I am replying both to the list and to Prudence Merton's Questions about an
adult environmental ethic. I think this would be a very good topic to hear
from lots of folks about.
First of all, it is often difficult at best to maintain consciousness about
the values to which one ascribes in all aspects of life. Here are some of the
ways I find helpful in doing so:
1. Maintain a regular relationship with a Spiritual Director. Check with a
local church minister, priest, rabbi, etc. They can usually refer you to one
who has been trained. I meet with my own spiritual director once every three
weeks for about an hour. Through spiritual direction I learned how important
nature is to my own sense of spirituality. Under her guidance I have been
more conscious of my own sense of how my spirituality affects all of my life.
One important lesson I have learned is to not separate my "spiritual" side.
It is a part of all of me! It is important to find someone trained in
spiritual direction, I believe. Also, like a therapist relationship, it takes
finding the right kind of person that you can relate with. So if the first
one does not seem to work, try another.
2. "No Auto Pilot". This principle has led me into some places I would rather
not have gone, at times; but the lessons I have learned on the journey are
proving very valuable to my consciousness. By no auto pilot I mean to be
conscious of where you are simply reacting rather than consciously responding
to the challenges/situations life gives you. Stopping the auto pilot allows
me to be in charge of my responses out of my current experience, thus
integrating newer changes into my being. Sometimes the old messages are
gumming up the works.
3. Find a center where you can connect with the environment. This place for
me is Kirkridge Retreat and Conference Center in Bangor, PA (on the NJ
border). They offer weekend conferences, many on the topic of environment. In
fact I attended one on ecofeminism in December. It is located in the
Appalachian Mountain Chain on 260 acres of hills and trees.
4. Surround yourself with nature. (Kirkridge is a good spot to do so.)
Connect with the trees, a blade of grass, a stream or river, a bird.
5. Participate in a Council of All Beings. This is a very meaningful
experience of choosing a nonhuman part of nature and speaking first person as
though you were that river, stream, etc. This is presented in a book
"Thinking Like a Mountain" by John Seed {ISBN#086571133x; New Society
Publishers, Philadephia}. It is a very power-filled experience!
6. Realize that every small thing you do is one step that would not be done
if you gave into the discouragement that so many are not doing their part for
the environment.
7. Talk about what you do to others, so others hear of your commitment. Don't
try to commit them. Only let them know of your commitment.
8. Do random acts of kindness. One of my favorite is to pay the toll for
someone behind you in the next car. They don't know you and can't pay you
back.
9. Keep subscribing to this list!
As you see, I could keep going.....remember your deep connection with the
Earth and love Her.
Peace to all of you,
Sally Swart
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