Most of us in industrial cultures have lost a sense of connection to the planet. Instead, we have preoccupied ourselves with social constructions such as economies, borders, money, banks, cities, buildings, jobs, etc. All of these are important to us because we say they’re important. We give them our power and therefore their meaning. We have relegated nature to small plots of land within urban environments. With this exception, nature is not a part of our lives. This very essence on which everything on this planet depends has been marginalized and devalued. Our religions have taught us that we, as rational beings, as humans, have dominion over what God created. Unfortunately, we seem to have equated dominion with irresponsibility.

Now, slowly, we as a human culture, are realizing that we can’t keep doing this. If we do, we’ll all be gone along with those social construction which we have given so much meaning and power. If we continue on our destructive trajectory, nature will destroy us, our economies, cities, buildings, banks, jobs, and slowly, over thousands of years, evidence of our existence. This has brought us face to face with our own societal mortality and is making us realize that we are not, in fact, above nature and we can not continue to exploit it.

Thousands of years ago we lived in nature and coexisted with the various plants and animals. We depended on the earth, its creatures, and its life. We were very well aware of that, and it seems that we had a lot of respect for that system that was sustaining us and everything which we were surrounded by. This is evidenced in the cultures and religions of indigenous and agrarian people. Their paradigm tends to be one in which they view themselves as an integral part of the ecosystem in which they live, as opposed to something separate and above the natural order of the planet. Religions of these people tend to focus on a profound reverence for the earth. These are religious systems in which the divinity and the devotee are both a part of the same system. The devotee is well aware of his or her dependence on this greater system. This is still evidenced in many earth-based religions such as Hinduism, Shinto, and various shamanic traditions. The connection between the earth, the foundation and sustainer of everything on this planet, was and is so much more real to these people. Its a part of every day life to be respected rather than exploited. I find it interesting that these people tend to also have a ubiquitous expression of spirituality; god and goddess are everywhere. Spirit and nature are extremely real. They’re present in every facet of life and not something relegated to certain buildings or to be revered on certain days of the week.

Now, I’m not going to go all hippy on you and say that we should all be leaving our cities and living in communes in the forests. I’m not going to go into what we are all already aware of by preaching about how we all need to recycle, drive less, and conserve our resources. Besides, I’m writing on spirituality and how it can have a stronger and more present influence in our lives. Clearly, I believe that building a stronger foundation on nature is a vital part of this practice.

In my experience, having a connection to nature makes me feel more whole and grounded. It can also inspire a sense of awe, and a deeper connection to humanity. My mind is clearer, and I am much more centered. I love to grow plants and watch hummingbirds flutter from flower to flower. I love to experience the vastness of the mountains and to be reminded of the universe and of myself. I suggest taking some time each day to be outside and experience nature. Take a moment to go for a walk in a park and marvel at nature’s beauty. Notice how quiet it can be and still so very busy in its constant cycle of life, death, and transformation. Take regular time to meditate in a park or garden. Be conscious of how this makes you feel like a whole, more connected, and less stressed individual. Spending time to experience and relate to nature will surely bring us more peace, healing, and contentment, for ourselves and the planet itself.