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Toward
A Sacred Ecology
by
Dr.
Larry Alboher, D.C.
|
In the face of many recent natural catastrophes,
tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes, we are reminded of the fragile
nature of life and how much we are at the mercy of natural forces.
Yet in our predominately secular/scientific worldview we may miss
the metaphoric meanings or warnings that may be contained in such
events.
In 2001, humans were consuming 20% greater than the amount of natural
resources considered to be sustainable (renewable). By 2050 the earth’s
population is expected to be around nine billion and we humans will
be consuming nearly two planets’ worth of resources (if we could
find that much). We need to act and act fast, if it is not already
too late.
My reasoning goes like this. I challenge anyone, scientific, secular,
religious or agnostic to show me any food or resource, natural or
man-made, necessary or useful for life, that isn’t provided
by Mother Nature with the energy provided by the Sun. Aware of this
basic fact, and not out of ignorance or superstition, ancient cultures
deified the Earth and the Sun and treated them with gratefulness and
respect. Such natural deities or guardians were usually understood
as aspects of the one God, not replacements. Modern culture may have
greater external knowledge of the universe, but this does not have
to diminish our respect and gratitude to the fundamental sources of
life.
A sacred partnership with Earth and Spirit is the viewpoint of most
indigenous cultures. In this worldview, the natural world is seen
as alive, infused with spirit or life force. Chief Seattle, a Native
American once said: “This we know: The Earth does not belong
to man, man belongs to the Earth. All things are connected like the
blood that unites all: Man did not weave the Web of life; he is a
strand in it. Whatever he does to the Web he does to himself.”
In other words, we are not separate from the rest of the natural world.
We exist in wholeness and relationship, not in separation and vacuum.
We are one living biosphere of interconnected energies (spirits).
Whatever we do to the Earth and to others, we ultimately do to ourselves.
Following this point of view, great attention and care should be given
to the consequences of community and individual actions on the environment.
Actions that come from a true vision of unity create harmony; actions
that arise from the perception of separateness cause further discord.
Holding this sacred point of view, indigenous cultures typically maintain
a reciprocal relationship with the natural and spiritual worlds. They
recognize their origin from, and their dependence on Mother Nature.
In turn, they act as caretakers and protectors of the great Mother,
offering respect, reverence, and thanks. They consume with gratefulness,
and are careful not to waste or over use Her gifts. Medicine people
and priests heal, balance and maintain the energies of the natural
world with ritual ceremony. This reciprocal relationship is key to
the indigenous awareness of belonging to a place. The indigenous relationship
with the natural/spiritual worlds is sacred and certain locations
in particular reflect this revered connection and meaning. This connection
is experienced in the body as a kinesthetic feeling and an intuitive
knowing and is much more than a projection of a belief system or philosophy.
It runs deeper than aesthetic appreciation. Thus, indigenous people
are quite content with leaving such places in their natural undeveloped
state. To substantially alter or develop sacred places disturbs this
sacred connection and is a desecration.
Without sacred awareness, we “civilized” people have twisted
our planet into ecological trouble. The gifts of fossil fuels, having
made the industrial revolution possible, are now in short supply and
their toxic by-products are polluting and overheating the planet.
The air we breathe and the food and water we consume are becoming
more toxic. Could our epidemics of cancer and degenerative disease
be, in part, a manifestation of our uncontrolled urban growth and
toxic pollution of our planet? Is the incredibly high incidence of
heart disease related to our disconnection with our own heart (essence)
and the heart of the living planet that sustains us? I believe that
it is! There is a metaphoric meaning and cause of disease, as well
as a physical one. At a time when our population growth is straining
the seams of our ecological envelope, can we afford to ignore our
relationship with the whole? Will we fully understand and accept the
contribution from global warming to the increasing ferocity of natural
disasters? We are intended to be guardians of the Earth and serve
as caretakers, not conquerors and destroyers.
How can we begin to transform our perception and values toward a more
sacred, Earth attentive direction? This is not an easy task. Modern
culture does not have a strong heritage of Earth-centered guardianship.
Our wanton materialism feeds on feelings of inner vacuity and encourages
us to consume more and more. The marketing of insatiable desires,
which drives our economy and foreign policy, demands we use more of
the Earth’s diminishing resources and creates enormous amount
of toxic waste. But external gratifications alone, without deeper
spiritual connection are fleeting, and ultimately shallow and empty.
Instead of a sacred myth, or context of values based on spiritual
connection and wisdom, we have become worshippers of materialism.
The unseen world of Spirit, which underlies and precedes the visible
world of matter, is almost lost to us. Our cognitive capacities are
highly trained, but our hearts and intuitions are not. A clear and
open heart allows us to perceive our deep connection with the natural
world. Our heart connects us to the heart of the Earth, from whom
we spring forth, animated by the flame of Spirit.
This description of ‘heart’ is not limited to the physical
organ, but refers to an esoteric center that, when developed, allows
an extrasensory mode of attention, being and perception. The heart
is the conduit of experience of that which connects all things. When
we merge our intellect with our intuitive subtle senses, while cultivating
a clear and open heart, we become fully embodied and we can directly
experience our connection to the greater mystery that includes the
continuum of matter and spirit. This interactive connection can guide
and inform us how to be more attentive to the needs of the Earth.
The post Katrina and Rita reconstruction of New Orleans and the surrounding
Gulf Coast region will need attention on many levels, including both
scientific and spiritual. We must be willing to ask hard questions
such as; should we even rebuild a city in such a vulnerable geographic
location, mostly under sea level and susceptible to tropical storms?
If so, how, especially knowing the melting of glaciers and polar ice
caps will also increasingly threaten coastal cities? Will an adequate
and honest assessment of the environmental impact caused by chemical
and fuel spills, toxic mold, decaying human bodies and fecal waste
be made? And what effect will the contaminated water being pumped
back into the Gulf and the lake have for generations to come on the
fish and food chain? Anyone who claims the effects will be minimal
can eat my shrimp gumbo. These catastrophic events also point to broader
issues such as our antiquated infrastructure of interstate highways
and dwindling fossil fuel supplies. The absence of viable mass transit
systems left many people stranded on overloaded highways, out of gas.
Two major hurricanes striking the same region within weeks of each
other is a poignant warning of these shortcomings. Change and adaptation
is necessary. We must redirect our efforts toward renewable energy
sources and ecologically sound living practices that are sustainable
for the long term.
We must also address the emotional distress that affects not only
the local inhabitants, but also will remain stuck in the land unless
healed by those who know how. I suggest we consult individuals who
have the intuitive capacity and training to reciprocate with and heal
the Earth. These teachings continue in indigenous culture and have
also been imparted to individuals in modern culture. For example,
we could employ Native Americans or Tibetans for this task. It is
not a time for tribalism and concealment of such knowledge and skills.
Let’s identify and encourage those who have this knowledge to
use and teach it. We desperately need to redefine our relationship
with our world.
Dr. Larry Alboher D.C., is a healer, writer and teacher who has
spent over thirty years practicing Eastern and Western mysticism,
receiving personal initiation into two different wisdom traditions.
© 2005 / Dr. Larry Alboher / All rights reserved
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