The Hoop And The Tree

The "tree" is the vertical dimension of aspiration, deepening, individual growth, and spiritual development. The "hoop" is the circular representation of our relationship with humanity and the earth. Using examples from Native American and other ancient traditions as well as modern psychology and systems science, Chris Hoffman shows readers how to develop both parts of the whole to help people lead lives of balance and fulfillment.

"Integrating psychology, spirituality, mythology, ecology, and native wisdom, The Hoop and the Tree reveals the deep structure of psychological and spiritual wholeness that helps us lead lives of balance and fulfillment"--

WINNER OF THE 2018 JOHN BURROUGHS MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING NATURAL HISTORY WRITING “Both a love song to trees, an exploration of their biology, and a wonderfully philosophical analysis of their role they play in human history and in modern culture.” —Science Friday The author of Sounds Wild and Broken and the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Forest Unseen visits with nature’s most magnificent networkers — trees David Haskell has won acclaim for eloquent writing and deep engagement with the natural world. Now, he brings his powers of observation to the biological networks that surround all species, including humans. Haskell repeatedly visits a dozen trees, exploring connections with people, microbes, fungi, and other plants and animals. He takes us to trees in cities (from Manhattan to Jerusalem), forests (Amazonian, North American, and boreal) and areas on the front lines of environmental change (eroding coastlines, burned mountainsides, and war zones.) In each place he shows how human history, ecology, and well-being are intimately intertwined with the lives of trees. Scientific, lyrical, and contemplative, Haskell reveals the biological connections that underpin all life. In a world beset by barriers, he reminds us that life’s substance and beauty emerge from relationship and interdependence.

What’s the difference between an activity and an experience? One is meant to pass the time, the other to last a lifetime. Make the most of your interactions with young children with experiences that allow infants and toddlers to figure out how something works on their own. This book describes a process of learning that involves repeated interaction with and exploration of a caring environment, which builds trust between children and you. Each experience offers children the chance to choose their own approaches to tasks that promote their development. Focusing on the “Three Cs”—curiosity, connection, and coordination—each experience is described simply and includes a list of materials that are needed and tips to keep in mind. In addition, each experience includes specific strategies to help you promote the healthiest development in infants and toddlers.