The Graze V.120: The Spiritual Life and Climate Crisis

Dear Friends:

My summer morning meditation is alive with birdsong and (finally) a cool mountain breeze. The unusual extreme heat in Vermont reminds us of the reality of climate ‘weirding’. (This PBS series has helped me understand this reality in a clear and illustrated way.)

So how do we live a life of faith that makes a difference for our unwell planet?

All Spiritual traditions have echoed that the greatest gift we can give our world is our full presence. Jesus implores his followers to ‘stay alert’. Thich Nhat Hanh said, when asked what’s the most important thing we can do for the sake of life on Earth: “What we most need to do is to hear within ourselves the sounds of the Earth crying”

Our wellbeing is dependent upon the wellbeing of the world around us. The climate crisis is reminding us of our interdependence on all of life. Being present, staying open is our choice moment by moment. It is a first step to repairing our relationship with the earth. How does it feel to walk through the space you live? Can you feel the sun on your skin? The wind brush across your face?

Last night I saw the ‘Sturgeon’ Supermoon and I glimpsed the Perseid meteor shower. What a thrill to witness such a wonder in a time and space beyond this earth.

The mountain breeze, the full moon and the meteor shower remind me of how grateful I am to be here - to be alive on this earth today. Perhaps this gratitude and joy can become a gateway to spiritual practice and healing.

Please join us at Mission Farm for our Gathering in the Orchard at 9:30 this Sunday, August 14. We look forward to seeing you and visiting together after the service.

With gratitude and joy,

Lisa+