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Nature and the Human Soul

Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World

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Nature and the Human Soul

By: Bill Plotkin PhD
Narrated by: Matthew Josdal
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About this listen

Addressing the pervasive longing for meaning and fulfillment in this time of crisis, Nature and the Human Soul introduces a visionary ecopsychology of human development that reveals how fully and creatively we can mature when soul and wild nature guide us. Depth psychologist and wilderness guide Bill Plotkin presents a model for a human life span rooted in the cycles and qualities of the natural world, a blueprint for individual development that ultimately yields a strategy for cultural transformation.

With evocative language and personal stories, including those of elders Thomas Berry and Joanna Macy, this book defines eight stages of human life - Innocent, Explorer, Thespian, Wanderer, Soul Apprentice, Artisan, Master, and Sage - and describes the challenges and benefits of each. Plotkin offers a way of progressing from our current egocentric, aggressively competitive, consumer society to an ecocentric, soul-based one that is sustainable, cooperative, and compassionate.

At once a primer on human development and a manifesto for change, Nature and the Human Soul fashions a template for a more mature, fulfilling, and purposeful life - and a better world.

©2008 Bill Plotkin (P)2017 Tantor Developmental Psychology Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Science Meditation Human Nature Psychology

Critic Reviews

"With Nature and the Human Soul, Bill Plotkin once again works miracles. This vital book provides a road map to help us remember how to be human - which means how to be a human being in relationship to the natural world, to our home. We owe Bill Plotkin a deep debt of gratitude for this important work." (Derrick Jensen, author of A Language Older than Words and coauthor of As the World Burns)
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I really enjoyed it giving an overview of growing up; covers a lot of similar things but a great overview. Particularly like the idea of justice coming first, then profit will follow

Understanding maturity better

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I really enjoyed the content of this book but it was marred by the most anmoying narration. Usually I can overcome this distraction but I was unable to finish it and will seek out a hard cppy.

Hopeless narration

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i loved the detail as well as the openness with which his model fits into other I know, or vice versa. the description of the soulcentric and ecocentric model of human development interspersed with anecdotes, takes and poetry, made for a captivating listen. I wish it was read by the author! I have a much greater understanding of myself, others in my life, and society as a whole after finishing this book.

epic

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Why are the best books always narrated by the most annoying voices, beautiful book but easily the most painful 24h of listening I’ve ever endured

You think the author would review the narrator

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