A phenomenological exploration of ecological consciousness development

Abstract

There is now substantial literature directly attributing what is commonly described as the global environmental crisis to a crisis within human beings themselves. Ecologically alienated and restricted consciousness is proposed as substantially causative of decisions and behaviours that lead to environmental degradation. As an environmental professional, community activist, concerned parent and citizen, I share with others the view that an ecologically affective, respectful and relational consciousness, or 'ecological consciousness', is to be encouraged in order to not only improve environmental behaviours but meet the challenges posed by a global environmental crisis. This thesis explores my experience of developing ecological consciousness. An interpretive phenomenological approach was brought to consideration of the research questions: 'What is my experience and understanding of ecological consciousness?' and 'What is my experience and understanding of developing ecological consciousness?' In order to evoke ecological consciousness, I developed structured experiential exercises that incorporated sensorial, mindful and affective approaches to engaging with nonhuman 'other'. This experiential approach was supplemented by heuristic inquiry in which I maintained personal journals of my experiences, reflections and feelings in dwelling upon the research questions. These three activities were undertaken in a range of natural settings, from urban bushland to wilder mountain terrain. In thematically analysing my journal entries and exercise worksheets, as well as being informed by relevant literature, I arrived at a more thorough and nuanced understanding of the phenomenon of ecological consciousness. I found that for me, there are two aspects to ecological consciousness. The first, which I describe as heightened ecological consciousness, is a transitory state consisting of highly relational, restorative and meaningful experiences. The second aspect I refer to as durable ecological consciousness. This involves an overall level of ecological awareness during normal waking consciousness, characterised by: (1) a sense of connectedness with, respect for, and appreciation of nonhuman nature, (2) a deep concern about the consequences of industrial modernity, and (3) responding to a perceived global ecological crisis in pre-rational, affective and psycho-spiritual ways. I discovered that there is a mutual connection between these two forms: heightened states can be recalled in suburban, busy living to strengthen durable ecological consciousness, while the durable aspect provides the motivation and the foundation from which a heightened state can grow. Significantly, I also learned that undertaking experiential 'nature' exercises provided respite from negative states of mind, such as anxiety, despair and anger, and increased my emotional resilience regarding news of environmental degradation, particularly evidence of climate change. Consistent with interpretive phenomenology, I identified potential uses for ecological consciousness development to the broader social context. If my experience of ecological consciousness has commonalities with the experiences and concerns of others, future applications of my approaches to eco-consciousness development have the potential to (1) offer individuals a structured way of deepening connection with nonhuman nature, and (2) provide a practical, psychological coping tool for helping people, as I experienced, in managing negative states of mind such as anger, stress, anxiety, powerlessness and despair, especially in regard to perceived threats of a global ecological crisis, including climate change.

Date of Award	2009
Original language	English