The Foundation for Mythological Studies (FMS) And Spring Journal & Spring Journal Books Invite submissions of proposals for the conference entitled: NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE Changing Perspectives March 16-18, 2007 Santa Barbara, CA

The Nature and Human Nature Conference will explore how the sciences and the humanities can work in tandem to achieve a shift in consciousness with respect to our current environmental ethos.

Scientists, psychologists, and cultural mythologists are increasingly addressing the toughest and most perplexing global issues, yet critical dialogue is required so that we no longer ignore the human factors or the ecological facts.

Humans are an integral part of the natural world, but a lost sense of emotional connection to nature is an "inconvenient truth" that we tend to ignore because it involves a set of unconscious actions toward Nature. Just as we have the power to create destruction, we can also choose to promote restoration.

It seems clear that deep down, unconsciously, all of us seek connection with the rest of life. A collaboration between psychology and science is needed to transform this longing into sustained, conscious, effective action. Science and technology can suggest rational solutions but unless our emotional participation is more deeply engaged, it is unlikely that we will muster the commitment to effect the necessary changes.

We learn from depth psychology that emotions are stirred by stories and images. This suggests that in order to create lasting change, we need to join peoples and communities working in these areas, who are part of a growing constituency of ecologically minded citizens interested in bringing together the genius of scientific perspectives on ecology and psychological insights, and who include the ancestral wisdom embedded in our culture's mythical heritage.

With this conference we will experience extraordinary presentations and conversation, and encourage participants to engage in lively working groups led by experts in various fields that will increase our knowledge of environmental and human issues seen from a long-term perspective.

This will contribute to constructing new worldviews about the interactions between humans and nature. In this way, we hope to motivate educators, policy makers and entrepreneurs to devise attitudes, policies and corporate responsibility for the future of our planet and humankind.

Co-Sponsors for this Conference include: Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara Community College Continuing Education Division, International Association for Jungian Studies (IAJS), The Imaginal Institute, Spirit and Stone Gallery.

Proposal Categories:

Proposals may be submitted in any of the following areas:

Depth Psychology and Ecology
Science, Ecology and Environmentalism
Ecofeminism
Mythological Perspectives on the Human Connection to the Natural World
Bringing Together Scientific and Imaginal Perspectives
Ethics and Ecology
The Soul of Place

Presentation Formats:

• Plenary Sessions
  30-min presentations. (If you are going to take questions, please allow 5-10 min of your total 30 min. for them)

• Parallel Sessions
  20-minute presentations followed by discussion, Q& A. These sessions will be led by Session Chairs.

Deadline for all proposals	November 30, 2006
Noification of proposal disposition by:	December 15, 2006

Instructions

Proposals of 200 words or less can be SUBMITTED online. Please submit brief Bio with your Proposal.

Review Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based upon their relevance to conference themes and goals; their potential to advance knowledge, overall quality of abstract, and program needs, e.g., diversity of topics, balance of sectors and institutions.

Thank you and we look forward to your participation.

The Foundation for Mythological Studies (FMS)
Lori Pye, Ph.D.
Lori@mythology.org

Spring Journal and Spring Journal Books
Nancy Cater, Ph.D.
nancycater@springjournalandbooks.com