"Our hypermodern societies currently posses only a kindergarden understanding of the deeply relational nature of reality."

Relational Reality reveals the coherence among numerous surprising discoveries of the interrelated nature of reality. These discoveries have resulted in a new perspective that has been emerging gradually for the past several decades but has gained momentum and is now transforming every mainstream field of human endeavor. All our basic assumptions (built on the old idea that everything in the physical world is essentially separate and functions mechanistically) are being reconsidered. No longer a marginal perspective, the Relational Shift is based on the realization that all entities in this world, including humans, are thoroughly relational beings of great complexity who are both composed of and nested within networks of creative, dynamic interrelationships. Nothing exists outside of those relationships. As we try to grasp the interrelated nature of reality, emergent relational approaches are already transforming the way we educate our children, attend to our health, green our communities, and rethink economic activity. New analyses of the crises of modernity and abundant new solutions are the result.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Relational Revelations

Discoveries and Emergence in the 21st Century * Ecological = Organically Interrelated = Relational * Our Checkered Past * The Relational Imperative

Chapter 2: The Relational Shift in Education and Parenting

A Snapshot of the Current Crises

The Growing Gaps in Education * The Venal and Vapid Socialization of Our Youth via the Media * School Life: In Class, Online, and Texting * Peer-Oriented “Attachment Displacement” Disorder

Relational Factors in Learning * An Ecoliterate, Relational K-12 Education * A College Education in Relational Knowledge * Life-long Learning and the Relational Shift

Chapter 3: The Relational Shift in Health and Healthcare

A Snapshot of the Current Crisis

The Emerging Relational Perspective in Physiology and Medicine

Interpersonal Relationships and Human Health * Dynamic Physiological Relationships within the Bodymind* Interrelatedness Between the Bodymind and Its Environmental Context

Preserving Our Deepest Relationship

The Desires of the Bodymind

Chapter 4: The Relational Shift in Community Design and Architecture

The Emerging Relational Perspective in Our Built Environment * Geometric Dominance and Organic Rebellions * Community Revitalization * Organic Architecture * Relational Building for Bodies in Nature * Eco-Effective Architecture * A Visit to Relationton

Chapter 5: The Relational Shift in The Economy

A Snapshot of the Current Crisis

The Emerging Green, Relational Economic Culture

Agriculture and Food Security * New Ways of Doing Business * Community-based Economics * Transportation * Energy * Greenhouse Gas Emissions * Other Toxins * Waste * Water * International Trade * “Development” in the “Third World”

Chapter 6: Stepping Up

Reassessing the "Field Dependence" of Women * An Example of Applying the Relational Perspective: * The Debate over the Origins of Religion * The Relational Calling

 

Green Horizon Books
Publication Date: May 2011
eBook Edition: June 2011

Charlene Spretnak is the author of several books on ecological and relational thought, cultural history, spirituality, feminism, and social commentary. These include Green Politics, The Spiritual Dimension of Green Politics, States of Grace, and The Resurgence of the Real.