From mother earth to earth community: a perceptual shift in our relationship with the earth

Abstract

This article explores a change in the symbols and metaphors used to describe nature and the earth. The central argument is that the metaphor of "mother earth" (and likewise "mother nature") is being replaced by "earth community", and that this represents not just a change in our psychological relationship to the planetary ecosystem, but a countering of powerlessness, and a claim for a collective, humane, "of the earth", voice. This change in the earth–human relationship is evidenced in current developments in philosophy, eco psychotherapy, the ecological unconscious, environmentalist theories of change, eco-activism and other social movements, our legal systems, and an increasing appreciation of indigenous ontologies. A key aspect of this change in our relationship with the earth is the concept and practice of regeneration. The author argues that regeneration of our minds, emotions, and consciousness is something that systems psychodynamics has been undertaking for many decades.