Introductions

The introduction class will go over the basics and give the participant the experience of using the concept of needs to connect with life as it moves.  This is done initially by giving empathy to other people. Then in a practical way we explore how attention to needs helps us establish relationships with non-human “relatives.”  And how these relationships and this way of placing ourselves within the natural world in turn helps us understand how to be human. 

 A quick example of how the exercises would build:

• Opening Circle.  Making ourselves known, asking for permission and witness 
• Exploring the general concepts
• Group exercise, and group reflection 
• Exploring the concept of “relatives”
• Sitting with a wolf and practicing.  Group reflection
• Sitting with a tree. Practicing and then group reflection
• Sitting with the creek (water).  Practicing and group reflection
• Closing circle.  Saying thank you