Definitions
Capitalization Convention
We capitalize Animal and Plant names to reflect scientific understanding that species differences are leveled to cultural differences. Because the dominating culture privileges our species above all others, “human” is not capitalized. We endeavor to use species-neutral language that does not separate or privilege humans.
Consciousness
This term has diverse meanings for diverse people. We use the term interchangeably to denote a substrate state of awareness as well in the Buddhist view where consciousness is considered a conditioned state functioning like the interface between the historical dimension and ultimate dimension. In the latter case, consciousness is conditioned and awareness, unconditioned.
Ecocentrism
Removes human-centered privilege by re-embedding our species into Nature as one among billions of other species. From this view, there is no interconnectedness, only oneness.
Trans-species Science and Psychology
Are fields established by Kerulos founder Gay Bradshaw to openly recognize neuroscience’s tacit understanding that Animals share with humans the same capacities for consciousness, feeling, thinking and psychological trauma. This invalidates any justification for Animal exploitation based on the rationale that nonhumans are “less than” humans.
Nature Mindfulness
Is a meditation practice used to dissolve habitual mental and emotional patterns. Meditation helps heal minds and brains that have suffered trauma and intergenerational stress. In contrast to “ordinary” mindfulness, Nature Mindfulness focuses on dissolving 10,000 years of cultural conditioning and returning humans to the core consciousness shared with Animals and other Earth beings, what we refer to as Nature Consciousness.
Nature Consciousness
Is the state of consciousness and awareness embodied by Animals, Plants, the land, and many Indigenous tribal humans. At times, we use sentience and consciousness interchangeably because sentience is a more common term. There is, however, a difference. Sentience generally focuses on mental and emotional states, while consciousness describes a deeper, synoptic state unencumbered by thoughts and ego. Nature Consciousness is the substrate of awareness and presence reflected in Nature’s intelligence, beauty, and ethics.
Nature Nonviolence
Conventionally, nonviolence is defined as not causing harm under any condition. By this definition, many Animals, such as Wolves and Orcas, are considered violent because they kill for food. This is, however, part of their evolutionary heritage and mandate necessary for survival. In contrast, humans are generally able to survive on Plant-based diets. From a species’ inclusive perspective, Nature Nonviolence is the absence of any exploitive action and behavior. Nonexploitive Plant-based living (ethical veganism) is a natural outcome of Nature Nonviolence. Its intrinsic, harmonious coherence is expressed in Nature’s enduring peace, beauty and viability.
Nature’s Ethics and Principles
These are relational rules of conduct and expression whose intelligence have guided and are followed by Animals, Plants, and the rest of Nature for millions of years.
Mutual Accompaniment
Moves away from conventionally hierarchical and unidirectional approaches in the helping professions and other relationships. It is grounded in horizontality, interdependence, mutual benefit, and the understanding of life’s oneness.
Animal Trauma-Responsive Care
Recognizes Animals as psychological and spiritual beings who are vulnerable to trauma and require care and healing based on these assumptions:
- Psychological trauma effects and sources are widespread
- The dominating human culture causes trauma
- Trauma is present among rescued Animals and Wildlife as well as attending humans
- An understanding of trauma is necessarily included in care, culture, policies, procedures, and practices of accompaniment
- A secure space is needed to avoid re-traumatization.