Customer Reviews

An excellent textbook for all those interested in studying the various components of the socio, cultural, spiritual dimension and a subtle and comprehensive 'people care' manual. Review by Gill Emslie

Review

As soon as I opened the front cover and read the opening quotes I was inspired. Something resonated deep within and I read on. I felt the book met my interest at different levels, both personally and professionally, as a long term community member and a teacher of a trans-disciplinary approach to group dynamics and conflict facilitation in both more mainstream and eco village settings. Beyond You & Me is a wonderful overall introduction to different perspectives of 'community glue', the socio cultural dimension that binds together any sustainable human settlement. It highlights how crucial this component is, providing a conduit for the communication of awareness, heart and meaning in the community. It spans the field from the subtlest level of formulating intention to the mechanics of specific skills and awareness. The book illustrates through the various articles several of the essential practical steps that are needed to facilitate the dynamics of any group. It outlines ways to work with non-violent communication, decision-making and facilitation skills and how awareness of rank, power and privilege and the willingness to embrace diversity influences all our relationships. It also illustrates how a clear intention or vision and willingness to focus not only on the task but also on the process and relationships are essential components of success. The need for congruent individual engagement is made clear, emphasising that each one of us can make a difference and uses examples from both the Global South and the Global North and the cycle of life from birth to death to illustrate these points. This is an excellent textbook for all those interested in studying the various components of the socio, cultural, spiritual dimension and a subtle and comprehensive 'people care' manual. It was born from the Gaia Education Ecovillage Design Education curriculum and is the first volume of the Four Keys to Sustainable Communities series. It has been really well put together and I would like to particularly appreciate both of the editors, and all those who have contributed to making this book possible. It is a highly useful, inspiring, and eclectic contribution to this field. (Posted on 30/06/2010)

Beyond You & Me is a vital contribution to the Peoplecare ethic, full of practical and inspirational information Review by Maddy Harland, editor Permaculture Magazine

Review

Permaculture has three ethics: Earthcare, Peoplecare and Fair Shares. Whilst we have worked to expand and refine an ecologically balanced approach to caring for the Earth, we still struggle to find ways of living together in peace. Beyond You & Me is a vital contribution to the Peoplecare ethic, full of practical and inspirational information, contributed by pioneers who have truly lived their vision. (Posted on 30/06/2010)