Spirituality and nature in the transformation to a more sustainable world : perspectives of South African change agents

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The central premise of this thesis is that humans are disconnected and alienated from Nature and itproposes that we need to attempt to restore this connection in order to overcome the currentsocioecological crises which threaten our survival as a species on the planet.In response to the research question as to whether a spiritual relationship with Nature could assist in thetransformation to a more sustainable world, this study examines the concepts of Nature and spiritualityand the relationship between them and, in particular, explores the spiritual practices and human-Natureconnections experienced by six South African change agents. The objectives of this exploration are topresent individual stories which could be used as case studies in learning for sustainability and to promoteand encourage deeper conversations about what a more sustainable world might look like.Given the argument that our disconnection and alienation from Nature is at the crux of the planetarypolycrisis and that we face a crisis of spirituality with regards to our relationship with Nature, this thesisexplores the concept of Nature in depth, taking into consideration different cultural interpretations,environmental ethical positions and perspectives of Nature held in ancient times. Some of the keyarguments as to why humans are disconnected from Nature (science, loss of indigenous knowledge,colonialism, capitalism, globalisation, religion and technology) are presented and I consider the implicationsof the human-Nature disconnection.A comprehensive literature review presents the key sociological crises, including climate change, ecosystemdegradation, inequality and poverty, peak oil, urbanisation and food insecurity, which underpin theplanetary polycrisis, and also discusses sustainable development, which arose as an attempt to respond tothe planetary polycrisis. I argue that mainstream sustainable development is anthropocentric andperpetuates consumption by means of the current economic system.In light of my research question I propose that spirituality could serve as a bridge between humans andNature. The understanding of spirituality which informs my approach implies a heightened awareness orconsciousness, the capacity for deep reflection and compassion, and a profound sense of what it means topart of the web of life – to be another living, breathing, sentient being in Nature without the hierarchieswhich are often dictated by religious forms of spirituality. It is a spirituality integral to daily life, whichinforms the decisions about the way we live, and which is expressed through action, i.e. spirit-in-action.While I acknowledge the role that religion could play in the transformation to a more sustainable world, Ihighlight a number of practices, including mindfulness, meditation, rituals, poetry, re-learning from indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and restoration, which could perhaps assist in moving towards adeeper connection with Nature. In reflecting on what kind of transformation is needed I refer tocomplexity theory and systems thinking, and earth jurisprudence as examples of transformative paradigms.Given that this is a qualitative study, I have used heuristic inquiry, reflexivity, narrative and poetics in myresearch approach and conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with six South African changeagents (three women and three men). I have documented their stories as narrative summaries, focusingparticularly on their spirituality with respect to their relationship with Nature. I have then considered theemerging themes which point to what might be required in order to create sustainable futures.While there are issues of contention surrounding each of the concepts of Nature, spirituality andsustainable development, the change agents agree that there is a definite relationship between them andthat they could help to direct our lives towards sustainability. Irrespective of how each of these concepts isdefined, it seems that we need to be thinking about what kind of lives we want to live and what kind oflives future generations will be able to lead on a planet with a limited carrying capacity.As to whether a spiritual relationship with Nature could assist in the transformation to a more sustainableworld, it seems that it is not so much a relationship, but a deep understanding and conscious awareness orknowing of the interconnectedness and interdependence between Nature, spirit and the essence of beinghuman.Based on the input from the six change agents, I recommend a number of shifts within individual humanconsciousness, in our communities and within broader society to promote sustainable living. Otherrecommendations include the possibility of ecopsychology playing a greater role within the sustainabledevelopment discourse and ongoing research to continue to provoke conversations about the human-Nature connection and the implications this has for sustainability.While this work is clearly an academic investigation, it has also been a personal undertaking in that I haveexplored my own spiritual journey, considered my relationship with Nature, and learned more about myrole as a change agent in the transformation to a more sustainable world.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University