Entering the Ecological Domain
Peter Cock & Tricia Hiley
Entering the Ecological Domain, we wish to reclaim the notion of re-enchantment. We explore the interconnections between spirit, nature and humanity at a time of increasing environmental degradation. We address the evolution of the Western disconnection with the natural world and pose the question through theory and praxis: In what ways can sacred nature encounters lead to insight, personal transformation and earth- caring? The central belief is that environmental problems are problems of the human condition, which may be addressed by a conscious reconnection of the human spirit with the spirit of nature. We explore the motivations, commitments and experiences of people involved in environmental policy, advocacy and change, at a community level, a personal level, more broadly at a cultural level and on a global scale. We develop frameworks for social, environmental and personal sustainability in a spiritual framework. Together we delve into structures of conserver and consumer society; analyse reasons (social, political, economic, cultural) for the current ecological crisis; and address the process of recreating sacred relationships between human and earth in ways that embrace diversity, ecosystems, balance, beauty and love. The core of this domain is passion, for both environmental and social justice.