The Buddha said that "everything we need to know about life can be found inside this fathom-long body." Then why is most people's spirituality--whether Buddhist, Christian, or Jewish--completely cut off from their body? In this provocative and groundbreaking book, you'll discover that enlightenment comes not from "out there," but from a deep understanding of our own personal biology. Using the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, a traditional Buddhist meditation, Nisker shows how cutting-edge science is proving the tenets first offered by the Buddha. And he provides a practical program, complete with meditations and exercises, that enables readers to become mindful of the origins of emotions, desires, and thoughts. One of the great synthesizers of East and West, Nisker shows how to incorporate the traditional understanding of the Buddha with the latest scientific discoveries while on our spiritual journey. He shows that we are not separate from nature and the evolving universe. The way to enlightenment lies within our very biology. Most important, Nisker offers a practical program--complete with meditations and exercises--so readers can take their own evolutionary journey into their bodies to find the origins of emotions, desires, and thoughts. Nisker provides a liberating way for each of us to incorporate into our lives the understanding, proven by the latest scientific evidence and foretold in the great traditional teachings of the Buddha, that we are not separate from nature and the evolving universe. Our biology is not our destiny, but our way to enlightenment. -->

Describes the many ways in which humans use nature and how animals and plants exist in the wild.

Expanding on the philosophy and methods of The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren have developed the first-ever comprehensive book devoted to helping educators use nature journaling as an inspiring teaching tool to engage young people with wild places. In their workshops Laws and Lygren are often asked the how-tos of teaching nature journaling: how to manage student groups in the outdoors, teach drawing skills (especially from those who profess to have none), connect journaling to educational standards, and incorporate journaling into longer lessons. This book puts together curriculum plans, advice, and in-the-field experience so that educators of all stripes can leap into journaling with their students. The approaches are designed to work in a range of ecosystems and settings, and are suitable for classroom teachers, outdoor educators, camp counselors, and homeschooling parents. Full-color illustrations and sample journal pages from notable naturalists show how to put each lesson into practice. Field-tested by over a hundred educators, this book includes dozens of activities that easily support the Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards--and, just as important, it will show kids and mentors alike how to recognize the wonder and intrigue in their midst.

This book outlines the principles and practices of arts-related inquiry and provides both suggestions about conducting research in the field as well as case study examples. The ideas presented here have emerged from the authors’ own experiences of undertaking arts-related research and the challenges of implementing these approaches. The book therefore draws on personal research, practice and experience to address the concerns academics increasingly appear to be voicing about developing the scholarship and practice of arts-related research. There is a need for greater attention to, and clarity on, issues of theoretical positioning, methodology and methods when conducting robust and reputable arts-related research, which this book provides.

This practical guide for educational leaders explores how you can transform your school or district into a vibrant center of learning and socio-ecological responsibility with only three manageable actions: taking students outside, bringing nature inside, and cultivating a mindset of awareness, responsibility, and empathy. This book is rich in practical, attainable approaches and stories of real actions taken by leaders, teachers, parents, and community partners to design, lead, and manage a vibrant, flourishing, sustainable learning community. Authors Uline and Kensler take you on an inspirational journey through nine key leadership strategies for you to begin or expand your work towards whole school sustainability.

There is a growing realisation that children benefit from being involved in wild spaces. They need dynamic and complex outdoor environments and opportunities for risk and challenge, to play with abandon, have first-hand experiences - places where there is adventure, delight, daring and joy! This book: o Provides a background to forest school and its relevance to Early Years settingso Outlines the challenges and benefits of outdoor learningo Explores the concept of nature-based practiceo Emphasises the importance of free playo Includes case studies in which educators share their journeys into 'wild nature' This book will help adults and children alike to reconnect with their local environment - a must-have for any early years setting!

WINNER OF THE 2018 NURSERY WORLD STAFF RESOURCES AWARD There is a growing realisation that children in the Early Years benefit from being involved in wild spaces. They need dynamic and complex outdoor environments and opportunities for risk and challenge, to play with abandon, have first-hand experiences – places where there is adventure, delight, daring and joy! In this exciting book, outdoor education guru Niki Buchan offers ideas for natural learning in the Early Years. She provides a background to forest school and its relevance to Early Years settings, outlines the challenges and benefits of free play and a risk-taking disposition in children, and uses case studies from educators to explore the concept of nature-based practice. A Practical Guide to Nature-Based Practice presents ideas for outdoor learning that can be used all year round, whatever the season. This full-colour book will help adults and children alike to reconnect with their local environment making it a must-have for any Early Years setting!

Plan enriching Project-Based Learning experiences with ease! The book′s companion website features an updated guide to help teachers integrate technology into PBL experiences for online and blended learning instruction. Is project-planning a project in and of itself? Does project-based learning (PBL) feel more like a pipe dream than a reality in your classroom? Dr. Jennifer Pieratt, a consultant and former teacher herself, knows just where you′re coming from. Developed from the author′s experience in the trenches of project-based learning over the past decade, this book will lead you through the planning process for an authentic PBL experience in a clear and efficient way. Project-based learning has been found to develop workforce readiness, innovation, and student achievement. In this book, the keys to implementing PBL effectively are explored in a simple, easy-to-use format. In addition to thought-provoking questions for journaling, readers will find a visually accessible style featuring • #realtalk soundbites that honor the challenges to implementing PBL • Tips and resources to support the project-planning process • Planning forms to guide you through planning your projects • Key terminology and acronyms in PBL • Exercises to help you reflect and process throughout your project plans If mastering a PBL framework is on your list, prepare to cross it off with the help of this book! Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Winner