The Coming Interspiritual--Archive Edition

Right Relationship Cultivating Deeper Connections to Self, Earth, and Community

by Weston Pew There is a wonderful quote from the late theologian and ecologist Thomas Berry who stated "the universe is not a collection of objects but a communion of subjects." To me this simple yet profound statement captures the essence of the transformation or collective rite of passage our species is undertaking today.

We are faced with the task of moving from a perspective of separateness and competition in our world into a place of relationship, collaboration, and communion.

Recent research in social psychology by individuals such as Cindy Frantz thankfully shows us that the best way to cultivate just and ecological behavior in people is through cultivating their relationship to self, earth, and community. Arne Naess, one of the pioneers of Deep Ecology, coined the term "a self-actualized individual" in reference to any person who has an active awareness that embodies the interdependent relationship between self, earth, and community.

Aldo Leopold referred to this perspective as ecocentric. One of many, many examples today of this collective urge to move toward deeper relationship is the Declaration of Interdependence.

On a personal level, the through line of my own work and passion has been dedicated to