"Living with Nature" Philosophy (Article in progress)

 "Living with Nature" Philosophy*

 “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” – Gary Snyder

 

 

 Art Gallery and Botanical Garden (arboretum and fishpond)

            

                                                                         The "Green House" 

"Living with Nature" is a holistic approach to sustainable, community-based, and mindful interaction with the environment, promoted through Dr. Abercio V. Rotor’s books, blog, and Living with Nature Center.
Philosophy and Purpose

Dr. Rotor’s "Living with Nature" emphasizes harmonious coexistence with the environment, recognizing nature as both teacher and provider. It encourages individuals and communities to appreciate biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and adopt practical, eco-friendly lifestyles. The philosophy integrates ecological awareness with personal well-being, advocating for clean air, natural foods, and mindful living practices that respect both human and non-human life. 

 

Driftwood art, children's drawings of nature; "Bring nature home on a mural."

Practical Applications
The approach is highly hands-on and community-oriented, offering guidance in areas such as:

• Home and Household Management: Techniques like harvesting rainwater, recycling, and using natural materials for daily living. 
• Gardening and Agriculture: Cultivation of indigenous and exotic crops, agroforestry, and ecological gardens as living laboratories. 
• Health and Nutrition: Emphasis on natural foods, herbal remedies, and maintaining a clean environment to prevent allergies and promote wellness.  
• Sustainable Living: Encourages simple, practical lifestyles, countryside living, and community cooperation (bayanihan) for resilience and happiness.  
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  Icons "Apo Baket" and Dr Jose Rizal in the garden 

Educational and Community Initiatives.

The Living with Nature Center in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, serves as a hub for:

• On-site learning and workshops for students, researchers, and visitors.  
• Botanical gardens and wildlife habitats that act as living gene banks and eco-sanctuaries.
• Cultural and historical preservation, including family museums and archives that connect visitors to local heritage.
• Community engagement, offering tours, practicum, and retreats for both locals and international visitors. 

Publications and Resources

Dr. Rotor has authored several award-winning books, including:

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  The Living with Nature Handbook (Gintong Aklat Award, 2003)
• Living with Nature in Our Times (National Book Award, 2008)
• Living with Nature in Our Home and Community, which provides practical knowledge for integrating ecological awareness into daily life. 
• These works cover topics from ecological ethics and mindfulness to practical home technologies, conservation, and the value of seemingly ordinary plants and resources. 

Lifestyle and Mindset
"Living with Nature" promotes a postmodern ecological consciousness, urging people to: 

• Reduce their environmental footprint through mindful actions ("Handprints, not Footprints"), 
• Recognize the interconnectedness of humans and all living creatures. 
• Embrace lifelong learning, creativity, and resilience in the face of environmental and societal challenges. 
• By combining education, practical skills, and ethical awareness, Dr. Rotor’s approach empowers individuals and communities to live sustainably while fostering a deep connection with nature.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

 – Albert Einstein

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Researched from the Internet, July 7, 2026