The Octopus Project
The Great Pacific Octopus crawls the ocean bed with 9 brains and three hearts, as one of the most intelligent creatures in the waterworld.
The Octopus Project, biomimics the Great Octopus, and dreams of an Earth-aligned community in the SAARC lands – a community that makes the effort to understand Earth Oikos (Earth Household) ways of being– with multiple arms reaching out into multiple spaces, each of which is a brain that functions both separately and together to nourish the community.
An Earth-aligned community that will notice and observe in new ways, that will think in new ways, write and speak in new ways, research new topics with new perspectives.
A community that commits to becoming ancestors of our future generations on Earth.
A community that supports each other as we do the difficult transition from what is easy and convenient and familiar to an unknown uncertain trail.
For this work cannot be done alone.
This Project is primarily developed for humans in the lands below Himalayas– the various river valley civilizations, the islands, the deserts, the plateaus and the many ghats and ranges therein.
This Project hopes for us to Earth into our bioregions and its resources, current and ancient. Through movement, art, skills, language, and different way of relating.
How to Join the Community
To enter the Octopus Project for 2021 and 2022, the following are eligibility requirements to ensure high level of commitment and understanding:
1. If you are already a warm data host, I am glad to welcome you directly into this project.
OR
2. You have completed the Earth Oikos Basic Training Program (see below)
To enter the Octopus Project for 2021 and 2022, the following are eligibility requirements to ensure high level of commitment and understanding:
- If you are already a warm data host, I am glad to welcome you directly into this project.
- You have completed the Earth Oikos Basic Training Program (see below)
My Role
I serve as an initial facilitator, host and nurturer of this project. I will serve to introduce folks to various knowledge and skill systems, curate knowledge access points, and support new minds to vitalize this community.
Earth Oikos Basic Training Program
The Earth Oikos (Earth Household) Training Program is the basic grooming program for members of Octopus Project to begin their orientation toward planet and living systems.
This is a four-month program (April-July 2021; 60 hours total) which will cover:
- Introduction to Systems Thinking
- Writing through Earth
- Relational Communication
- Introduction to Ethnography
- Ecos Project (12 hours and above)
(Some of the above courses are available separately. Click on the course for individual page)
- Completion of the program enables you to participate in building-the-community activities of the Octopus Project.
- Equips you to begin applying Earth approaches to your work/interest areas.
- Facilitates further study with original thinkers of this important area of thought.
- Gives you free entry to the Global South Earth Oikos Celebration Festival on Oct 7-8-9 which will feature some of the Elders and Wise Lights of the Oikos today.
Application and Fees
For the 2021 Oikos Training program, the fees are Rs 30,000/- (including GST)
To apply for the Oikos program, please fill this form. If eligible, you will be contacted.
Who can apply:
Anyone who cares for Earth and future of all her inhabitants which includes activists, design-thinkers, systems changemakers, coaches/trainers/counsellors, artists, innovators, educationists, academics, mediapersons, and entrepreneurs.
Scholarships and Discounts
- Lightweaver Professionals Discount (Practitioners/Master Practitioners/Mental Space Psychologists from Lightweaver Community are eligible for 40% discount.) Fees: Rs 18000.
- Lightweaver Discount (NLP+MSP Diploma Holders & Lightweaver Writing Masterclass fellows are eligible for 20% discount) Fees: Rs 23500
- There are two 30% Universe Loves You scholarships available for people who cannot afford the fees. Please apply here for the scholarship.