Embodied Nature and Health

This book describes how, as a species our survival and capacity to flourish depends on realizing the intimate relationship of humans with nature through active, embodied participation with nature. Living within the physicality of the planet is not a limitation, rather it is our liberation. Full realization of the consequences of this relationship, though embodied action can liberate us from ego-dependence and transform into a community of interdependent and flourishing beings. Embodied Nature and Health: How to Attune to the Open-source Intelligence describes a systems analysis of presence-centered cultivation of wellbeing through particular ways of being physically and mentally active in relation to nature that aims at helping the individual attune to natures' rhythms. The systems analysis proposes the hypotheses of the Open-source of Intelligence: an intelligence which originates from the placement of individual organisms in the tissue and the process of life. This framework draws upon and integrates contemporary research into the human-nature relationship and human well-being and ancient philosophies that were developed prior to the Cartesian gap between the mind and the body as well as using auto-ethnographic approach, experience of the author. The proposed system highlights a practical approach to well-being, based on research into human attention and its effective usage in daily life. The book outlines a methodology that can be used in schools, as a basis of training in sports, as well as in the field of self-development and highlights the necessity to develop a new, non-abusive relationship with the natural environment. This novel, multi discipline, first of its kind research book is high interest to experts and academics in the fields of Physical Activity, Education, Ecology and Philosophy--