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Homesick

Finding Our Way Back to a Healthy Planet

Lyla Yastion

Human-induced climate change is emerging as the most critical issue of the modern era. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists now confirm that human extraction and burning of fossil fuels, along with rampant deforestation, is causing a rapid build-up of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in air and water. These emissions heat up the planet and may be pushing Earth’s capacity beyond the threshold at which equilibrium can be restored. Global warming is sustained by a global capitalist economy dependent upon the fossil fuel industry and agribusiness, both of which are unsustainable. The toxic effects of air pollution, ocean acidification, and soil degradation are harming the health of all species. Through an interdisciplinary approach that brings in the perspectives of the physical sciences, psychology, anthropology, economics, cultural history and spirituality Homesick investigates the evolutionary path by which human beings have arrived at this precarious juncture. It proposes that this perilous detour in human cultural evolution arises from a fallacious belief that the human species, unlike other species, is not bound by ecological laws but has a special right to control and master the natural world. Human beings suffer from the illusion that they are separate from the Earth, their planetary home, which is perceived as an object— a commodity— to exploit through technology. They have forgotten what indigenous peoples still remember: humanity is part of, not apart from, the natural world. Homesick argues that cultural transformation towards a sustainable future is possible when human beings reawaken to Nature as partner and provider. As memory of their embeddedness in the natural world is aroused, they will experience love and respect for the interdependent web of life that sustains them. This reawakening incrementally induces a radical change in thinking within society and sets in motion a paradigm shift. Cultural institutions are then reshaped to match this new benign worldview.

Hamilton Books

Pages: 306 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-0-7618-7050-0 • Paperback • September 2018 • $29.99 • (£25.00)

978-0-7618-7051-7 • eBook • September 2018 • $28.00 • (£19.99)

Subjects: Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection, Nature / Ecology, Science / Life Sciences / Ecology, Science / Global Warming & Climate Change

Homesick

Finding Our Way Back to a Healthy Planet

Paperback

eBook

Summary

Human-induced climate change is emerging as the most critical issue of the modern era. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists now confirm that human extraction and burning of fossil fuels, along with rampant deforestation, is causing a rapid build-up of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in air and water. These emissions heat up the planet and may be pushing Earth’s capacity beyond the threshold at which equilibrium can be restored. Global warming is sustained by a global capitalist economy dependent upon the fossil fuel industry and agribusiness, both of which are unsustainable. The toxic effects of air pollution, ocean acidification, and soil degradation are harming the health of all species. Through an interdisciplinary approach that brings in the perspectives of the physical sciences, psychology, anthropology, economics, cultural history and spirituality Homesick investigates the evolutionary path by which human beings have arrived at this precarious juncture. It proposes that this perilous detour in human cultural evolution arises from a fallacious belief that the human species, unlike other species, is not bound by ecological laws but has a special right to control and master the natural world. Human beings suffer from the illusion that they are separate from the Earth, their planetary home, which is perceived as an object— a commodity— to exploit through technology. They have forgotten what indigenous peoples still remember: humanity is part of, not apart from, the natural world. Homesick argues that cultural transformation towards a sustainable future is possible when human beings reawaken to Nature as partner and provider. As memory of their embeddedness in the natural world is aroused, they will experience love and respect for the interdependent web of life that sustains them. This reawakening incrementally induces a radical change in thinking within society and sets in motion a paradigm shift. Cultural institutions are then reshaped to match this new benign worldview.

Details

Hamilton Books

Pages: 306 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-0-7618-7050-0 • Paperback • September 2018 • $29.99 • (£25.00)

978-0-7618-7051-7 • eBook • September 2018 • $28.00 • (£19.99)

Subjects: Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection, Nature / Ecology, Science / Life Sciences / Ecology, Science / Global Warming & Climate Change

Author

Lyla Yastion has taught anthropology and religious studies at SUNY New Paltz and continues to teach at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). She is the author of Pause Now: Handbook for a Spiritual Revolution.

Table of Contents

List of Figures
List of Tables
Acknowledgments
Preface

Part One: Children of the Earth
1. Home Sweet Home
1. Setting the Stage
1. An Elemental Disturbance
Part Two: Departure
1. The Psychology of Leaving Home
1. Capitalism and The Rule of Technological Mind
1. The Double-Barreled Shotgun
Part Three: Return
1. The Web of Life
1. Perceptions of Earth as Sacred Space
1. A Fork in the Road
1. Coming Home: A Change of Mind and Heart
Appendix One
Appendix Two
Index

About the Author

Reviews

Lyla Yastion is a modern-day wisdom-keeper in the guise of an anthropologist. Her chosen task is to remind us that the very nest of our being is not a mere address, but rather is planet Earth itself. Homesick induces forgotten memories, refreshing insights, and passion for making change. An authentic contribution.
— Chellis Glendinning, author of My Name is Chellis and I’m in Recovery from Western Civilization

Homesick is the book that we’ve needed to expand our frame around the climate crisis, and re-ground us in our essential humanity and role as one species among millions on our blue marble Earth.
— Thom Hartmann

At a time when so many people—and, tragically, those currently in power—are intent on destroying our home, Lyla Yastion shows us a way to protect both home and our sanity.
— Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods

Homesick is a remarkable book addressing the roots and causes of the environmental issues we are facing today. Lyla Yastion brilliantly traces historical causes as well as detailed information on how all of life is being impacted today. She does not stop with the problem but inspires us with solutions on how we can all participate in transforming our current environmental crisis. This book is pertinent to anyone who is looking for ways to contribute to the healing of our planet.
— Sandra Ingerman, author of Soul Retrieval

Homesick

Finding Our Way Back to a Healthy Planet

Lyla Yastion

Homesick

Finding Our Way Back to a Healthy Planet

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