Donate Today!
Loading ...

Earth’s Seven Selfs

as a Pathway into the Ecozioc

(Developed by Thomas Berry) 

with Maureen Wild, Brian Tucker, and Orla Hazra

Two programs, same content, happened on Aug. 7 & 9, 2025

See recordings and resources for this program below!

 

Recordings and Resources for the Program

Recording of the Saturday Program

For this one, we were a little more practiced and decided to load this one onto Youtube.

Click here

Thursday, August 7th Program

Chat File, click here

AI Summary, click here

Saturday, August 9th Program

Chat File, click here

AI Summary, click here

Foundational Document for the Program

Entering our Ecological Phase: Core Design Elements including the Seven Selfs  Click here

Mind Map Developed by Brian Tucker

Contact Brian Tucker to add an organization to the Mind Map by writing to Betucker@comcast.net.

Click here for the Mind Map

We will add a post on the website with more information about the Mind Map.

The Determining Features of the Ecozoic Era by Thomas Berry,

and Twelve Principles for Understanding the Universe and the Role of the Human, by Thomas Berry.

click here. (see page 2, #7 for the Selfs)

Transitioning to the Ecozoic, video of Thomas Berry, click here

Sisters of Earth, Children of the Universe Project, click here

We Are One, by Joyce Rouse who was present on Saturday, click here

Six Rules for Organizing a Grassroots Regeneration Revolution, by Ronnie Cummins, click here

A Framework for Discerning Our Great Work 

While illuminating the profound crisis facing our precious Earth at this critical moment, Thomas Berry also offered essential guidance for those who choose to participate in co-creating an Ecozoic Era. He recognized nature as a dynamic source of creativity and deep instruction. His vision calls for a lasting humility—an acknowledgment that Earth is primary and humans are derivative. Earth is our original and enduring “maternal context,” the source from which true guidance arises.

This program explores Earth’s 7 Self’s highlighted by Thomas as our way to participate in and create the Ecozoic Era. It’s offered as an overview to what Earth reveals through her life energies, always present to us. He identified these as: self–emerging, self–nourishing, self–propagating, self–healing, self–educating, self–governing, and self–fulfilling. Earth’s wisdom has always been there for us to take notice. We’ll explore these ‘Self’s’ as authentic and original guides and so well understood by the original peoples of the land.

Applying the Selfs to Real World Examples

Our methodology for this program will be both descriptive (describing the Selfs) and illustrative and inspiring through stories with practical examples.   Maureen will discuss one example as the Gabriola Commons, 26 acres of land and ammenities belonging to the people of Gabriola.   The Gabriola Commons is intended as a source of agricultural, ecological and community well-being.  It is protected in perpetuity for the benefit of the people of Gabriola Island and the land itself.  

Where do you get your instructions from?

How does Earth show us what to do?  

These seven Selfs, expressed in Earth, may also be stirring in you?

 

Earth itself is the primary progenitor, economist, educator, lawgiver, healer, and fulfillment for everything on Earth.

— Thomas Berry

Maureen Wild
Maureen Wild
Maureen Wild

Co–presented by Maureen Wild, Orla Hazra, & Brian Tucker.  

Maureen Wild has a long history of studying and working within ecology circles: M.Ed. (1993) in new cosmology and earth literacy, seven years on the educational staff of Genesis Farm Earth Literacy Center, 25 years on the BC coast co–founding a Centre for Earth and Spirit early on, then carrying on with Pax Gaia Educational & Retreat Initiatives internationally since 2007, and over 30 with the international Sisters of Earth network. The pandemic year shifted her work to virtual format and less traveling. Locally she is a gardener and oversees a local community garden and is on the Board of Directors for creating a natural burial cemetery.

Orla Hazra, PhD currently lives in Sarasota Florida after recently returning from ten years in Mumbai, India. While in India she developed a curriculum to renew the Ignatian (Jesuit) Pedagogical Paradigm, applying it at St. Xavier’s College and at Tarumitra, an ecoliteracy center in Patna. Her academic formation in recreation leadership, addiction counseling, and spiritual direction, led her into a PhD program in Religious Education, from Fordham University; her research becoming a model for educational reform considering the fourfold wisdom conversation suggested by Thomas Berry — science, religion, women and indigenous peoples. She is a founding board member of the Deeptime Network and is delighted to be witnessing the model in practice, healing our trauma of separation.

Brian Tucker, Brian Tucker is the Director of Data Systems and Analytics at a major Human Services non-profit in Philadelphia. He’s also a community organizer working across both secular and faith-based spaces. Trained as a Spiritual Director, he helps individuals and organizations connect spirituality with social justice. Brian serves on the board of the Deep Time Network and has an advisory role with the Cuyamungue Institute. 

|

What people are saying about the Deeptime Network . . .

" Thank you for last night’s cosmic enlightenment!  I appreciate your preparation and enrichment.  We are a lively community. Receiver.  Amplifier.  Insulator.  All in one. I love how we each go on our expeditions of Universe unfolding and return to our campfire to share and learn. "

" Plus, remembering joy amidst the sorrow around us.   A bit of play"
-  Lisa Verni

" 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. 

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/

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

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

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

Aurélie Rodzynek, advances Earth Law by uniting global advocacy, legal strategy, and community-led action. As Communications, Marketing, and Strategy Lead for the Earth Law Alliance, she works to embed Rights of Nature principles into governance systems worldwide. She has held leadership and coordination roles across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, guiding water governance initiatives, supporting international advocacy campaigns, and developing education programs on climate resilience and biodiversity. Leveraging her expertise, Aurélie has contributed to major UN-based gatherings and COP, promoting a holistic legal approach to protecting nature.

Holding an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University and a BA in International Relations, she works at the nexus of law, science, and community priorities to help restore ecological integrity and strengthen the relationship between people and the planet.

This will close in 0 seconds

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.

This will close in 0 seconds

Urwa Hameed, is a final year law student at Boston College Law School. She is a graduate of Boston College with degrees in International Studies and Political Science and has taught a course in Environmental Law at her alma mater. Urwa is the author of two published books, including her most recent, Hosting Earth: Facing the Climate Emergency (Routledge, 2024), which examines the environment through a philosophical and theological lens, framing humans as both hosts and guests of the Earth. Her work blends academic rigor with a deep commitment to exploring humanity’s moral and spiritual responsibilities toward the planet.

This will close in 0 seconds