Meditation and theClimate Crisis

Y O U C A N N O T S O L V E A P R O B L E M F R O M T H E S A M E C O N S C I O U S N E S S T H A T C R E A T E D I T E I N S T E I N

What consciousness has created the climatecrisis? One that sees human beings as the centre ofeverything and justified in using the non-human creation to satisfy our unlimiteddemands. In centuries past we didn’tunderstand what we were doing. Now weneed a new vision, one which sees that we arenot separate from our earthly home, but partof it; our flourishing and the flourishing ofthe planet are one and the same concern.

At the same time we need a way for newthinking to become a new way to live.Meditation is just such a way. It gives us adaily practice where we leave behind our self-centred concerns in order to participate in alevel of consciousness which is beyonddivision. Christianity refers to this as ‘themind of Christ’, but meditation is a universalpractice which can unite us all. The practiceof meditation gradually changes the way wesee, and transforms the way we act.

What gives us the energy to act in a crisis? Often it is fear or anger. But whilstboth can propel us into action, both cloud our minds: we can’t see clearly whenwe are angry or fearful. The deeper consciousness that arises from meditation isquite simply love. Love energises us too, but its power is gentle and clear-sighted.

When we love something we cannot bear to harm it.

“ G R E A T S H I F T S I N C O N S C I O U S N E S S N E E D T O B E W O R K E D O U T A TT H E I N D I V I D U A L A S W E L L A S T H E C O M M U N A L L E V E L - W E N E E D T OT R A N S F O R M O U R S E L V E S B E F O R E W E C A N C H A N G E T H E W O R L D F O RT H E B E T T E R ” L A U R E N C E F R E E M A N , O S B

Sit down. Sit still and upright. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert.

Silently, interiorly, begin to say a single word. We recommend the word ‘Maranatha’.

Recite it as four equally-stressed syllables. Say it from beginning to end.

Listen to it as you say it. Let go of your thoughts.

Whenever a thought arises, return your attention to your word. Meditate for between 20 and 30 minutes.

Meditate twice a day, every day, and once a week meditate with other people.

Start today

how to meditate

F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N A B O U TM E D I T A T I O N A N D T H E C L I M A T E C R I S I S ,G O T O W W W . W C C M . O R G / O U T R E A C H

Meditation isn’t a quick fix, but it does bring about deepchange. One thing is for sure: nothing will happen unless

we take the first step.