Psychological Dimensions - Self Reflection

Hi, my name is Gregg. My work consists of organizing and leading outdoor trips of all types for the campus recreation at a local university. This job offers me opportunities to showcase the wilderness to guests and spend my time outside in the fresh air. In this paper I will consider the dimensions of my psychology that have developed through experiences and maturation.

Upon reflection my life I have found that my work life, relationship with the environment, and ultimately my project focus are all guided by several key dimensions of my psychology.  These key dimensions of my psychology include my artistic expression, values, and identity. Each aspect of my psychology mutually support one and other and empower my choices in regard to work, environment, and thesis.

Over the years I have developed and explored several mediums of artistic expression.  While in high school I became very fond of painting abstract mix media pieces.  I first developed this passion through spending time in nature.  I vividly remember, as a teen on family sea kayaking trip, spending evenings on the beach of a west coast islets exploring different representations tidal sea life. More recently my artistic passion has shifted toward ceramics.

For the last 2 years I have been developing my skills of throwing on the pottery wheel and developing a variety of glazes. This process has allowed me to express my love of the natural world though the inclusion of nature themes and the use of my low tech homemade wood fire kiln.

            Similar to my artistic endeavors, the development of my values has been a process that has been largely driven by my experiences in nature. I have many fond childhood memories of building forts in the forest near my house. Unfortunately for my sense of nostalgia, the forest land I utilized as a child have all been taken over by the overwhelming urban sprawl of greater Nanaimo. Observing this take place, I have developed a strong regard for minimal living. 

My best friend, who I grew up with, once told me, “if I can’t carry it, I don’t need it.” He has been hitch hiking the world for the past 7 years, and though I don’t live up to his words completely, I still carry them with me.  Together these memories have empowered me to reduce my consumption and minimize my impacts.

My identity deeply entangled with my values.  I try to lead a life that is in line with my ecological values and true to my sense of what is right. One aspect of my life that I identify with is small scale farming.  At my home I a number of garden beds that I cultivate for wild range of vegetable goods depending on the season. My garden goal for the year is to grow ¼ of the food that my family of 3 need annually. This hobby connects me with the earth and supports my ecological values.

I also identify myself as an athlete. I enjoy going river kayaking, backcountry skiing, hiking, and climbing (to name a few). These pursuits are enjoyable and challenging for me.  They encourage me to develop my skills, spend time in nature, and build my self confidence. Further, these activities have allowed me to access incredible groups of people who I would have been able to interact with otherwise. Becoming part of a strong community of outdoor enthusiasts has further developed my respect for nature, my values, and identity.

The above brief representation of my character should allow for a good understanding of my choices of thesis potential thesis topics.  I am potentially interested in exploring: how community gardening affects ecological ethics, the images of nature impact psycology, how outdoor pursuit empower environmental activism, and how time in wilderness effects positive psychology.Hi, my name is Gregg. My work consists of organizing and leading outdoor trips of all types for the campus recreation at a local university. This job offers me opportunities to showcase the wilderness to guests and spend my time outside in the fresh air. In this paper I will consider the dimensions of my psychology that have developed through experiences and maturation.

Upon reflection my life I have found that my work life, relationship with the environment, and ultimately my project focus are all guided by several key dimensions of my psychology.  These key dimensions of my psychology include my artistic expression, values, and identity. Each aspect of my psychology mutually support one and other and empower my choices in regard to work, environment, and thesis.

Over the years I have developed and explored several mediums of artistic expression.  While in high school I became very fond of painting abstract mix media pieces.  I first developed this passion through spending time in nature.  I vividly remember, as a teen on family sea kayaking trip, spending evenings on the beach of a west coast islets exploring different representations tidal sea life. More recently my artistic passion has shifted toward ceramics.

For the last 2 years I have been developing my skills of throwing on the pottery wheel and developing a variety of glazes. This process has allowed me to express my love of the natural world though the inclusion of nature themes and the use of my low tech homemade wood fire kiln.

            Similar to my artistic endeavors, the development of my values has been a process that has been largely driven by my experiences in nature. I have many fond childhood memories of building forts in the forest near my house. Unfortunately for my sense of nostalgia, the forest land I utilized as a child have all been taken over by the overwhelming urban sprawl of greater Nanaimo. Observing this take place, I have developed a strong regard for minimal living. 

My best friend, who I grew up with, once told me, “if I can’t carry it, I don’t need it.” He has been hitch hiking the world for the past 7 years, and though I don’t live up to his words completely, I still carry them with me.  Together these memories have empowered me to reduce my consumption and minimize my impacts.

My identity deeply entangled with my values.  I try to lead a life that is in line with my ecological values and true to my sense of what is right. One aspect of my life that I identify with is small scale farming.  At my home I a number of garden beds that I cultivate for wild range of vegetable goods depending on the season. My garden goal for the year is to grow ¼ of the food that my family of 3 need annually. This hobby connects me with the earth and supports my ecological values.

I also identify myself as an athlete. I enjoy going river kayaking, backcountry skiing, hiking, and climbing (to name a few). These pursuits are enjoyable and challenging for me.  They encourage me to develop my skills, spend time in nature, and build my self confidence. Further, these activities have allowed me to access incredible groups of people who I would have been able to interact with otherwise. Becoming part of a strong community of outdoor enthusiasts has further developed my respect for nature, my values, and identity.