Somatic Ecology

Many people argue that we are in a deepening
environmental crisis. To develop adequate responses
to these growing problems, we need to find the most
complete ways to think about the world, and our place
in it.

While it seems odd at first: if the body is valued as
a knowledge source, a more ecologically balanced
relationship may emerge between humanity and nature.
The theoretical underpinnings for this idea include
earlier theories of environmental ethics, the study
of the history of the body in western society, and
the study of outputs of Somatic practices.

To develop a healthier relationship with nature, we
might start by listening more closely to the part of
nature with which we are most intimate our bodies.
Changing the existing relationship toward our natural
selves involves challenging human/nature and
human/body dualities. Somatic training methodologies
can play a critical role in re-valuation of the body
as a source of knowledge.

Autorentext

Robert Bettmann is a choreographer, dancer, writer, and editor,
currently based in Washington, D.C. He received a BA in
Environmental Studies from Oberlin College in 1997, and an MA in
Dance from American University in 2004. He is the editor of the
arts magazine Bourgeon.

Klappentext

Many people argue that we are in a deepening
environmental crisis. To develop adequate responses
to these growing problems, we need to find the most
complete ways to think about the world, and our place
in it.

While it seems odd at first: if the body is valued as
a knowledge source, a more ecologically balanced
relationship may emerge between humanity and nature.
The theoretical underpinnings for this idea include
earlier theories of environmental ethics, the study
of the history of the body in western society, and
the study of outputs of Somatic practices.

To develop a healthier relationship with nature, we
might start by listening more closely to the part of
nature with which we are most intimate - our bodies.
Changing the existing relationship toward our natural
selves involves challenging human/nature and
human/body dualities. Somatic training methodologies
can play a critical role in re-valuation of the body
as a source of knowledge.