Research

Creating scientific understanding that results in creative environmental technology, in harmony with nature, meeting human needs.

Research at SENSRI is based on understanding the relationship between human perception and experience in a way that leads to concepts and actions that are in harmony with the intrinsic designs of nature. This consciousness is at the heart of SENSRI's phenomenological and scientific work. Our research addresses environmental issues that are in need of fundamentally new approaches that bring human activities into line with a new sensitivity and consciousness of being on earth. Our approach is rooted in traditional scientific wisdom, yet is highly attentive to conscious perception in the present moment, and leads us into a more sustainable coexistence and awareness of the natural world.

Our current research projects include basic research to understand the nature and activity of natural waters, applied research to develop practical environmental technologies for water improvement and health, and educational research to develop new approaches in high school and adult education that integrate our outer and inner experiences to teach a new environmentally conscious science for the future.

I. Living Waters: The Nature and Activity of Fluid Movement

Activity of Living Water
To develop our understanding of how the more subtle activities of water shape its behavior and influences, we are examining the movements of water in highly active natural systems: in artesian springs in the earth, in sap in plants, and in blood in animals. By looking at these phenomena with an eye toward the role of dissolved solutes and gasses, we seek to penetrate some of the mysteries of their movements, which have challenged science for over a century and remain inadequately explained to this day.

Dynamic Forces in Water
One of the goals of this research is to develop observational techniques for perceiving the activities and patterns of flowing water and to characterize water's dynamic qualities. By examining the responses of water as movement, this research also seeks to identify subtle but powerful transformations water can experience. Laboratory studies are ultimately aimed at developing practical water technologies that will alleviate some of the world's pressing environmental problems, including water purification and desalination. These projects have been partly funded by a grant from the Nordlys Foundation.

II. Understanding Climate Change

Water, Energy, and Global Warming
An affinity for cause/effect thinking encourages us to fragment the earth's natural cycles and lose sight of their integral unity. This understanding throws light on the current debates about global climate change. The fixation upon a single atmospheric constituent - carbon dioxide - may have encouraged us to ignore elements of the larger picture. Our research shows it appears that perfectly "harmless" water vapor and the actual quantity of energy produced with it may be at least as responsible for local climatic changes as carbon dioxide. This research resulted in the publication of an article by Michael D'Aleo and Stephen Edelglass, which was recently updated and expanded (July 2009) and can be accessed on our web site.

III. Metals and Minerals

Precious Metals, Clay and Health
Metals such as silver and gold, long recognized for their beauty, have significant activities and qualities related to health and vitality. Certain clays have also been known to have healthful properties, yet the basis for these health-giving activities has not been fully understood. Through phenomenological scientific investigations of these substances, combined with clinical and agricultural observations, we are characterizing the nature of their activity in a number of practical applications.

IV. Education

Teaching Sensible Science
This part-time course is offered during the school year to help teachers develop an understanding and experience of phenomena-based science. Course work consists of classes on the foundations of a phenomenological science, artistic work including drawing and movement, and discussions to review each day's work. The intention of this course is to give teachers a living connection to science such that enthusiasm, understanding, and interest can be shared in the classroom. This course is designed for practicing Waldorf grade school teachers, although other interested teachers are encouraged to inquire as well.

One World
These five-day retreats in the Adirondacks are focused on combining development of perceptual awareness with a deeper experience of the relationship between one's self and the world, integrating "inner" and "outer" experiences into One World.

Integrative Science
This new Masters Degree program is being created to meet the needs of tomorrow's integrative scientists, educators, and other professionals seeking advanced education in consciousness. Taken as an intensive one-year program or part time as a sequence of one-month modules, this program will include training in phenomenological science, environmental studies, and philosophies of knowing. Courses will be taught at SENSRI's residential retreat center in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, and possibly in the mountains of northern India near Dharamsala.