratives, spot psychological patterns, attune our senses, and undergo a psychological involution of composting and new growth. 

With guidance, this practice and study can lead us to become more grounded in knowing how we are home on Earth; how we are ecological. 

In this practice, we become familiar, akin, with other beings, not only humans, but humans too. We become akin with processes, with change.  

Ecopsychology is not to be confused with Eco Therapy, yet they are connected .To practice ecopsychology, it does help to get out and explore different environments, different creatures. This not only diversifies our lives in an experiential way, but also allows us to recognize our psychological ecosystems in deeper metaphorical ways.   I grew up by the Hudson River, and live by one of its tributaries now. Perhaps this is partially why I identify a lot with rivers.  I can study their behavior, and learn about my behavior. If I am flooded, I need warmth, the heat of the sun. If I am stuck, I can move my body, dance, invigorate a flow again. Or even clean a bit of my house - undoing an out of date dam. 

Yet, for those environments and creatures we can't be in or next to, we can learn about them to understand how our behavior is related.  The more we know about a different ecological being or process, the more our own lives and psychology make sense. 

    IMAGINATION

Once we understand more about how our physical and psychological world works, we can imagine with intention. This is part of my understanding of how ecosychology is so helpful. 

Imagination is pivotal, in general, but also emphasized ecopsychology, in regards to narrative change. Our imagination tells or reveals a story, and guides our behavior, actions, and energy -- If given attention, our wildest dreams can also help us understand where our ethos and our intuition lie.  With  appreciation for the wisdom of imagination, We can work to imagine new stories into being. Stories of expression, universal prosperity, and love.