Sylvomimicry and the teaching of living things

The forest precedes peoples; the desert follows them.

The example of the forest

Teaching about the living world is linked to a growing awareness of the vital issues facing us today, including climate, society, ecology and the economy. In part, this awareness requires a transformation of pedagogical principles and attitudes. Postures imbued with the spirit of life will be able to encourage transitions towards other lifestyles and limit the burden we place on our planet.

This means that the way we teach and learn can influence our relationship with, and effect on, the environment. By integrating living principles into our teaching methods, we can encourage more environmentally-friendly behavior and contribute to the sustainability of our planet. In the 3.8 billion years of life's existence, trees arrived around 420 million years ago, long before humans.

The ancestor of trees is called Archaeopteris. Its wood resembles that of conifers, its trunk is thick and it can grow up to 50 m tall. But it reproduces by spores, like ferns. From it, trees take on the form of individuals, forests and a variety of plants. It has thus followed evolutionary paths that are rich in lessons. Sylvo-mimicry is an approach that focuses on trees and forests to find new and effective solutions.

Observing the forest

Trees can teach us many processes that enrich our teaching approaches. Trees inspire cooperation rather than competition in education, because even though trees fight for light, everyone eventually finds their place in the forest, without a leader to say who goes where.

Some trees maintain a space between them, known as "shy cracks ", demonstrating respect for boundaries in nature. This can remind us to teach learners respect for personal boundaries and for others.

Trees coexist in harmony, demonstrating that mutual respect can create a more beautiful life. It inspires us to promote harmony and mutual respect within a group.

The trees follow natural cycles, allowing themselves to be carried along by change with serenity and complacency. It reminds us to teach learners to respect and understand the natural cycles of life, starting with their own vital cycles, such as sleep. Trees are deeply rooted in the earth, symbolizing our connection with nature. This can inspire us to recognize the importance of connecting with nature and protecting the environment.

These lessons not only enrich our teaching approaches, but also help us develop a deeper appreciation of nature and an understanding of the role of trees in protecting our planet.

Exercises inspired by trees

• Resilience: Inspired by the ability of trees to withstand harsh weather conditions and continue to grow, it's possible to practice resilience through mindfulness exercises. For example, when faced with a stressful situation, instead of reacting immediately, take a moment to breathe deeply and anchor yourself, just like a tree that stands firm in the middle of a storm.
  
  
• Adaptability: Trees adapt to their environment in order to survive. You can practice adaptability by challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Why not try a new hobby, learn a new skill, or change your routine. Reflect on your experiences and how the lessons you've learned are applicable to other areas of your life.
  
  
• Slow and steady growth : Trees don't rush their growth, and we could avoid doing so. We can set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way, practice patience and understand that growth takes time.
  
  
• Interdependence : Just as the trees in a forest depend on each other and the surrounding ecosystem, humans are also interdependent. Team-building exercises can help to understand and appreciate the role of others in achieving common goals.
  
  
• Communication: Trees communicate via complex networks, often referred to as the "Web of the Woods". To improve your communication skills, you can practice active listening in everyday conversations, making sure you understand others before responding.
  
  
• Cooperation : Trees in a forest cooperate with each other to survive, cutting wind for others or exchanging information and nutrients through their root systems. Group activities that require cooperation to achieve a common goal can help us understand the importance of teamwork.
  
  
• Harmony: Trees coexist in harmony with their environment. Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, can help you achieve inner peace and harmony.
  
  
• Natural cycles: Trees follow natural cycles - they shed their leaves in autumn and grow new ones in spring. Understanding and respecting your own natural rhythms (such as the sleep/wake cycle) can lead to improved health and well-being.
  
  
• Connection to the Earth: Trees are literally connected to the earth. Spending time in nature, walking barefoot on grass, cultivating a garden can help you feel more grounded and connected to the earth.

Here are some examples of inspirations and connections to learn from trees. And if you want to go further, why not read Paul Boulanger 's well-documented thesis on biomimicry and organizations , or better still, why not go to Biomimexpo 2024, a major gathering of biomimicry specialists and enthusiasts?

Sources

Sylvomimétisme https://www.sylvomimetisme.fr/

When the living inspires pedagogy - Denis Cristol
https://www.decitre.fr/livres/quand-le-vivant-inspire-la-pedagogie-9782376877721.html

At the heart of the tree. The first tree
https:// www.aucoeurdelarbre.ca/fr/arbre-au-fil-du-temps/arbre-sur-terre/premiers-arbres.php

Nicole Giroud Fissure de timidité. A tree's dance of avoidance
https://nicole-giroud.fr/fissures-de-timidite-danse-evitement-arbres-4183

Pedagogy through nature - https://petiteschassesautresor.com/pedagogie-par-la-nature/

Our thoughts. What can we learn from trees to achieve happiness? https://nospensees.fr/quapprendre-arbres-atteindre-bonheur/

Thot cursus - The lesson of the wood wide web https://cursus.edu/fr/11271/la-lecon-du-wood-wide-web

Inddigo. Biomimicry and sustainable corporate strategy
https:// www.inddigo.com/fr/actualites/biomimetisme-et-strategie-durable-des-entreprises-141/