True Human: Reimagining Ourselves at the End of Our World
In this book, Samantha Sweetwater weaves philosophy, indigenous wisdom, ecological insight, psychedelic vision, and body-based practices to help you meet chaos and disruption as doorways to your deepest healing, fulfillment, and purpose.
27a. Age of Aquarius, Summary
A summary of the astrological concept of the Age of Aquarius, tracing the symbolic themes associated with successive astrological ages from Leo through Pisces and into Aquarius. The piece explores ideas of individual consciousness, freedom, technology, collaboration, humanitarianism, and the movement from hierarchical systems toward networks and collective participation.
26. The Descent to Soul
A reflection on the relationship between human maturation, the natural world, and the deeper dimensions of the psyche. Bill Plotkin explores the “Descent to Soul” as a journey of inner transformation that can help people discover their unique place within the web of life, while also considering how individual development is connected to the ecological and cultural challenges facing humanity.
24. Global Challenges Are Directing Us Toward a Unity of Purpose
An exploration of how global crises, social division, and collective uncertainty can become catalysts for greater cooperation and unity. The authors consider the movement from separation and hierarchy toward wholeness, ethical responsibility, deeper listening, and a shared sense of purpose across differences.
23. Dismantling the Patriarchy Within
Anne Baring and Faranak Mirjalili explore how patriarchal patterns can be carried not only through social structures but also within the individual psyche. Drawing on Jungian psychology, dreams, the feminine and masculine principles, and the recovery of instinct and creativity, they consider how inner transformation may contribute to changing wider patterns of domination and disconnection. The conversation also connects these themes with relationships to the natural world, animal life, and the ecological challenges of our time.
13. How and Why Did We First Lose “Right Balance” with Mother Earth?
A reflection on how humanity may have lost its intimate relationship with the Earth and with one another. Drawing on Indigenous teachings, Goddess cultures, and Marija Gimbutas’s interpretation of prehistoric Europe, the piece considers the relationship between connection, reciprocity, patriarchy, exploitation, and our growing separation from the natural world. It ultimately asks what we can learn from older ways of relating to Earth and each other as we face today’s climate crisis.
10a. Giving Better Back
A practical approach to responding differently when conflict arises in an intimate relationship. Drawing from Mona Barbera’s Bring Yourself to Love and Internal Family Systems, “Giving Better Back” encourages us to meet criticism, agitation, judgment, or distance with greater curiosity, calm, compassion, clarity, and connection. Rather than trying to change our partner, the practice invites us to take responsibility for our own responses and create new patterns of relating.
22l. Indigenous Ways of Working with Sacred Medicine
A panel discussion exploring Indigenous approaches to sacred medicine, healing, spirituality, and psychology. Leslie Gray, Kevon Simpson, Belinda Eriacho, and Kelly Yi discuss Indigenous worldviews, traditional healing practices, sacred plant medicines, cultural context, and the importance of bringing these perspectives into contemporary approaches to healing with respect and cultural awareness.
22j. Chumash Story on “The People of the Heart”
A Chumash story about the “People of the Mind” and the “People of the Heart,” offering a powerful reflection on humanity’s relationship with the Earth. The story calls on us to awaken the wisdom, spirit, and compassion within our hearts so that we can help restore balance and protect the living world.
22g. Turtle Island: A Message from White Eagle During the Corona Crisis
This message from White Eagle, attributed to a Hopi Indigenous perspective, reflects on the COVID-19 crisis as a time of uncertainty, reflection, and transformation. It invites us to care for ourselves and others, reconnect with spiritual practice and community, and draw on Indigenous traditions of resilience, ritual, art, joy, and connection to move through difficult times with greater clarity and purpose.