The Six Pillars of Deer Hill Gap Semester
Connection: A Foundation of Togetherness and Belonging
One of the most important aspects of a well-lived life is feeling connected. Connected to what? Connected to our inner being; connected to our loved ones; connected to our creative expression; connected to Life; connected to an inspiring and compelling purpose. Students will explore ways to establish deeper connection within their lives, starting with connection to self.
Mindfulness: Self-Reflection + Awareness = Compassionate Action
Through daily mindfulness-based practices, students connect with their individual selves. They notice how thoughts and actions shape their worldview, and how they impact others. They become more aware of how they are engaging with Life, discovering a greater sense of empowerment to make different choices. They choose life-affirming thoughts and actions that demonstrate empathy and compassion. Increasingly comfortable in a diverse world, they become advocates, allies, and contributors to planetary health and well-being.
Nature: A Living Model for Collective Thriving
Nature’s creative genius is unsurpassed in intelligence, longevity, complexity, beauty, and in virtually every other way. How has Nature manifested such vitality, beauty, and complexity? What systems within Nature can offer direct guidance for humans? How can we practice humility and look to the natural world as a model for living happier, healthier, and more balanced lives?
Reciprocity: In Good Relation with Earth and All Inhabitants
Reciprocity is a fundamental practice in virtually all Indigenous cultures. Western culture generally views the Earth as a resource to be exploited for maximum material comfort and profit. This has created tremendous suffering within the natural and human worlds. What does it mean to be in reciprocity with the Earth and her inhabitants? What practices can be invoked to develop our own relationship with reciprocity? How do we feed and nurture that which sustains our very lives?
Creativity: Nature as Source of Imagination and Innovation
Look at art, music, craft, dance, martial arts…all of these and more are inspired by Nature. Western culture often takes a possessive stance on creativity, but where does the inspiration actually come from? The most inspiring artists and visionaries throughout history generally arrive at one answer: Nature. How do we allow Nature to inspire us? Perhaps more importantly, how do we allow Nature to move and be expressed through us without obstruction? Let’s find out!
Community: Together, in Service to the World
Have you ever felt a longing for REAL, connected community? Great! That means you are paying attention to something innately human that we ALL long for. In this age of mass distraction (social media, news outlets, screens), how can we actually build and cultivate community? What do we, as individuals, have to offer our community? Are we sharing our unique gifts with our community? Do we appreciate and express gratitude for other peoples’ gifts? What is it that we are asking of or need from our community? What aspects of the community that you’ve cultivated at Deer Hill do you want to carry forward and offer to others? How can we assist you in making that happen?