What is Wild Education

For a new era of elders

AT THE HEART OF IT

Wild Education has been the thing within me that I return to again and again.

Wild- untamed, natural, undomesticated, true, original.

Education- informed, intelligent, observed, true, curious, knowledge, wisdom... lifetime learner.

It works on an internal level for the self development and psychological lens as well as externally outward to all the knowledge left to us by wisdom traditions, intellectuals, and wise observers of the world, systems, and observers of human nature.

I don't (yet) know of a word that synthesizes all of that. And if I learn one, it's too late for the name, but I'll use it frequently.

THE RISE OF THE ELDERS

I believe that we need to return to the wisdom of the elders, but so much of that has been lost to time and a degeneration of reverence for the elders. In our society the elders continue to cling to power and money at the expense of the next generation. Leading to entire swaths of people who don't know how to lead, guide, fulfill their role in society because they've never been taught or allowed. Our current 'elders' (using the term loosely here) see their wisdom and knowledge as their 'edge' in a competitive world so they aren't passing it on or making room. No wonder younger generations no longer reveres them. Institutions are crumbling largely from atrophy and rigidity-- "This is how we do things around here!". They're toppling because they haven't turned over. They remain un aerated. Stagnant. New life, ideas, energy cannot thrive in these environments.

There is not one thing that will save us. There isn't a 'right way'. We need everyone to participate in their own ways. Ways that work for them, in their own context, with their unique strengths. We need them to be well, and resourced, and thriving, and open, curious, creative, inventive, innovative, and playful. The energy of anything made is imbued with the energy of the maker.

I believe that we cannot allow ourselves to be brought down into the mire of collapse. We must rise above! We must preserve ourselves and our wellbeing in order to be of any use to ourselves and society... and to what comes after.

I believe that healing at the individual level is what helps facilitate collective healing. Our individual work contributes to the collective.

I believe that we must return to the role of the elder. To the cycles of growth, contribution, sharing, and passing on.

I believe that the role of creativity has been diminished as frivolous at our collective peril. Somewhere along the line it was thought not 'productive' enough. But art, creativity, creative problem solving, imagination, and play are the things that will allow us to build the world that comes after. They allow us to envision a thriving and verdant world for humanity. And we really need that right now in the middle of societal collapse.

A NEW POSSIBILITY

Deep healing, Free creativity, Open curiosity, True wisdom, Authentic connection, Honest integration, Regenerative power-- all held up by systems that are sustainable and generative both within and without. An eye beyond what's directly visible to the energy that flows throughout. A commitment to share our healed creative wisdom with others to inspire and instruct them on their journey as well.

This is the vision that I hold. This is the work I'm engaged in. This is what I'll be sharing here.

Thank you for being here and I hope you'll not only follow along but engage and share as well. We're better when we embark on the journey together.

With wild delight,

Laura