As we reflect on our place in this vast, interconnected world, we find ourselves awakening to a profound realization: we have become disconnected from the very essence of life itself. Our modern world, with its endless stream of words, ideas, and digital distractions, has created a linguistic bubble that often separates us from the raw, untamed beauty of nature. We’ve constructed our societies, our philosophies, and even our spiritualities within the confines of square buildings and air-conditioned rooms, far removed from the wild rhythms of the earth.
But now, we feel a stirring within us, a call to break free from these artificial constraints. We yearn to rediscover our connection to the wilderness, to feel the soil beneath our feet and the wind on our faces. We recognize that our spiritual journey cannot be confined to books and lectures alone; it must be lived and experienced in the great outdoors, under open skies and among our fellow creatures.
As we step out into nature, we begin to see theology in a new light. No longer is it a static set of beliefs confined to human understanding, but a dynamic, evolving conversation with the living world around us. We start to perceive the divine not just in words and rituals, but in the rustling of leaves, the flow of rivers, and the intricate dance of ecosystems. This “wild theology” opens our eyes to new dimensions of spirituality, grounding us in the tangible realities of our planet while simultaneously expanding our awareness of the cosmos.
In this shift of perspective, we come to appreciate the fundamental nature of change. We see that the universe is not a fixed, immutable creation, but a constantly unfolding story of which we are a part. We realize that our concept of “good” need not be tied to notions of perfection or stasis, but can embrace the dynamic, fertile, and ever-evolving nature of life itself. This understanding liberates us from rigid dogmas and allows us to flow with the currents of existence.
As we contemplate our place in the great web of life, we find new meaning in the concept of evolution. No longer do we see it merely as a brutal competition for survival, but as a beautiful symphony of adaptation, diversity, and cooperation. We marvel at the intricate relationships between species, the stunning displays of beauty in nature, and the incredible organizational skills of creatures great and small. We begin to understand that we are not separate from this process, but an integral part of it, connected to all other living beings in a vast family tree of life.
This realization brings with it a sense of both wonder and responsibility. We see that our actions have consequences that ripple out through the entire ecosystem. We understand that for our civilization to survive and thrive, we must learn to live in harmony with our environment, not in opposition to it. We recognize the urgent need to develop economic and social systems that respect and nurture the natural world rather than exploiting it to the point of collapse.
As we grapple with these insights, we become aware that we may be living through a critical moment in human history. Our civilization seems to be approaching a tipping point, moving from a phase of exploitation towards one of release and potential reorganization. This realization can be frightening, but it also fills us with a sense of purpose. We understand that the contemplative practices we cultivate are not luxuries, but essential tools for navigating the challenges ahead.
In times of crisis and uncertainty, we turn inward, cultivating an inner ecology of peace, compassion, and clarity. We recognize that this inner work is not separate from our engagement with the world, but the very foundation of it. By nurturing a healthy inner landscape, we create the conditions for positive change in our outer world.
As we face the possibility of significant societal shifts, we find strength in our spiritual practices. We learn to detach ourselves from the assumptions and patterns of our current civilization, not out of apathy, but out of a deep commitment to enduring values and timeless wisdom. This detachment allows us to remain centered and purposeful, even in the face of upheaval and change.
Through all of this, we come to understand that the heart of our spiritual journey is love – a deep, abiding love for the earth and all its inhabitants. We see that this love is not just a personal emotion, but a powerful force for transformation. It compels us to live differently, to make choices that honor the interconnectedness of all life, and to work tirelessly for a future that is sustainable, just, and beautiful.
As we embrace this path of engaged contemplation, we find ourselves living more fully in the present moment, deeply connected to the world around us. We become more attuned to the subtle rhythms of nature, more aware of the impact of our actions, and more committed to living in harmony with the earth’s systems. We learn to listen not just with our ears, but with our whole being, opening ourselves to the wisdom that permeates the natural world.
In this journey, we rediscover ancient truths that many indigenous cultures have long understood – that we are not separate from nature, but an integral part of it. We learn to see trees as our “tall standing brothers” and animals as our relations. We cultivate a sense of gratitude not just for what the earth provides us, but for the very existence of the diverse and beautiful life forms with which we share this planet.
As we deepen our practice of engaged contemplation, we find that it changes not just how we see the world, but how we act within it. We become more conscious consumers, more active citizens, and more compassionate neighbors. We seek out ways to reduce our ecological footprint, to support sustainable practices, and to advocate for policies that protect and restore the natural world.
We also find that this path brings us into community with others who share our vision and values. Together, we create spaces – both physical and spiritual – where we can nurture our connection to nature and to each other. We support one another in our efforts to live more sustainably and to navigate the challenges of a changing world.
As we look to the future, we do so with a mix of sobriety and hope. We are clear-eyed about the challenges we face as a species and a planet, but we are also deeply optimistic about our capacity for positive change. We believe that by reconnecting with nature, cultivating inner wisdom, and acting from a place of love and interconnectedness, we can contribute to the emergence of a new, more ecological civilization.
In this journey, we find not just a new way of thinking, but a new way of being. We discover that our spiritual path is not separate from our earthly existence, but intimately entwined with it. As we deepen our connection to the natural world, we also deepen our connection to the divine, finding sacred presence in every aspect of creation. This is the essence of our sacred ecology – a lived spirituality that honors the earth, embraces change, and seeks to create a more beautiful and sustainable world for all beings.
SUMMARY
This text explores the disconnect between human language and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of wilderness and untamed nature for spiritual growth. It critiques traditional indoor theology, proposing instead a “wild theology” that engages with nature and the cosmos. The writing emphasizes the dynamic nature of the universe, contrasting it with static concepts of perfection. It reinterprets evolutionary concepts, highlighting adaptation, beauty, diversity, organization, and cooperation rather than just competition. The interconnectedness of all life is stressed, along with the need for an economy and civilization that aligns with our environment for long-term survival. The text suggests that human civilization may be undergoing a cycle of exploitation, conservation, release, and reorganization, and emphasizes the importance of contemplative practices during times of crisis. It argues for developing an “inner ecology” to foster a better “outer ecology” in the world, and proposes detachment from current civilizational patterns to navigate potential societal changes. Ultimately, it advocates for a sacred ecology and economics based on deep love, positioning engaged contemplation and a loving connection to all creation as essential for a desirable future.
KEY POINTS
1. Language can create a mental world that disconnects us from the real, physical world.
2. Wilderness and untamed nature are important for spiritual growth and breaking out of the linguistic bubble.
3. Traditional theology has often been developed indoors, disconnected from the natural world.
4. A “wild theology” that engages with nature and the cosmos can offer new insights and perspectives.
5. The natural world is dynamic, and change is fundamental to the universe.
6. The biblical concept of “good” implies fertility, dynamism, and life, rather than static perfection.
7. Evolution involves adaptation, beauty, diversity, organization, and cooperation, not just competition.
8. Humans are part of a larger “family tree” of life, interconnected with all living things.
9. We need to develop an economy and civilization that fits our environment for long-term survival.
10. Human civilization may be going through a cycle of exploitation, conservation, release, and reorganization.
11. Contemplative practices are crucial during times of crisis to gain a broader perspective.
12. Developing an “inner ecology” is necessary to create a better “outer ecology” in the world.
13. Detachment from current civilizational patterns may be necessary to outlast potential societal collapse.
14. A sacred ecology and economics based on deep love, rather than greed or fear, is essential for a desirable future.
15. Engaged contemplation involves living in the world with love and connection to all of creation.
