envirospired-blog

[envirospired-blog]

Learn, Reflect and Change

As another residency comes to a close, I am feeling rather ambivalent: I’m looking forward to catching up on sleep and eating a dinner that includes more than one food group; terribly sad to be leaving such a fantastic group of people; and nervous to begin the thesis journey!

The last two weeks have been so full. Full of warmth, compassion, joy, sorrow, anxiety and grief. We have explored such simple, yet profound concepts. Deep listening, acknowledging one’s anxieties and the Myth of Apathy, are just a handful of incredible concepts we delved into from the psychosocial lens. My eyes have been opened to a new way of thinking, a new way of engaging in climate discussion, and certainly a new way of understanding myself.

As an environmental educator, I am often trying to motivate people to care, cheerleading from the sidelines that the environment is “great”, and trying to find suitable ways to present the facts. In two short weeks I have discovered that I have been ignoring the emotional side of environmental conversations. Most people do care about the environment, but are so overwhelmed or torn by their emotions that they do not know how to act. Asking how one feels towards the environmental challenges that the planet is facing allows for a deeper conversation and the recognition of how to move forward. Further, people need to be engaged. Stating cryptic facts is not the answer; sharing stories captures the audience’s attention and emotions.

I have some changes to make in the way I interact with my audiences and the way I engage in challenging discussions. It is time to reflect and integrate this new way of thinking, listening and conversing into my work. But before I expect others to share their thoughts with me, I must discover the truths of how I feel.

I would not have guessed that speaking openly and honestly for 5 minutes could reveal such truths. The act of sitting with a partner and just having them listen, rather than correct, comment or advise, is incredibly powerful. Being given permission to express my anxieties and reflect on how I am feeling, was a profound experience. I am now encouraged to continue taking the time to explore my inner world; to fully acknowledge my anxieties, ambivalence, and aspirations. To hold those feeling without judgment, but recognize them.

While the ground supported my body, I felt incredible support from amongst the cohort. I have so much gratitude for my fellow learners – and friends – and look forward to the continued support on each of our journeys. Once again, as we leave this residency we are transformed; stepping back into our “reality” a littler wiser, a littler lighter, and deeply changed.

[envirospired-blog]

What Does A Whale Say?

For many people, science is challenging. The facts are overwhelming and the way scientists present their jargon-filled “story” is often dull. I know this because, not only have I experienced terribly long presentations, but I have also been the culprit. However, the way I present is constantly evolving as I become more well-versed in ways to connect with the audience and better understand the power of art and stories.

In order to fully engage an audience – especially kids – I have learned to present along a spectrum: being honest and real to capturing their imagination. One of my favorite things to do with students is listen to the vocalizations of whales. The conversation typically goes like this:

Me: Have you ever listened to a whale?

Kid: Hmmmmm…. Nope

Me: Would you like to?

Kid: Okay…

Me: Great! This is what an Orca sounds like

Kid: [silent…completely silent. Then the biggest grin I have ever seen]

Me: Neat hey? What do you think the whale was saying? Maybe “I’m so hungry”; or “I want to go play”.

Kid: Nooo! The whale was saying Hi to ME!

Time and time again children from all over the world have established this personal connection to a whales’ vocalization. The whale is talking the them. It is fascinating to me how the power of sound, imagination and a simple invite to explore something unknown can elicit such connection and emotion.

Today in class we had a guest speaker, Chantel, a playwright who is dedicating much of her work to bringing awareness to environmental issues and the inherent social complexities. Although it is not Chantel’s goal to convert people to a new way of thinking or doing, her work is powerful – and she knows it. Chantel, reflected that: “you never know what is going trigger to someone”. And, one doesn’t know what that trigger may lead too; perhaps a small action, which may even lead to a bigger action.

I felt such comfort in this idea. I will always do my best at conveying my subject matter and inspiring youth; but I recognize that I don’t need to change the world with each presentation. I have no idea what each child’s “trigger” may be – pictures of unworldly deep sea creatures, being able to share how they feel, or listening to the haunting sounds of whales. In any case, all I can do is be an engaged, open-minded, heartfelt messenger, leaving “triggers” wherever I go.

p.s. You know your doing something right, when a thank-you letter from a grade 4 students says: “I was surprised how much I liked your presentation; I thought it’d be boring!” - A trigger perhaps!

[envirospired-blog]

Do You See The Rhino?

Last year I visited my nieces. We went on a safari. We saw lions, tigers, elephants and alligators! We ventured through the park, scaling massive boulders, crawling through fields of ten-foot high grass and swimming through raging rivers.  At one point we came across some fellow adventures – a grandfather and his grandson. I pointed across the field at the remarkable gray rhino in the distance. They looked at perplexed and said; “we are too old for imagination.” I was shocked – we are never too old to play, imagine and envision a world different from our own.

 ….oops, I forgot to mention that I visited my nieces in the rugged, snow-capped mountains of British Columbia!

This morning in class we were reminded of the power that stories and imagination can have by Dr. Craig Chalquist. Stories are more then a means to share information; they encourage trust, reach across cultural divides, and elicit emotion. Unlike straight facts, stories are hard to forgot. The architecture of the brain allows us to remember them and respond with a variety of emotions. 

Stories are all around us. And we can draw parallels between current stories, folklore, or ancient myths to the catastrophic changing happening to today on the planet. The stories’ tricksters, greedy kings and goddess’s all have their “role” in today's society. From the over exploitation of resources to restoring balance to the system these story-like plots are ongoing topics within environmental discussions…only we may – or may not – get to witness the moral of the story. 

However, after an hour and half presentation, I did receive the moral of this story – That I should think carefully about how I present to the public on heavy environmental topics…and starting off with a “Once Upon A Time” is a great way to connect with the audience and their emotional synapses firing! 

[envirospired-blog]

Loving Kindness

For whatever ridiculous reason society suggests that it is taboo to really feel our emotions. We are not suppose to be “weak” or give into the pressures of every life. We are often told to stand strong and fill up every last second of our day - apparently, the busyness makes the pain go ago. After a while we forget our emotional trauma and carry on. Simply denying it...

Over the last week, I have been learning about the power of listening and creating safe spaces for people to acknowledge their emotions. These discussions have provided incredible insight into the workings of the human mind. How simple it sounds to just deeply listen. How silly it sounds that one needs to be given permission to express their inner turmoil. And how absolutely unreal it is that neither seem to happen that often.

That is, until it does. Until the day comes when you have to face your deepest and darkest secrets. Until the day comes when you can no longer run away from the anxieties and sadness that has silently haunted each passing day. Until the day comes when you have to stand up and face it. 

And when that day comes, being able to trust that the people around you will support you. Knowing that pairs of ears are ready to listen to what you are willing to say. Believing that warm and loving arms will be there to hold you. And most importantly, being able to admit you need these kind gestures and openly receive them. 

For me, my day was today. I have reached the top of denial mountain - and it is scary. And despite the sea of tears, this evening I am in a place of gratitude. My heart is melting for the loving kindness that was shown - the listening ears, the warm embrace, the kind smiles, the encouraging words, and the permission to deeply feel. These gifts are more than a “thank you” can say. These gifts have started a transformation, a life changing metamorphosis. 

While the climb back down the mountain may be shaky and I may tumble and fall, I am ready to start my long awaited journey. I am ready to defy society by showing my strength in my vulnerability. And I am ready to give myself a little loving kindness. 

“This moving away from comfort and security, this stepping out into what is unknown, uncharted, and shaky - that’s called liberation” - Pema Chodron

[envirospired-blog]

The Intersection of Science and Psychology

Today in class (August, 5th, 2016) we had a fabulous guest lecturer, Jeffery Kiehl. Kiehl is a climate scientist gone psychologist – a unique combination of disciplines, corresponding to a unique time in earth’s history.

Fifteen years ago, Kiehl reflected on the implications of climate change and wondered “why are humans in this dilemma?” and “how are we ever going to get ourselves out?” With these challenging questions in mind and recognizing that the socio-economic answers were not enough, he went back to school for a master in Jungian Psychology.

Only presenting on the hard – and often scary – facts of global climate change can leave the audience in a jumbled mix of anger, fear, hopelessness, or complete dissociation. Understanding that people need to confront their emotions and require a safe place to express their anxieties, Kiehl respectfully altered his presentation “formula”: 1/3 honest science facts + 1/3 discussion of feelings and time to reflect + 1/3 discussion of hope and possible solutions.

Despite the challenges of our day, it is an exciting time to live. The crisis we face could “give birth to creative transformation” (Kiehl, 2016, p.vi); if we recognize the opportunity. Opportunities from investing in renewal energy to decreasing consumption habitats abound. But, on a deeper level, one transformation that urgently needs to take place is one within ourselves. Speaking to a group of action-oriented environmental educators and communicators, Kiehl kindly reminded each of us to take time to focus on ourselves. Before we can go out into our communities, promoting positive environmental change, each of us must come face-to-face with our own emotions and reflect on the wounds we have been carrying for mother earth.

As I think about my day-to-day work and my upcoming thesis project, I have taken Kiehl’s advice to heart. As a self-prescribed messenger for the environment and someone who has the opportunity to teach and inspire students, I must learn how to provide a safe space for youth to confront their fears of future and actively reflect on my own emotional well-being. After all we are all interconnected – a healthier self is a healthier environment.

 References

Kiehl, J. (2016). Facing Climate Change: An Integrated Path to the Future. Columbia UP.

Photo: Natasha Ewing; Dallas Road Beach, one of my favourite reflecting spots.

[envirospired-blog]

The general public has been bombarded with environmental focused behavioural change initiatives: from the three cent incentive for not using a plastic bag, to refilling water bottles, to partaking in community-scale initiatives like “Bike to Work Week.” 

The heartfelt and value-laden campaigns, can, however be hard to come by. In a good campaign it is more than just figuring out “how to get X to do Y”  (Lertzman, 2013, p. 3); it is about walking the talk, providing a benefit and connecting deeply with the audience. 

Until yesterday, I thought Patagonia was just another fancy brand name that made high-tech outdoor gear - was I ever wrong.  Yvon Chouinard, founder and CEO of Patagonia, is an environmentalist at heart and embodies his values in all aspects of life. Recognizing that the apparel industry was adding to environmental degradation, he aligned his environmental perspectives with his company, launching the “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign in 2011. 

The overarching goal of the campaign is to simply buy less; a challenging habit to overcome as our human tendency is to over consume. However, Patagonia makes it easy. When one buys a Patagonia product, they not only get an item that was made as sustainably as possible and is built to last, they also benefit from Patagonia’s creative earth-friendly incentives:

Repairing extra-loved cloths via Worn Wear, so the “stories” can continue

Recycling old cloths to be made into new one - never in the landfill

Buying used - breaking down the barriers of purchasing used clothing and inviting in new clientele

This innovative campaign speaks so loudly to me because the awareness was company led and behavourial changes were first implemented there. The company created benefits for their customers and easy ways for them to “give-back” to the environment. The “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign is more than just a behaviour change, it is a message of innovation, responsibility, and integrity; and proof that economics and the environment can be happily married. 

So, the next time you need to by a jacket (or other clothing), reflect on how it is made, what the company’s values are, and what stories you and your jacket will create together. No company is perfect, but Patagonia is inspiring. 

 References:

Lertzman, R. (2013). Engaging with Climate Change. Skoll Global Threats Fund.

http://www.patagonia.ca/home

[envirospired-blog]

The Human Duality 

Humans are complex beings. We are filled with emotions and constantly try to navigate conflicting aspects of ourselves. According to Sally Wientrobe (2013), the biggest conflict humans face is the love-hate relationship we have with reality. Our hate side, or the narcissistic part of our being is anxious and seeks “quick-fixes” to restore an idealised sense of reality when disillusionment occurs. Contrary, the love side “provides meaning and self-worth” and aims to rectify the damage incurred by hate (Wientrobe, 2013).

When humans have these internal tug-of-wars it can be hard to move past them without emotional support. However, many people do not receive the support they need - let alone acknowledge their own anxiety - and mask their competing anxieties with three “quick-fixes” (Wientrobe, 2013):

1.       Feeling magically big and powerful

2.       Projection

3.       Denial

Wientrobe (2013) describes feeling magically big as those people who seem to have no care in the world, behaving “god-like” and being out of touch with reality. Rather than actually having everything under control, these people may be defending against their anxieties. Projection is when we push our anxieties onto others; a common strategy used by social groups (Weintrobe, 2013). Finally, denial is a complicated response to anxiety and has many layers. Denial is used to actively extinguish an aspect of reality that has already been seen; pretending it doesn’t exist.

Beginning to understand these complicated human emotions and behaviours, is challenging, but extremely eye-opening. In the face of global-scale threats to our survival, waves of anxiety can be all consuming. The fear of anxiety and our human tendency to push it away, helps to explain why in 2016 there are still individuals who deny the impacts, and even the cause, of global climate change. In order for humanity to begin solving environmental issues we need to first explore our internal emotions and stand up face-to-face with our deeply engrained anxiety.

 References:

Weintrobe, S. (2013). Chapter from Engaging with Climate Change: psychoanalytic and interdisciplinary perspectives. London: Routledge

photo: Natasha Ewing, English Bay Vancouver, BC

[envirospired-blog]

The Complex Emotions Induced By Climate Change

If you were asked the question, “how do you experience climate change?”, what would you say? What sort of emotions would it bring up? Would you even be able to respond, or would you just simply ignore the question altogether?

In a candid interview between Dr. Renee Lertzman and Dr. Kari Norgaard, the complex emotional responses to climate change are discussed. Norgaard (2011), an environmental sociologist, claims that “three central emotions are raised by climate change: fear, helplessness, and guilt” (p. 6). When I think about climate change, I would have to agree that the strongest emotions I go through are also these.

For me, I fear whether society will ever change our ways, or at least do so quick enough to mitigate the effects of climate change. I fear that my future unborn children will not get to experience a true Canadian winter, be amazed by prehistoric colourful coral reefs, or be able to breath a lung-full of fresh air. I often feel helpless that my individual green-acts are small; I and feel incredibly guilty that I often contribute to the problem, rather than the solution. I admit, I have an “attitude-value gap”. Lertzman (2014) describes, this as the disconnect between what people say and what they do (p. 6). I deeply care about the environment and the impacts of climate change, yet I own a vehicle and pump out carbon dioxide as I go place to place. At the end of the day, the build up of these complex emotions leave me feeling anxious and stuck.

“Because climate change is so large and it challenges our existing lives in so many ways; [the] emotions [can] become very paralyzing (Norgaard, 2011, p. 6). Expressing these emotions are key. If there are not ways for emotional expression due to culture or social norms, then the entire climate change scenario becomes even more paralyzing. Norgaard (2011) has found that people often sense that they are alone in actually taking climate change seriously, which in turn makes them further convinced that there is nothing really that can be done (p. 7). Thus, Norgaard (2011), encourages people to participate in their community to become empowered and make the impacts of climate change more visible (p. 7).

So the moral of the story is, the next time you are asked how you experience climate change, engage in the conversation. Be honest, speak loudly and emerge from the fear-helpless-guilt bubble to a place where you can actively engage.

 References:

Lertzman. R. (2014). Environmental melancholia: Psychoanalytic dimensions of engagement. New York, NY: Routledge.

Liebert. M. (2011). A dialogue between Renee Lertzman and Kari Norgaard. Ecopsychology (3)1

[envirospired-blog]

Photo by: Ky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ky_olsen) 

The Lessons of Deep Listening 

Although we are only three days in to our Eco-psychology class, the theme of actively listening without judgement has been reoccurring. To practice this important skill, the class ventured into Royal Road’s stunning Japanese garden for a morning of inquiry. In groups of three we each had ten minutes to share our thoughts, feelings and reflections of the week, while the other members intently listened without judgement.

This exercise—although simple—was extremely powerful. Despite communication being a basic aspect of life; active listening and verbalizing one’s own perspectives out loud, without critique is not a common occurrence. I appreciated this experience immensely, as I learned more about my peers and myself in this simple 30-minute exercise than I have in months.

First, active listening is hard. The hardest part for me was not the actual listening, but the fact that I was unable to respond. My peers had such unique perspectives, interesting suggestions and valuable ideas to share; I constantly had this desire to comment, but had to resist.

Secondly, I learned an incredible amount about my peers. I have engaged with my partners over the last year in various courses, yet actively listening to their reflections was extremely eye-opening into who they are and how they perceive the world around them. I learned more about them in their self-reflective narration than I have about other friends in weeks’ worth of surface level conversation.

Third, and perhaps the most important, I learned a lot about myself. It is rare that I have a chance to openly speak about how I am feeling. Verbalizing my thoughts and reflections allowed me to fully acknowledge how I was feeling and what I have been experiencing through this residency. Many of the course readings have been around anxiety and for the first time in my life I was not only able to acknowledge that I have anxiety, but articulate it in such a way that I was able to accept it. During my waterfall of words I also began to see connections between readings and concrete my understanding of the concepts.

After this experience and the lessons I have learned I firmly believe that inquiry should become a standard practice in society. How much could we learn from others if we listened? How much could we learn about ourselves if we felt safe to talk? If no one wants to listen to my rambles after residency, thank God I have a fish!

[envirospired-blog]

Inner Change Amongst the Climate Change Discussion

Reading, James Hoggan’s book, “I’m Right and You’re an Idiot”, has provided a unique view into the climate change conversation. The climate change story is intense and awfully complex, bringing in voices from various stakeholder groups, such as politicians, climate deniers, the fossil fuel industry and environmental advocates. Unfortunately, the majority of players on the field are not finding solutions, but creating a war-like battle field that rely on weapons like opposition research, astroturfing, and citizen polarization.

Hoggan clearly displays how the climate change discussion is really more of a debate, as the opinions on either side get further and further from a consensus and the polarization spreads like a “virus”. While standing up for what you believe in and assuming that anyone who disagrees is “wrong” has been the common strategy, it is not working. Rather, Roger Conner, one of Hoggan’s many influential interviewees, refers to this occurrence as the “advocacy trap”. When we consistently think of people who don’t agree with us as wrongdoers and treat them as the enemy, we will never be able to collaborate and begin to solve global problems (p. 14).

The aspect of Hoggan’s book that I appreciated most is the underlying message of needing to work on self and balance our inner ecology. For example, individuals need to spend time discovering their own values; learning to respect all opinions, even those different from their own; believing that everyone has a good intention; and actively listening, rather then dominating the conversation. Through these simple, yet challenging tasks, participants in complex discussions will be better able to collaborate - whether they agree or disagree on matters - and surrender individual egos and agendas (p. 16). While it is fine to have an opinion and “public debate is vital”, a quote by Thich-Nhat-Hanh echoes throughout the book: “Speak the truth, but not to punish (p. 221).

In a rather political book, this heartfelt and direct message of focusing on the “inner work” is so striking to me. It is beautiful to see this overlap of science and spirituality and push to begin taking responsibility of our own thoughts and actions. If each person took the advice from this book, dropped the verbal “weapons”, and let go of the self-righteous and egotistical thoughts, I can easily envision a healthier, more collaborative global community. If this were to happen, imagine the large-scale problems that could be addressed – it is a hopeful thought.

References:

Hoggan. J. (2016). I’m Right and You’re an Idiot. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers

Photo: Lily, by Natasha Ewing. The lily to me represents inner change and the layers that must be worked through... 

[envirospired-blog]

The Resilience of a Nation

Prior to Friday I had not fully understood what the term Social Contract meant. Citizens of a nation do not sign any documents or vote via a poll. Rather they implicitly consent to the terms and conditions of the contract implicitly, by simply being, and holding their nations’ passport (personal communications, Johanna Wolf, July 30th, 2016). In theory, social contracts are mutually beneficial, like a symbiotic relationship of sorts; where citizens accept responsibilities, such as paying taxes and obeying rules, in exchange for protection by the state (eg. education, healthcare, etc.) (O’Brian, Hayward, Berkes, 2009, p. 2). These very contracts have been presented as both a cause of social and environmental problems as well as possible solutions (Milliband, 2006, as cited by O’Brian, Hayward, Berkes, 2009, p. 1).

Possible social issues arise from the contract’s legitimised unequal distribution of power and the fact that people who never consented (eg. marginalised people and future generations) cannot exclude themselves from negative effects (personal communications, Johanna Wolf, July 30th, 2016). For example, Terry from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations powerfully recounted how his ancestors where put on reserves and forced into the “Canadian System” (personal communications, Terry, July 30th, 2016). Without consideration, their language, values and culture where striped from their being, causing multi-generational trauma and disconnect.

Years later the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations (TFN) are reclaiming their rights, reclaiming their lands and reclaiming their voice. In 1984 the TFN declared Meares Island a Tribal Park, a designation on their Ha’huulthii (territories) that is managed by the nation to better harmonize human needs and environmental well-being (Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, 2013). According to Torrance Coste of the Wilderness Committee (2013), Tribal Parks are designed to keep economic benefits within First Nations and local communities, which is a critical step in achieving sustainability on the west coast (Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks). Further, the Tribal Park is in direct contrast to the multinational industries - destructive logging, fish farms and mining – that operate throughout the region.

The development of the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park, positions the TFN in a unique situation and provides many opportunities to begin a new path – a healing path of decolonization. Joe Martin (2013) sees the Tribal Park as a way to use the land their way, to unite, and use the resources of the forest in ways similar to their ancestors (Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks). Recognizing the rights and responsibilities of future generations within social contract is critical (O’Brian, Hayward, Berkes, 2009, p. 4); thus sustainably managing natural resources and creating viable economic investments to establish a healthy community is of utmost importance for the TFN.

Economic investments from Lisaak Forest Products, a forestry company owned and operated by the TFN for local needs to the virtually limitless eco-tourism opportunities throughout the region, is proving that economic needs can be met while reducing the impact on the environment (Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, 2013).

Across the globe there is new urgency to find ways to navigate a safe operating space for humanity from the bottom up and embrace local action in multi-scale approaches (Leach et al. 2012, p. 3). Through their dedication, strength and resilience the TFN have shown how much influence a bottom-up approach can have – the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park is a testament to this nation’s spirit and a beacon of their bright future.

As the nation continues to gain momentum and the story of the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park unfolds, I hope that other nations, organizations, neighbourhoods, and individuals seeking change will begin to create it. The current ‘invisible” social contract needs a rewrite, a rewrite to mend social issues, heal communities and protect the environment upon which we all depend.

 References:

Leach, M., Rockstrom, J., Raskin. P., Scoones. I., Striling. A., Smith. A., Thompson. J., Millstone. E., Ely. A., Around. E., Folke. C., Olsson. P. (2012). Transforming innovation for sustainability. Ecology and Society. 17(2)

O’Brian. K., Hayward. B., Berkes. F. (2009). Rethinking social contracts: Building resilience in a changing climate. Ecology and Society. 14(2).

Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. (2013). Retrieved from: https://www.wildernesscommittee.org/sites/all/files/publications/2013_tla-o-qui-aht_Paper-Web-2.pdf

Photo: Clayoquot Sound Sunset, Natasha Ewing

[envirospired-blog]

A New Adventure Begins

As of today, I have been a masters’ student for exactly one year! The year has been a roller coaster of emotions, spanning from joy and enthusiasm to angst and challenging lessons. As I am here writing this, reflecting on how much I have grown and how my mind has been expanded, I would not have changed anything this past year. 

As the second year of my masters looms and the 2nd Residency has officially begun, I am incredibly excited about this next adventure. For the next several weeks, postings on this blog will be dedicated to my reflections on readings and course material within EECO 509: Psychological Dimensions of Environmental Education and Communications. 

A new year of school and a whole new year of learning opportunities - let the adventure begin!

[envirospired-blog]

Hmmmm.... I am a bit conflicted as I ponder the reality that the first residency within the MAEEC 2015 program is drawing to a close. On one hand I am ready for more then 5 hours sleep a night, but on the other, I am wondering how I will go back to “normal” life. I have been immersed in a bubble. A wonderful bubble full of laughs, memories, deep thoughts, brilliant lessons, and dozens of hilarious quotes. Looking back I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone and how seamlessly the cohort jived - I feel like I have gained a like-minded “tribe” of new friends! 

The first two courses provided a fantastic foundation for the next two years and has opened my view of the world significantly...to a point where I have 100′s of more questions and could easily repeat residency a few more times. The journey I have (we have) begun is exciting and I look forward to the ups, downs, challenges, successes and learning that will take place. 

It is with a gratitude filled heart that I say thanks to Elin for an amazing introduction to environmental communications and to a masters program. And to the rest of the cohort, Bon Voyage on one hell of a journey! 

[envirospired-blog]

Reflecting on all the communication theories, thorough discussions and wonderful hands-on practice I have had over the last couple weeks during EECO 503, I am utterly amazed. 

Communicating effectively is NOT an easy task. It takes time to craft the perfect message, taking into account metaphors, social math, the audience’s prior knowledge and experiences, tone and even who the messenger is. There are many communication guidelines, and new research and best practices are continually coming out. 

I am excited as I continue educating and communicating to the general public about the ocean - the heart and lungs of the planet. I hope to build upon the skills I have learned and continue to improve so I can effectively inspire and encourage others to think about their role in the environment and their connection to the big’ol blue. 

And... to all the amazing communicators out there who are doing fantastic work, overcoming barriers, and getting through to peoples’ hearts and minds - remember... YOU ARE AWESOME!

photo credit - me, Hawaii 2014

[envirospired-blog]

Bahahaha! Playing animal improv today was AMAZING! It was so fun to get outside our heads and express ourselves creatively (and hilariously) through movement and sounds. This short clip reminded me of a super awesome afternoon with super awesome peeps :)

[envirospired-blog]

I was quite inspired by Dr. Rick Kool’s chat today - looking ahead at the next two years seems incredibly daunting and exciting all the same. As we talked about upcoming courses and the roller-coaster of emotions that might come with, I was comforted by his reminder of C.S Lewis’s famous quote. If at any point I am heading down an unwanted rabbit hole (i.e. a thesis topic that doesn't truly inspire me!), I can be progressive. I can Stop, turn around, and chose a different path!

[envirospired-blog]

Do Animals Exhibit Culture?

There has been some reluctance over the years to consider whether or not animals exhibit culture. I have a hard time understanding why any animal wouldn't have a culture; it might just be hard for us humans to see it or recognize it form our limited perspective. 

However, some animals behaviour studies have suggested that certain animals do have cultures. One definition of animals culture is described as the cultural learning in non-human animals through social transmitted behaviours.Cultures related to strategic feeding habitats, play time, vocalizations, and complex social behaviours are seen across many different species from dolphins/whales  to monkeys to birds. 

It is so remarkable that scientists are seeing more evidence over the last 60 years that animals learn new (and better) behaviours and pass them along to peers. For example animal researcher Kinji Imanshi studied the culture of Japanese macaques in the 1940′s and was one of the first to propose the idea of culture. What he realized is that these monkeys had a specific behaviour for washing their potatoes before eating them. As the study progressed however, the monkeys adjusted and improved their technique by washing them in salt water as it is thought that they tasted better. 

Animals are fascinating and we humans have a great deal to learn from them. Many animal species have been on the planet far longer then us and have survived all sorts of biosphere changes. It is shame that so many species are disappearing before we even get a chance to understand them. For the millions of species that exist I think it is in our species’ best interest to recognize how they connect with the world around them and learn what sort of culture they have that allows them to flourish or adapt as times change. 

references: 

Nelson, B. (August 10, 2015). 7 Cultured Animals That Share Knowledge. Retrieved from http://www.mnn.com