Course Description

Waking to the Tree: Science and Practices to Deepen Understanding and Connection with Plants is an online course that introduces learners to Plant sentience and consciousness through science and mindfulness teachings and practices. There is a growing interest and appreciation for living with our Plant kin with greater respect. This course provides concepts and practices which frame an approach for learners to develop a personal connection and ethos with Plants.

The course title is inspired by the story of the Buddha. Most often, the Buddha’s spiritual awakening is described as taking place under the giant Fig (Bodhi) Tree. Other translations speak of his awakening to the Tree where the Buddha’s awakened consciousness meets that of the Tree. This interpretation reflects an understanding of Plant consciousness consistent with nondual science and Zen Buddhism which recognize the unity and wholeness of all life. The course is comprised of three 45-60 minute modules, each comprised of a presentation, take-home readings, and guided meditation practices. This introductory course is open to all. No prior meditation experience is required. Instructors: Gay Bradshaw and Deeksha Agrawal.

The Science of Sentience – Core concepts of nondual science that have led to recognition of Plant and Animal sentience and consciousness.
Interbeing – An overview of relevant elements of the Buddha’s teachings and practices articulated by Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh.
Living with Our Plant Kin – Discussion of how concept and practice may be translated to an everyday ethos nurturing respect for Plants and their values.

Learning Objectives

In this course, you will learn …

Course Structure

The content of this self-paced…

Readings and Resources

[ORIGINAL TEXT] There are many readings, links, and resources which are pertinent to the course and its subjects. Some of you may already meditate and have studied one or various spiritual traditions. For others, these ideas and practices are less familiar. In addition to the required texts around which much of the lectures revolve, you are provided with a variety of additional resources which you can use to tailor your individual experience and interests and which you can use to broaden your mindfulness “library.” We bring attention to a few and encourage you to explore on your own to find what suits you best. There are three required texts upon which the lectures and sessions often reference. These resources are intended to provide a backdrop for your personal exploration and reflection. You are also provided with a Glossary and Linguistics Conventions. Each concept and practice discussed in this course is vast and has multiple nuanced meanings. The Glossary is a list of common terms used in class with an associated reference that you can follow for more discussion. The Linguistic Conventions describe how certain words are used and spelled in the course.

Required Texts

Bradshaw, G. A. (2020). Talking with Bears: Conversations with Charlie Russell. Rocky Mountain Books.

Thich Nhat Hanh (2017). The Other Shore. Palm Leaves Press.

O’Donohue, J. (1997). The Invisible World, (audiobook). Sounds True.

Recommended Texts and Audiobooks

Pema Chödrön (2008). How to Meditate with Pema Chödrön (audiobook). Sounds True.

Eckhart Tolle (2004). The Power of Now. New World Library.

Tara Brach (2020). Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN. Penguin Life.

Stephen Levine (2006). Tao De Ching. Harper-Collins (also recording on YouTube)

Course Content

Session 1. The Science of Sentience

Session 2. Interbeing

Session 3. Living with Our Plant Kin

About Instructor

Gay Bradshaw

Dr. Bradshaw holds doctorate degrees in ecology and psychology, and has published, taught, and lectured widely in these fields both in the U.S. and internationally. She is the author of Pulitzer Prize-nominated Elephants on the Edge: What Animals Teach Us about Humanity, published by Yale University Press, an in-depth psychological portrait of Elephants in captivity and in the wild. Dr. Bradshaw’s work focuses on trans-species psychology, the theory and methods for the study and care of Animal psychological well-being and multi-species cultures. Her research expertise includes the effects of violence on and trauma recovery Elephants, Grizzly Bears, Chimpanzees, and Parrots, and other species in captivity.

3 Courses

Waking to the Tree