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Study of eco-spirituality begins with one's own story
Genesis Founder Sister Elizabeth Oleksak, SP, (above) sees herself as a resource person for those drawn to the study of eco-spirituality. In her words, “Many people struggle with this concept that is, in reality, defined in our genes. As a modern culture immersed in technology, we have lost our understanding of our relationship to the rest of creation. Because of this (as educators have recently pointed out) future generations will continue to suffer from nature deficit disorder.” “The word ‘eco,’” Sister Elizabeth explains, “comes from the Greek word ‘oikos,’ meaning home—the place where we live. Earth is our home, we were not placed here,” she said. “We came out of Earth, we do not exist apart from her. Eco-spirituality,” she adds, “places humans within the context of creation and not at its apex, if you will. Until we recognize Earth as the home that supports and nourishes us,” she continued, “we will continue to desecrate her without realizing we are doing the same to ourselves.” Sister Elizabeth invites those interested in the subject to first identify their own stories by reflecting on a time in their lives when, “…as children or adults, they experienced God in creation as the psalms invite us to do. A time when they felt connected to something larger and more encompassing then they could name, an experience that filled them with awe and a sense of the Divine. It might have been,” she added, “a sunset or sunrise, the ocean, mountains, the howl of a wolf, the vastness of the heavens, or a blade of grass.” Continuing, Sister Elizabeth said, quoting Saint Augustine:
Repeating that the most effective way for individuals to study eco-spirituality is to begin with their own stories, Sister Elizabeth offered this invitation to readers: “Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to share our resources of books and other materials on eco-spirituality with you—especially over a cup of tea.” |
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