The Earthrise Community: Transforming Planetary Consciousness for a Flourishing Future

Susan L. Prescott (), Aterah Nusrat, Richard Scott, David Nelson, Heidi Honegger Rogers, Mona S. El-Sherbini, Knellee Bisram, Yvonne Vizina, Sara L. Warber and David Webb
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Susan L. Prescott: Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Aterah Nusrat: Osher Center for Integrative Health, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Richard Scott: Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
David Nelson: Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
Heidi Honegger Rogers: College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Mona S. El-Sherbini: Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
Knellee Bisram: AHAM Education, Tamarac, FL 33321, USA
Yvonne Vizina: Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2R6, Canada
Sara L. Warber: Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
David Webb: Business School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia

Challenges, 2025, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: In the face of the growing challenges of the Anthropocene—marked by climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing rates of disease and despair—this paper explores the need for holistic solutions that integrate cultural and spiritual transformation as essential dimensions of change. Recognizing that the interconnected challenges to planetary health stem from destructive socio-political agendas and unhealthy economic structures, we underscore the importance of worldviews and value systems as root causes of social and ecological injustices. Solutions require an understanding of the complex interdependence of systems, fostering mutualistic mindsets, and healing the ‘relationship crisis’ between humans and the natural world by cultivating a deeper level of consciousness. In response to these urgent needs, we describe Earthrise—a community of engaged contemplative practice led by the Nova Institute for Health in collaboration with the Planetary Health Alliance—dedicated to spiritual and cultural transformation in the face of today’s complex crises. Through intentional spiritual relationships—with ourselves, each other, and the natural world—our community emphasizes the power of narrative co-creation in building social cohesion and collective action for environmental stewardship. Our work is not solely contemplative, but also relational and integrative—embodying values through lived practice, community, and ecological engagement. Our activities focus on developing cultural capacities and self-awareness as essential foundations for fair and sustainable social transformation. By integrating diverse perspectives, including ancestral wisdom and Indigenous knowledge systems, we enrich worldviews and deepen our connection to the planet. The Earthrise community seeks to cultivate a sense of belonging, nurturing the meaningful relationships that foster compassion and care. Central to our approach is the use of creative emergence, leveraging the arts to inspire change and catalyze new paradigms. Through this exploration of interconnected themes, we contend that spiritual and cultural transformation is vital to advancing a thriving future, where human flourishing and planetary health are understood as inseparable and interconnected goals.

Keywords: planetary health; spirituality; cultural transformation; climate change; biodiversity loss; indigenous knowledges; inner development goals; creative emergence; emotional intelligence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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