The significance of the Earth-Self interconnections for ,
personal and planetary growth was explored in this inquiry. Because Native Americans are a people who traditionally have
been tangibly and consciously aware of Earth-Self
interconnectedness, their philosophy that all life is connected
was used as an example in examining the Earth-Self
interrelationship. This foundation was followed by an
elucidation of possible methods of integrating, through
experiential and academic means, these interconnections with
individual lifestyles and attitudes; and the potential results
investigated.
Education is perceived as both a formal and informal
process. Learning is a process of opening - to other ideas,
philosophies, awarenesses - formally in the classroom and
informally through multitudes of experiences. Conceptually,
Native people believe opening is a process of balancing; what is
reflected out, is mirrored back. A balanced individual is the
reflection of a balanced earth.
It is argued that pollutions and meteorological changes are
indicative of the Earth's present imbalance. We mirror that imbalance. As a challenge posed in this thesis, by opening and
becoming aware of the Earth-Self interrelationship, can we not
rebalance wholistically? This inquiry explores the potential of
rebalancing.
next to an author's name indicates that all files or directories associated with their ETD are accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.
![[VT]](http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/images/ETD-db/restricted.gif)
