A Contemplative Path Through the Crisis​ /

Ecology and Spirituality

The art of making compassionate connections

Deep ecological awareness is a spiritual state of consciousness, and without the activation of spirit it is difficult to achieve this awareness. Secular policies and green politics may not be able to work the transformation that is required.

‘Spirituality is difficult term to define, but if I was to attempt a definition I’d say is the art of making compassionate connections. The essence is connections, love.’ says David Tacey. Spirituality refers to the bonds we make with each other, with the in-dwelling soul, nature and the cosmos. 

Perhaps the notion that we make these connections puts too much emphasis on human will.  In a way, these connections are already present. 
If we believe that we generate these links, the spiritual journey can degenerate into an ego trip. So if we rephrase spirituality in more spiritual terms, it is the art of recognizing and supporting pre-existing connections. 

‘Spirituality is the art of recognizing and supporting pre-existing connections’

In this talk, David Tacey explores the entry into ecological awareness as an initiation into the transpersonal and universal dimensions of spirit.

Listen to David’s full talk here:

About David Tacey

David Tacey is Emeritus Professor of Humanities at La Trobe University, Melbourne, and Research Professor at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Canberra. He is an interdisciplinary scholar and public intellectual who has written extensively on spirituality, religion, youth experience and mental health. He is the author of fourteen books, including The Spirituality Revolution.


Meditatio, the outreach of WCCM to many professions and fields of life, has a range of resources on Contemplation and the Environment

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