Trees are pervasive phenomena, both larger and older than humans with a dramatically different expression of livingness. The current world has encouraged a paradigm of viewing trees as merely resource, in service to human needs and uses, resulting in our current planet-wide environmental crisis and disconnection from our cosmological situatedness. As degradation has deepened, trees have suffered extensively with increasing deforestation, species extinction, and a changing climate.

In this talk and workshop, we will explore our relationship with trees, and re-situate their need in our daily lives. We hope that the experience of coming into relationship with trees can provide a shift towards environmental sustainability and justice.

Laura Pustarfi, Ph.D., is a writer, creative, and integral ecologist. Her work focuses on the philosophy of trees and plants in the Western paradigm with special interest in environment and consciousness. She is also a consultant and lives near San Francisco, California.

About Meaning Quotient Events:

Meaning Quotient brings together explorers of question, "what is being human?", to co-create a new meaningful society. Meaning Quotient events explores different facets of human emotions e.g. love, beauty, consciousness, and their impact on society through art and science. The events engage mind through intellectual discussions and body through embodied workshops, evoking new possibilities.

Meaning Quotient events are open to non-believers as well as adherents of all religions and non-specific spirituality. What is required is open mindedness, equanimity, and compassion for all humans and their diverse world views.

Meaning Quotient events are monthly evening events (18.30- 21.00), and are free of charge, intended towards cultural community building.