Reverence Lost: Navigating Our Disconnect from Nature this Earth Day

Revere: (verb) feel deep respect or admiration for (something)

People pulling bear cubs out of a tree to take a selfie, resulting in one of the cubs being abandoned to fend for itself.  

Grown men dislodging ancient rock formations in a National Recreation Area.  

 
These were just two scenarios that made national headlines just days before Earth Day, 2024.
 
A few weeks ago, millions of Federal Tax dollars were spent to “renourish” one of the popular beaches in North Carolina.  Just days later, the sand that was excavated from the ocean floor and piled up on the beach was being swept back into the ocean.  Dolphins who frolicked and swam in masses were nowhere to be found.

While many people will celebrate Earth Day this year by planting a tree, picking up litter, or some other activity aimed at benefiting the planet, do we need to do more, and go deeper? 

In her book, Sacred Nature: Restoring Our Ancient Bond with the Natural World, Karen Armstrong explores how we have “ransacked nature, treating it as a mere resource, because over the last 500 years we have cultivated a worldview that is very different from that of our forebears.”  Armstrong, a recognized religious historian, describes how modern-day religion has created a rift between humans and nature.  She also details the role spirituality plays in creating a reverent relationship with our natural world and specific practices that can help us restore our bond.

So maybe this Earth Day, we take time to pause and examine our behavior and thoughts about the natural world we share.  Maybe we consider treating the plants, trees, and waterways near us as we would a dear friend. A friend we enjoy being with, a friend we support and cherish.

 
Ready to reconnect with Mother Nature on a deeper level?  Download Get In Step With Nature now to learn how a simple daily walking practice can restore and strengthen our bond with the natural world. Free for kindleunlimited subscribers!