Abstract

This dissertation is presented in the form of a spiritual autobiography. Opening with the observation that human beings seem to be destroying everything we need for sustenance and joy the author explores how this has come to be and how we could change our course. Particular attention is given to the matter of intentionality, since so much destruction of the earth seems to be "unintentional." It is seen that this unintentionality is sometimes a result of not knowing what we are doing, and sometimes of being out of control, that is, unable to make more "sustainable" choices even when we "know" that what we are doing is destructive. ;The matter of "knowing what we are going" is explored at both the social and individual levels. Certain paradigms which have misled us about the nature of our impact on the earth are explored and contrasted with the world that emerges from a paradigm of "relatedness." In this discussion the age old questions of who we are, where we are, and why we are here, are explored through the author's experiences with Etowah Cherokee and Tibetan Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practices. The lessons of these wisdom traditions are also applied to the matter of being "out of control." In particular, the Buddhist concept of spaciousness is explored as a vehicle for changing addictive patterns. ;Finally, the dissertation explores the ways in which each of the lessons discussed is also available in the body. The importance of being present in the body, and means to attain that state, are presented. ;In summary, the dissertation presents the author's experiences with Etowah Cherokee elo and practice, Tibetan Buddhist practice, and body-based therapies, as they each relate to the question of humankind's ability to live in good relationship with one another and the earth