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Turning to Earth offers a window into the heart of environmental change, moving beyond the culture’s traditional reliance on policy reforms and technological measures. It charts the course of “ecological conversion,” a dynamic inner process by which people come to ally themselves with the natural world and speak out on its behalf. Stories by ecological converts illuminate a critical realm long neglected by environmental scholars and activists—how the terrain of spirit, psyche, and conscience shape our commitment to Earth. Marina Schauffler’s engaging exploration of “inner ecology” deftly weaves together numerous autobiographical accounts with insights from the fields of ecocriticism, ecopsychology, environmental philosophy, and environmental education. An opening portrait of the writer and activist Terry Tempest Williams traces her deepening devotion to Earth. Each subsequent chapter explores a key element of ecological conversion, drawing primarily on the personal testimony of Williams and five other pioneering writers: Rachel Carson, Alice Walker, Edward Abbey, Scott Russell Sanders, and N. Scott Momaday. Turning to Earth extends the parameters of contemporary environmental discussion by illustrating how substantive change hinges not just on political and institutional reforms but also on profound inner transformation. The compelling life narratives of ecological converts provide inspiration and direction for the growing number of activists, educators, scholars, and citizens committed to changing the world from the inside out. "The idea in Turning to Earth is a simple but inspired one: we have to take care of our inner nature if we want to protect the world outside. Intelligently and engagingly, Schauffler guides us through the inner processes involved in living deeply in tune with the natural order. She gives us a soft-spoken, probing, insightful book that takes us step by step from self to world and back." —Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul and The Soul's Religion "A gem of a book! Marina Schauffler tells how and why some awaken to life and Earth through the experience of great writers. The result is a book full of insight, useful experience, and hope." —David W. Orr, author of The Nature of Design "Schaufflers study of ecological conversion is an engaging and significant contribution to understanding
the farther reaches of human nature. It takes its place in the tradition of William James's Varieties of
Religious Experience." —Theodore Roszak, author of The Voice of the Earth:
An Exploration of Ecopsychology F. Marina Schauffler, a writer who lives along the coast of Maine, holds a doctorate in ecological ethics and spiritual values.
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The University of
Virginia Press