At the Intersection of Nature and Mind: Dennis Kiley’s Vision for Leadership
EcoPsychology Initiative's Founder Holds Upcoming Trainings and Answers Our Questions
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Choco-Latté Café.
SOMESVILLE—When Dennis Kiley goes into the world, he does so in a way where he looks at the intersections of things. He’s a dad, a husband, and the founder of the EcoPsychology Initiative. Even where he lives on Mount Desert Island, is a place of intersections: woods, mountains, watersheds, tourists, year-round residents, summer visitors, ocean, shores, villages and communities.
Born in Dirby, Nova Scotia, Kiley grew up on Mount Desert Island and it was here, according to an Island Institute article by Jacqueline Weaver that his dad gave him a book about mindfulness and a Buddhist monk. At the same time, Kiley started a peer counseling program. Those two things made a big impact.
“One insight he gained, which relates to coping with a changing climate, is how important it is to know who we are—what causes our pain and suffering and what is the best way to live our lives. Kiley said therapists are comparing some people’s reaction to changes in the environment to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’ five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance,” Weaver wrote.
Kiley spends his work life focused on where nature and psychology intersect. A psychotherapist, life coach, meditation and yoga practitioner, and teacher, he does a lot. He’s also one of the founders and a current board member of A Climate To Thrive, a Maine non-profit committed to climate action and sustainability.
Kiley lives in Somesville with his wife Johannah Blackman and their kids.
“I did much of my growing up on the island and returned with Johannah in 2010 after getting a masters in counseling psychology in California,” he said.
In addition to being the founder of the EcoPsychology Initiative, he also has a private practice at The Counseling Collaborative in Town Hill.
In July and August, people have a chance to learn from Dennis in a training focused on the nature of leadership, centering on how to “lead with the wisdom of nature.”
THE DISCUSSION WITH DENNIS
What made you delve into ecopsychology?
Personally, I have always loved and benefited from time spent outside. My mind feels more clear, focused and calm; my body is relaxed and engaged, and my heart feels more open. Furthermore, I've often found inspiration and perspective not just from being in nature, but also from ecological examples, teachings, principles, etc. Professionally, as both a counselor and longtime yoga/meditation teacher, I consistently found that my clients and students loved when I offered programs outside and seemed to get more out of the experiences. Finally, as an environmental and climate activist, I was very curious about the psychology of climate change. This all motivated me to do more research on the benefits of nature, and deepen my studies of ecopsychology and subsequently start the EcoPsychology Initiative (EPI).
2. Have you ever heard of Jake Swamp Tekaronianeken? He died 15 years ago or so, but he was such an amazing man when it came to diplomacy and education and nature and ecology. I don’t know if your paths ever crossed, though I always imagine cool people’s lives do, and even if not, I always selfishly want other people to know about him. His name, Tekaronhianeken, means where “two skies come together,” which makes me think a bit of the work you do.
Unfortunately, I'd never heard of Jake Swamp until you mentioned him. However, I did a little researching about him and he sounds like he was a really incredible man. There have been some amazing people who have contributed to the field of ecopscyhology. Certainly some of those have come from Indigenous cultures and communities. It's also been reassuring and heartening that the field isn't just about indigenous wisdom but also draws on the teachings of many western teachers, science, etc. All this is to say, I'm grateful you asked about him. How did you learn about and from him?
3. Ah, it was at Bates College during a lot of environmental education classes and then our paths crossed a bit more after that because we were both interested in writing. He founded the Tree of Peace Society. It’s kind of you to ask!
I would love to know more about EcoPsychology as well and what people at the training will get to take from it and experience there.
In the words of Theodore Roszak, the first person to coin the term, ecopsychology looks to ecologize psychology and psychologize ecology. There are many examples of this.
At the EcoPsychology Initiative, we have four primary areas: ecotherapy, climate psychology, spirituality and psychological biomimicry (which is psychologically applying the most important principles of nature for the benefit of individuals, communities and organizations).
Our upcoming Nature of Leadership online training will apply ecopsychology generally and psychological biomimicry to provide practical frameworks for understanding and action, those that can be applied for existing or aspiring leaders. Drawing upon systems theory, ecology and current psychological theory, we will be providing participants with tangible skills and strategies that can be applied for positive impact with our personal lives, work or community engagement.
Consistent with our work at EPI, we believe there is a strong correlation between inner transformation and outer action and change. One without the other is incomplete. Strong leadership isn't just what we do, but who and how we are as people. Our training will empower people with principles and practices that can lead to this inner and outer impact.
4. Do you plan to do similar trainings?
I do plan to continue offering other public, online ecopsychology programs though I really enjoying diversifying the subject matter so it's not always on the same subject.
In addition to these offerings, I also really value working privately with clients to deepen and personalize the material that we discuss in our public events.
5. When I think of ecotherapy, I think of it as a two-way relationship. Is that how you approach it or am I completely wrong?
Relationships are at the heart of ecopsychology and leadership. Therefore, it will certainly be an important aspect of what we discuss in the training. Furthermore, I prioritize facilitating groups to encourage discussion, connection and engagement amongst participants so the learning isn't limited to what I share but also the experiences with other attendees. Finally, I always look forward to what I can learn from others through these programs. While I'm proud of the curriculum we offer through the EcoPsychology Initiative, I'm very aware that I can continue to learn and grow, and trainings with diverse people from across the globe is a wonderful chance for me to do this that I really value.
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
EcoPsychology Initiative website
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