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During our last meeting, we decided to explore one of the most influential and underrated books I've read, "Nature & the Human Soul" by Bill Plotkin for our next book discussion.

This book outlines a model of human development from the Ecopsychology persepctive. Out of all of the lifespan development models out there, this is the only one that has ever resonated with me. Written in 2008, this book outlines the struggles that not developing our full human capacity creates, and it couldn't be more telling of what's happening today.

Why read this?
Modern culture produces functional adults. But it doesn't help us become whole humans.
In Nature and the Human Soul, Bill Plotkin explores:

  • Why many people feel lost, anxious, or disconnected—even when life “looks good”
  • How modern society interrupts healthy human development
  • How nature plays a central role in discovering purpose, meaning, and how soul plays an intregal role in our development as people, and as a species!

This meetup is a space to explore these ideas together

Discussion outline:

  • Brief welcome & container setting
  • Grounding excersize
  • Quick round: name + what drew you to this conversation

Ideas we’ll touch on:

  • Ego vs. Soul (and why society confuses the two)
  • The idea of being a “well-adjusted” but underdeveloped adult
  • Plotkin’s eco-centric human development model
  • Why nature isn’t a luxury—it’s a developmental necessity

You Don't need to read the whole book! It's massive. Just the first 75 pages (Intro and overview) and whatever stage or stages speak to you the most.

Open, facilitated conversation around questions like:

  • Where do you see yourself on the path from ego to soul?
  • In what ways has modern life supported—or stunted—your (and our) development?
  • What role has nature played (or not played) in your life?
  • What might “finding your soul work” actually mean in practical terms.
  • Group insights & themes

At the end, we'll pick a new book for next month and I'll share about some upcoming journeys that we'll be doing around all of this

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