Addressing the question, “How can I serve?”

Self, Society, and Environment:
An Integral Systems Approach to
Personal Well-being and Social Engagement

The Whole System Healing curriculum consists of three courses the first of which, Self, Society, and Environment:  An Integral Systems Approach to Personal Well-being and Social Engagement, is being offered by Professor Linda Brady and Senior Fellow John Millerand meets every Monday from September 2 – December 10, 2008.

Dr. Brady states that, “By evaluating the correlation between environment, self and society, students will gain a better understanding for how these disciplines interact and affect each of us.”  The course hours on the chosen topic are divided each week into three parts: the first hour focuses on the self, the second on society, and the third on the environment.  For example, the first week focused on nature as seen from self, society, and the environment.  Students then discover and discuss points of integration and complexity from a whole systems healing perspective.

When Erik Storlie led the group in mindfulness practices during the fourth meeting, he linked meditation as basis for action in the world.  One student reported, “I noticed that during our mindfulness practice ideas for a psychology paper I am working on became clear in my mind.”  Students also talked about the important impact life style choices can have on the environment, for example taking the bus rather than driving a car.  During this class, students spent time visiting web sites of organizations—grassroots and governmental—that are working on environmental justice at the micro and macro levels. Discussions focused on effective ways to h organize so that the whole system does a better job of serving all life.

The interconnection of self, society, and the environment is emphasized. Ideas are not just an abstract concept in the class.  Therefore, one member tearfully expressed fear of losing her job as she described the financial crisis and bailout decisions occurring that day.

Students keep a journal about the class and many describe the course as unique to their University experience in that it highlights ‘meaning’ and ties the reality of their day-to-day living with theoretical concepts.

The second course, presently scheduled for Spring 2009, is entitled Poverty, Health, and Human Welfare: An Integrated Approach to Community Health.  This course focuses on a complex, whole systems approach and analysis of the relationship among societal challenges, environmental problems, and health. 

Scheduled for Fall 2009, the third course, Finding and Following Your Service Calling, will explore the evolution of social entrepreneurship and the national service movement, help students answer the question, “How can I serve?” and provide opportunities for hands-on service in their selected Twin Cities projects.

In her book, Educating Citizens for Global Awareness, Stanford University Professor Nel Noddings emphasizes that students need to be educated for (1) economic and social justice, (2) protection of the earth, (3) social and cultural diversity, and (4) peace.  The groundbreaking Whole Systems Healing courses train students in local, national, and global leadership that serves a life-affirming 21st century.

Click here to download course flyer