With the incredible advances in our modern age of reason, intellect, and mastery…there were costs to be paid. Accompanying our newly developed sense of individual identity came a certain sense of separateness from the human collective and from nature. We became isolated and alone as never before. As our identities arose, differentiated, and separated from their embeddedness in the environment, nature became, for us, disenchanted, regarded only as background and as an inert entity that needed to be conquered and tamed…

Perhaps, at this point in the unfolding of human consciousness, without giving up the gains of our rational intellect, we are at a point where we can reach back to reclaim an intimacy with nature –– the re-enchantment of life –– as well as the possibility of an intimacy with the whole human collective…

If this were the singular purpose for our awakening, that would be reason enough for these efforts. But there is more at stake here than just that. As we awaken to the aliveness of the universe, the universe awakens to herself. It is only as she herself is known—known and loved by us — that she, nature, can awaken to herself.

In a very real way, then, our planet is suffering not only through the toxic effects of pollution. That is most certainly true. But she is also suffering from neglect and maybe even loneliness. For we human beings, especially here in the West, have turned away from a generative partnership and reciprocal relationship with the earth