“This world is indeed a living being endowed with a soul and intelligence … a single visible living entity containing all other living entities, which by their nature are all related.” — Plato
The teachings of many indigenous populations and forest dwellers focus upon ecological renewal and sustainability by recognizing the sacredness of creation and behaving in a manner that recognizes the sacredness through prayer, ritual and celebration. These cultures have been true stewards of the earth, living in harmony with the environment and protecting the Earth for future generations.
Spiritual Ecology recognizes the spiritual dynamics that are at the root of environmental devastation. In order to resolve the environmental issues that plague our planet and home, we must examine and reassess our relationship to the earth and our spiritual responsibilities toward the planet.
Harmonia is founded upon a reverence for the earth and our land, and the belief that our land is alive and conscious and it’s our sacred duty to honor and care for it. Conscious living and working in a natural setting connects us to the source of life and with it the ancient wisdom.
Grandfather, Great Spirit, once more behold me on earth and lean to hear my feeble voice.
You lived first, and you are older than all need, older than all prayer.
All things belong to you — the two-legged, the four-legged, the wings of the air, and all green things that live.
You have set the powers of the four quarters of the earth to cross each other.
You have made me cross the good road and road of difficulties, and where they cross, the place is holy.
Day in, day out, forevermore, you are the life of things.
Hey! Lean to hear my feeble voice.
At the center of the sacred hoop
You have said that I should make the tree to bloom.
With tears running, O Great Spirit, my Grandfather,
With running eyes I must say
The tree has never bloomed
Here I stand, and the tree is withered.
Again, I recall the great vision you gave me.
It may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives.
Nourish it then
That it may leaf
And bloom
And fill with singing birds!
Hear me, that the people may once again
Find the good road
And the shielding tree.
— Black Elk