For She So Loved the World
For g-d so loved the world
She breathed you into being
She dreamt your lovers awake
and blessed you with
daughters and sons
She devised warm kisses
Hot springs
New moon nights
Mountain Vistas
The Milky Way
She imagined slipper orchids
Toucans
Pink lace agate
Black sea urchins
Tigers and cobras
She placed food and medicine
all around you
on bushes in fields
in oceans
on trees
and gave you fresh water to drink
and green pastures to lie in
She also gave you spring
This hyacinth remembering
That life wants itself
That resilience is in your core code
That the sun always rises
That no matter what humans do to each other
There is no death
Just now and always
A return to the light
She so loved the world
that she simply LOVED the world.
CMM, 4.24
Dear Friends of Sundari,
Ecospirituality is an evolving spiritual paradigm that integrates ecological consciousness with spiritual awareness. It recognizes the profound interdependence between human beings and the natural world, advocating for a harmonious and reciprocal relationship with the Earth. This concept emerges from the understanding that spiritual well-being and environmental health are inseparably linked, and it calls for a re-enchantment of the world where nature is perceived as sacred and intrinsically valuable.
At the heart of ecospirituality is the recognition of the interconnectedness of all life. This perspective emphasizes that humans are not separate from nature but are an integral part of a larger, dynamic system. Every action has repercussions throughout the web of life, highlighting the need for mindful and sustainable living. This principle aligns with indigenous wisdom and many ancient spiritual traditions that honor the Earth as a living entity.
Ecospirituality calls for a deep reverence for the natural world. This reverence is not merely an abstract appreciation but involves active engagement in protecting and nurturing the environment. Practices such as rituals, ceremonies, and meditations that honor the Earth and its cycles are central to ecospirituality, fostering a sense of sacred connection and responsibility towards the planet.
The ecospiritual approach sees the ecological crisis as a reflection of a deeper spiritual crisis. Healing the planet, therefore, requires healing ourselves. This involves addressing the psychological and spiritual wounds that have led to a disconnection from nature, such as the trauma of ecological separation and the impacts of consumerism and materialism. Practices that promote inner peace, mindfulness, and ecological awareness are essential for this healing process.
Ecospirituality promotes activism that is sustained by joy and love rather than fear and anger. This form of activism is rooted in a deep connection to the Earth and a desire to protect it out of love and reverence. By fostering a joyful and compassionate approach to environmental stewardship, ecospirituality aims to inspire more sustainable and life-affirming ways of living and engaging with the world.
Ecospirituality seeks to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and spiritual wisdom. It embraces the insights of ecology, biology, and other sciences while recognizing the spiritual dimensions of nature. This integrative approach encourages a holistic understanding of the world that respects both empirical knowledge and mystical experience.
Ecospiritual practices often include rituals and ceremonies that honor the Earth and its cycles. These can range from simple daily rituals, like offering gratitude for the food we eat, to elaborate seasonal ceremonies that celebrate the solstices and equinoxes. Such practices help to cultivate a sense of sacredness and deepen our connection to the natural world.
Many proponents of ecospirituality explore the use of entheogens or psychedelics as tools for expanding consciousness and deepening the sense of interconnectedness with nature. These substances can facilitate profound experiences of unity with the Earth and the cosmos, often leading to transformative insights and a greater commitment to ecological stewardship.
Practices such as mindful walking, nature meditation, and eco-therapy are integral to ecospirituality. These activities help individuals develop a deeper awareness of their surroundings and a more intimate connection with the natural world. By fostering a sense of presence and attunement to the environment, these practices encourage more sustainable and respectful ways of living.
Ecospirituality often finds expression in the formation of intentional communities and eco-villages. These communities strive to live in harmony with the Earth, implementing sustainable practices in agriculture, energy use, and waste management. They also foster a strong sense of community and shared purpose, which supports both ecological and spiritual well-being.
While ecospirituality offers a powerful vision for a more harmonious and sustainable world, it faces several challenges. These include overcoming the dominant materialistic and consumerist paradigms, addressing socio-economic inequalities, and integrating diverse cultural perspectives on spirituality and ecology. However, the growing interest in holistic and integrative approaches to life suggests that ecospirituality has the potential to significantly influence the way we think about and interact with the Earth.
Ecospirituality represents a transformative path that reconnects us with the sacredness of the Earth. By integrating ecological consciousness with spiritual awareness, it offers a holistic vision for healing ourselves and our planet. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, ecospirituality provides a hopeful and inspiring framework for creating a more compassionate, sustainable, and spiritually fulfilling world.
We can do it.