Shifting paradigms: The transpersonal dimensions of ecology and occupation

Abstract

The world is facing unprecendented challenges and crises at all levels and within all domains of health and well‐being. Not only is humanity being threatened but so are the environments that sustain life, and the flora and fauna that have flourished since time began. In spite of all the technological advancements and development, humanity is still struggling with both the questions and answers to life and sustainable growth. To date our solutions have been piecemeal and fragmented, our intentions and vision marked by an individualistic and a self‐centred focus at local, national and international levels. Humanity needs to discover transnational and transpersonal solutions to growth and development, and to develop a vision of co‐existence that nurtures the interrelatedness and interdependence of all living things. This paper examines the major paradigms of thinking that have created these human and environmental crises. It proposes a holographic paradigm and a Transpersonal Ecology of Living as a way of thinking and action which can be supportive and nurturing of all of nature. It also asks the question of occupational science to examine the paradigms and assumptions that steer its development and whether these beliefs are congruent with the ecological sustainability of life.