When we gaze at the night sky, we no longer see what our ancestors did. We've lost touch with the profound world that once enveloped us—the world that birthed, nourished, and guided us. Today, our planet suffers, stripped of its sanctity and wonder. We've mistaken understanding for consumption, leading to a barren, devastated Earth. Scientists warn of a sixth mass extinction, unprecedented since the dinosaurs. In this ecological age, we must rekindle reverence for all life. Each being carries a sacred essence, deserving of awe. To save ourselves, we must renew our spiritual traditions, embracing a deep intimacy with nature. Our survival depends on it—physically and spiritually.
May we rediscover the sacred in all life,
rekindle reverence for the natural world,
and find our way back to the profound wisdom that once guided us,
for our survival and spiritual nourishment depend on it.
(adapted from: Thomas Berry, Selected Writings on the Earth Community)