Our bodies are inseparable from nature.

Ecosomatics is best defined by its parts. Soma refers to the body as its perceived from within. Rather than the human body being observed from the outside, the human soma is a distinct phenomenon. These two viewpoints allow humans to be equally internally self-aware and externally aware. Eco points to the environment and the phrase in its entirety encapsulates the fact that ecology, the natural world, and the lived experience of the body are inseparable.

This awareness has been a part of Indigenous cultures across the world for centuries, and the mere naming of ecosomantics illustrates the ways in which we have moved away from our connection to nature as a result of capitalism, colonization, white supremacy, and patriarchy. Practicing ecosomatics through a Western lens must honor Earth's true caretakers. It can be through restoring sovereignty to the land and Indigenous people; learning about the cultural contexts of where we live and understanding that places hold deep meaning, living history, and knowledge; being truly present by tuning in to textures, sounds, and smells of nature within us; or by simply planting a seed.

Planetary health and human health are entwined—what benefits the planet, benefits our minds. How do you reconnect with nature?

"Tea is a collaboration between humans and nature. The Chinese character for tea ─ 茶chá ─ contains within it the radical characters for a plant, a tree and a person, with the whole character representing the harmonious ecosystem between them. Every tea style that exists is a product of the intervention of humans ─ there is no black or green tea plant and any style of tea can be made from any type of Camellia Sinensis, although certain styles benefit certain places or times of the year." – Jonathan Nunn, 2020

"I will welcome all people to Trade School, creating a safe space that supports anti-oppression, values rigor, and promotes generosity. Trade School is about relationships of trust and mutual aid: the voluntary reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit. As an organizer, it is my job to create a space of respect. This may mean developing community agreements with my group that intentionally dismantle the structures of oppression that marginalize some, and divide us all. These may include racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, transphobia, xenophobia, religious discrimination, ageism, and ableism, among others. Without these intentions Trade School can’t really be open to all.

I will collaborate and cooperate. I understand that individual freedoms are not above our collective safety, well-being, and ability to function cooperatively; individual freedom without responsibility to the community is not how we relate. I want to be part of a group that is based on shared power and the inherent value of every person. I will take responsibility for gathering the initial group and calling people together, but I will work towards sharing power for a decentralized, horizontal group.

I will make space for sharing ideas and information, not for advertising. I will NOT allow teachers to promote a product, a business, or the exploitation of other people. Trade School exists to help more people share skills, ideas, and resources- not to promote brands, companies, or exploitation. Trade School is not about getting rich- it’s about mutual aid. I will not allow brands to dominate Trade School. Sponsor or partner logos or names will not appear on the homepage. I will create a separate page dedicated to your sponsors (if necessary), and link to the page. Anywhere it appears, the sponsor’s logo will be smaller than the Trade School logo."