Landscape Role Play

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'add name of method here' - About

• Nature constellations are originated from the family, organizational and structural constellations.

What is special about the nature constellations lies on the one hand in the vastness of the system boundaries, animals, plants and their habitats are just as much a part of them as humans.

On the other hand, in the position of humans in the system, they are not the center but a part. With this expansion, the relativity of human values, norms and hierarchies becomes visible.

Knowledge follows experience and this follows action: The method uses the most original form of learning, one's own actions and experiences.

In a room or outdoors, the participants assume the role of plants, animals, habitats, buildings and people. A "spatial language" develops between the representatives, which we basically know but hardly pay attention to. In this way, states, relationships and developments of systems become visible.

The starting point of the nature constellations are the participants' questions about the world around us and, above all, about our relationship to it.

The effect is threefold;

All participants first have many, often very moving experiences. Be it in the representation of an ancient linden tree, as a bird in a swarm or as an old herbalist who is deeply connected to her medicinal plants.

Knowledge emerges from these experiences. Some of these arise spontaneously. For example, one can see from the representative experience of a linden tree that this naturalness of standing in a landscape and being part of it lies within one's own capacity for experience, and that's quite a lot! Frequently, further insights only become apparent later, especially with regard to the interactions within the system that has been set up. We were able to see again and again that trees are definitely turned towards us, only we are not receptive.

The findings result in solution tips and approaches. Based on the above-mentioned interaction between tree and human being, one can learn, for example, which of our feelings we "perceive" and need to promote in order to experience nature more consciously and to connect with it associate.

Anyone who has raised a concern or question has the opportunity to look at the interactions in the system from the outside. This outside view opens up a new perspective on the system and its dynamics. Hitherto unrecognised hierarchies, resources, tensions, etc. become visible and that alone is enlightening and clarifying. In the course of the constellation it becomes visible which changes have a liberating effect on the system.

(source: https://naturdialog.ch/natur-dialog/methode.php)

What are the goals of this method?

• explain what makes this method relevant for participatory contexts
• What are typical questions this method is able to answer?
• Which types of knowledge does it generate? Or: what are typical results and/or outcomes?

In which situations can this method be applied?

• Give a few examples of typical settings/processes in which this method suits well
• Who is typically involved?

How does this method work in practice?

• Describe the application as practical as possible
• How much time is needed for each step?
• Which materials/rooms/technical equipment is needed?
• What are the tasks of the facilitators?
• What should be avoided?

Examples of typical results

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What are typical next steps after applying this method?

• Give an outlook of how to follow-up: How should the results be processed and used in the further process?

Any limitations and typical pitfalls?

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• Any ethical concerns as we are working with people? Add a few reflections

Worksheets and Materials

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Further readings, links and references

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