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EARTH LAW for EVERYONE:

with Herman Greene, Phd 

 

Twelve Week Course: Sept. 8 – Dec. 8, 2022

Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET

$XXXX Early Bird till July 15th

The universe emerges from the all-nourrishing abyss not only fourrteen billion years ago but in every moment.

— Brian Swimme

The New Ecological Social Contract

Earth Law 101 for Everyone

Thomas Berry’s last contribution to the history of ideas was Earth jurisprudence. It may in time be considered his greatest. A movement of lawyers and non-lawyers coalesced around his description of the rights of nature. He catalyzed a reaction of ancient wisdom and Earth science with modern industrial civilization to bring forth a vision of a new social contract that includes nature—an ecological social contract.

 

 

What is Earth Law?

Broadly defined, Earth Law is an emerging body of law for protecting, restoring, and stabilizing the functional interdependency of Earth’s life and life-support systems at the local, bioregional, national, and global levels. It may be expressed in constitutional, statutory, common law, and customary law, as well as in treaties and other agreements both public and private.   Legal systems evolve in response to the needs of the time.

Ecocentric governance is a primary concern for all people who care about Earth. 

— Herman Greene

 

An Introduction to this Emerging Body of Law . . .

This course provides an introduction to this emerging body of law. Knowing and shaping this law in both its written (positive) and unwritten (customary) forms applies to leaders in all walks of life. Lawyers, judges, policy makers, and law teachers who recognize the limitations of current environmental law and are seeking new ways to make a difference will benefit. So will people in economic, religious, cultural, and other civil society institutions who are involved in setting acceptable norms of conduct and enforcing them.

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  We are created in order to evolve the Cosmos.  — Maria Montessori

Session Descriptions

Session 1 (Aug. 10), Context: How can quantum energy ignite the big bang? How can quantum fields generate materiality? How can self-aware life emerge from quantum randomness? Quantum Physics is the science of mystery. It helps put the magical and the mystical back into the context painted by the cosmic story. 

Session 2 (Aug. 17), Matrix: Quantum Physics is all about the primacy of interaction and relationship. Entities derive their identity not from their properties but from their relationships with other entities. This dynamics turns objects into subjects. It connects everything in the universe into one vast cosmic web.

Session 3 (Aug. 24), Subjectivity: Quantum Relationality is what brings about subjectivity. Like the collapse of a quantum wave, being is evoked through an observer observing the observed. All change in the universe flows from relationship and interaction.

Session 4 (Aug. 31), Action:  Like the Probability Cloud around an atom, we are all surrounded by a swirling potential of possibilities luring us into the future. The one that is actualized becomes a launch pad for the next set of possibilities. To follow these allurements through our actions is to be aligned with the universe.

Reading Materials

Hidden Heart of Cosmos, by Brian Swimme

The Breathing Cathedral, Martha Heineman

Helgoland, by Carlo Rovelli

Reality is Not What it Seems, by Carlo Rovelli

 

Learn Four Key Concepts:

1) Quantum Non-determinism:
The future of a quantum system is unpredictable. No matter how much information is available, science can only tell the probabilities associated with different outcomes; never which outcome the system will actually choose.

2) Quantum Non-objectivity:
Objectivity in science changes meaning in quantum physics. A subject can no longer be separated from the object being observed. Science becomes the study of interactions between observers and the observed.

3) Quantum Relationality:
The quantum universe is not made up of things. It is not a collection of objects but a web of relationships. These relationships are expressed through a set of quantum interactions.

4) Quantum Discreteness:
No process in the universe is smooth or continuous. Everything happens through discrete jumps. Either you are all in or you are not. Either you are on this side or you are on that. There is no in-between for the quantum universe.

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You can:

  • interact with Dr. Kanwal and other participants between sessions in an online course discussion, and
  • watch recordings of sessions which will be posted in the course space for up to one year.

Awareness that the universe is more Cosmogenesis than cosmos might be the greatest change in human consciousness . . . since the awakening of the human mind . . .  — Thomas Berry, The Great Work

 Deeptime Leadership, Personal Empowerment Leadership, Climate change, Evolution Leadership, Big Bang Theory

Why is this course important?

 

Our grasp of the Cosmic Story cannot be complete without an understanding of the generative power that originated the universe and that even today underpins the existence of every material body.

Quantum Field is the mechanism through which the original creative impulse continues to flow through every atom of matter and every photon of light, sustaining the ongoing evolution of the cosmos. Understanding the quantum essence of our being can help us align our lives with the spirit that animates cosmic development.

Is this course for you? 

  • Are you intrigued by Quantum Wisdom but are not sure how it fits into the Cosmic Story?
  • Do you feel lured by the mystery that surrounds Quantum Physics but don’t see how it translates to spiritual insights?
  • Do you have a hard time separating Quantum hype from Quantum reality?
  • Do you want to understand the essence of Quantum Physics but feel you don’t have enough of a science background to do it?

If your answer is yes to any of the above, then this course is for you!

 

 Deeptime Leadership, Personal Empowerment Leadership, Climate change, Evolution Leadership, Big Bang Theory

We feel so at home in the Deeptime Network courses.  This community is unique. 

— Elizabeth Carranza & John Leydon, Philippines

 Deeptime Leadership, Personal Empowerment Leadership, Climate change, Evolution Leadership, Big Bang Theory

About Herman Greene:

Herman Greene, JD, DMin is founder and president of the Center for Ecozoic Studies in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a research and education center for the realization of an ecological age. He is co-editor and co-author of Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law—A Guide for Practitioners. He serves on the Boards of the Earth Law Center, Institute for Ecological Civilization, and International Process Network, and on the Advisory Boards of the Center for Process Studies and the Institute for the Post-Modern Development of China. He is a retired corporate, tax, and securities lawyer and holds graduate degrees in law (University of North Carolina-JD), theology (University of Chicago-MTh & MDiv, and United Theological Seminary-DMin), and political science (Stanford University-MA). https://www.ecozoicstudies.org/

The Deeptime Network is leading a transition from transforming ourselves to transforming the world. 

Sarbmeet Kanwal

Who is this for?

  • Everyone who’s wants to integrate an understanding of the Cosmic Story and Quantum Theory
  • Teachers who want to bring an understanding of the Quantum into the classroom.
  • Spiritual/religious who want to situate and ground their understandings/practices inside an understanding of the Quantum and the Cosmic Story.
  • Artists/Poets/Dancers inspired to express the larger story we all share.
  • Scientists who want to connect with and experience other ways of knowing.
  • Healers and healing practitioners who know the healing power of deep understanding. 
  • Politicians/Activists looking for a larger frame and understanding to address the crises of today.
  • Mental Health Practioners who understand that our cosmologies give us meaning and purpose.  Dysfunctional cosmologies can be at the root of mental illness and addiction.
  • Anyone who wants to ground their lives in the New Cosmology and an emerging consciousness
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What people are saying about the Deeptime Network . . .

" It is so supportive to have a whole community, from around the world, working together to embody and live out a deep connection to the new cosmology in its ethical and spiritual dimensions. We are the Universe emerging. "
- M.J. Zimmerman

" After 20 years of living into the Universe Story, I was reawakened to how truly empowering it is through what is emerging for others on parallel paths from around the globe. "
— Penny Andrews

" If you're seeking a meaningful story that explains our place in our Universe and in Nature, and like-minded global citizens, this course may be your next step on that journey. " - David Morton Rintoul

" Everything I have known in life is being integrated into unifying perspectives and connectedness which come like seeds being nourished from a deep space of love, abundance, and creativity "
— Marides "Madett" Virola-Gardiola, Philippines

Deeptime courses are not just about learning new ideas, they are a way to commune together to help each other spiral upwards to new heights of wisdom and awakening. "
— Sarbmeet Kanwal

" I am co-creating a space for children older than 7 years old and this course has been granting me a deeper understanding of how I want to position myself and act in this space while deep listening to children. " — Joana Benetton, Brazil

" Being around so many talented and confident people has helped me with developing a children’s book for Montessori Sunday school. " — Nancee Cline

It is all and more than I expected – I am not new to the material though have certainly learned and gained new insights into the wonderful planet we call “home”. 

The assignments are doable, interesting, and inviting.  I am enjoying the course very much.

Am loving it. The small groups are wonderful. It is such a marvelous group of participants. The networking is fabulous.  Love the opening and thoughtful reflections.

I look forward to every session.

I had to miss two weeks and was aware there was something missing in my life, so I know I am finding it really useful and challenging.  Also good to make connections.

I am feeling inspired, energized, and more-connected-than ever!  I am also enjoying the arc of the course, the meditations, quote sharing, and especially the content. 

Our Learning Management System

We use Sensei integrated with Buddypress so that participants can engage in asynchronous course discussions, and share resources, profiles, and information about their organizations.  We’ve had experience using this technology with people of all levels of technical capability.  If you have any questions, we’re right there to help you.  All meetings are recorded.  The course will remain open for one year so you can view recordings, stay in touch and continue to share thoughts and resources with others sharing the journey with you.  Our fearless developer, Mohit Sharma, stands at the ready to solve any tech problems that might crop up a long the way.

 

Sign Me Up!

$180/$150 Early Bird till July 15th

Pricing and Scholarships info here.  Purchase widget here.

Questions?   Write to us at hello@dtnetwork.org.

 

 

Anthony Robert Zelle, Esq., Tony is an Earth lawyer. While serving as Chair and President of the Earth Law Center, following 30 years in private practice trying cases and arguing appeals, he served as lead editor and author of the only comprehensive book on the subject: Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law-A Guide for Practitioners. Developed for law school curricula, and now part of developing LLM programs internationally, the book has also become the primary reference source for practitioners.

The focus of Tony's current work is developing Earth law in practice and creating revenue-generating opportunities for Earth lawyers.

Learn more about Tony’s journey from a recent Boston College Law School Magazine profile.https://lawmagazine.bc.edu/2025/02/voice-for-the-earth/

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Maisie Paddon, Maisie is spearheading the advancement of Earth Law by integrating its principles into transformative policies and business strategies that resonate with Earth-centric practices and Nature's patterns. At the helm of Project 2040, she seeks to revolutionize financial systems, foster circular economies, and develop regenerative food systems. Her extensive experience in top-tier management consulting, with roles at Ernst & Young and Capgemini, showcases her ability to lead complex innovation programs and engage with C-suite leaders. With a solid foundation in Philosophy and Climate Science, Maisie is deeply committed to beneficial systemic change. She champions the inclusion of Nature's voice in discussions that tackle the multifaceted crises of today's modern world, while aligning her efforts with global frameworks like UN SDGs, ESG principles, and ISO standards. Her holistic and emotionally intelligent approach underscores her pursuit of sustainable and equitable solutions.

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Kerry Hudson, Hudson works as an activist and public interest lawyer with a focus on social justice, and an academic and employment history addressing heirs' property reform and protections of the Florida aquifer. He served as co-founder and manager for a medical practice that focused on Environmentally Acquired Diseases, and the effects of that most macro of human phenomenon—climate change, on the most granular, personal issues—individual health and the chronic and intractable maladies brought on by changing climate. He has served as Education Director for Rights of Nature and eco-centric education, creating informational content addressing topics such as environmental protections and property law, and the Public Trust Doctrine, and creating supplemental educational content for the law school textbook Earth Law: A Practitioner’s Guide. He holds an MFA in writing, has a publication history with both fiction and non-fiction, and has authored funded grants examining strategies to mitigate generational heirs' property abuses. He holds a J.D. with a focus on Environmental Justice, social equity, and restorative justice and has created informational and educational content addressing the intersection of environmental and legal issues such as the one-percenters' climate change preparations. Currently based in London, He works on a long-form manuscript addressing the importance of property law, social justice, and the climate change crisis.

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April Elizabeth Finlayson, April Elizabeth Finlayson is an “Edu-neer” dedicated to designing holistic and transformational learning experiences. She has a fervent commitment to reimagining education, promoting lifelong learning and creating uniquely curated, humanizing educational experiences for youth, and the young at heart. This has led to the development of nearly a dozen innovative schools and numerous educational programs in the K-12, after-school learning, adult development and Higher-Ed spaces.

April’s style of leadership and service is rooted in making space for learner voice, agency and empowerment. She believes that the best teaching and learning is reciprocal, interwoven and interchangeable. April asserts that “if a learner knows that they are seen, affirmed, “in-powered” and protected while learning, they will feel loved, and will henceforth thrive!”

April's students and graduates have gone on to international and national renown in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, professional athletics, entertainment, and being great, enjoyable people. April was cross culturally raised and educated between The Bahamas, the USA and Canada. She completed her undergraduate degree in International Development Studies, Political Science and Management from McGill University, and earned both her Master's Degree in Mind, Brain and Education and her Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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Tara A. Pierce, Tara holds degrees in painting, the humanities, a J.D., and an LL.M. in Oceans, Environment, & Sustainability. This transdisciplinary background enriched her legal studies and contributed to the successful publication of several papers on Earth Law and Restorative Ocean Farming. Her latest thesis synthesised her entire academic and hands-on experiences into an approach to transforming the law into a healing practice. Tara regularly guest lectures on Ocean & Coastal Law developments for various institutions in the United States and Europe.

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Cat Haas, Cat Haas is the Director of the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor (EJM), where she oversees the research and development of the world’s most comprehensive database of ecological jurisprudence initiatives globally. Since 2022, she has led efforts to document and analyze the global evolution of Earth-centered law, with a particular focus on the Rights of Nature movement, ecological law, and Indigenous ontologies. Cat holds an M.A. in Global Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where her research explored the influence of Indigenous cosmologies and pluriversal ontologies on the development and globalization of the Rights of Nature movement.
She also serves on the Steering Committee of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) Academic Hub, an interdisciplinary network of scholars specializing in ecological law and governance.
With a background in environmental education, Cat is passionate about fostering awareness and advocacy for sustainable, equitable legal frameworks that address the climate crisis and center ecological well-being

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Ava Roche, Ava is currently a pre-law focused senior at Columbia University studying Political Ecology, conducting her senior thesis on the socio-political effects of deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands. She is attending Columbia University’s Climate School next fall, and aspires to be an earth lawyer, with experience as the student director of the Earth Law Centers, “Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law- a Guide for Practitioners” course last summer. She is an avid scuba diver who is passionate about protecting earths vital oceanic ecosystems, and is interning at Columbia Law Schools, "Sabin Center for Climate Change Law” this coming summer under Michael Gerrard. Above all, she can’t wait to TA with Earth Law Practice and work in such an impactful environment.

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Joseph O’Brien, Joseph recently graduated from Brown University with a concentration in environmental studies. At Brown, he organized an experimental climate negotiation simulation featuring non-human, non-state, and state actors. With a background in regenerative agriculture, political theory, and contemplative education, he is excited to support this year's cohort jump into the chaotic, beautiful, and generative world of Earth Law.

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Janet Marley is completing an MA in Ecopsychology at Naropa University. She is currently researching styles of governance in traditional indigenous societies of Turtle Island and how such wisdom ways can positively influence modern ecocentric regenerative residential communities and bioregional initiatives. She has a BA in Religious Studies from Brown University. Janet is a community organizer with an abiding interest in designing and co-creating intentional living and learning centers that model and teach connection, communication, and reciprocity with the natural world. Her gifts and roles include Teacher, Naturalist, Healer, Event Producer, and Facilitator of ceremony, council, rites of passage, vision quests, ecotherapy, and trauma integration work. She is a Montessori-trained educator and mom of two young children. She currently serves as a board member for The Circle for Change Initiative and is the Director of Programming and Events at the Manitoulin Eco Park, an indigenous-led nature connection facility in Ontario, Canada.

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