Theresa Sweeney - Eco-Art Therapy: Creative Activities that Let Earth Teach

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If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.

A human being is a part of the whole, called by us Universe , a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection to a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.~ Albert Schweitzer

I am immensely grateful to all those wonderful souls whove walked beside me on my journey and helped unfold my purpose. First and foremost, to my parents who nurtured my passion for art, raised me with profound appreciation and respect for the outdoors, and graced my path with endless love and light. To my brother, who taught me the value of living in the moment and who will forever guide me with his joyful spirit. To my sister, cheerleader extraordinaire, whose unconditional love and support continually bolsters my self-esteem.

I am deeply indebted to the mysterious stranger who sent me the random email which led me to Dr. Michael Cohen, founder of Project NatureConnect, and the discovery of Applied Ecopsychology. For Dr. Cohen, there are no words. His inspired teachings reconnected me with my natural self, gave wings to my heartsong, and forever changed my life. Though I can never personally repay him, I can and am carrying the message forward. I am grateful too, for the many students who helped test drive and validate these activities and whove shared their artwork; for mylayout editor, Patricia Bottcher; and for Mehtap Ozbas who assisted with cover design.

Lastlyand perhaps most importantly of allmy heart overflows with gratitude for the Nameless Natural Spirit of life whose profound wisdom, love, and peace makes all of this even possible.

I wrote this book to answer a spiritual calling in my heart and I wrote it for youto invite you on a creative journey towards greater wholeness and deeper connection with your natural self. This unique program originated from my own need to find sense in this world that doesn't know itself; a world of conformed unawareness. What I discovered so transformed my life that I cannot help but share it. Each of us walks our own wondrous path and though our faces may never meet, our roads have just intersectedwriter and reader. We are now a part of each others experience. Its my fondest hope that this crossing adds a little more light to our lives and to the planet.