Date of Award
12-2001
Level of Access Assigned by Author
Open-Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Liberal Studies
Advisor
Mary Bird
Second Committee Member
Aram Calhoun
Third Committee Member
John Daigle
Abstract
Finding poetry in nature is a project about cultivating receptivity and curiosity to the experiences of the natural world. It is about using language imaginatively to deepen a responsiveness and respectfulness towards nature. The project is allied with movements in Environmental Education and Language Arts Education that address sense of place and "place-based" education. My discoveries take the form of a literature review, a set of facilitation techniques, and samples of my own nature writing. An exploration of a sense of place is enriched by actively integrating four different perceptual paths. Attentiveness to sensory and imaginative impressions as well as emotional and intellectual responses deepen a responsiveness to the natural world. Touching on these four paths allows nature writers and other observe is of nature to be guided to meaningful discoveries and new perceptual terrain. Facilitation techniques from contemplative practices can help awaken reverence and sense of wonder and techniques from the expressive arts and other therapies can help tune sensory awareness, prompt curiosity, and free creativity. I experiment with these techniques in my own writing practice and share the results.
Recommended Citation
Coffin, Tammis, "Finding Poetry in Nature" (2001). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 485.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/485