The indigenous people of all continents, our ancestors, lived close to the earth. The land provided everything they needed for their survival – shelter, food, clothing, tools, medicines – life itself. These ancient cultures also practiced a universal method of teaching and learning – the modern term used for this is often called ‘mentoring’. In the way our children learn reading and mathematics, the children of our ancestors were mentored in the ways of edible and medicinal plants, stalking and movement, tracking and awareness, the sanctity of the hunt and their connection to all things. Each person’s natural gifts were cultivated and cherished, honored and respected for their unique and vital contribution to the Whole. Knowledge was passed through generations using story, song, role modeling and ceremony. Every person in each of these small societies – parents, extended families, peers, elders – was invested in this journey. The survival of their culture depended upon its success.
At The Earthtime Project, we have made the commitment to reclaim this ancient way of teaching and learning and offer programs to schools and foundations, both public and private, community organizations, business/corporate groups, drug/alcohol rehab programs and youth-at-risk programs. Our programs are nature based, focusing on cultivating a relationship with the natural world using field studies and ecology, tracking and awareness exercises, movement and creative expression as our foundational teachings.
Our students will learn to survive with nothing but what nature provides, where survival is not a struggle but a dance in the celebration of living. It is our vision and passion to pass on the wisdom of our ancestors, through our teachers and mentors, to the future generations, mastering and preserving the ancient art of awareness.