Gaia: The Question of Consciousness
Anthony J. Hegarty
Transpersonal Psychology Review 2012 DOI: 10.53841/bpstran.2012.15.1.10 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that an Earth or Gaian Consciousness may exist as a transpersonal phenomenon, citing the author's dolphin-encounter research and other documented accounts as evidence of reciprocal 'consciousness sharing' between humans and a dynamic or spiritual aspect of the planet. Proposes that physical, somatic alienation from the Earth primarily blocks awareness of this consciousness. |
Abstract
This paper seeks to explore the possibility of Gaian Consciousness or the existence of an Earth Consciousness based on the hypothesis of the planet as a self-regulating system/living organism. It seeks to define the nature of this consciousness as transpersonal and it presents the author’s research, ‘Therapeutic transpersonal encounters with dolphins’, other research, and well-established documented accounts as empirical evidence of participatory, reciprocal encounters that might be termed ‘consciousness sharing’ between humans and a dynamic/spiritual aspect of our planet Earth. It further suggests that it is primarily our physical, somatic distancing or alienation from mother Earth that hinders our awareness of this consciousness.