Photo by Josh Mills on Unsplash

Wonder and Novelty

A Wild, Grassroots Version
of Process-Relational Thought

Rolla Lewis
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Below, please enjoy a slideshow developed by Rolla E. Lewis,* presenting process-relational "grassroots spirituality" as a do-it-yourself, nomadic way of living —what Lewis calls 'A Wild Way.' It is adapted from another slideshow, 'What is Process Thought: Twenty Key Ideas,' offered by the Cobb Institute and available on the homepage of Open Horizons, which I developed. Lewis' approach presents a 'wilder' version, omitting the 19th slide on God, which is important to process theists (and I am among them) and adds more on Beauty. Thus, this version provides a perspective on process thought that may be particularly valuable for those in the process tradition who appreciate the philosophy but are less inclined to embrace Whitehead's concept of God. In addition, and importantly, Lewis introduces themes that are underemphasized in my own original, such as wonder, novelty, and tragic beauty. And he adds richness and nuance to slides that were a bit too stale in tone. There are many ways in which I like it more than my own. Let the two sit side-by-side, each potentially beneficial for different and sometimes identical audiences. Above all, let the wildness shine.

- Jay McDaniel

* Rolla E. Lewis is a professor emeritus in Educational Psychology at California State University, East Bay (CSUEB). His research interests include public education advocacy, school counseling program development, mentoring participatory leaders, and sharing action research practices. He has contributed to the field of education through his work on relational wellness and student success in schools. He is co-author with Peg Winkelman of Lifescaping Practices in School Communities: Implementing Action Research and Appreciative Inquiry, Routledge, 2017; and he is Dean of the Cobb Institute Certificate Program for 2023-2024.

Want More like This?
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If you would like to enjoy more slideshows introducing process-relational ways of understanding and living in the world, see the Educator's Toolbox of the Cobb Institute for Community and Practice. All are free and available for use as Power Points. Click here.