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Re-earthing is a process in which we gradually identify more & more closely with the earth. The experiences which assist the process vary widely according to the individual. While there are workshops & manuals designed to assist with the process in a formalised way, my personal feeling is that they are best used after a period of simple practice, followed up later by some exposure to the ideas & values which underlie Deep Ecology.
Spend a while each day in physical contact with the earth. Again, be realistic about the amount of time you have available. Regular contact is the important thing. You could simply walk barefoot on grass or dirt, sit or lie on it. You could plant seeds or seedlings, pull out weeds, gently, by hand, rub crumbs of soil between your fingers, stroke the leaves of plants & chat or sing softly to them. If you have nothing else, a pot plant will not only help you to re-earth, but will benefit immeasurably from your regular attention.
Engage at least once daily in deliberate mindfulness. Trace the connections between the earth & some action or object e.g. taking off your shoes - (?Skins from animals, rubber from trees, materials used in weaving or knitting fabric & laces, the people who made them, the energy sources used in their manufacture etc.) Be aware that some connections are unnecessarily damaging to the environment, while others may simply involve a sensible use of resources.
Perform some kind of ritual or symbolic act connected with the earth every day. This could be as simple as silently giving thanks before a meal, or engaging in the Yogic practice of 'Salute to the Sun' when you rise in the morning. Again, the important thing is to do this daily.
Don't do these things all at the same time - spread them out over your waking hours. The process need take only a total of 20 - 25 minutes a day, & can be carried out quietly, without fuss or drawing attention to yourself. After 4 or 5 weeks of regular practice, you will want to spend more time extending your connections with the earth in these ways, & others. But don't be in a hurry! You'll probably find that first few weeks harder than you think.
Re-earthing makes 'Greening' more meaningful, it does not devalue it...............
'Before enlightenment, chopping wood, drawing water; after enlightenment, chopping wood, drawing water!'
A group of experienced re-earthers attending any public gathering connected with environmental renewal
can have enormous impact simply by their quiet presence.
They act as an 'earth' & a filter for the complicated energies generated by large numbers of people.
More formal group activities can include simple rituals on sites that need healing.......
Visits to sacred sites - every city is built on or around such ancient sites.......
Circle Dancing.......
One of many other ways of using dance for Earth Healing may be found on Joanna Macy's website at ELM DANCE
FOUNTAIN GROUPS(pdf File 802Mb)
Blessing, healing & ritually cleansing the waterways,.......
Raindancing.......
COUNCILS OF ALL BEINGS
JOANNA MACEY'S DEEP ECOLOGY PAGES
RAINFOREST INFORMATION CENTRE -
JOHN SEED'S DEEP ECOLOGY PAGES
Some links which combine various spiritual practices with ecological awareness:
DRUIDISM, ANCIENT & MODERN
THE WORLD PANTHEISM WEBSITE - a site devoted to 'Scientific Pantheism'
AUSTRALIAN PAGAN NETWORK
WELSH PAGAN SITE
Since Paganism is an earth religion, it's worth an internet search.
EARTH VISION
A site dedicated to Spiritual Ecology -
" The Wilderness within awaits.....Bringing the spirit of the wilderness to the urban dweller"
Anthroposophical connections.
Anthroposophy is name given to the work of Rudolph Steiner,
originator of Biodynamic Agriculture, and the Waldorf Schools.
An ecumenical Christian websiteThe WEB OF CREATION explores eco-justice issues & advocacy.
In September 2005 a Liturgical 3-year CYCLE OF CREATION commenced, and is continuing.
A welcome innovation - The Scots Uniting Church in Adelaide, South Australia
has instituted an Eco-Ministry.
If you are more comfortable with the Roman Catholic tradition, visit the CATHOLIC EARTHCARE AUSTRALIA
The ALLIANCE of RELIGIONS & CONSERVATION
helps religious communities around the world care for the environment.
NB - Their home page downloads fine on level 3 browsers, but some other pages have very long scripts, which can cause problems.
The transcript of an Ecumenical discussion on 'Ecotheology' can be found on the
ABC's website - HERE
And please visit
TF'S ECOCENTRIC HOME PAGE
now morphing into an e-book
Home | Re-earth the Cities | The Permaculture Journey | The RainbowWeb Story | Sustainable Solutions | You Can Save the Earth!
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Margaret's Sustainability Articles
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