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Nature and the Human Soul

Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World

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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)
All stars
Most relevant
Amazing, insightful, broad and deep overview of the human condition and how we might evolve.

My new bible!

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This is by far the wisest and most comprehensive work on the past present and future of human psychology spiritual development and of ecological awareness, healing of our separation with nature and reconnection with our full humanness and all living beings and Nature . It is rich, deep, grounded, piercing, grief inducing and yet inspiring and illuminating.

It is the work for anyone who feel the great grief of the destruction of our world, the rejection of our humanness and also of the harm inflicted on the earth and our species, it is also for those who feel the pull, the love and the longing in their hearts of contributing by becoming the change agents, it is for visionaries and leaders yet to manifest and perhaps this book is your compass and guide.

it has been mine, and changed everything.

The most important book in this century

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Great book, important information for anyone looking to grow and mature into a more soulful life, which is necessary for many reasons and has largely been lost in modern culture. Here is a map for those looking, it’s a good map. Many thanks Bill Plotkin for sharing this with the world.

Important information for soul embodiment/ development.

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having traversed the literature of self-development - then self-actualization - i have wandered the corridors of human psyche for over a decade in search of fulfilment, meaning & Love. This book is the best I've encountered.

This book retrospectively described by experience of soul encounter, & has given me clarity over what to expect next - & how to approach the remaining stages of my life.

Highly, highly recommend if you're goal is to fulfil your potential & live your destiny.

the best map of human development in existence

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what a shame this rich material is not spoken through a voice that carrys equal depth. robotic american commercial voice delivers like a 'pop psychology 10 ways to fix the world manaul' when in reality Bill the author has touched something of great spiritual wisdom. Wish he narrated it himself.

a soulful book delivered by a soulless narrator

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